Claire Beck is a DJ and Broadcaster from Dublin.
She hosts two shows on Today FM, Claire Beck’s Saturday SoundSystem and All Irish, and co-hosts Real Hot Girl Pod with Conor Finn. Claire’s next DJ set is Centre Point on New Years Eve with Le Boom. Follow @clairebeckDJ on insta for gig updates.
Merry Listmas, Rides! This year for me was a mix of launching head first back into real life and saying yes to everything for fear it all got taken away again, and then struggling with the overwhelm that naturally came with all of that. I think this year’s list really reflects that, a mix of huge dancefloor beasties and quieter tracks that got me through the tougher moments. If you listened to my radio shows or danced at any of my sets this year thank you SO much, it means the world. As usual, I’ve made a longer ‘Best Of’ playlist for the year.
See all Guestlist of 2022 choices
10.
Confidence Man – It Feels Like A Different Thing
Another iconic banger from the best party band in the world. I love that just when you think it can’t get any better, a choir appears. I’ve yet to introduce someone to ConMan and not have them lose their shit and become instant fans, so if you’re about to click this and hear them for the first time, you’re welcome.
9.
Mitski – Love Me More
The standout track from her Laurel Hell album from earlier this year. I was on full vocal rest for her Olympia show last summer which meant when she played Love Me More early on in the set, I was sobbing silently into my mask while everyone else screeched along ‘LOUD ENOUGH TO DROWN ME OUT’ What a show, what a performer, what a song.
8.
Sorcha Richardson – Shark Eyes
Which brings me nicely on to my next track. Sorcha supported Mitski on that tour, just her and her guitar. And the audience loved her, as they should. I love Sorcha’s style of songwriting, her songs are so personal but feel utterly relatable. Please go listen to all of Sorcha’s music if you haven’t already.
7.
KH – Looking At Your Pager
Kieran Hebden, what a guy. One of the (many) things I love about him is that he’s one of the most respected producers in the world but instead of being all *serious dance music man* he goes around having the craic. (Want proof? Please enjoy this video of him playing Miley Cyrus in a waffle van in New York ) Apart from being a stone cold banger, this tune to me is dripping with Kieran’s personality. It’s serving silly fun and I love watching people on the dancefloor realise it’s being mixed in and get ready to get into it.
6.
Niamh Regan – Late Nights
Niamh is such a unique and incredible talent. She performed this track live on my All Irish radio show a while back and there were jaws on the studio floor. She’s working on a new album and I can’t wait to hear it.
5.
Fred Again – Jungle (Rico Nasty Remix)
A second Kieran Hebden appearance here as co-produced this with Fred. It was love at first listen for me when I heard the original and I was skeptical that it could be improved upon. Thankfully I was so very wrong as Rico’s bars take it to the next level.
4.
Jamie XX – Lets Do It Again
When this came out in April, it felt like maybe, just maybe we were going to get our first proper summer since 2019. We tore the arse out of it, and this tune soundtracked the arse-tearing beautifully. When I saw Jamie play this at Primavera and looked around at all my pals and at the crowd going wild, it felt like coming home.
3.
Jessie Ware – Free Yourself (Paul Woolford Remix)
A late addition to the big summer banger party that I ended up rinsing for August and September. The original is a stunner, but this remix is perfection. The piano does something to me on a cellular level that I can’t control.
2.
Honey Dijon / Ramona Renea – Love Is A State Of Mind
‘I can love myself, and still have love for you, when you’re winning, doesn’t mean I lose’
A dancefloor banger about supporting your friends, thank you Miss Honey! The lyrics of this remind me of my incredible radio / DJ coven who never got the memo that we’re supposed to step over each other to get ahead – instead we get coffee and see how we can help each other out.
1. Beyonce – Renaissance
I pulled this one on my 2020 list when I put Roisin Machine at number one, and I’m using the same excuse here. Like Roisin Machine, Renaissance is one continuous track designed to be played start to finish.
Sure, there are stand alone gems like Alien Superstar, PURE/HONEY and Break My Soul that I’ve rinsed in the club and on the radio. But, it’s Renaissance as a whole that has soundtracked some of my favourite moments of the past few months. A love letter to Ballroom, Black excellence and the dancefloor, there is not a second of this album that misses.
See all Guestlist of 2022 choices
Claire’s Choices from 2021 & 2020
