Smirnoff Sound Nation has put together an exciting new competition for Electric Picnic 2026, specifically aiming to promote, celebrate and encourage up-and-coming Irish DJs. Titled ‘The Residency’, the opportunity offers emerging artists the chance to show off their talents at Ireland’s biggest music festival. 

DJs from all backgrounds and genres are encouraged to enter, from electronic and house to hip-hop and everything in between. Those interested must be based on the island of Ireland, over 25 and submit a sample of their work alongside some personal details here. Applications for the competition close on June 28, 2026.

Four Four Magazine will be selecting the three finalists for head-to-head audience voting. Each finalist will create a playlist showing off their unique sound and vision, which will be platformed on the official Smirnoff Spotify profile. Audience members can then vote for their favourite, determining who of the three will win the overall competition. Voting will close on August 3 at midnight.

The winner of the competition will be asked to join the official lineup for the prestigious Smirnoff Stage at Electric Picnic 2026, playing alongside the star-stacked lineup of Gorgon City and The Blessed Madonna. The Smirnoff Stage has built a reputation as one of the most immersive and inclusive spaces in Ireland’s festival scene, breaking down barriers that too often make live music an exclusive space.

Head of Marketing Spirits Ireland at Smirnoff, David Heaney, spoke about The Residency, saying, “Ireland has always had an incredible musical heartbeat, and The Residency is our way of turning up the volume — giving DJs from different backgrounds the chance to be discovered and celebrated.” 

He continued, proudly sharing, “We believe the best parties — and the best stages — happen when you bring together different sounds, stories, and people. That’s what Smirnoff Sound Nation is all about, and that’s exactly what The Residency will be.

“We cannot wait to hear what Ireland’s up-and-coming DJs bring to the table — and we can’t wait to give one of them the stage they deserve at Electric Picnic,” he concluded.

Electric Picnic Festival Director, Melvin Benn, added, “It’s really important to me to make sure  Electric Picnic always delivers the best experience for our audience, and this local initiative powered by Smirnoff Sound Nation is the perfect addition to our already action-packed festival weekend.”

He stated his excitement for what could come of The Residency, saying, “Giving a platform to the next generation of incredible artists ensures that we can support local communities and individuals, while continuing to raise the bar for Irish artistry.”

He finished, saying, “Wishing a massive good luck to all those that enter and hopefully we’ll be seeing you take centre Smirnoff Stage on a sunny bank holiday in August!”

Following last year’s amazing lineup, Electric Picnic 2026, taking place from August 28 to 30, is no different. The winner of the competition will get the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with this year’s huge names, such as CMAT, Fontaines D.C., Gorillaz, Wolf Alice and more.

This is an incredible chance for smaller Irish artists to further their career in the music scene. Don’t miss out on applying here!