Hello Everyone, and Welcome to our final exclusive Progcast of 2023. Strap yourself in for our last trip around planet progressive for this year. We've taken a short trip from the South of England, to the hallowed North ... Manchester awaits you, and the home of a DJ who has achieved so much in such a short space of time. Please make some noise for the Manchild!!


Manchild, AKA Daz Smith is a Greater Manchester based DJ who refuses to be pigeon-holed, due to him playing what he wants. Comfortable with playing at any time on a line-up, whether that be warm-up, peak or closing time, all the Manchild cares about is that the crowd have the most untold time. 

After only getting back into DJing in 2019, and after a very long absence for family reasons, he fell back in love with the more Progressive sound all over again. Daz quickly became resident for Manchester brand ‘Up Close And Personal Mcr’, indulging in breaks, melodic techno, indie dance and more; Manchild's versatility allows him to flit seamlessly between all of the above. 

Since 2019 he has shared lineups and DJ space with James Zabiela, Cristoph, Anthony Pappa, Jody Wisternoff, Marsh, Cosmic Gate, Grum, John 00 Fleming, Richie Blacker, Mr Sosa, Estiva, My Friend, Fehrplay, Marcus James (Renaissance), Dave Pearce, Diode Eins, Tommy Farrow, John Kelly, Dave Beer and many more at venues such as London's Ministry of Sound, EGG, the Steel Yard and Manchester's Stage & Radio and Joshua Brooks' legendary basement. 

Already in early 2023 he has supported and handed the decks to technical wizard James Zabiela at Mains Castle in Dundee for 'Music is the Answer', and he's done exactly the same for the mighty Cristoph, and Cosmic Gate when supporting them on the UK leg of their 'MOSAIIK Chapter II' World Album tour at Joshua Brooks. Daz not only handed the decks over to Cristoph but also played B2B with him for a little while too. 

With more forthcoming gigs TBA, the Manchild is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.

1. Framewerk - Mercury And Solace (Framewerk Intro Rewerk)
2. Framewerk - Mercury And Solace (Framewerk Vocal Rewerk)
3. Franky Wah - EYWA (Original Mix) [SHÈN]
4. Ewan Rill - Jungle Beware [Shambhala Music]
5. Ruben Karapetyan & Mango - Golden Age (Anthony Pappa & Jamie Stevens Remix) [Mango Alley]
6. ID - ID
7. Jamie Stevens - Mad Bells (Extended Mix) [Meanwhile]
8. Maze 28 - Nightcrawl [RKP]
9. Maze 28 - This Is Just a Dream  [RKP]
10. Harry Diamond, Émilie Rachel, ChangedFaces - Home (Extended Instrumental Mix) [Armada Music]

https://soundcloud.com/manchild_uk
https://www.facebook.com/djdazmanchildsmith
https://www.instagram.com/manchild_uk/

IL MODO - MANCHILD (DECEMBER 2023)

The Progcast - Episode 198 - MANCHILD (UK)

Ian Bircher’s journey through electronic music spans decades, exploring genres like melodic house, breakbeat, trance, and progressive. As a DJ, he combines elements of light and shade, balancing uplifting vocals and euphoric melodies with darker, driving beats to create sets that engage and excite.

Ian is the founder of Infinite Beats, a Nottingham-based event showcasing local talent and label artists, including MXV and Naws. His 2024 schedule includes notable performances, such as the Woodland Disco Festival, where he shares the lineup with Danny Rampling and Allister Whitehead, and Deep Underground Notts, performing alongside Steven Weston, Boxer, and Tris.

Whether at a club night, festival, or intimate event, Ian’s sets reflect a thoughtful approach to curation, offering listeners a chance to connect with the music on a deeper level.

From early childhood car rides soundtracked by Jean-Michel Jarre to headlining underground club nights across the UK, Erik’s journey through electronic music has always been one of deep connection and evolution. Based on the South Coast of England, his love affair with sound began in the most organic of ways — through the speakers of his family’s car, where electronic music first captured his imagination.

“Music was always playing at home, but it was those long holiday drives with Jarre that really imprinted something on me. That’s where it all started.”

By the early ’90s, Erik had taken to the decks, diving headfirst into the UK’s vibrant club culture. What followed was a decades-spanning path through residencies, raves, and underground venues — including standout stints at Bournemouth’s flagship progressive and techno night Terminal, as well as the Twisted Global parties that defined a generation of South Coast dance music lovers.

Erik’s sound is fluid yet unmistakably his own. His DJ sets move seamlessly between deep house, progressive trance, atmospheric breaks, and driving techno — built on a foundation of lush textures, haunting melodies, and tightly wound grooves. Whether warming up a room or closing it down, Erik’s sets are more than just selections — they’re sonic narratives crafted for the dancefloor.

As a producer, Erik brings the same storytelling sensibility into the studio. His productions have caught the ears of a diverse group of global tastemakers, earning support from legends such as Nick Warren, Umek, Cristian Varela, and Meat Katie. With releases on respected imprints like Lowering the Tone, Prognosis, Krafted Records, AH Digital, Gibbon Records, and Wight Label Records, Erik has built a discography that balances depth, energy, and emotional resonance.

Now serving as the President DJ for Bournemouth-based Revibe Emotions, Erik continues to contribute to the scene — not just as a performer or producer, but as a curator, mentor, and ambassador for the underground. Whether on stage or in the studio, his mission remains the same: to create meaningful musical experiences that move bodies, stir emotions, and stay with listeners long after the final beat..

Welcome to Il Modo. Supporters of quality underground electronica, specialising in Progressive House and all related genres. Follow us for Exclusive DJ sets from around the world, both weekly and monthly. Plus our monthly radio shows on DIFM & Subcode! 

We push new and emerging DJs as much as we can, alongside current club favourites and headliners. Fresh talent is always on our radar so if you would like a chance at a guest mix here, impress us! Drop us a message here or through our FB/Instagram channels, we are always listening x

UCAP, founded by Andy Holdsworth, has carved out a unique niche in the nightlife scene, providing an intimate setting for music lovers to experience renowned DJs in a close and personal atmosphere. After a decade of success in the northern club scene, UCAP made an exciting transition to Exeter, broadening its horizons. Now, as the events manager at Bomba and Move, Holdsworth continues to innovate the local music landscape by curating a diverse range of events that encompass genres like Techno, Progressive, Trance, Melodic, SKA, and Reggae. This new chapter not only fosters community engagement through music but also showcases an eclectic mix of bands and artists, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Holdsworth's vision and dedication to creating memorable experiences will undoubtedly rejuvenate Exeter's nightlife.