The Japanese Popstars

The Japanese Popstars are an electronic act from Derry, Northern Ireland, consisting of Declan McLaughlin aka Decky Hedrock, Gary Curran, and Gareth Donoghue. They signed to indie label, in 2007 to Gung-Ho Recordings (Gus Gus, Zoo Brazil) in the UK, and Beatink in Japan (home of Underworld, Aphex Twin, and Cinematic Orchestra) but in 2010 then moved to Virgin Records. 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 (4 years in a row). 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.

The band have their very own brand of Nike trainers called JAPSTARS01. They have been referred to by people (particularly in Derry) as The Jappy Pops, Jap Pops, Popstars or The Japstars.

In 2011 they released their second studio album 'Controlling Your Allegiance' which featured guest vocals from Robert Smith (The Cure), James Vincent McMorrow, Green Velvet, Lisa Hannigan, Tom SmithEditors, Dot JR, Morgan Kibby (M83) and Jon Spencer (Blues Explosion).

They have also remixed the likes of Beyonce, Daft Punk, Depeche Mode, Ting Tings, Editors and many more, as well as playing the European MTV Music Awards Preparty live with Kasabian in 2011.

The band have gain an enormous reputation for being a great live act and have played many festivals around the world including Fuji Rock, Japan, Oxegen, 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.

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