How a grassroots DJ collective is transforming Manchester’s music scene

When Jay, Cathy and Ant first came together under the roof of Partisan Collective in Salford, they weren’t trying to build a movement, they were just a group of music lovers eager to experiment with decks, learn new skills, and create a space where everyone, regardless of experience or background, could get involved.

But from those early days of trial and error and shared Spotify links, something special was born.

What started as “Partisan DJ Club”, a side project within an arts cooperative, has since evolved into DJ Club MCR: a flourishing community-led initiative offering workshops, open decks, and now even a new Producer Club for budding music creators.

DJ Club MCR

Their monthly meet-ups, typically held at venues like The DBA and SOUP, have become safe spaces to learn the art of DJing, meet like-minded people, and most importantly, feel welcome.

“The idea for DJ Club came about at Partisan Collective, an arts cooperative based in Salford,” Jay explained. “At the time, it was run as an initiative for members of the collective to use the decks on days when there weren’t events happening. We wanted to provide a safe, inclusive space to practice DJing, learn together, and progress.”

Those early sessions were small but powerful: bringing together complete beginners and more experienced DJs to swap tips and ideas. “We all really helped each other come along much quicker than if we’d practiced alone,” Jay said. “The social and community element was so vital to our development.”

That ethos, community over competition, has stuck. Even as they’ve outgrown the original space and stepped out from under the Partisan umbrella, DJ Club MCR has remained fiercely inclusive, welcoming, and grassroots.

Creating space for everyone

From the start, the collective knew they wanted to centre underrepresented voices. “Our lineups are always selected with underrepresented groups stepping to the front,” said Cathy. “And it’s the same with our workshops, we state everyone can apply, but we’re clear that spaces will be prioritised.”

For many, that inclusive policy has been the difference between taking the leap into DJing, or never starting at all. “Locally and worldwide, DJ lineups are often not representative or inclusive,” Cathy continued. “It’s so much harder to get that first step into DJing if you’re from a background that experiences discrimination—whether that’s gender, race, sexuality, or class.”

That awareness is rooted in the group’s own experiences. “It’s hard to imagine yourself being successful at something if you haven’t seen someone like you being given a platform,” Cathy said. “Creating a comfortable environment where people are able to learn and make mistakes freely is key to what we’re all about.”

One of the most rewarding parts of DJ Club, Cathy says, is watching people connect to music, and to each other, in deeper, more meaningful ways. “DJing has changed my life,” she admitted. “My personal taste in music has evolved so much. I connect with it in a way I wouldn’t have done just as a listener. And socially, it’s been amazing. I always wanted to be in a band but didn’t feel like I could play any instruments well enough. Mixing with other people gave me that same feeling of connection.”

It’s an experience that’s been echoed by many of those who attend the club’s sessions. Jay, Cathy and Ant regularly receive heartfelt messages and positive feedback after workshops and events. And yes, there’s the occasional mishap too. “During our first open decks event, someone managed to knock a drink mid-dance onto the CDJs from quite far away,” Ant laughed.

“It flew like 1.5 metres in slow motion. It was our very first event too: sod’s law! DBA took it well, thankfully.”

The right places, the right vibes

The importance of the venues they partner with isn’t lost on the team. DBA and SOUP have both played a huge role in the club’s growth, and the team is quick to credit them for offering more than just floor space.

“The DBA aligns with our values and is known as a safe haven for the LGBTQIA+ community,” Cathy said. “It’s also wheelchair accessible, which is really important to us. And when the pub is closed, the space becomes surprisingly cosy: it’s great for workshops.”

SOUP, meanwhile, offers something different but equally valuable. “It’s iconic,” she says. “So many amazing artists have passed through the basement, and we’re really excited to be hosting our first event there on April 17th.”

DJing in Manchester

While DJ Club MCR is thriving, its founders are the first to admit that running it entirely on a voluntary basis comes with challenges. “We do it for the love of it and we all find it so rewarding said. “But it’s also a lot to manage. We’re currently working on getting funding so we can pay volunteers for their time and maybe even buy our own equipment.”

They’re also actively looking to grow their team. “If anyone is interested in getting involved behind the scenes, please do drop us a message!” Cathy added.

There’s no shortage of ambition. Alongside the monthly DJ workshops and open decks nights, the group has just launched a Producer Club: designed to bring together aspiring music producers in a relaxed and collaborative environment.

“It’s still in the early stages,” Ant said, “but we want it to be a space where people can socialise, work on projects, and get feedback. The producers involved are really diverse in terms of genre, so it’s going to be like a hive mind. If you want to know how to get your kick drum sounding a certain way, someone there will know!”

Starting Out? Just Press Play

For anyone thinking about DJing but feeling intimidated, Cathy has some reassuring words: “Learning a new skill takes time, but at least with DJing you get to listen to music you love while you’re learning! You don’t have to be good at mixing to enjoy it.”

Her top advice? “Focus on the songs and sounds you really want to play. People remember the song you played: not how technically perfect the mix was.”

What’s Next?

The dream for DJ Club MCR is simple but powerful: to become a key space where future DJs find their footing. “We’d love to be known as the group that helped people get started and go on to do amazing things,” Jay said. “And we’d love to run more events and bring back the longer-form practice sessions as a bridge between workshops and open decks.”

As always, community support is crucial. “Come to events, spread the word, and if you’ve got a lead on a space or want to help behind the scenes, reach out,” Ant added. “This is about more than music: it’s about making connections, building confidence, and giving people space to express themselves.”

DJ Club MCR isn’t just about what happens behind the decks. It’s about what happens around them, too.

How to get involved with DJ Club

DJ Club MCR is inviting you for a special bank holiday edition of Open Decks at SOUP Basement on Thursday 17th April, running from 11pm to 3am.

This free event offers a platform for some of Manchester’s freshest emerging DJs, all nurtured through DJ Club’s inclusive workshops and community-led sessions.

Expect a multi-genre mix of bass-heavy sounds and club-ready energy in one of the city’s most iconic underground venues.

Whether you’re curious about DJing, keen to meet like-minded music lovers, or just want to discover new talent on the rise, this is the perfect night to get involved. Interested in spinning a set? You can get tickets for a DJ Club open deck event at SOUP Basement, please click here.