Attendee
Testimonials.

Music has always been a constant in my life. I grew up surrounded by it and always knew I wanted to be behind the decks, but I never thought spaces like that were open to someone like me. DJing felt like a world I could only watch from the outside.

Start From Scratch had a huge impact on me. The workshops were inspiring and gave me the drive to keep pushing my DJ career and get out of my comfort zone. Technically, learning to count bars and phrases changed everything – my transitions finally became smooth and intentional.

I realised I wanted to become a DJ when I was around 14, but I never had access to equipment or anyone to teach me. The first Start From Scratch workshop I attended was the turning point – I walked out knowing this was what I was meant to do.

I was confident in my skills but talking to crowds was intimidating! The first few sets were nerve-racking, but the community that came with the programme meant there was always a friendly face in the room. After each gig I felt more and more confident.

It meant everything. Start From Scratch made DJing accessible and affordable for me. Without it, it would have taken me much longer to reach the level I’m at now. Having a safe space led by people who looked like me and understood my journey was crucial.

Start From Scratch gave me the confidence and tools to build my platform – my social media presence, my approach to promoters, and ultimately my first radio residency. It gave me the foundation to move independently and confidently in the electronic music industry.

Simply put, I didn’t exist without it. I grew up on garage and jungle and was always the friend in charge of the aux, but I’d never touched a controller before my first workshop.

Once I’d nailed the basics, I really enjoyed being taught the flairs and added flourishes you can bring to your sets – loops, hot cues and effects. It helped me find my own style instead of just copying what I’d heard.

It was when I realised how much I enjoyed finding new music, and how badly I wanted other people to hear it. My tutor said something at the first session that stuck with me: your job is to show off the music, not yourself. That reframed everything.

It meant a lot to be recognised and given a real shot. The industry can feel like a closed circle, and Start From Scratch opened a door I didn’t even know existed.

I haven’t stopped since the programme – bookings, radio shows, and a community of artists I now call friends. It turned a daydream into something that’s actually happening.