irk is a British DJ renowned both for his word-twisting scratch skits and mixtapes, and for his high-energy live sets. In late 2009 his musical shenanigans were noticed by London record label Ninja Tune’s legendary Solid Steel Radio, and January 2010 saw him secure a guest-mix-contributor spot on the show. This put him in the ranks alongside an astonishing list of guest contributors, including DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist, Steinski, Kentaro, Kid Koala, Caspa, Company Flow, Kraddy, Freestylers and many more. His mixes are consistently amongst the most listened-to; no mean feat on a show boasting a twenty-year history of ‘Broadcasting the Broadest Beats’, and whose name Ninja Tune proudly shares with its official mix releases from label treasures Amon Tobin, DJ Kentaro, Mr Scruff and Bonobo, among others.

2010 culminated in him winning the highly-coveted Solid Steel Mix Of The Year title, a mere 12 months after his first appearance on the show.

irk continues to produce his trademark mixes, lacing only the heaviest beats with his signature comically logic-defying, reference-laden turntable antics. However, the wide support and interest gained from his success on Solid Steel have provided opportunities for extending his reach, playing more live shows in new cities, to ever larger audiences – opportunities he’s making the most of and enjoying immensely. His live performances always impress and often astound; and although you can never be sure precisely which virtual Serato crates he’ll be digging through, the one thing you’re guaranteed is a raucous, massively entertaining, scratched-up rampage through the best the world of music has to offer. Expect the finest hiphop, drum and bass, electro, glitch and dubstep – the good, the badass and the downright dirty tamed and brought together under one roof, moulded in to a jaw-dropping slew of sonic revelry and served up on two Technics platters.

But no man can live on music alone: irk completed a PhD in mathematics in 2009 and spends his free time surfing, skating and snowboarding depending on location and conditions. He currently lays his hat in Bristol, UK. He’s a friendly creature and would love to see you at a show, so go say hi – just not when he’s busy playing – FYI tequila is his weapon of choice.