Aspiring DJs across Ireland are being given the chance to perform at one of the country’s biggest music festivals thanks to a new initiative from Smirnoff Sound Nation and Electric Picnic.
The Residency, a nationwide DJ competition launched this month, will see one emerging Irish DJ secure a coveted performance slot on the Smirnoff Stage at Electric Picnic 2026. The winner will join a lineup on a stage that has previously welcomed internationally recognised acts, including The Blessed Madonna and Gorgon City.
Open to DJs aged 25 and over who are based in Ireland, the competition aims to shine a spotlight on new talent while continuing Smirnoff Sound Nation’s focus on accessibility, inclusion and community within live music.
The Smirnoff Stage has become one of Electric Picnic’s most distinctive dance music spaces in recent years, known not only for its high-energy atmosphere but also for initiatives designed to make live music more accessible. Previous activations have included wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms, sign language interpreters, haptic suits and braille menus, helping to create a more inclusive festival experience.
The stage has also developed a reputation for blurring the line between performer and audience. Its Boiler Room-inspired format regularly invites festivalgoers onto the stage itself, creating a more intimate connection between artists and crowds than is typically found at large-scale festivals.
According to organisers, The Residency is intended to extend that same ethos by providing a platform for emerging Irish talent from all backgrounds and genres. DJs working across house, electronic music, hip-hop and other styles are encouraged to apply.
David Heaney, Head of Marketing Spirits Ireland for Smirnoff, said the initiative is designed to celebrate the diversity and strength of Ireland’s music scene.
“Ireland has always had an incredible musical heartbeat, and The Residency is our way of turning up the volume — giving DJs from different backgrounds the chance to be discovered and celebrated,” he said.“We believe the best parties — and the best stages — happen when you bring together different sounds, stories and people. That’s what Smirnoff Sound Nation is all about, and that’s exactly what The Residency will be.”
Electric Picnic Festival Director Melvin Benn also welcomed the partnership, highlighting the importance of supporting emerging artists.
“Giving a platform to the next generation of incredible artists ensures that we can support local communities and individuals, while continuing to raise the bar for Irish artistry,” he said.
The competition will be supported by Four Four, the Irish platform dedicated to club culture and electronic music. Following the application process, Four Four will select three finalists who will progress to the public voting stage.
Each finalist will create a playlist showcasing their musical style and influences, which will be hosted on Smirnoff’s Spotify profile. Music fans will then be invited to listen and vote for their favourite DJ, with the overall winner securing their place on the Smirnoff Stage at Electric Picnic.
Applications are now open, with entry free of charge and no purchase necessary. Initial submissions close on June 28th, while public voting for the final three DJs will remain open until August 3rd.
For emerging artists looking to take their next step, opportunities to perform at major festivals can be difficult to come by. The Residency offers a rare chance for one Irish DJ to move from local venues and bedroom mixes to one of the country’s most talked-about festival stages.
