BEHIND THE SCENES: DJ SESSIONS (APRIL)

For those of you that are not familiar with the DJ Sessions, it is a three-week programme focusing on how to DJ and self promote, funded by MAES.

This time running the group came with nothing, but determination in their bags. Rocking up with personalised pioneer notebooks, scribbled in notes of ambition and confidence, setting the scene for the week ahead. 

Orchestrated byJoe Roche, a Manchester-based DJ, Producer and Record label owner, alongside the legendary DJ Maule, the power-duo set out to teach the young people of Manchester how to spin some tunes.

Beginning with a week-long bootcamp, jam-packed full of group activities and music exercises, the group put their DJ hats on and got to business. With only one week to go until the workshop culminated in a live performance to promoters and employers across Manchester, the pressure was on to get a playlist ready that would blow the promoters socks off.

We had a chat with some of the young people taking part, to see how they were feeling about the week ahead, their goals for the workshop, dream venues and collaborations.

HAVE YOU SET YOURSELF ANY GOALS FOR THE WEEK?

Cameron: I wanted to learn the workings of the decks and produce a mix that wasn’t going to make anyone’s ears bleed. I think I’ve achieved that.

Nathaniel: To learn everything on the decks.

Athar: To be able to familiarise myself with DJ decks and be able to utilise them in my own environment.

WHAT IS YOUR DJ NAME AND WHY?

Cameron: My DJ name is Transientfluff. I’ve been playing a lot of experimental Jazzy stuff and that needs an experimental Jazzy name. Transient fluff is what we all are really, isn’t it. 

Athar: DJ LC Twerk, because LC is a name given to me by a friend, which means lucky charm and twerk is just because I’m a dancer and I like to twerk.

Nathaniel: My DJ name is Escapism and that’s because it’s my artist name in my private work.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM VENUE TO PLAY AT?

Cameron: It’s probably the Royal Albert Hall because of the acoustics. 

Athar: The O2 Arena.

Nathaniel: Anywhere in Tenerife, in the sunshine.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE ARTIST TO PLAY B2B WITH, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Cameron: Anyone doing anything groundbreaking and experimental, I couldn’t give you one name.

Athar: Nicki Minaj because she’s one of my favourite rappers.

Nathaniel: Pendulum.

As said by Athar, ‘if you want to do something, go for it’: after putting themselves out there and acquiring the skills of working the decks, the new alias’ of Manchester took to the stage to W-O-W the faces behind the clubs and bars of the city. The studio was not short of vibes on Friday the 8th of April, with sets ranging from House, to R&B and more!

If you are keen to get your hands on decks or have any questions about this or our other projects, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk