James Murphy Drops Massive Charity Cover Tribute To Late Optimo Legend JD Twitch

Indie and electronic royalty are joining forces for a heartfelt cause. LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy has teamed up with his iconic label, DFA Records, to release a sprawling, seven-minute cover of The Waterboys’ classic anthem "The Whole Of The Moon." The special charity track dropped under the collective moniker The Watergirls, serving as a soaring tribute to late DJ legend Keith McIvor—famously known to clubbers worldwide as JD Twitch of the acclaimed Scottish duo Optimo. The release arrives roughly a year after McIvor's tragic death sent shockwaves through the international music scene. In July 2025, the music world received the devastating news that the Glasgow-based selector had been diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumor. The news prompted an immediate wave of support across the industry. McIvor's wife launched a crowdfunding campaign to help finance his necessary 24-hour nursing care, which remarkably shattered its goals by bringing in over £90,000 in just two days. High-profile stars from the Scottish indie scene and beyond rallied to pitch in during the fundraiser, including Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos and Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite. Despite the overwhelming outpouring of love and financial aid, McIvor's Optimo performance partner, Jonnie Wilkes, tragically confirmed in September 2025 that the influential DJ had passed away at the age of 57.

who recorded the whole of the moon charity cover To keep McIvor's vibrant memory alive, DFA Records gathered a collective of his close collaborators, friends, and artists who drew inspiration from his genre-defying DJ sets. Operating under the name The Watergirls, this ensemble crafted an epic, extended version of The Waterboys' 1985 smash. Murphy lent his signature touch to the recording, highlighting the deep bond between the New York dance-punk scene and the Scottish club circuit that Optimo helped pioneer. All proceeds generated from the project will go directly to charity to support causes in McIvor's memory.

BUZZBEAT

where to buy the watergirls charity single Music lovers looking to support the tribute can grab the track immediately. A digital edition of "The Whole Of The Moon" is currently available to download via Bandcamp. Meanwhile, vinyl enthusiasts can look forward to a physical release later this autumn. DFA Records confirmed that a limited-edition vinyl pressing will officially be available starting October 2.