Jordan: A-Z of AVA

Image: AVA (source) 

It's no secret that Northern Ireland's music scene is seeing a seismic resurgence of late. With new venues popping up all over the place, the city is pumping out some of dance music's most promising new artists and promoters, rapid fire.

One of those fresh faces is Nocturne label boss and one half of Belfast promoter team The Night Institute, Jordan. Ahead of the AVA, the party starting producer gives his hometown the alphabet treatment.

A for aalice

The Irish promoter and DJ and all-round workhorse is playing her debut Boiler Room having had a jam-packed year, with live shows for Resident Advisor Alternate Cuts, whilst managing to hold down her Manchester-based powerhouse, Meat Free alongside a slew of gigs across the country. 

Find Meat Free tickets

B for Bobby Analog

The Body Fusion boss has become revered over the last year with every release to date having sold out of vinyl. Heavily championed by the Lobster Theremin crew, you won't want to miss his set outdoors on the Boiler Room stage on Saturday. 

C for craic

It's famous, right? The Irish joie de vivre is internationally renowned, probably why the AVA streams have gone so viral globally - no posing here - straight up party vibes from the off.

D for drinks

Whilst you're in Belfast sample a few local classics - A proper pint of Guinness, the humble Harp Lager and for the whiskey lovers there's Jameson’s, Bushmills, Black Bull to name just a few. Try popping into Kelly's Cellars, The Spaniard or McHugh’s for a proper Irish booze up.

E for eating

Belfast has had a bit of a resurgence in eateries over the past few years with everything from Asian Fusion thanks to restaurants Banh & Yugo, through to high end Michelin star dining from the likes of Ox and Deane’s.

F for Floorplan

Contemporary gospel-influenced techno from Detroit native, Robert Hood and his daughter Lyric. Anthems such as "Tell You No Lie" and "Never Grow Old" are sure to get temperatures rising.

G for good weather

We're praying for it! Belfast has been experiencing an unexpected heatwave over the past few weeks. Long may it continue. 

H for Holly Lester

Holly has been crafting her art calmly and collectedly through years of high profile performances at Manchester's Warehouse Project and Liverpool behemoth, Chibuku as well as holding down full seasonal residencies in Ibiza over the past 5 years or so. Finally getting the kudos she deserves, catch her Boiler Room debut at AVA on the Friday.

I for Inside Moves

The local disco crew will be representing on the main stage on Saturday, so if you like your house & disco served with a big smile on your face, don't miss them! 

Find Inside Moves tickets

J for Job Jobse

The Trouw/De School head boy returns to Ireland and is perfect for the outdoor stages. Smiles all round. 

K for KiNk

One of the most sought-after live acts in electronic music, the Bulgarian wiz will be performing his inimitable one-man live set as well as hosting a Resident Advisor Live Exchange. Expect plenty of crowd participation when he takes to the stage. 

L for Lumen

The Belfast-based techno crew and AV pioneers host the Smirnoff stage at AVA on the Friday with a full family affair consisting of residents Myler, Dallas & the Cave DJ's alongside Stephanie Sykes, Ossian & more. A full-on assault for the senses!

M for Mac Theatre

Belfast's creative theatre/music/arts hub will be hosting the conference part of AVA from 9am on Friday 1st June. Don't miss the Opening keynote by Bicep, as well as the live RA Exchange from KiNk. 

N for Native Instruments

A leading light in music technology and dance music culture, once again Native Instruments throw their weight behind AVA supporting their emerging artists campaign as well as hosting Native Sessions with Debonair, Sunil Sharp & Tyler.

O for Outdoor stages

Raving outdoors is a true novelty around these parts, so get down during the day for the Boiler Room stage and Smirnoff stages, set to the backdrop of an old disused B&Q. Where else would you get it?

P for the Programme

Get with it or risk missing your favourite artists.

Q for QFT

The Queens Film theatre will be screening Victoria, sound tracked by AVA favourite, Nils Frahm. It's not all about raving you know! 

R for RBMA

The global music and educational arm of everyone's favourite energy drink - The Red Bull Music Academy host a stage each day, with Helena Hauff & Rodhad bringing their in-demand brand of techno on the Friday before Hunee & Sassy J headline the Saturday

S for Smirnoff

The vodka brand team up with local club nights, Twitch & DSNT/Lumen. Both nights are forces to be reckoned with. Check out Moxie & Jayda G on the Sunday. Two class acts at the top of their game.

T for Timmy Stewart

Widely respected as one of the pioneers of Irish club culture, Mr. Stewart will be a common sight throughout the weekend, whether hosting several the Mac panels or smashing the Red Bull Music Academy stage with Extended Play partner in crime, JMX.

U for up and coming

AVA are committed to supporting the new-breed of Irish music and artists’ talent through a range of programmes. Check out the winner of this year’s Emerging DJ competition, opening the main room on Saturday at 3pm.

V for variety

...of dancers you will find across the two days. From flamboyant extroverts to older ravers out for their once a year blow-out, Belfast is becoming a welcoming haven for all sorts of music lover.

W for women in music

The Smirnoff Equalising Music campaign marries perfectly with AVA's ongoing drive to support more non-male-identifying careers through music. There's a heavy female representation once more in a historically male-orientated field which is great to see! 

X is for X-Tending the weekend by one more day

(Yes, we struggled to find one for X!) Rush Hour boss, Antal headlines the final day of AVA at Belfast's hottest tipped new venue, The Art Department on the Sunday. Time for all the hard-working volunteers and management to let their hair down.

Y is for Yeooo

A cheer you'll hear echoing across the arenas. A local response from Irish clubbers. If you hear this as a DJ, you know you've got the crowds seal of approval.

Z is for zzz

Don't forget to get your beauty sleep between the days. It's a marathon not a rave, and drink plenty of water in the sun.

He'll be at AVA and Gorilla Beach Festival, get Jordan tickets now.