Efa O’ Neill
DJ
It’s appropriate that Efa O’ Neill’s Dublin Digital Radio (DDR) show is called Out of Space. The Irish DJ pushes a plethora of wavey and unconventional sounds into the stratosphere every month thanks to her explorative ear for futuristic electronica, breakbeat, footwork and trippy acid amongst a heap of other leftfield tunes and more familiar 4/4 structures.
Based in Kerry, Efa had previously travelled far from her hometown on multiple occasions with her collection of protean tracks to support the likes of Machine Woman, Randomer, LSDXOXO and Special Request with bookings as far flung as Pikes Ibiza to Peckham’s own Rye Wax. She has also appeared as a guest on NTS Radio with Charlie Bones and on Sean OD’s Balamii show in London, not forgetting a stint on Amsterdam’s Redlight Radio with Roo Honeychild, DreamCycles and more. One of her last gigs before lockdown was a milestone in her trajectory in the form of a Boiler Room with SKATEBÅRD, Prosumer, Saoirse and Long Island Sound at Jam Park in Dublin.
Over on DDR, Efa features a vast range of Irish talent such Moving Still, Kobina, EMA as well as showcasing her own strong knowledge outside of dance music with artists like Richenel, Sylvester and other icons of pop and soul creeping into her sets. Her track selections are a kind of organised chaos which she pulls off with swift technical skill, ensuring her listeners are removed from their sonic comfort zone and taken to a corner of mercurial space on the airwaves over the course of two hours.
Continuing to record the show from Kerry during this evolving time, Efa has retained some normalcy while going through upheaval over the last few months which she describes further below, as well as sharing a memory from Tengu in Dublin two years ago…
Photo: Efa O’ Neill
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it? What was the music vibe at the time?
This photo was taken in September 2018. I had just played at Tengu for Pear's 3rd birthday with Cait and Pearson Sound on the line-up too. A few pals from Cork had came up for the night and everyone from the gig was hanging around after and drinking wine outside the Indian in Temple Bar where the photo was taken.
I remember it been such a great night - the gig was killer and everyone was in high spirits after it. I was taking a few random snaps with a disposable and caught this one which was cute. It reminds me of the fun and camaraderie that comes with been part of a music community. I miss nights out like this.
What kind of music have you been listening to during lockdown? Have you discovered any new or old artists which you may not have unearthed pre-pandemic?
I’ve been listening to a lot of non-club music in lockdown. I've been going through my old Youtube playlists and listening to R&B, Rap, Funk, Indie and Electronica - stuff like TLC, Beyonce, Fat Freddy's Drop, The Pharcyde, Bloc Party, LCD Soundsystem and lots of 80s new wave stuff too.
A friend kindly sent me some Nubian Mindz music so been listening to lots of that of late. He's an electronic artist who had a lot of releases in the late 90s and 00s - house, techno and electro vibes.
His mantra is ‘keep your eyes on the future, know your past and embrace the present’. I love this! It’s a good way to describe his music and something I live by too.
Are you broadcasting your DDR show from home and if so, what's that experience been like?
I live in Kerry so I've only recorded my Out of Space show in the studio a handful of times! It’s a late show, so I pre-record it as it’s not possible to do it live at night where I’m living.
I started the show and 'out of space' party in 2017 to give artists and DJs a platform to showcase their work despite a lack of dedicated underground music venues. For the past while I’ve been inviting guests on the DDR show every month - it’s normally up-and-coming local talent, which we have a lot of in Ireland right now!
You've also had shows on NTS Radio and Rinse FM, do you have any other guest slots coming up on such platforms?
I recently joined Sad City on his EHFM show which was fun and we're planning on doing another show soon that focuses on world music as I’ve a lot of afro and percussive stuff from different countries that I’m also into but rarely get to play out.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about what's going on right now, do you have a go-to track or style of music that significantly lifts your spirits?
I like to get out for a run or a cycle in the mornings and I always listen to the Do!!!You!!! Breakfast Show with Charlie Bones on NTS at that time of the day. Between the music, his funny stories and general antics, it never fails to cheer me up and it’s been lifting my spirits for years!
How do would you intend on celebrating if coronavirus disappeared suddenly?
I don't have any plans right now but in an ideal world, I’d start out with a boozy brunch with some friends and take it from there! I’m used to traveling to different places to play gigs at the weekend and although it’s great to be in Kerry for lockdown, I’m itching for a night out in Cork, Dublin or even London when things came down.
Any tips on how to look after your mind and body during this time, as well as trying to stay motivated as an artist?
For the first few weeks I was really unmotivated to do anything. I spent a lot of time just lazying around watching Netflix and not exercising. I was feeling really guilty too as it was the first time since I started DJing that I didn't want to spend time mixing or trawling the internet for new music. I decided to just give it a break for a while and not put pressure on myself. I occupied myself with other things and soon enough I was getting back into it again.
I used to be a huge reader but I hadn't read anything in years so to kill the boredom I downloaded some books and started reading again which was so enjoyable.
The best thing I find is getting outdoors to do some exercise first thing in the morning . It really sets you up for day and puts you in such a better mood. I feel way more energised and motivated to get work done and it helps me sleep much better too.
Listen to Efa’s latest show on DDR here and follow her below: