Belfast DJ and producer Chris Flannigan delivers AVA Mix 022, a hypnotic journey through tribal, loop-driven techno that nods to the 90s and early 2000s while pushing toward a modern underground edge.
Chris has carved out a respected place within Belfast’s electronic scene with an extensive self-released catalogue and appearances on respected labels such as RAW [FR], Frenzy [NL] and Rinse [UK]. His tracks have gained global support from leading artists, with plays at iconic venues like Berlin’s Berghain and features on Boiler Room and BBC Radio 1.
With performances across London, New York, Germany, Portugal and Croatia, Chris continues to represent Belfast’s underground on the international stage. AVA Mix 022 arrives just ahead of our Halloween special with Clouds, setting the tone for the energy to come.
Read more in the Q&A below.
What was your mindset going into this AVA Mix?
I wanted to capture my style but also make it a bit of an unpredictable journey. It’s the first mix I’ve properly done with majority vinyl so I was delving into the unknown slightly, but I think it showcases where my sound is at currently. It’s also the cream of the crop when it comes to the records I’ve been collecting over the last while.
Is there a track or moment in the mix that captures where you’re at creatively right now?
The strings and reese during breakdown of the last track (Merengue — Slam Mix) definitely captures what I’m aspiring for when I sit down to write music at the minute. I think tracks that have an emotional edge to them can leave a big imprint on people when played at the right moment in a set. I’d love to give someone a moment like that with something I’ve made.
How has Belfast shaped your sound and the way you approach DJing?
I feel like the city is receptive to a lot of different genres which allows me to experiment more. I’m definitely more open to playing my own music here at home. A Belfast crowd will always let you know if they’re enjoying a track so I always keep an eye on what goes down well and try to find something similar. If a track hits and there’s cheering or a ‘yeooo’ then you’re doing something right.
What does AVA represent to you as part of Belfast’s wider scene?
It draws in people from so many walks of life and makes it really accessible to connect with people from different artistic backgrounds. It puts us on the map globally and makes the city more appealing to international artists which has a trickle down effect for smaller promoters and venues in the city. A high tide lifts all boats as they say.
How do you approach building a set? What kind of energy do you want to create for the crowd?
I try not to overcomplicate it. I have the tracks I’m definitely going to play and depending on how the crowd reacts I’ll take it one way or another. The goal is to keep the energy high the whole time. You want people to be engaged, to stop them heading off for a smoke or going to the bar. I like to throw in a few curveballs to keep people guessing too.
For others coming up in the Belfast scene, what’s something that’s helped you grow and stay inspired?
Like with anything, consistency is so important. You have to think about things long-term. If you can get inspired by your own progress then you don’t need to worry about external noise. If you’re a producer, just do your thing and make music you like. Trend-chasing will only get you so far so it’s better to be authentic. It will set you apart from everyone else.
Beyond the decks, what are you excited about right now? Do you have any projects, parties, or collectives you’d like to shout out?
I’m working on some collaborative projects right now with some really talented artists that I’m hugely excited for. In terms of local parties … Rewind, Ritmo, CODA and Social Sounds are the first few that come to mind. I’ve had some great shows with Hidden Love in Dublin over the last few years too. And always sending love to the RYS crew in Croatia.
What moments or spaces in Belfast have really inspired you recently, whether a night, a venue, or a person?
I enjoyed Output conference recently, listening to a range of speakers about nightlife in the city. Venue-wise, there’s been a few nights playing in Ulster Sports Club that have left me blown away. And it goes without saying that I’ve experienced a few mind-altering moments at AVA festival over the last few years.
When you think about the future of Belfast’s scene, what do you hope to see more of?
I think the future is bright and there’s a lot more opportunities available nowadays. I would love to see more people taking a chance on local shows and artists. There’s so much untapped talent in the city. Roll the dice on a lineup you don’t know and support small promoters sticking their neck on the line to throw a party.
Tracklist
Vince Watson – Energia (Mateo Murphy Remix)
Oxia – 134
Hertz & Mhonolink – Preserve
Samuel L Session – Makes The Men All Pause
Traxmen & Eric Martin – F___ This P___
Oxia – House Nation
DJ Bone – We Control the Beat
Polyvinyl –Tomorrow World
Flexible – Symptoms
Recycled Loops – Untitled
Cio – First Step (Rino Cerrone Remix)
Jel Ford – Banished Ghost
Streetlife – Grindvik & Hardcell
Misjah – So High (Trevor Rockliffe Remix)
Jasper Dahlback – Remainings Pt.3
Vince Watson – Aurelion (Deetron Reshape)
Samuel L Session – Merengue (Slam Remix)
