Episodes

  • What Makes a Great Live Performer? & How Live Gigs Have Changed?

    What Makes a Great Live Performer? & How Live Gigs Have Changed?
    Jul 16 2026
    This week on The District Music Podcast, Rachel Mae Hannon and Dray Morgan explore what separates a good live act from a truly unforgettable performer. They discuss stage presence, authenticity, spectacle, crowd connection and why audiences remember feelings more than flawless performances. They also examine how concerts have evolved in the age of smartphones, TikTok, rising ticket prices. Along the way, they revisit fascinating moments from music history, share surprising music facts and recommend a selection of tracks guaranteed to impress your mates.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • What Makes A Great Album? & Best Albums of 2026 So Far

    What Makes A Great Album? & Best Albums of 2026 So Far
    Jul 9 2026
    This week, we're asking a big question: what makes a great album? We chat about everything from concept albums and cohesion to artwork, live shows and whether streaming has changed how we listen. We also share our favourite albums of 2026 so far, revisit some iconic moments in music history, and round things off with our Track Picks of the Week.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • The Irish Traditional Music Revival: Why Is Everyone Playing Trad Again?

    The Irish Traditional Music Revival: Why Is Everyone Playing Trad Again?
    Jul 2 2026
    Trad is everywhere right now. Young people are packing sessions, folk artists are selling out venues, and Irish traditional music is finding new life through indie, hip hop, electronic music, and social media. But why now? In this episode, Rachel Mae Hannon and Dray Morgan unpack the cultural, historical, and social forces behind Ireland's trad revival, from post-pandemic community and national identity to artists redefining what Irish music sounds like in 2026.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Vinyl to Virality, Radio to AI: What Shapes Music Now?


    Vinyl to Virality, Radio to AI: What Shapes Music Now?

    Jun 25 2026

    This week, Rachel and Dray catch up after a busy weekend before Rachel chats to music content creator and former broadcaster Joe Donnelly. From vinyl collecting and radio to AI and music discovery, Joe shares his thoughts on how the industry has changed and where it's heading next.


    Plus, Rachel and Dray round off the episode with their Tracks of the Week.


    Listen along with our new Tracks of the Week playlist on District Music's Spotify.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Festival Fever

    Festival Fever
    Jun 18 2026
    Fresh from Forbidden Fruit and Beyond The Pale, Rachel and Dray break down the best sets, biggest surprises and most talked-about moments of festival season. They also take a journey through the history of Irish festivals, tracing the path from ancient Celtic gatherings and Fleadh Cheoil to Féile, Oxegen and Electric Picnic, exploring how Irish festival culture became what it is today. Plus, dream festival lineups, new music recommendations, and your chance to win The Cranberries' complete back catalogue on vinyl.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Trailer

    Trailer
    Jun 16 2026
    Why are we starting The Distrist Music Podcast? Who are Rachel Mae Hannon and Dray Morgan? Let's get in to it. From this week on, we will be encompassing contemporary music culture in Ireland and beyond. From legendary albums and iconic music moments, to breakthrough artists, deep dives, interviews, festival chaos and everything in between.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    1 min