DJ nights
UPbeat, the University of Plymouth’s DJ society, began in 2008 to give upcoming DJs a chance to show off their skills in the Students’ Union and other clubs around Plymouth. It also gave beginners a chance to learn how to DJ and share their love for all types of music. UPbeat’s DJ nights are as varied as its members’ taste.
“It started as a society for people who enjoy dance music,” says Declan Bird, President of UPbeat. “Over the years it grew, and things like DJ tutorials were introduced, so anyone could learn without any prior experience or equipment.”
The society works closely with venues across the city, such as Bang Bang, which stays open until 6.30am showcasing a variety of music, from commercial to underground; Factory, a dark, (literally) underground club with two main rooms; and The Hub, which has a warehouse vibe and hosts the society’s biggest events. UPbeat also has strong ties with some of the biggest club nights in Plymouth, like One Love, Lateral, and Garage Nation, which welcome student DJs to play at sell-out events.
“But the best nights we’ve had have all been on campus, and have included Shy FX, Cause & Affect, and Toddla T,” Declan tells us. “The nights have been really successful, everyone really enjoyed them and couldn’t wait for the next one.”