Musician / Composer / Producer / Educator
Welcome to the website of musician, composer, facilitator and teacher
Aengus Hackett.
Have a look around, check out my projects on the music page, and get in touch.
Jazz guitarist turned producer, Penji (AKA Aengus Hackett) hails from Galway, Ireland.
After spending many years honing his jazz chops in Amsterdam, Penji moved back to Ireland where he quickly established himself as one of the country’s leading jazz musicians.
Following several years of experimentation with electronica-influenced post-rock band Zinc,
Penji has finally given into a lifelong passion for electronic music.
This passion is realised in Penji’s eponymous debut release. The four track EP showcases his ability not only as a guitarist but also an able beatmaker. Penji’s lush guitar playing, processed through a plethora of pedals, becomes another animal altogether. Wonky guitar melodies bend in and out of crisp beats and fat synths, to form a collage of compositions which instantly evoke the dreaminess of Boards of Canada.
Produced by Penji in his home studio, the EP was mastered by maestro engineer Bob Macciochi of Subvert Central Mastering UK, who has worked with the likes of Lorn, Om Unit and DJ Shadow. Artwork and photos were created by long-time collaborator AMW Visual.
Beyond chuffed to see this brilliant write-up on Electric Dreams yesterday in Entertainment on RTÉ! I was interviewed by Harry Guerin about our approach to making music, and I meant everything I said. Inclusion is deeply important in our society and we really want that message to come across in our music. https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2020/0510/1137544-galway-band-bringing-people-together-in-electric-dreams/?fbclid=IwAR1A4hl7RBWTFmcfbxADCZc88Jo6lwFP-CgPdUzK5wkHowMNCZM1sgdaruw
I’m delighted to announce that my debut EP of electronic music is out May 21st on all platforms! I am releasing under the alias Penji, and here is the beautiful artwork by long-time collaborator AMW Visual
Guitarist and composer Aengus Hackett has been burgeoning jazz in the West of Ireland for more than 10 years, as part of the Galway Jazz Festival team. Most recently, he has gained acclaim for curating and performing on his ‘JAZZGate’ series, which has sold out many shows and featured the cream of Ireland’s jazz scene. A graduate of the prestigious Conservatory of Amsterdam, Aengus studied under world-renowned guitarist Jesse Van Ruller.
Aengus has assembled a new trio with two of Ireland’s finest jazz improvisers. Derek Whyte and Matthew Jacobson are an integral part of the faculty for DCU’s Jazz program, and both are members of improv group ReDiviDeR. Between them these three seasoned performers have worked with a plethora of international artists such as Kit Downes (UK), Ralph Alessi (US), Theo Bleckmann (DE), Sanem Kalfa (TUR), and Irish stalwarts such as Mike Nielsen, Tommy Halferty, Conor Guilfoyle, Ensemble Ériu and Fuzzy Logic Ensemble.
Drawing on his diverse influences, Aengus’ music combines elements of rock, electronica, and free improv, whilst also dipping in to the jazz tradition.
With their collective experience as improvisers, this group approaches Aengus’ melodic compositions with a freedom which is invigorating.
This allows the music to go wherever it wishes – gentle and lyrical, rhythmic and energetic, and when they take the leash off, in a word…wild.
Press on Aengus Hackett:
” Guitarist/composer/teacher Aengus Hackett is fast becoming
a pivotal figure of the Irish jazz scene. “ – Jazziz Magazine, USA
Press on Matthew Jacobson:
“one of the most dynamic forces in Irish jazz, on and off the stage” – The Irish Times
“a European jazz artist of growing charisma” – The Guardian