Doug Cooney
DJ | Producer | Teacher
Doug Cooney is an Irish DJ, producer, teacher and founder of the music school Real Sound and the record label RLSD. The Dublin-based artist has been on the Irish circuit for over 15 years while laying down the groundwork for RLSD which launched in 2016.
Having started to casually mix back in 2000 before investing in his own-set up two years later - spurred on after a trip to Belgium’s I Love Techno in 2003 - it wasn’t long before Doug started to experiment with production and took his first venture into the craft via Reason. The software taught him how to 'honour and respect the lineage of the analog production process with its unique interface ushering me (sic) to properly commit to mastering the ever-expansive artform that is Music Production.’ At that point, Doug was bitten by the techno bug and fully threw himself into collecting records while simultaneously honing his ear and ability to produce.
Gigs soon appeared on Doug’s agenda with bookings at some of Dublin’s most celebrated (and now defunct) spots like McGruders, Pod, Twisted Pepper and the original District 8 before sets at Life Festival, Dali in Cork, Dublin’s Index and shows outside of Ireland soon crept into his schedule, counting London’s Corsica Studios and Tresor in Berlin.
Having built a profile as a reputable selector, Doug took things up a notch and created Real Sound to teach production to burgeoning music-heads around Dublin. At the same time, the label RLSD was born to release his own productions and highlight local talent. As the platform began to take shape, producers in the form of Jon Hussey, Fran Hartnett and many more were added to RLSD’s growing discography. While maintaining a strong vision of what the label was sonically all about, it became clear that the aesthetic of RLSD was evolving into a consistent dose of immersive and atmospheric techno for which the imprint is now widely recognised. Between running the label and school, Doug also managed to squeeze out releases on Gynoid, Orbis, GND, Bastardo Eléctrico and Eternal Friction Records, and has had his tracks remixed by Jon Hester and Binny. His tunes have also received support from the likes of Dave Clarke, DJ Rush, Amelie Lens and Ben Sims.
Now teaching full-time in the only DJ Techniques and Music Production course in Ireland at BIFE, Real Sound still runs as a school but with an extended team, most of whom are friends of Doug and artists in their own right.
The pandemic has upended Doug’s usual ways of teaching, not to mention the scuppering of any lined-up bookings, but he has adapted quickly to the situation and kept a focused outlook throughout the majority of the last few months. Despite Doug’s day-to-life remaining quite busy, the pandemic has also acted as a time to take stock and reflect over his journey so far, so it makes sense that the below memory marks a milestone in Doug’s career which he recalls with warmth…
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it? What was the music vibe at the time?
The photo was taken just outside Tresor after I had played The New Faces Night, this being a significant milestone for me as a techno DJ and Producer.
The picture signifies all the hours of hard work and also the self awareness that I achieved by overcoming obstacles in the face of self doubt. It also represents friendship and the great connections that I've made as a result of my commitment to music. Music is a form of communication and as I've gotten older I keep meeting people who are also driven to create forming immense connections and friendships. Shoutout to Niall Dunne (Pineal Navigation) and Mareen (my new bestie); both incredible DJs and motivators. Check out their work.
The vibe at the time was immense as I felt incredibly nervous before playing. Niall was killing it and I was about to jump on at 2.30 am to play to a packed Tresor Club. Anyway, I had a serious word with myself, I told myself that ‘there's no way you’re getting on to play with that mindset,’ so I went to the bathroom, washed my face got psyched and ready for battle. But in short the pictures vibe is me after facing my demons and winning the day.
How has the pandemic affected your job as a teacher and artist?
As a teacher I've been forced to work from home and integrate online mediums when developing lesson plans. This has been tough with regard to the practical classes. I mostly teach DJ Performance Techniques and also Music Tech in Live performance. That being said, it's allowed for a richer form of communication in many ways by implementing new technologies. I feel that this is inevitably the future of education, well to some degree anyway.
I work with some of the best industry professionals in the country. Sunil Sharpe, DeFeKT and Ken Harte; a masterful Music Tech Educator and Modular guru so I miss that dynamic as it's a humbling environment for me. I know my place when I'm in work. I listen, I learn, I grow.
My Colleagues Phil Dobie (CRISPR Kid) and Rob Murphy (The Eskies) are two acclaimed musicians who are also of great inspiration as they add contrast and keep me up to speed with guitar pedals etc. Respect gents! Shoutout To Bray Institute (BIFE) and all they do for Music Technologists in the country; Ray, Louise, Gabriel and Ross believe in the future of music culture in Ireland. Without their vision and belief in us and the students, none of it would be possible.
What kind of music are you listening to at home at the moment?
Techno. Between producing, prepping mixes, buying records and listening to promos, I don't have a lot of time to listen but if I did, I’d probably listen to techno, that's just my buzz. I do like deeper sounds, also house and electro, but yeah pretty much electronic music focused.
I studied Sound Art in college for my Masters Degree where I got an ear for soundscapes and evoking musical peaces from some of the greatest of electroacoustic music composers like Karlheinz Stockhausen aka Pappa Techno so I'm not an uncultured swine - I'm just a techno junkie. I also play guitar but more as a technical skill. I learnt the Blues, the likes of John Lee Hooker (RIP), many moons ago. I listen to East Forest every day after listening to an audio book titled 'Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It' by Kamal Ravikant. The book suggested that you pick a song to mediate to so I chose 'I Am Loving Awareness' by East Forest and Ram Dass ft. Krishna Das. A tribute to Ram Dass; a great spiritual teacher because 10 mins long, I find it hard to mediate but still I get after it, not every day mind you but I do my bit as it helps me settle my overactive mindset.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, do you have a go-to track or style of music that significantly lifts your spirits?
Kiko - Italomatic. This always lifts my spirits as I guess it’s nostalgic for me and reminds me of far I've come in life. The first time I heard it was in a mix from a buddy of mine Barry Donavon of the great Lunar Disko Records and I was still in school, 17 years old. We all looked up to Barry's selections and DJ Skills, for me he's massively underrated in Dublin but don't get me started on that lol. Perhaps that's a badge of honour in a weird way, keeping it real and flying below the radar. That being said, he smashed the Panorama Bar not so long ago. Shoutout to Barry and the Lunar Crew - RSPKT.
A track I wrote form my brother the great, hilarious and talented Hugh Cooney titled 'Sunsets'. I made it for his exhibition. It reminds me of our bond and love for each other and how blessed we are to have each other in our lives. Shout out to My Celtic Twin, Huge Cooney. Mind you, it's not my best or most recent work or even something you might hear me release or play out, but I guess there's a semblance of vulnerability in showcasing it as I can be quite insecure about my compositions at times. x
How do you intend on celebrating once we’re out the other side of this time?
I don't want to say, this is going to be published right!?! Only joking.
Without sounding over the top, by cherishing my friends and family and being present for them and just holding space for them when we're together. For me this stint is business as usual, in fact more a huge opportunity for me as a person and an artist to exponentially grow. I made a lot of sacrifices for my music over the years often loosing friends, girlfriends etc. but c'est la vie. I'm on my journey, learning growing and working on a daily basis to be a better person. I've made mistakes but never live in regret just gratitude, that's my vibe, so thank you!
Finally, the RLSD crew are my rock and straight up staunch Individuals who also happen to be me best mates, I feel like we really built something special together that's gaining great momentum. Phil Galvin Jr. (393 records), Barry Greaves and Peter Sweeney (Rustal) make up our team and we grow stronger everyday together. Celebration wise, get us four messers in a room with a set of decks would be my ideal buzz to celebrate out the other side, a drink or two would be taken. Love you guys. x
Any tips on how to look after your mind and body at the moment, as well as trying to stay motivated?
‘Know thy self’. Introspectively learn about your fears and inner bullshit; namely yourself and aggregated dispositions. Mindfulness practices are key, eyes open and closed.
Hydrate, mediate and oxygenate. Your body is a machine so if you’re slugging about eating shit and feeling sorry for yourself, take responsibility and accept where you at. Change something small today and see what happens. The definition of madness is doing the same thing and looking for a different result. I don't mean that to come off as harsh but if it did, be sure that I'm ten times harder on myself.
I exercise daily as I'm a Taekwon-Do Black Belt in training for my 2nd degree and have trained for several years. It's a way of life for me; ‘Movement is Medicine’. I've broken ribs, toes and once woke up in a hospital beeping after competing in the final of the Irish Open in the National Basketball Arena. I was kicked in the head and knocked clean out, so my lessons come from the school of hard knocks, pun intended. In the great words of David Goggins ‘Stay hard and get after it’.
Listen to Doug’s monthly RLSD Records instalment on Fnoob Radio here and follow him below: