LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy has contributed to a charity cover of The Waterboys‘ ‘The Whole Of The Moon’, which was recorded by DFA Records in memory of JD Twitch.
DJ Twitch, real name Keith McIvor, was one half of the legendary Scottish DJ duo Optimo, who announced in July 2025 that he had been diagnosed with an “untreatable” brain tumour.
His wife went on to launch a crowdfunder to help with his “24-hour nursing care”, which raised over £90,000 in just two days, with contributions from Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos, Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite and more.
In September that year, Optimo bandmate Jonnie Wilkes confirmed that he had passed away. He was aged 57.
Now, coming up to a year since his passing, DFA Records have announced a star-studded epic seven-minute cover of The Waterboys’ ‘The Whole Of The Moon’ in the musician’s memory, and the proceeds are going to charity.
A digital version is available now on Bandcamp, and a limited-edition vinyl pressing will be available from October 2.
The cover was recorded by friends of DJ Twitch and artists who have been inspired by their music. Shared under the name The Watergirls, the track was made as a way to pay their respects for the artist, but never originally meant to be released.
However, coming up to 12 months since his passing, they have decided to release the song as a fundraiser and donate the proceeds to Beatson Cancer Charity and the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence.
The project was initiated by Teamy, and features contributions from LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy – who co-founded DFA Records – as well as Fantastic Twins, Bob Weston, CC:DISCO! and Mhairi McClymont.
Co-founder of A Love From Outer Space Sean Johnston, also known as Hardway Bros, has also recorded two remixes.
“‘The Whole Of The Moon’ is a classic,” reads a description of the song. “It’s a song about awe and hope and love for the people who show us the best of this often broken world, the blessed few who show the way and introduce us to things and thoughts… Keith McIvor aka JD Twitch of Optimo was one of those people.”
Teamy also shared that while the track was “was never intended to be released”, it “felt wrong” to keep it under wraps once friends and family started contributing to it.
“Its sentiment is universal and applies to so many incredible people in music and beyond that are sadly missed,” they shared. “It’s meant to be played out. It’s meant to make two friends hug and sing into each other’s faces. It’s for Keith and for everyone like him.”
Around the time that McIvor announced his diagnosis, DJA Records launched a T-shirt range with the slogan ‘No DJA Without Optimo’ earlier this year to help with the artist’s care.
In their tribute at the time, they said that they wanted to help raise funds as Optimo had “played our records, hosted our artists, DJ’d our parties, contributed remixes and records to the DFA catalog, hugged us sweatily into the night, and been more than family ever since.”
“This shirt is our tiny way of trying to raise money for our friend (every bit of profit will go to Keith’s fund),” they added. “But it’s also an opportunity for us to show love and respect where it’s so truly deserved, with a truth: No DFA Without Optimo.”
Such sad sad news about JD Twitch – a huge talent who loved what he did. Optimo just never compromise and brought us all so much joy
Rest easy Keith
x x pic.twitter.com/s7JRxrMJis— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) September 20, 2025
When news of his death broke in September 2025, Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos paid tribute online, writing: “Very sad to read this. What an impact he had on so many lives.”
Bicep wrote: “We are both utterly heartbroken. The impact Keith and Optimo have had on us is immense, he was a titan of UK music and culture. He was such an incredibly kind, warm, genuine, caring person. Gone far too soon. We love you Keith. Sending all the love in the world to you Jonnie and Keith’s family. Thinking about you every day.”
2ManyDJs also sent their “deepest condolences”, Four Tet described it as “heartbreaking news”, The Avalanches called JD Twitch “the best to ever do it”, and The Charlatans‘ Tim Burgess described him as a “huge talent who loved what he did”.
