DATSKO: A New Chapter in Galway’s Dance Music Story

From Galway’s cobbled streets to packed festival stages, DATSKO’s work reflects the ongoing evolution of Irish dance music.

Ireland, as of late, has had a rather prolific turnover rate of electronic DJs and producers, arising from an island that by all accounts punches far above its weight in most art forms. But now, its pedigree for churning out world-class dance music artists seems second to none. Compared with its UK and European counterparts, countries with larger populations and more resources, it’s notable how strong Ireland’s presence in this space remains.

While Ireland has become a breeding ground for some of the world’s best dance music artists, a few cities thrive more than others, and Galway is one of them. Coined “G-Town” by industry leaders KETTAMA and Shampain, the small town on the west coast of Ireland is best known as a tourist destination that captures the quiet yet lively and traditional side of the country: cosy pubs, traditional music drifting through the air, and coastal fish and chips. When you think of Galway, club culture isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, yet it has become a hotbed for Ireland’s best dance music talent. KETTAMA and Shampain are prime examples, but another name is starting to catch on: DATSKO, a Galwegian artist celebrated for defying convention.

Momentum Built Track by Track

This young artist now sits at nearly half a million monthly Spotify listeners. Tracks like JAGERBOMB have passed five million streams, Wait For Me has surpassed four million, and My Type is closing in on three. Coming from a place that has seen more and more venues close their doors. In a scene that has been experiencing a downturn, DATSKO’s euphoric sound has offered a welcome boost.

Like many of today’s leading producers, DATSKO is a student of the SoundCloud school of dance music. The platform remains his testing ground for new rhythms, where he often makes a track and uploads it the same day. “I wish I had somewhat of a more compelling ritual in my process of music production,” he admits. “But to be honest, I just whip out my laptop wherever and whenever I get a spark of inspiration and make whatever I’m feeling in that moment.”

His most recent single, Solitude, a concentrated, high-impact record that moves with restrained power, was released on the ever-restless Stress Label. It earns attention rather than asking for it. It’s the sound of an artist whose influence now stretches far beyond his local scene, eyes firmly set on the world stage.

Fragments of Trance, Techno, and Teenhood

DATSKO’s sound is a blend of the genres that have shaped him over the years: everything from golden-era 2000s EDM and 90s trance to modern influences closer to home like blk. and KETTAMA. “I listen to so many genres of music outside of the electronic scene,” he says. “I tend to pick up on certain elements from everything I listen to and fuse them into my electronic sound to make something that feels fresh but still familiar.”

Stepping Into One of Ireland’s Leading Dance-Music Operations

Since joining the Reboot Agency, the youngster’s ascent has risen tenfold. “My music career has grown massively over the past year, especially since joining the Reboot Agency,” DATSKO explains. “My sound has travelled far beyond Ireland, leading to incredible opportunities to play at some of the best clubs and festivals around the world. I have to give huge credit to my team — they’ve worked tirelessly to make all of this possible.”

Under the guidance of Michael Duffy, the Reboot team has helped bring his music to a global audience. His run of shows at Reboot’s Eden in Ibiza felt less like a residency and more like a statement. By the end of summer, DATSKO had grown into a familiar name among regulars, standing out against the golden skies and the relentless energy that defines the island.

Finding His Rhythm on the Road

Touring hasn’t come without its challenges. “Touring can definitely be tough at times,” he admits. “I used to be such a homebody, so adapting to life on the road has been a big shift. But every challenge is worth it the moment I get to play and see people’s reactions to my music. It’s honestly surreal, and I’m beyond grateful for where life is right now.”

The industry has taken notice. He’s now signed with heavyweight publisher Minds On Fire, aligning him with the next wave of dance music innovators. A booking deal through CAA covers both Americas. It’s the kind of setup that shows he’s operating on a different level now.

DATSKO has been mapping the landscape of contemporary club culture, from Mondo Disko in Madrid to early-morning sets at Eden in Ibiza. He’s played Open Air Leeds, Teletech Festival, Electric Picnic, and Longitude, with consistently large turnouts. The momentum shows no sign of slowing, with appearances at Emerge and NRG Festival in Tenerife, where crowd demand was intense. He’s also played Second Speed NX in Newcastle, PRTY Festival in Glasgow, Wav in Liverpool, Digital in Cardiff, and SWG3 in Glasgow.

What Comes Next, He Won’t Force

For DATSKO, staying true to his roots is just as important as success. “I feel that being underground is heavily praised because it builds a stronger connection between the artist and the listener,” he says. “With commercialism, there tends to be changes to the music from higher-ups who want it to sound more commercially friendly, and that can strip some authenticity from the artist. I think people want authenticity.”

Looking ahead, his goals remain grounded. “I can’t predict what direction the electronic music scene will go,” he reflects, “but I do know that I’ll continue to make music that feels true to me, without the pressure of trying to stay trendy or ride a certain wave. I want to create timeless music.”

DATSKO is experiencing a momentum that develops in backrooms and basements long before it is officially recognised as a broader shift. He still creates tracks and edits that feel lived-in and unpolished in all the right ways, like the kid who started out alone in his bedroom. The view might be different now, with more eyes watching and more noise surrounding him, but the hands are still on the same gear. It’s a rare position to be in — momentum without losing identity, success without the glitz.