Fresh Kicks 92: TR One

TR One’s music has that rare and lovely quality of feeling heavy and light at the same time. Over a selection of releases on labels like Apartment Records, Lunar Disko, Don’t Be Afraid and, most recently, Solar Phenomena, the Irish DJ/producer – real name Eddie Reynolds – has consistently showcased an ability to weave elegant, velvety melodies and bass grooves through tough beats.

There’s a sort of dedication to the old-school in Reynold’s technique, whose productions always look toward the dancefloor with flourishes of classic Detroit minimalism and Chicago soul. But there is nothing dated about his output, and tracks like ‘A Month Has Passed’, ‘Road To The Sea’, ‘The Swim Meet’ and ‘Inner Thoughts’ retain all the freshness of their influences, from the acid bass lines and 909 percussion to the soft marimbas and scratchy electro patterns.

All of this has stemmed from years of record collecting and practice in his hometown of Carlow, where the only “scene” to speak of was in the short-lived “Music Factory” club, in which he was a resident at age 18. Though it didn’t last long, the experience led to Reynolds (and former TR One comrade, Dean Feeney) supporting the likes of 808 State, Billy Nasty and Mr C.

Reynolds has since gone on to play alongside DJ Stingray, Helena Hauff, Dave Clarke, Surgeon, Maurice Fulton and Steffi, and, though still living in Carlow, makes regular trips to the capital and beyond to play in venues like Tengu and Electric, Galway.

Looking into 2019, Reynold’s has plenty of new music to come. Including tracks on D1 recordings 6LP 25th anniversary box set, Pear, Moot and 393 as well as some material under a new alter ego.

For his Fresh Kicks mix, Reynold’s wastes no time in mixing a superb selection of house, techno and electro from the likes of Melly, Forest Drive West, Donato Dozzy, Florian Kupfler, himself and more. Check it out below.

Last track that blew your mind?
“So many to mention but the new Roy Of The Ravers EP on new Dublin label Winthorpe Electronics definitely a big one”

Last film you watched?
“Just watched the Fyre Festival documentary through clenched teeth. The cheese sandwich didn't look too bad to be fair”

Last DJ that blew your mind?
“The Exaltics in the flesh and Mark Forshaw online”

Favourite album to relax to?
“At the moment I'm enjoying The Pharaohs’ ‘In The Basement’ on Ubiquity”

Favourite producer?
“All time? Impossible question but definitely enjoying the current wave of Irish talent like Fio Fa, R.Kitt, Minos, Moving Still, Bobby Analog, ELLLL, Eamon Doyle, all the Repeater crew and many more I forgot!”

What record is top of your wishlist?
“Most of the records on the UR sub label S.I.D definitely up there”

What's the best club you've played at?
“Definitely special memories from the Twisted Pepper and I really enjoyed OHM”

Who would you most like to play b2b with?
“Ah so many! Lately I'm thinking Shanti Celeste. Always on point”