David Holmes has spent his life channelling the pulse of real history into his music- from the streets of Belfast to the world stage. In this episode, I chat with David about a lifelong relationship with Paul Weller’s music, starting as a young Jam fan inheriting family record collections, and reaching its apex through direct creative collaboration with Paul Weller himself in 2025.

We cover David’s early immersion in mod and punk culture; growing up under occupation in Northern Ireland, and the impact that social and political struggle had on his artistic and ethical outlook.

We talk about the new single Resistance in the Dark – a collaboration between David, Paul Weller, and Irish-Palestinian artist Roisin El Cherif, born from their collective outrage at the events unfolding in Gaza. David explains the concept behind his new project, The Five Techniques, and how it’ll be an umbrella for artists raising their voices in solidarity

We also discuss Paul Weller’s long-standing role at the forefront of musical protest and activism, how he’s never shied away from putting his beliefs on the line, and how they both view their platforms as tools for change, not just entertainment.

The episode is an unflinching look at creativity, conscience, and what it means to stand up for what’s right – including the challenges and accusations that inevitably come with speaking out. David shares the reality of collaborating with Paul Weller – his speed, talent, refusal to look backwards, and relentless pursuit of relevance – and the practicalities of how their track together came to life.

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Introducing: The Five Techniques ‘Resistance in The Dark’ featuring Róisín El Cherif & Paul Weller.

The Five Techniques a music project created by Belfast DJ & producer David Holmes, are a collective of artists who believe music, art & humanity can be acts of resistance. The first single ‘Resistance In The Dark’ features Róisín El Cherif & Paul Weller. The trio first connected at Gig For Gaza – curated by Weller himself – and come together again for a vital cause. Douglas Hart has pieced together footage of the devastation caused, creating a hard-hitting visual to the track.

• WATCH THE VIDEO •

• LISTEN TO ‘RESISTANCE IN THE DARK’ •

Irish-Palestinian artist Róisín El Cherif channels the strength of her heritage into a powerful message of resilience. Through haunting Arabic vocals, she delivers the moving line: “If my voice should falter, yours will remain.”

Cherif says, “From Naji Ali to today’s Children of Gaza, Palestine is the story of a people’s fight for freedom. The freedom to be born free in your Homeland. For Palestine our beloved.”

Weller adds, “This is our response to the ongoing land grab, displacement and genocide against the Palestinian people by the brutal Israeli government. We wanted to show our solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine, and their ongoing struggle and resistance. It’s a struggle of all people denied their rights.”

“Resistance In The Dark” is available now to stream or download here, or pre-order your copy on 7” vinyl from Friday 5th December.

• All proceeds will be donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). •