HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Step into the world of Phraktal, where Christian Boshell’s relationship with electronic music has unfolded over three decades, not simply as a DJ or producer, but as a curator, writer, and cultural participant. His journey began in Dublin’s underground club scene, where long nights behind the decks at The Harp Nightclub shaped both his musical instincts and his understanding of dance music as a communal, transformative force.
Christian’s career has always been defined by proximity to sound and its emotional impact. From playing alongside Prince at Spirit Nightclub to warming up for Grandmaster Flash at the Love Festival in San Francisco, his path has crossed iconic moments without ever losing its underground grounding. Beyond the booth, his work in music promotion helped shape the Irish electronic music landscape in the late ’90s, collaborating with Deviant Records on releases by Paul van Dyk, The Orb, Spooky, and Humate. In 2000, the IRMA Awards acknowledged his ability to move fluidly between underground credibility and wider recognition when he received a double platinum award for helping bring a release to No. 1 in the Irish charts.
Alongside music, Christian has maintained a long-standing commitment to writing and documentation. He has contributed to print and online publications examining electronic music’s evolution, culture, and technology. In 2018, he co-founded Technoscene.eu, a platform dedicated to supporting underground electronic music, and he continues this thread through long-form writing, editorial projects, and a monthly residency on DI.FM, where curation and context remain central to the experience.
As Phraktal, his artistic output blends deep house, techno, and ambient textures into immersive, emotionally driven soundscapes. His work has attracted remixes from artists such as Orlando Voorn and Barry Jamieson, resonating with listeners who value atmosphere, restraint, and narrative over trends. Through his label and event series BAKROOM, he continues to curate music across eras and styles, treating DJing as a form of cultural stewardship rather than spectacle.
At its core, Christian’s work is driven by curiosity. He views techno not just as a genre, but as an evolving art form shaped by technology, community, and intent. Whether DJing, producing, or writing, his focus remains the same: exploring new ideas, amplifying underground voices, and staying attentive to the subtle shifts that define music culture over time. His journey is less about milestones and more about continuity, remaining present, engaged, and responsive to what comes next.