CUPRA' s Talent Identification Programme returns for it's third year in 2026, offering a creative opportunity for aspiring electronic music artists and DJs.
‘On The Pulse’ is CUPRA’s talent discovery programme, created to spotlight emerging music artists across the Republic of Ireland and deliver new, standout experiences for fans.
The initiative is designed to elevate and nurture Ireland’s rising talent, giving up‑and‑coming artists a high‑visibility platform to grow their fanbase and develop their artistic careers.
Aspiring artists can submit a 45‑minute mix to showcase their skills, with five finalists selected to perform at a live final in Dublin City Centre. The overall winner secures a peak time slot at the Beyond the Pale Music & Arts Festival in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, along with a €2,500 cash prize to support their creative development.
For more information on the entry requirements, please see below. Applications reopen February 17th 2026.
Once applications close, five finalists will be selected to perform at the live final in Dublin City.
The winner will be awarded a peak-time performance slot at Beyond The Pale Music & Arts Festival 2026, along with a €2,500 cash prize to support their artistic development.
Bláthnaid is a Kerry native now based in Dublin. She is mostly known as a filmmaker and camera operator, often capturing the nightlife and festival scene across Ireland. Now, she’s stepping out from behind the camera and in front of the decks, following her passion for electronic music and making her debut gig at Tengu as part of the Cupra DJ Competition.
STITCH is an electronic multi-genre infused artist known for his taste in the underground music scene with his unique blend of leftfield-bass, wubs, and funky elements in both his music selection when DJ’ing & also in his own productions.
Emmanuel, aka OSAÈMA—born and raised in Rome with Nigerian roots. Music was the heartbeat of their home, especially tribal and traditional African sounds. That rhythm shaped them.
His sound is a crossroads of cultures: the deep pulse of African heritage meets the energy of European club life. Each set is an emotional trip—raw, soulful, and unifying. "I don’t just play music—I tell my story through sound."
After having spent the last few years touring and recording as a multi-instrumentalist with Clannad & Moya Brennan, producer, songwriter and DJ, Kipunji (real name Paul Jarvis) has begun to unveil his passion project. Drawing influences from the harmonious folk & new age world he grew up in and being later inspired by the likes of Bonobo, Maribou State & Kiasmos, his music has resulted in a warm, melodic-rich and uplifting dance space.
Ryan is a 20-year-old up-and-coming DJ hailing from Dublin, Ireland. With a deep-rooted passion for music that began in his teenage years, Ryan has been steadily carving out his place in the electronic music scene. Influenced by artists like Chris Stussy, Kettama, Kerri Chandler, and MK, Ryan blends underground deep house, euphoric rave, and high-energy techno.
DJ and Founder of 'Out of Space' - a Party and Radio Show on Dublin Digital Radio.
Efa O'Neill is an Irish DJ known for her eclectic sets that seamlessly blend a range of genres and tempos, crafting atmospheric dance floor moments. A prominent figure in the Irish and dance music scene, she has performed at renowned venues and festivals across Ireland and Europe.
Writer for Four Four Magazine, DJ & Producer
Hailing from Dublin, Aero has rapidly established himself as one of Ireland’s most vital techno artists, carving out a distinct identity grounded in the ethos of purist techno. Supported by figures such as Amelie Lens, Freddy K, and Richie Hawtin, Aero’s music speaks to both the genre’s roots and its forward trajectory.
As a DJ, Aero’s adaptability is his hallmark. Whether commanding a warehouse with relentless multi-deck intensity or carefully calibrating selections for an opening set in a low-lit basement, his control of atmosphere and energy is what sets him apart. With an extensive knowledge of techno’s past and present, Aero is as much a selector as he is a craftsman, positioning himself at the forefront of Ireland’s contemporary techno scene.
DJ & Broadcaster - BBC Radio 1
January Winters has established herself as one of Ireland's most sought-after DJs, captivating audiences with her energetic sets and infectious vivacity. With a track record of delivering memorable performances at renowned venues such as The Button Factory, Index, All Together Now Festival, Forbidden Fruit Festival, Pygmalion, Sea Sessions, and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool.
As a skilled selector, January has secured residencies at some of Ireland's best clubs and bars, and has had the pleasure of playing supporting and closing sets for acclaimed artists such as Barry Can’t Swim, Jungle, Maribou State, Eliza Rose, TSHA, Jayda G, Folamour, Dan Shake, and DJ Boring among others.
Beyond the DJ booth, her eclectic taste and infectious energy has made her a standout voice in the industry. For several years, she presented on Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ 2FM. In 2024, she was selected as one of BBC Radio 1’s Christmas Presenters, landing a coveted slot hosting the station’s flagship New Music Show. She has since presented on BBC Radio 1 Dance, hosted live DJ sets and performed at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool, further cementing her reputation as a tastemaker with a deep connection to music across genres and scenes.
DJ, Producer, and Resident for Melodic Dublin - Representative from Beyond The Pale
A Progressive & Melodic House Producer/DJ hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Ste Flynn is a resident DJ at Melodic Dublin. His sound has brought him from clubs & festivals across Ireland to the main room of Kater Blau and Renate in Berlin, as well as sharing the stage with influential artists such as Sasha, John Digweed, Guy J, Lee Burridge, Nick Warren, Âme, Max Cooper and many more.
Ste has released music on labels such as Balkan Connection, IN2U and RF Trax with support from artists including Nick Warren, Antrim and more. The rich melodies in his music are influenced by a variety of artists ranging from Aphex Twin to Boards of Canada to Guy J. As a hardware enthusiast, he likes to experiment with machines by producing different genres, from crafting Hip Hop samples to 909/303 Detroit sequencing to Progressive House chords & melodies.
Please carefully review the entry requirements here before submitting your application.
Applicants must showcase their skills in a 45-minute mix and five finalists will be selected to perform in a live final in Dublin City Centre.
The winner will play at Beyond the Pale Music & Arts Festival 2026 in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow and a €2,500 cash prize to further develop their artistic career.
Applications close March 31st.
Thanks for entering CUPRA's On The Pulse DJ Competition. Your mix is now with our judging panel, who are reviewing all submissions to select this year’s finalists.
Finalists will be contacted once judging is complete. Best of luck!
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