As 2020 becomes the strangest year in history. We’re looking forward to more positive times. With that thought in mind.. It’s with extreme excitement that we launch our quest to find 2 New resident DJs. We’re looking for a new ‘Bass Music’ Resident and a new ‘House & Techno’ Resident.
We’re looking for 2 sound people that understand the concept of being a resident and being part of a family that loves music. To forge life long friendships with like minded people and play alongside THE BEST guest DJs in the world. They must understand the concept of taking people on a journey and be in a position to want to learn whilst broadening their musical knowledge and horizons.
Over the years we’ve been firm believers in supporting the local scene and giving as much of an opportunity to the Loughborough based artists and DJs as possible. We can’t wait to welcome two new family members to the ever growing crew of music lovers through the world of DBE.
If you feel this could be you. Apply below
>>> https://bit.ly/DBEresidentSearch2020 <<<
Deadline: August 30th
Below is a few words of what it means to be a DBE resident from current and previous members of the resident DJ family.
LATMUN (Joe Bradley – Ex Loughborough Student)
So where do I start with DBE…! I have made so many special memories with the brand, first starting as a student at Loughborough University where I used to be the first in line to buy my ticket to get my fix of dance music with my friends! Early in 2012 I then progressed onto playing one of my very earliest live sets at an outdoor secret party – I can still clearly remember that set today! As I got more involved with the party I became a resident, which played an integral part of shaping the DJ I am today. I learnt a lot about how to play to the crowd and really take them on an interesting journey over the course of a set, through regular appearances warming up for the guest headliners. It’s always an absolute pleasure to play there, good vibes and a really engaged knowledgeable crowd are plentiful. Another aspect of the party that makes it so unique is that its the only event of its kind / scale in the area, meaning absolutely everyone is in attendance on DBE day. This creates a really friendly family vibe on the dance-floor with everyone catching up with old friends as well as making new ones. To finish my DBE story, as my career progressed and I graduated from Loughborough, I now return to play the party as a headline guest, which really means a lot after my progression from being a regular attendee of the parties myself. It’s a special feeling for me when I’m behind the decks and can think back to what it was like to be on that dance floor, and the memories I made there myself.
FOLLOW LATMUN – https://www.instagram.com/latmundj/
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MALFIE (Alfie Chappell – Ex Loughborough Student)
I’ve now tried a couple times to write some words on what being a DBE resident meant to me but have struggled to pull it all together! To put it simply, being a resident with DBE was the bollocks. It expanded my musical horizons, sparked friendships with amazing people, and provided me with unforgettable life experiences, memories and lessons. Everyone brings their own something special to the team, be that from the DJs, the fam, the creatives or anyone that contributes in some way to what DBE is; and the results are fantastic.
I’ve had some truly special DJing experiences with DBE over the years and for that I am forever grateful! But for me it’s the family atmosphere and support amongst the crew that tops it all off. Having been the new kid myself at one point, I know firsthand how valuable this support can be to taking your DJing/producing further. The musical knowledge throughout the crew is something that never fails to impress me and I to this day continue to learn more and more from them. Big love to all involved
FOLLOW MALFIE: https://www.instagram.com/djmalfie/
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HANCOCK (Alfie Hancock – Loughborough Student)
Becoming a DBE resident has changed me, not only in terms of a musical stand point but a personal stand point too. With a huge variety in music taste and genres the DBE crew has really expanded my musical horizons.
If I look back to my first set as a resident at the 10th anniversary opening for My Nu Leng, my understanding and approach to my sets now have evolved from the experience I have gained since that time. With greater appreciation for the timing of the set and understanding the room depending on the headliners playing.
An incredible attribute of DBE is the wide variety of artists that perform, in which for myself , it has enabled me to support artists in the full spectrum of bass music while also it has made me appreciate music outside of what I would normally include in my sets and that my pre DBE days I would not have listened too.
Furthermore, being a part of the DBE crew includes meeting fantastic people from all walks of life who all enjoy different music but still support each other. Without being a resident I would not of made the quality friends that I have done and I cannot wait for the return of DBE.
FOLLOW HANCOCK: https://www.instagram.com/hancock_uk/
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Jake Twell (Jake Twell – Ex Loughborough Student / Local)
I’m not sure words can describe all of my experiences with DBE but I’ll try and start from the beginning… I’d always been into music from off the beaten track (pun intended), and after a small experience with dance music during my first year at university, I decided I wanted to see how far the rabbit hole went with electronic music, a statement to which I am, to this day, still following. After seeing Pendulum work the crowd into a frenzy at the union in 2007, I bought some turntables in the summer of my 1st year and started learning to mix (badly). Eventually I decided to spend most of my student loan on some CDJs after borrowing a friend’s CDJ200s. With these I started to gain a better understanding of mixing, and managed to secure some very small local gigs where I fell in love with being behind the decks, in control of the vibe and making people dance, as well as finding new music to stay ahead of the curve sonically. I was aware of DBE, or Dub Boro, as it was then; I didn’t know many of the headliners, but as one of the first “underground” nights I came across locally, I had to see what went on there. The first series of secret parties were in full swing, so I headed down to the Caspa & Emalkay night at Vice Versa – the atmosphere and energy in the room blew me away. The imported soundsystem thumped as I realized I loved not only the dark room, heavy music and flashing lights, but the sense of togetherness felt by being in that crowd, all experiencing something that could only be felt here…I had to have more. As the series of parties continued, I visited many clubs and locations as the nights were not only interesting musically, but sometimes in far out spaces; something to which I believe we have continued to do to this day. A personal high point was my first ever “DBE Magical Mystery Tour”, where you experience the rush of the bus journey to a secret location rave, heightening any sense of excitement you had before the party, to a crescendo of euphoria upon entering that room for the first time. I attended more DBEs during my 2 nd and 3 rd years at uni, and saw it growing: the appeal of great music, great atmosphere and secret venues was alluring to a lot, and the community around the night expanded. This has always featured highly in the DBE mantra, and I think it shows in our promoters, DJs and partygoers, that they are all there for the same reason: nice people dancing to good music. The early last entry tradition for DBE has been a thing since the beginning. Where ticket holders are all in the venue for 23.23. I think of this as a blessing; arriving early on to a Dub Boro party meant you got to experience the swell of energy as the night surges; from shoulder shrugging to full on raving as the beats pounded, with residents before and after the headliner to get the crowd moving early on and keep them raving after the headliner. I stayed from start to finish at these parties, most of the time just to hear Pasquale’s choice of last tune. It never fails to make me crack a smile and hug the person next to me. This is the power of Dance Music.
Another great thing about arriving early was the resident Djs – in the warm up especially – I admired their selections, silky transitions, and knowing when to up the ante musically to perfectly soundtrack any stage of the night. I also loved the camaraderie of DBE & DJing, sharing music new and old, and dancing together as one big family.
Through being involved in the local scene and a few times playing on the same bill, I started to talk to Pasq, I badly wanted to be involved with DBE, so I started to sell tickets for the brand (albeit it badly at the start!). I continued to DJ locally and after a few months of practice, in 2011 I was asked to play a set at Dub Boro in Echos supporting Kissy Sell Out. My heart was in my mouth as I plugged in serato in an empty room, the warm up set was exhilarating as I experienced a night at DBE from the other side of the decks, a feeling which I will never forget, seeing the room slowly fill while you provide music to make people’s feet start tapping and break into a dance.
When I was asked to be part of the team, I was overjoyed to be part of this night that I loved so much. My first set as a resident was at the Zinc & Benga night at Vice Versa, where I had experienced my first Dub Boro party; I had come full circle and was ready to step behind the decks to take control of the warm up set. Being a resident DJ you usually play early on or late – these sets, to me, are arguably the most difficult. The gentle caress of energy in the warm up set, to the tender descent at the end of the night, creating euphoria, and finishing with smiling faces when the lights come on. There is nothing better than a full club singing ABBA at the end of the night. Creating moments like that is something, as DJ, which I strive for.
Throughout my time with DBE, the resident DJs have always been a stand out part of the experience, whether it is supporting each other musically, being great friends, or dancing in someone’s kitchen at 4am; each resident is in their own right a great DJ, and also an ambassador for the DBE brand. The friendships I have made being a resident shaped who I am today, not only emotionally, but also musically, and I am forever grateful to be part of the family. As DBE has gone from strength to strength in the music scene, I have had some of the best experiences and opportunities as a resident DJ: travelling the UK and the world to play some of the best clubs, festivals and venues. A personal highlight was our first visit to Hideout Festival, where I not only witnessed some life changing DJ sets, but also played my first sunrise set, a picture firmly imprinted in my memories, the sun kissing the Adriatic Sea as it peeked over the mountains to drench Zrcé beach in gold light, as the bass bins keep the crowd moving. Although we sadly won’t be visiting this year, I know the next episode of Hideout Festival will be extra special.
From being a resident DJ to being fully involved with DBE my sentiments about the family and community aspect of the night still ring true; as a promoter I have encountered a whole new aspect of dance music, whether it is meeting guest DJs, solving electrical problems with 20mins until doors open, watching new resident DJs find their musical feet and develop, or seeing acquaintances become best of friends through our little club night. This fills me with pride to be a part of something so powerful and I couldn’t be more thankful to be part of the DBE fam. See you at the front left.
FOLLOW JAKE TWELL: https://www.instagram.com/itsjaketwell/
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SLEAZY WONDER (Simon Kemp – Ex Loughborough Student / Local)
Not many events would welcome back a DJ that could play Acid one minute and Samba the next – but that’s precisely the reason why for me DBE has been the best foundation for me to experience controlling a crowd with total creative freedom. With varied lineups, the experience I have had warming up and closing in-between multiple genres of world class DJs serves as the best musical education you could get! Music evolves constantly and DBE sets the tempo event by event.
FOLLOW SLEAZY WONDER: https://www.instagram.com/sleazywonder/
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PUDDY (Maarten Puddy – Ex Loughborough Student)
DBE was some of the first dance music I experienced in a nightclub. At the time it was where you could go and just after a few times of being at the event, you ended up knowing everyone there. It was where like minded music maniacs used to congregate, who all ended up being some of the closest friends I made during my life let alone uni.
Coming first from more of a promoter angel with DBE, I was always promoting the parties by building on an already strong community and always trying to create fun atmosphere at each event. I expanded my knowledge within music through the genres we promoted and the business side the industry, which ended up leading me my job in music today.
When I started DJing as a resident, I had gained the knowledge of the vastly more experienced other DBE residents around me on how important warmup and closing sets were – it’s bigger than anyone’s ego as you weren’t representing yourself, you were flying the flag for team DBE. I have had some of the best DJing experiences in my life with DBE, usually at the smaller parties filled with the rest of residents, the fam and everyone’s friends.
FOLLOW PUDDY: https://www.instagram.com/puddy_uk/
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PUYAN (Puyan Moleshi – Ex Loughborough Student)
Being a DBE resident was the definitive highlight from uni, made me really proud that I can represent a brand I truly love but also be given the responsibility to represent that brand on all fronts, not only in sharing music I love with a crowd in the right way (warming up, closing, not over-doing it before a headliner) but also needing to be a friendly face that’s involved in a community that people can go to when they think of DBE as it helps promote the brand, sell tix, share on socials. You need to be at the forefront of what’s new and what’s popping but also stay true to who you are and how your personality shines. If it’s golden then people will feel that when they see you play. I’d say need to be vulnerable to learning every time you play to those first few years were big learning experiences for me as a DJ and you often learn from mistakes like warming up but need to do so gracefully. But above all of that I genuinely have countless memories that rank there at the top and it all somehow comes back to the people I met through DBE. That’s why it holds a special place and makes me super proud to represent it
FOLLOW PUYAN: https://www.instagram.com/puyanagram/
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SAMIAD (Ian Heath – Loughborough Local)
For over 10 years I’ve been proud and privileged to call myself a DBE resident.
In a world of followers, of mainstream blandness and soulless money driven garbage; DBE flies the flag for the underground, the original, the passionate, the boundary pushers and the free thinkers.
I heard this once and liked it-
‘Fish don’t have to be taught to swim in schools.’
DBE provides the option to experience more. It creates lifelong friendships and lifelong memories.
Being a part of something that enriches the lives of others is special and something that I’m grateful for. I see it as my responsibility as a resident to add to, and hopefully improve the overall monster in my own small way. That feels good.
Big love to all involved in the DBE machine past, present and future. Long may she rumble on.
FOLLOW SAMIAD: https://www.facebook.com/samiaddj/
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SWALSH (Stanley Walsh – Loughborough Student)
Being a DBE resident has actually been quite a lot more than purely DJ’ing for me. It has taught me lot’s, offered me numerous big opportunities and led me to meeting loads of great people!
The residency has been an ever evolving opportunity, playing at completely different times each event, I now more than ever really appreciate the skill and specific style each slot has. Through being able to engage closely with the artists it has pushed me to really dig deeper into sub-genres across the board of underground music, such are the diverse acts that Pasq puts on. Playing the same set warming up for Sherelle as you would playing after Darkzy just would not work (anyone who was at the Darkzy DBE will know just how sick that night was, never seen Red Room so rowdy!)
I’ve been able to represent DBE playing at the biggest nightclub in the Alps, been a part of the amazing first festival in October last year and I have supported some of the biggest names in the scene.
Each party is a different vibe and something different and I cannot wait to get back inside the club and get fully involved!
FOLLOW SWALSH: https://www.instagram.com/stanleywalsh_/
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BRD (Emile Braud – Ex Loughborough Student)
Before I even set foot in Loughborough for my foundation year I had bought my ticket to DBE. I remember My Nu Leng playing in fusion with a drippy and sweaty ceiling. I straight up loved it. After that on normal nights out we’d go to JCs when the residents occasionally played there. I remember seeing Puyan, Alfie or Jay (with his CDs) shelling it in there. I wanted to be like them aha. During my foundation year I said to myself I’d try to become a resident. I started DJing punch parties and house parties with my side kick Gawler and after a while we got the call up from Pasq saying we’d warm up in Cogs for the DBE does Disco. That’s where it all really started. It was the first time I’d actually spend hours digging for music no one had heard before and was also the first time I was that stressed.
Learning how to mix songs together is not the hardest thing, it comes with practice. But playing the right song at the right time is down to experience. Taking the crowd where you want them to be but not over doing it, is hard. This is why being a DBE resident is amazing. It’s an opportunity like no other that let’s you experiment, try and learn about the art that is DJing – whilst you are surrounded by amazing people and family. They’ll put their trust in you to warm up for the headline act or close after them.
It definitely made my Loughborough experience ten times better and now that I am graduating this will definitely be the thing I miss the most at Loughborough.
FOLLOW BRD: https://www.instagram.com/brd.uk/
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OVERPROOF (Chris & Joe – Derby Locals)
Quite simply. It’s f*****g amazing. The crowd show so much love, are always so responsive and always up for hearing new music. Honestly, I don’t think we’ve played many gigs with as much musical freedom and it’s clear everyone is just on a vibe with us.
Another huge factor in why we love playing DBE is the family feel. EVERY other member of the team is rooting for you, not just whilst you play, but everything you do as a DJ / Producer is met with love and guidance. Playing, and just being, in such a positive environment has only helped us refine our craft further – coupled with a place to road test our own music to the exact audience we are trying to reach has really helped us grow in confidence.
Honestly. The crowd, the DBE fam, the varied and sometimes surprising venues, the sound, the lights, the attention to detail. It all just collides together in a perfect sensory storm. Making DBE the epitome of what modern rave culture should be. Vibes.
FOLLOW OVERPROOF: https://www.instagram.com/overproofmusic/
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Ghengis (Ben Wholley – Ex Loughborough Student)
Coming to Loughborough from Leeds having experienced nights such as SubDub and Metropolis, I needed a night like DBE to fill that void. It instantly became a must attend event so to be a resident two years later was an unreal experience.
Going from being in the crowd to behind the decks gave me a new perspective of what it is to be a DJ and still fascinates me to this day. The chance to meet some of these top level artists never gets old, but even if you don’t, seeing them tear down from mere feet away is plenty enough. The experience from being a resident still means the world to me and I’m honoured to be part of this family.
Being a resident at uni, it meant everything to me. Experiencing the nights I loved from a completely different angle. Seeing the world’s best DJs from behind the ones and twos. And then there’s the family, I guess you’re all alright ha