Le Galaxie fly the flag for electronica at Phantom First Fortnight, the Button Factory Dublin, January 14. Bring your glo-sticks, people!

Down south at Click Cork headquarters, promoters Ian McGinley and Stephen Dineen are promising another banging year. 2011 saw the lads bringing over big names such as Marc Houle, Ambivalent, Dinky, Heartthrob, Click Box, Matt John, Chris Tietjen, Will Kinsella and Fabrizio Mauriz. For their first night of 2012, they plan on rounding up Leeside’s top local talent.
“People can expect a mix of filthy minimal techno in the form of Chris Cashman, and dark house and techno beats from John Barry and Robin Keys. These really are three of Cork’s most talented DJs.” It’s all happening on January 13 at The Pavillion. Check out facebook.com/#!/click.cork.
Belfast born DJ/producer Desy Balmer has been running his multi–genre label Nice And Nasty since ‘93. It has provided a platform for numerous Irish and international producers, and 2012 will be no different. The first release of the new year sees the spotlight on Nachlangmusik from Germany and Phasen from the USA. The label is also putting out a collection of remixes off its latest EP, Relax. On board for remix duty is Nasty Bobby, Elpierro, Al Keegan, and John Shima. For more info check out niceandnasty.net.
Balmer also has his own electro-beat track due this month on UK label Digital Drop. Released under the name Heretics Of Disko, it’s called ‘Refuse To Fight’ and features remixes by Samuel James and Kalania. Check out soundcloud.com/digital-drop/heretics-of-disko-refuse-to-2.
Dublin’s club scene is welcoming a new night, NEXX. It kicks off with a launch party on January 12 at Twisted Pepper. A showcase for “new, future and hybrid sounds of the UK underground” the event’s first headliner is Scratcha DVA. Just back from a South African tour, Scratcha’s getting ready to drop his new album, Pretty Ugly. Support is from residents Joey Cardiff, Alex Sheridan and Paul Purcell. Check facebook.com/#!/events/319431871411741/.
Fancy cutting your teeth as a DJ? Real Sound Dublin is putting on synth programming and DJ courses, starting January 17 and 18. Both events run over five weeks and will have you making tracks or blending and spinning any type of music in no time. To sign up or for more information, go to [email protected].
Too cold to leave the house? There’s also an online DJ course up for grabs. Audio Jacks courses provide a high tech way for you to learn to DJ, at home, at your own pace, and better yet, in the comfort of your pyjamas. Your personal tutors come in the form of Ashley Beedle, Prime Cuts (Scratch Perverts) and Arveene. audiojacksmusicians.com/courses