MARION HAWKES

Marion Hawkes is one of Belfast’s most beloved DJs, a scene staple who has tirelessly advocated for her city and its rich musical heritage for close to two decades through her celebrated work behind the decks, as founder of the record store Sound Advice and fiercely proud Queer night Ponyhawke.

A dose of transiency may haunt local music communities in this day and age, but loyal scene champions like Marion Hawkes stand resolute to maintain their heart and soul. Having spent 20 plus years involved with music within Northern Ireland’s capital, she soon became an electronic music obsessive which quickly translated into addictively wide-ranging and vibrant DJ sets that proved her a fascinatingly unique voice within Ireland’s clubbing scene. She he has featured at notable venues Sub Club, La Cheetah, Yamamori Tengu, Soup Kitchen & Meraki while also performing memorable festival slots at Body & Soul, All Together Now and AVA, the latter of which was the setting for her excellent Boiler Room debut. Fresh off her second BR stint showcasing her energetic sound that stokes the fire at Ponyhawke, and the nuanced fluidity of her Keep Hush live stream, the second half of the year is promising to be equally exciting. 

Through Ponyhawke, she along with Pony M have helmed a monthly club night at the Ulster Sports Club for the Queer underground. An inclusive space for the curious, outrageous & free spirits it remains a vital outpost for alternative clubbing within Belfast and is one of the cities most cherished nights. 

Her monthly Dublin Digital Radio residency meanwhile flexes her eclectic musical stylings to quite exciting effect proving her remarkable versatility behind the decks, delving deep & selecting killer B sides and obscurities far removed from the danceflooor. Picking up gigs spinning at the likes of The Big Romance, The Magnet, Hens Teeth which really give her leg room to explore her vast record collection. Other notable radio credits include NTS, Noods & Threads.

In late 2021, she founded Sound Advice Belfast in Banana Block multi-use warehouse space. It became the first record store of its kind in the city where it caters to record collectors, DJs and local artists alike through its exceptional curation and hosting of events from local selectors and musicians. This has made the space a vital community hub for artists from the city, while maintaining a vital link for the city to physical media. 

A seasoned professional, Marion has many strings to her bow, and not one to be pigeonholed to any one style you can be sure what is delivered is top notch. 

Support credits include : David Holmes, Annie Mac, Luke Una, Moodymann, The Blessed Madonna, Peach, Midland, Hodge, Avalon Emerson, Optimo, Eclair Fi-Fi, Sally C, Moxie, Objekt, Powder, Octo Octa, Horse Meat Disco, Crazy P & more.