I am a final year journalism student focusing on club culture. Working primarily in multimedia production, I attempt to explore the depth of artistic and cultural values within nightlife and club culture in Ireland. With both my dissertation and final year documentary focusing on its unfortunate decline, I have attempted to understand the problems within club culture and the products of its commercialisation and social attitudes. From interviewing traditional nightclub promoters to delving deep into forests or even quarries to capture illegal rave crews in action, I have caught glimpses of all aspects of Irish nightlife which I try to convey in my work.
Desperate to Dance
With over 80% of Irish clubs closing since the year 2000, there seems to be a pitiful and increasingly nostalgic view on Irish club culture. Desperate to dance is an attempt to escape this negative outlook and examine the members within the Irish club culture who have decided to become the change that they want to see. Featuring input from long time nightlife campaigner, Sunil Sharpe, I use his experience to explore the reality of Irish club culture’s past, and with the testimonies from pioneering rave/freeparty crews and attendees, I discover how these spaces are creating a brand new home for dance music in Ireland.
