The Japanese Popstars


The Japanese Popstars are a Northern Irish electronic group consisting of Gary Curran and Gareth Donoghue. Each member has his own alias. The act was nominated for "Best House DJs" at the 2006 World Urban Music Awards, "Best Live Performance" at the 2007 Northern Ireland Music Awards and won "Best Live Act" at the 2008 Irish Music Awards and then every year since. They were also voted "Best Breakthrough Producers" at the DJ Mag Best of British Awards 2008, awarded "No.1 Dance Album" by Hotpress magazine, and won " Best Live Act" and "Best Album" at the 2009 Irish Music Awards.

History

Originally a trio with former member Declan McLaughlin, they signed to indie label, in 2007 to Gung-Ho Recordings in the UK, and Beatink in Japan but in 2010 then moved to Virgin Records. They have been referred to by people as The Jappy Pops, Jap Pops, Popstars, the popstars or The Japstars.
In 2011 they released their second studio album 'Controlling Your Allegiance' which featured guest vocals from Robert Smith, James Vincent McMorrow, Green Velvet, Lisa Hannigan, Tom Smith, Dot JR, Morgan Kibby and Jon Spencer.
They have also remixed the likes of Beyoncé, Daft Punk, Depeche Mode, The Ting Tings, Editors and many more, as well as playing the European MTV Music Awards Preparty live with Kasabian in 2011.
The band have a reputation for being a great live act and have played many festivals around the world including Fuji Rock, Japan, Oxegen, Ireland, Sea Sessions, Ireland, Glastonbury Festival, UK, Electric Picnic, Ireland, Rockness, Scotland, Trans Musicales, France, Benicassim, Spain, Dour Festival, Belgium, Dance.Here.Now, New York, Camp Bisco, NY, Bestival, UK, Les Transardentes, Belgium, Sea of Love, Germany, Scopitone, France and many more.
Decky Hedrock has since split from the group to form Sirkus Sirkuz and a monthly radio show on RTÉ 2FM.

Discography

Singles

Live albums

Extended plays

Remixes

Controlling Your Allegiance was nominated for the Choice Music Prize in January 2012.