It can be without doubt that Ireland’s electronic music loving public have never been more spoilt for choice than in the past calendar year with a resurgence of clubbing culture across the country. Venues like District 8, The Hanger and The Button Factory have led the way, all bringing streams of talent to Dublin on a regular basis with bastions like Republik in Waterford, Bedlam in Galway and Cyprus Avenue holding the flag in Cork.

On a bigger scale things have also heated up with both Forbidden Fruit and Life attracting a number of big hitters to our small pond. In Boxed Off  though we have an entirely different proposition, a one day, action packed adventure all held indoor, the event represents somewhat of a new departure for large scale music events in Ireland. The pet project one of the nation’s most forward thinking promoters (Bedlam) the party packs one hell of a punch thanks to a diverse lineup which includes everyone from Nina Kraviz to HNNY, Andhim to Sam Paganini. With so many big hitters on their way to Fairyhouse this Saturday, WWD has chosen our personal top 5 (in no particular order) to watch out for!

Tickets+ Info: Boxed Off Festival

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1) Patrick Topping
It’s a helluvah obvious one but if you’ve been following WWD over the past few years you’ll know we’ve been championing the Newcastle man for some time. With a studio output unlike many others (from Get Beasty to anthems Any Amounts and Forget) across a host of topline labels (Hot Creations, VIVa Music, Suara and Moon Harbour) Topping has enjoyed a swift rise to the top of festival bills the world over. With a fun loving attitude and a reputation for delivering pulsating on stage performances, it doesn’t take much to guess where we will be situated come 10pm on Saturday eve.

Listen out for: El Baile Aleman (Patrick Topping Remix), Get Beasty, Stop…and of course some random vocal shots!

2) Andhim
Super house of the highest order, the German duo of Tobias and Simon have made a massive impact on the underground in the past few years thanks to their fun infused dance music. Their layered progressive set was a big hit at their recent District 8 show in Dublin and few would bet against a repeat performance at Boxed Off this weekend. With the duo continuing to delve into the darker realms of house and techno (their latest, Cloys on the much loved Monaberry, is a psychedelic progressive number) we’re intrigued to see how their live performances have evolved. WWD recommended.

Listen out for: Cloys, Space and Mr Bass

3) DJ Deece
As talented as they come, Ireland’s own DJ Deece is a definite for us this weekend. A longtime Hidden Agenda resident, the intelligent tune selector has a reputation beyond reproach on this isle. Much to the delight of this publication he enjoys a set time right in the thick of it this Saturday so you can catch him unleashing his full repertoire of super groovers. His fantastic Rinse FM mix for Krystal Klear should sate your appetite till then.

Listen out for: A collection of never heard before records…

4) Dense & Pika
While it’s perfectly true that it can often just take one very successful tune to make the much needed breakthrough in today’s hyper charged digital space, it takes a bagful of talent to ensure you don’t slide down the slope of forgotten faces. It seemed like there was never any danger of that for the anonymous UK duo Dense & Pika. Aside from their astounding HotFlush belter Colt, the pair have churned out gems on the likes of Drumcode, Skint and Hypercolour as well as repeat performances on their label of choice. Their hardhitting kicks and earth shattering productions will undoubtedly attract the purists at this Saturday’s festivities.

Listen out for: Tex, Paris Dub 1 (Dense & Pika Edit), Erotic Discourse (Dense & Pike Remix)

5) Pete Oak
A dark horse for many Boxed Off attendees but definitely one worth considering. The Sincopat, Steyoyoke and Stil Vor Talent man is most definitely on the rise thanks to a barnstorming run of releases over the past 12 months. His deep techy vibes will bring a sophistication to the proceedings on Saturday evening.

Listen out for: Smoke & Ashes and Tranquila,