Cormac, once a hidden gem in dance music, has risen to prominence as his reputation as a revered selector has rapidly spread. Hailing from Northern Ireland, the queer DJ has gained respect for his knowledge of HI-NRG, Italo-House, and Techno.
Hey, Cormac! So nice to have you here! Can you please tell us more about yourself and your steps in the industry?
I’m Cormac. I’m a DJ, sometimes producer, and host of Queerly Beloved. I’ve been mixing records for nearly two decades, and I love it more today than I ever have.
We’re eager to discuss your latest compilation on your imprint. Could you share more with us about the project and the idea behind selecting the artists?
The compilation is a collection of tracks that were lonesome in some way. They perhaps didn’t fit the sound of a particular EP from the artist, or were total rogue tracks that an artist sent me that were clearly stand-alones. I made a selection. I compile a compilation similar to how I put a DJ set together. If you listen from start to finish, I feel there’s a beginning, a middle, and an end to the sound as a whole.
He was a fixture at numerous seminal London clubs such as Nag Nag Nag, Trade and Bugged Out! His sets have graced major events like Sonar Festival, Pollerweiseen, WHOLE, Robert Johnson, Adonis and Circoloco, In Berlin and across Europe, Cormac is celebrated for his epic closing sets at Panorama Bar and Snax, sometimes lasting up to eleven hours. With free rein to explore diverse sounds, he has become a fixture in the club’s lineup, keeping the crowd engaged till Monday morning with his extensive 20 years of DJ expertise.
The podcast era continues to thrive. How did you come up with the idea for your own show, especially featuring legends like Peaches, whom we adore and admire? What are the next steps for the program?
In recent Instagram years, I feel there’s been a lot of focus on the individual, and I miss us being more of a community at times. My hope for the podcast is that in telling our unique stories, we can recognize that although we may experience different situations, we all experience the same feelings in life. My hope is that we can find commonality regardless of our sexuality and unify a bit more.
Aside from that, I’m excited to talk to my guests. I could talk about music for hours, and I chose great guests to have a laugh with as well.
If you could share with us your daily workflow, whether it’s related to touring or production? How do you typically find inspiration and connect with music, people, or club audiences?
Well most weekdays i wake up and do my morning stuff ( meditation and quiet). I walk my dog somewhere green. I get most of my ideas when walking, its a great hobby for me. I had lunch today with my agent to catch up and i then had a haircut:)
Music wise I’m compiling my next mix and working on vocals at home for a new track which is due out in July on Polari. I’ve cut way back on social media and am reading at home a lot. Im currently re-reading the ethical slut.
If you could tell us your ten favorite tracks from this year so far? What would it be?
Ha, the 10 on the compilation?
What does the future look like for Cormac?
Oh who knows..?
I’m enjoying my projects I’m working on right now. I’m still enjoying touring so I hope to continue with that and the podcast. I hope to stay healthy and in the moment.. Maybe get some more dogs 🙂
Cormac launched his own label, Polari Records, in 2021. The label, named after old-school gay slang, features LGBTQ+ artists and collectible artwork. In May 2024, Polari Records held its first event at Panorama Bar. Cormac’s BBC Radio 1 Essential mix showcased unreleased tracks from Polari alongside his debut solo release, “Heartcore”. His releases have also featured on Ostgut-Ton and Running Back Records.
He holds a monthly residency on Rinse FM. In May 2023 he dropped his acclaimed Resident Advisor Mix, and a fun-filled set for ARTE at TXL airport. He has gone on to cover magazines in Germany and the UK, with a mix and interview for DJ mag in Spring of 2024.
His podcast, Cormac’s Queerly Beloved, launched in January 2024. It features insightful interviews with LGBTQIA+ artists and allies, exploring the role of music in their lives. As an interviewer, Cormac brings warmth and sensitivity, drawing on his background in psychology and his journey from Northern Ireland to his work as a queer health advocate.
A 10-track long journey forms a unique force of anthemic sounds, tapping into nostalgia but never pulling away from today’s references. No Tears In The Backroom Vol. 2 serves as a dance-heavy pursuit aiming to not hold back.
The label profits from the new compilation are going to charity. Polari has previously raised money for All Out.
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