Spinning In The Name Of: A Conversation with Doug Cooney

How do you feel about ‘Real Sound’, your music production courses, celebrating their 10th anniversary this year?

I feel good about it in hindsight, as the business has had up and downs, like any business in its infancy. I had secured the future of the business by becoming fully independent, with my skills in designing professional courses allowing Real Sound to set the standard for what we do in Ireland.

What advice would you give to upcoming DJs in Ireland?

Ask questions. Surround yourself with experienced people who inspire you and ask them questions about the trade. Secondly, ask yourself questions – try to find out what drives your creativity, and what separates you from the next DJ. Embrace your quirks, as this differentiation will be a major catalyst in your success. Finally, get real and work hard: this is a difficult and sometimes lonely path to walk. Performing as a DJ requires a comprehensive technical skillset, which has to be developed and cultivated like any ability. Time + Focus = Results.

The Dublin techno scene is flourishing, even though more and more venues are closing. Would you say there‘s an atmosphere of revolt driving the scene?

Perhaps. Personally, I think the scene is in great shape; I’ve always been a bit of an optimist. Give Us The Night is making real headway in mainstream politics. Let’s collectively focus on the positive – I feel it’s only a matter time before real change occurs.

The title of your new EP with Bastardo Eléctrico, Dark Stream, hints at a connection between music and the subconscious. Was that an inspiration?

Douglas – or as Gaeilge, Dubh-Glas, meaning Dark Water – is the concept behind this EP. Stream has substituted for water, as a salute to the vast expanse that is the internet, and how it impacts upon modern society. Dark Stream is also a reference to meditation, with regard to the wisdom you can tap into with your eyes closed. I often turn inwards when I’m in the depths of creating music, perhaps as a coping mechanism, or a way of communicating emotions I feel aren’t possible to convey with words.