KETTAMA Biography: The Rise of G-Town’s Maverick of Rave
In the high-octane world of contemporary electronic music, few figures have reshaped the landscape with as much raw, DIY energy as KETTAMA. Born Evan Campbell in Galway, Ireland, the producer and DJ has become the face of a new generation of “party rave”—a high-velocity blend of hard house, 90s trance euphoria, and speed garage grit. From his early days uploading tracks to SoundCloud in his bedroom to headlining global stages like Coachella and Glastonbury, KETTAMA’s trajectory is a masterclass in staying true to underground roots while achieving mainstream dominance.
This article explores the life, career, and sonic evolution of the G-Town Records co-founder, detailing how he turned a local Irish sound into a global phenomenon.
Early Life and the Birth of G-Town
Evan Campbell’s musical journey began in the coastal city of Galway, a place he affectionately dubbed “G-Town.” At age 16, a trial version of Ableton and a Launchpad provided the foundation for his experimentation. His first foray into production involved remaking the piano hook from Tyga’s “I’m Different,” a nod to the hip-hop influences that would later define his sample-heavy house style.
By 17, Campbell was already performing in local clubs, honing a style that was unapologetically loud and percussive. In 2019, alongside fellow Irish DJ Shampain, he co-founded G-Town Records. The label wasn’t just a business venture; it was a cultural mission to put Galway on the map, providing a platform for the “rough and ready” sounds emerging from the Irish underground.
The Breakthrough: From “B O D Y” to Global Residencies
The turning point in KETTAMA’s career came in 2018 with the release of the Bucklyn Bridge EP on the Brooklyn-based label Homage. The track “B O D Y” became an instant club anthem, championed by heavyweights like Mall Grab and BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac.
Key Career Milestones
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2018: Viral success of “B O D Y” and the Bucklyn Bridge EP.
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2021: Launch of G-Town Records with the definitive G-TOWN 001 release.
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2024: Mainstage debuts at Coachella, Glastonbury, and Boomtown.
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2025: Launch of a high-profile residency on BBC Radio 1 Dance and an Amnesia Ibiza residency.
The KETTAMA Sound: A Technical Profile
KETTAMA’s music is often described as “techno-adjacent,” but his technical palette is much broader. He specializes in a “mishmash” style that prioritizes energy over genre purity.
Sonic Characteristics
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Rhythm: Heavy UK Garage (UKG) and Speed Garage influences with unrelenting 4/4 kick drums.
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Melody: A heavy reliance on 90s-style “Euro-dance” piano stabs and celestial trance synths.
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Sampling: Expert use of hip-hop vocal chops and retro pop samples (notably Mariah Carey and Reflekt).
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Tempo: Typically ranging from 135 to 145 BPM, sitting comfortably between hard house and contemporary techno.
Essential Discography: “Archangel” and Beyond
After years of prolific EP releases, KETTAMA released his magnum opus, the debut album Archangel, on October 3, 2025. The 15-track project was a decade in the making and solidified his status as a versatile artist capable of both warehouse “weapons” and introspective, melodic compositions.
Notable Tracks & Collaborations
| Track Title | Collaborator(s) | Key Feature |
| Yosemite | Interplanetary Criminal | Samples Reflekt’s “Need to Feel Loved”; a speed-garage anthem. |
| It Gets Better | (Forever Mix) | A euphoric summer hit featuring uplifting synths and rave vocals. |
| HARDSTYLE 2 | Fred again.. & Shady Nasty | A gritty, experimental track that bridged the gap to the mainstream. |
| Man With a Second Face | Solo | A festival-circuit centerpiece known for its warped vocals and cataclysmic breakdown. |
| If U Want My Heart | DJ HEARTSTRING & KLP | A peak-time trance-forward banger. |
Expert Tips for Understanding the “KETTAMA Aesthetic”
For those looking to dive deeper into the world of G-Town, consider these nuances of his performance and production style:
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The Collaborative Alias: KETTAMA frequently performs under aliases, such as Samba Boys (with Tommy Holohan) and KETBOI69 (with Partiboi69). These sets are often faster and more focused on “ghettotech” and 90s hardgroove.
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Visual Branding: His aesthetic—often featuring 90s sportswear, Air Maxes (the subject of his track with Fred again..), and raw, grainy social media footage—is central to his DIY brand.
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Mixing Style: Expect high-energy, fast transitions. While critics occasionally note “sloppy” mixing in the heat of a rave, his fans argue that this raw, unpolished energy is exactly what makes his sets authentic.
Performance Highlights & 2026 Tour
KETTAMA’s 2026 global tour has seen him move from basement clubs to stadium-sized grounds. Notable stops include:
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Red Rocks Amphitheatre (USA): A landmark performance in the Colorado mountains.
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Parklife (UK): Sharing the stage with the likes of Calvin Harris and Nia Archives.
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Forbidden Fruit (Ireland): A major homecoming headline set in Dublin.
Artist Profile & “Nutrition” (Career Stats)
To understand the scale of KETTAMA’s influence in 2026, here is a snapshot of his “career vitals” based on recent industry data:
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Primary Genres: House, Hard House, Techno, Speed Garage.
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Home Base: Galway, Ireland / London, UK.
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Monthly Listeners: 2M+ (Estimated across platforms).
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Top 5 Tracks (Streams):
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It Gets Better (Forever Mix)
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Yosemite
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Pretty Green Eyes (Sunset Ibiza Mix)
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If U Want My Heart
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HARDSTYLE 2
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Associated Labels: G-Town Records, Steel City Dance Discs, Shall Not Fade, R&S.
Storage & “Make-Ahead” Listening (Playlists)
If you want to experience the G-Town sound before catching a live show, the best “storage” for his tracks is through his curated DJ mixes:
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BBC Radio 1 Residency: Monthly shows offering a deep dive into his current rotations.
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Boiler Room London (2025): A high-definition look at his energy in a packed room.
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Steel City Dance Discs Mixes: Showcases his more industrial, hard-hitting techno side.
Would you like me to create a curated “Starter Pack” playlist of KETTAMA’s essential underground remixes?