- Summery hi-NRG goodness.
- You might describe Cormac as a late bloomer. Or he might describe himself that way. Though he's been in the dance music game for a long time—a regular at Trash and Nag Nag Nag, and a resident and booker at the old Sunday WetYourSelf! parties at fabric—it's only more recently that he's come into a sound that he can call his own, something that connects more clearly with who he is. (These days, you're more likely to find him closing Panorama Bar.)
That sound is rooted in the queer history so important to him. You could call his RA Podcast hi-NRG, to be general. It's that vibrant, pounding, melodic and synthetic sound that came out of the post-disco early '80s, combining the flair of disco with the strut of Italo. There's new and old here, because Cormac is a champion of evolving iterations of the genre. Over this two and a half hours, you'll hear Patrick Cowley and Madonna, but also a whole lot of other, less obvious stuff too. We could go on, but Cormac explains himself pretty eloquently in the interview below. Two hot tips: watch out for his label, Polari Records, and his upcoming Queerly Beloved podcast series, where he talks to queer artists about their relationships with music.
What have you been up to recently?
Touring mostly. It's been a bit of an adjustment getting back to pace post-pandemic but it seems I'm back in the flow now. It's been a great year so far, aside from gigs I work on my Polari label, curating the releases and artwork, and I have my monthly Rinse Show.
I'm also in the process of recording and launching my new podcast Queerly Beloved. I'm interested in the particular role that music plays in queer lives, so I've started interviewing other DJs and musicians about their journey, editing the recordings, and plan to launch the podcast series in the autumn.
I'm resident at the Dick party at Ankali in Prague, and I've been working with my friend and promoter Mira on a new queer festival called Aqueerius, which will launch in June. This year it's quite a small event with the focus mostly on local Czech artists.
How and where was the mix recorded? And can you tell us the idea behind it?
It's been an idea in process for a while. Of course I take inspiration from my sets, but it's also a nice opportunity to play some less obviously clubby stuff. I recorded it live a few times on 1210s and CDJs, at home and also in the club.
In the end I chose the home recording, it felt more special somehow and I wanted to share that. The BPM is quite varied, which is typical of my sets. The mix also debuts two new tracks from me—"Shooting Star," which is a collaboration with David Jackson coming out in June on Running Back, and "Leather 'n Lasers," which I made with Mr. Chinaski. I'll release that in July on Polari.
I'm interested in queer narratives, aesthetics and history in relation to clubs and music and the two tracks draw on early 80s hi-NRG, which is an ongoing source of inspiration for me. You can also hear that sound in the mix.
What's one club or party that had a major impact on you as an artist?
There was a club in my hometown growing up in Northern Ireland called Circus Circus. It was illegal and was probably run by a paramilitary group. It had a massive impact on me. It was the first place that I ever saw men hug, and despite its complications the divides of the Northern Ireland troubles seemed to dissolve there. That place kinda saved my life. It inspired me and I knew then that music, dancing and clubs would play a major role in my life.
You mentioned your upcoming podcast about "the role that music plays in queer lives." How has music affected your life, aside from the obvious role of being a DJ and producer? Why do you think music is so important to queer people?
Well yes, outside of work it's been a lifeline for me. From an early age it was a message from a future world, one where I'd be more free and could be myself. It was a dangling carrot of better times that lay ahead.
For me, finding clubs was like the first time falling in love. That moment when the weight of shame and punishment for being yourself momentarily disappears, the atmosphere in clubs allowed me to feel brave and proud. Music and clubs allowed me to become more authentic.
I think to understand the importance of music for queer people, we have to acknowledge the struggles that queer individuals have faced, and still face, throughout history. Just a few decades ago, homosexuality was illegal in the UK, Europe and USA. It's still illegal in 64 countries at present. (It's worth mentioning that our right to be ourselves legally isn't a given. Look at what's happening with "don't say gay" in Florida, and the rise of right wing ideologies at present.)
Music and clubs have forever been sanctuaries for queer people, offering an escape from oppressive societal norms. These underground, often illegal venues provided spaces of relaxation, connection, exploration and unconditional love. In these places we can find solace and celebrate ourselves without the stress of hyper vigilance and fear. The absence of all that stress is pure magic—revolutionary ideas have started on dance floors such as Stonewall.
It's no surprise that queer life has played a significant role in shaping the music and nightlife scenes throughout history. Today we again see queer clubs recognized as the best in the world, a testament to our community's understanding and expertise in creating inclusive and extraordinary experiences.
In my conversations for Queerly Beloved, I've noticed a recurring theme of music being a lifeline, especially in those formative years.With everyone I've spoken to, music has served as a common ground for shared emotions, dreams and aspirations. You could say that's true for all people of course, but it's especially powerful when emotional needs might not have been met at home. In a world where not all parents fully understand or support their queer children, music provided a glimmer of hope. It has allowed us to imagine a life beyond struggles and monotony, instilling dreams and inspiring us to aspire for something greater.
It empowers us, offering liberation, unity and a respite from societal constraints. Through music, we find solace, celebration and the courage to embrace our true selves, leaving behind the shackles of shame and creating a vibrant, inclusive and sometimes extraordinary life.
You've been involved in dance music, and DJing, for over two decades now. How has your approach to DJing changed/evolved over this time?
It might seem strange to say, but I care less these days, and that's been a positive shift. I love my work, really I do, I am serious about it, but I don't take it or myself too seriously. When I started mixing semi-professionally I put a lot of pressure on myself. Now I just stay in the moment and enjoy each record I choose.
Over the years, I've learned to be kinder to myself. I got sober, got proper help for my depression and have done a lot of therapy. My mum died some years back and that was a perspective shifter. I think it's an immense privilege to be an integral part of the magical connection between music, clubs and the community, but I don't grip any of it too tightly.
I think how you feel when DJing is very important. If you don't feel well, the audience senses it. In my case sobriety changed a lot for me, made everything better, but each person has to find their own way to what makes their inner life better.
Also I got comfortable with the sound I play best. I love lots of different styles of music, I explored different ideas over the years, but I know myself and my sound better these days.
What's one social or political cause you want the world to pay more attention to?
Trans people make up only one to three percent of the world's population, but currently are such a target politically and socially. It's appalling. My trans friend Alex Silverfish taught me how to beatmatch. I spent hours in her house in Bethnal Green learning to mix and soon after I was playing regularly at a trans club in London called Stunners. I wouldn't be the DJ or the person I am today without the love and support of my trans friends and supporters all those years ago.
Trans identity has always been—it's nothing new. A heteronormative binary-encouraged society works for some, but also creates phobia and hatred for the most vulnerable. We have to do better to include, acknowledge and support trans people.
It's important as cis gendered people that we listen and learn, promote trans acceptance and raise awareness of trans issues worldwide. Any prejudice or hostility to equality is our problem to work on.
It is heartbreaking that Alex took her own life due to depression and trans bullying on her estate. I have this picture of her at Nag Nag Nag by my decks at home, and I would like to dedicate this mix to Alex Silverfish, who passed away in 2008.
What are you looking forward to in the near future?
I manage depression so I try not to future trip so much. But the things that bring me most joy these days are my work, my friendships, laughing daily, my dog, travelling, reading and forest walks. I really do love to DJ, and I honestly look forward to every gig.