Ngoni Egan
DJ | Producer | Promoter
Ngoni Egan is DJ, producer and live act from Dublin and founder of the electro collective Lepton. The collective has a bi-weekly radio show, on Dublin Digital Radio and along with residents Jamie O'Neill, Endrift, Lyonsy and Shane Murphy, the show also features guests from Ireland and beyond via its podcast series including Eliza, Ôneyra, efemme, Dr. Funkenstein and more. Fellow members Rich Murphy, Adam Manning and Maurice Moran also co-ordinate a series of Lepton parties in Dublin with established electro artists headlining each event, including Jensen Interceptor, Alienata, Radioactive Man, Sync 24 and more.
Having spent the last seven years DJing at clubs and festivals around the Irish capital, Ngoni has also played in Amsterdam and more recently London. His sound primarily focuses on electro, techno and acid and his most recent release on the Music For Quarantine Vol. 1 V/A [All City Records] is a dreamy electro mutation with all proceeds going to ALONE charity.
With pretty much all festivals cancelled until next year, Ngoni shares a photo from a golden time before the pandemic and describes why this particular shot resonates with him…
Photo: Ngoni Egan
Where was this photo taken and why did you pick it?
This was taken at a festival 3 years ago in Constanta, Romania. A DJ called Binh who I hadn't heard before was playing a really mind-blowing set in the background. The sun started to rise, everyone started cheering and smiling. It was a lovely moment, me and my mates just hugged each other and continued having a bop. The style of music Binh played was 90's techno, house and breakbeat. He threw in some DMX Krew tracks, Joey Beltram and other lovely stuff. It was one of those moments where every track was deadly and everyone was on a buzz. Everything was just perfect really; mates, tunes, gargles, good weather, a beach and everyone just seemed truly happy.
What are you listening to at the moment if you’re working from home or if you’re still working out in the world, do you have a soundtrack to accompany your journey?
At the moment I'm just listening to a mish-mash of stuff. This week I'm really digging stuff from Cygnus, CEM3340, Wedding Acid Group, Basic Bastard, Dexterous Numerics, W1b0's new EP on Discos Atonicos, Janeret, The Advent and Youandewan to name a few. I'm kind of always on a hunt to find new music everyday so I browse Soundcloud, YouTube, labels on Discogs, Spotify and also lurk for IDs of tracks I like in sets. The current situation has had a profound effect on the music industry but one aspect of it I think is nice to see is the fact an awful lot of producers and DJs are still being productive. I'm really loving the EP's, compilations and 'cliché' bedroom sets some of my favourite artists are putting out. Irrespective of what's going on, it's nice to see artistry prevailing.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, do you have a go-to track or style of music that significantly lifts your spirits?
Generally any genre can hit the spot depending on my mood but I can listen to electro in any humour and I'd feel happy. I'd need to be in a good mood starting off to listen to anything else. So electro kind of hits the spot mainly. Dynarec is a producer who has tracks that give me goosebumps every time. Gosub's tracks also get me in a great mood. I usually have a new favourite tune that I rinse for a day or two ‘til the feeling wears out, then I look for new music for the same 'happy' effect again. The genre can change but usually tends to be electro, techno or house. 😊
How do you intend on celebrating once we’re out the other side?
Ahh I'd go see my mates and also go out for food because I haven't eaten out in so long. I'd also visit my sister, nephew and nieces who I haven't been able to visit the past few weeks.
Any tips on how to look after your mind and body during this slightly stressful time?
I'd say having some sort of activity to keep the mind active. It could be anything like reading, cooking, exercise, video calling mates/family, meditation, binge-watching programmes, learning something new - whatever really once it's something that keeps your mind occupied from focusing on negativity too much. Having some sort of routine is definitely key. Checking in on people to see how they're doing is definitely another important thing. There's so much fuel for worry at moment, everyone is affected by what's happening somehow so if we look out for each other it will make adjusting to these strange times a little easier.
Listen back to Lepton’s show on Dublin Digital Radio here and follow Ngoni below: