Derry musicians Charlie Mullan and Garvan Cosgrove introduce new Eugene McGuinness record with special Derry gig
Two Derry men have launched their own record label after years of working in Liverpool’s music scene, and they are now bringing their first release home to Derry.
Charlie Mullan and Garvan Cosgrove pursued their musical ambitions in Liverpool in the 1990s and 2000s where they performed at the well‑known Zanzibar Club, formerly owned by the late Tony Butler.
They described the venue as a hub for emerging Liverpool acts, and Charlie credits Butler with championing unsigned bands. Both men say Butler’s influence played a key role in inspiring their Liverpool-based recording studio and now record label, Docklands Speed Shop Recording Studio in 2018.
“We were recording in a car garage, so we had to do it at night,” Garvan said. “That’s where the Speed Shop name comes from. It was an old BMW garage on the docks in Liverpool, and that was the nucleus of why we started it.”
The studio is also home to a remarkable piece of music history, a 1978 Trident Series 80 console once owned by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page.
“It came from Trident Studios in London,” Garvan said. “They famously recorded Hey Jude there, and the first four or five Bowie albums. When the studio closed in the ’80s, Jimmy Page bought the desk.”
Charlie added that the ethos of Docklands Speed Shop is shaped by that era of classic recording. “A lot of our approach comes from that time. Liverpool is such a musical place, and for us, being able to contribute to that is important.”
The label began to take shape when musician Eugene McGuinness, who they describe as ‘a massive talent’, expressed interest in releasing his new record with them.
“Eugene really inspired all of us,” Charlie said. “When he said he wanted to release his record with the label, it felt like the right moment.”
The former Eugene + the Lizards frontman grew up in East London but has strong roots in the North West, with both of his parents hailing from Limavady.
His new album, Eugene McGuinness Versus the Universe, will be released in April 2026 as a co‑release between Docklands Speed Shop and Mellowtone Records.
McGuinness will perform at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Derry, on March 28.
Charlie and Garvan said it was a ‘no brainer’ to bring McGuinness to Derry first on his tour.
“Eugene is very proud of his heritage,” Garvan said. “Bringing him to Derry for a gig was important to everyone. We want to share with people what we are trying to achieve. We have always wanted to keep that connection with Derry.”
Charlie added that the cross‑city connection has always been central to their work.
“We used to bring bands from Liverpool to Derry and take Derry bands over to Liverpool. Showcasing what each city has to offer has always been something we’ve done,” said Garvan.“You could say we’re proud of both cities.”
Their own band, ‘Big Ráth’, will also perform as a support act at McGuinness’s Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin gig, alongside ‘Ego the Jackal.’
Advance tickets are £13 or £40 with the new LP and are available from: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mellowtone/2027961