Ryan Bissett and Robbie Griffiths: The Ethos Behind Belters Only

Dublin-based electronic duo Belters Only, made up of Ryan Bissett and Robbie Griffiths, is not just reshaping the Irish dance scene; they are forging a path for underground electronic music on a global stage. With their home studios in Ireland as a creative launchpad, they are exporting a unique sound, merging polished house arrangements with the raw vocal elements of adjacent underground genres.

Bridging a Musical Divide

At the heart of Belters Only’s mission is the merging of distinct Irish music scenes, where electronic and underground elements come together in perfect harmony. Their approach to production encapsulates a pivotal moment in music history—where polished house meets unfiltered rap and drill. By collaborating with local artists, such as Dundalk rapper Reggie B, they prioritize quick, transparent studio sessions that keep the energy alive and vibrant.

Bissett reflects on their work with Reggie B, noting, “I was surprised at how smooth he was on the house stuff. A lot of rappers can ride a beat but would sometimes struggle when it comes to the transition; it was second nature to Reggie, which shows great versatility to his craft.” This synergy allows them to maintain their “club-ready DNA” while respecting the guest artist’s contributions.

The Art of Mixing: A Focus on Vocal Presence

Successful electronic music demands a delicate balance between heavy club production and preserving the raw essence of vocal performances. For Bissett and RobbieG, vocals are not merely an afterthought; they serve as the heartbeat of any track. Whether they use a full vocal cut, snippets, or samples, ensuring that the voice shines through—all while still working within a robust production framework—is central to their sound.

Their label, We Are Active (WAA Records), embraces this philosophy, promoting the broader Irish underground scene with a keen focus on nurturing artists. This ethos stands in stark contrast to the traditional music industry’s often short-sighted approach to artist development. Instead, WAA nurtures long-term growth, giving emerging talent a genuine platform to explore their creativity, prioritizing artistic freedom over immediate financial returns.

Discipline Meets Creativity on the Journey to Ibiza

Behind their sold-out shows and expanding global reach lies a disciplined work ethic. Bissett and Griffiths maintain a strict routine that cuts across various aspects of their lives, laying a solid foundation for the creative processes in the studio. Bissett weighs in, “You have to be obsessed and then the results will show. Every day, even if it’s just for an hour, the universe has no choice but to reward you when you believe and constantly work hard, no matter what’s going on.”

This dedication is especially evident in their seasonal WAAVY residencies in Ibiza. With massive sound systems and picturesque sunset backdrops, they aim to evoke the essence of club culture—community and escapism. Griffiths sums it up perfectly: “The game is a very detailed, serious place right now. So, there’s no harm in throwing a party full of good vibes, good tunes, and a good buzz; leave everything at the dock for a few hours.”

Evolving the Belters Only Sound

Although they are seamlessly integrating house music with elements from other underground sub-genres, Belters Only remains firmly rooted in the house sound that defined their beginnings. As they explore new territories in their music, both Bissett and Griffiths emphasize an ongoing commitment to learning. They see their journey as continual evolution, positioning themselves not just as producers but also as students of the art.

Their goal isn’t merely to solidify their status as chart-toppers; it’s about setting a precedent for future underground artists that international recognition is within reach. They are living proof that, with the right blend of dedication and creativity, success can stem not just from commercial hits but from a deeper, more authentic connection to music and community.

The Definitive Belters Only Knowledge FAQ

An Artist’s Sonic Progression

Belters Only continues to redefine modern Irish electronic music by blending foundational house rhythms with raw, unfiltered vocal talent from adjacent underground scenes.

How do Belters Only approach cross-genre collaborations?

Belters Only keeps their core club-ready DNA intact while ensuring guest vocals, such as those from rap and drill artists, are highlighted without smoothing out their raw edges.

What is the ethos behind We Are Active (WAA Records)?

The label is committed to providing a platform for emerging artists to experiment and build long-term careers instead of chasing short-term financial gains.

What drives the consistent success of Belters Only?

Ryan Bissett and Robbie Griffiths attribute their sustained growth in the industry to strict discipline, an obsession with music, and emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.