The underrated art of the pub DJ

“I've had countless men tell me they’re DJs who then fiddle with the decks, or just reach over and do their own spin-backs,” says London-based DJ and producer ELLES. “Once a girl came over while I was playing, attempted to stop the record and demanded I plug in her iPod. Needless to say this was met with a 'nope'... the kind of 'nope' that starts with 'fuck' and ends with 'you'.” As one third of London’s Suspiciously Delicious crew and co-founder of Dalston Superstore’s monthly Sexcloud night alongside DJ iona, if ELLES isn’t holding it down in some of London’s favourite nightspots, she’s welcoming forthcoming release on Paramida’s Love On The Rocks label. That doesn’t stop critics thinking they know better, mind. “I could probably write a book on this topic – probably all DJs could.”

For some, these lowkey spaces can offer an in-road to the next step. Take HAAi, who formerly took ownership of the Saturday nights at London’s much-loved hideaway Ridley Road Market Bar before becoming the weekly resident at Phonox last year. Playing week-in, week-out for around 3 years, HAAi’s break came on a relatively quiet Valentine’s Day. Jacques Greene’s manager was drinking there at the time, and after hearing her selections offered HAAi a slot supporting Greene on his next London date. “I remember the tune that got their attention actually, ‘Fire In My Heart’ by Escape From New York,” she says, somewhat apt given the day that she played it. “At that point I’d never played in a club before so that was my entry point, but after that anytime Greene was in town I’d support him.” After a set at Phonox pricked up the ears of the venue’s booking team HAAi’s talents found a new home; talents honed through the challenging crowds you’ll find in east London watering holes on any given weekend. “In bars some people don’t see you as a DJ even though you’re literally doing the same job as anyone playing in a club. But there’s the challenge. It’s about encouraging people who are used to listening to reliably danceable music and pushing them to listen to something that in my opinion, is equally as danceable. I didn’t realise at the time, but that’s integral to how I play now.”

The pub rave is not a new development by any means. Bugged Out’s longstanding NYD all-dayer at North London’s The Old Queen’s Head has become a yearly ritual, and at The Star By Hackney Downs the balearic Sunday social We Are The Sunset has been going strong for nearly four years. “We’re a free gathering and run on a small budget, but thankfully most people play for us for a few beers and a taxi home,” says We Are The Sunset promoter Andy Taylor, who aims to bring the glory days of Ibiza to their E5 postcode. “It’s not a party, it’s just an excuse to meet up once a month, spin records, chat, drink and dance.”