RIOT CODE get personal on new EP 'Anam Cara'

RIOT CODE have released their new EP, 'Anam Cara' via Paula Temple's Noise Manifesto.

Translating from Gaeilge to 'Soul Friend', the body of work is a dedication to keen supporter of the pair Paula Temple and her wife Nicole, with the three-tracker closing on a remix by Temple herself.

"Paula and Nicole are from the Queer community and one-half of RIOT CODE is a transman, in which Paula and Nicole have been massively supportive of him with this. It made sense to work closely with other members from the LGBTQIA+ Community," RIOT CODE tell Mixmag.

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The EP's artwork also contains Gailege to symbolise the roots of the techno duo, who hail from Ireland. Both through this, and the tracks within, the pair explore their rave heritage in their hometown of Derry and how the area has helped shape their creative output.

Opener 'Angel Gaze' is a heartfelt cut, channelling the feelings, struggles and battles of queer people the duo have met. With its sweeping strings and heavy broken beats giving way to its emotional charge, the duo add that listeners would "really resonate with this track when you know that background and can feel every emotion". 'Far From Home' follows - a peak-time acid charger - yet again, behind its intense frontage, is contextualised by contrasting emotions of anxiety, yearning and accomplishment.

"There is a lot of musical talent emerging from Northern Ireland, and I believe it's crucial to support and promote it," Paula Temple tells Mixmag. "I'm not great with metaphors, but if I were to describe it, it's like beautiful flower buds sprouting in a crack where there hasn't been light for a long time. If we can shine some light on them, more flowers will surely blossom. With RIOT CODE, I can already see their talent and determination, and their music deeply resonates with me. I'm very excited to see where they'll be in two years.

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"In simple terms, the heteronormative world often underestimates the barriers and challenges that people from the LGBTQIA+ community face throughout their lives, which continue to persist. The mental scars, even after finding a safer space, are all too real. There are higher rates of depression and suicide, and physical and structural violence, such as the constant fluctuation between societal acceptance and rejection, and the granting or revocation of human rights by legal systems. In our music communities, the least we can do is shine a spotlight on and support LGBTQIA+ talent.

"What makes RIOT CODE particularly interesting is that Oliver has never placed his identity as a trans man at the forefront. RIOT CODE may encounter a significant amount of invisible or unintentional discrimination because they appear cisgender in a time where we are starting to recognise the importance of supporting trans artists. That is MY fear that they might be overlooked by LGBTQIA+ collectives or by promoters and agents, especially with many DJs switching to hard techno style due to its popularity."

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Check out the music video for 'Angel Gaze' below, filmed by director and videographer Jamie. Its release has coincided with a campaign in Derry related to the video's topic, concerning corporate acquisition of former rave spaces and the Northern Irish Government.

Niamh Ingram is Mixmag's Weekend Editor, follow her on Twitter