On the first Tuesday of every month, The Rainbow’s (Digbeth) courtyard plays host to the High Key Social an open decks event run by High Key Records. The event aims to provide underground DJs in the West Midlands the chance to spin the music they love in a supportive and low-pressure environment.

After attending their most recent events, I have noticed a strong emphasis is placed not only on great music but on the forging connections and meeting up with friends. The majority of big club promoters wouldn’t give inexperienced DJs a second glance, making it difficult for audiences to hear new music and young DJs to catch a break. As a DJ, struggling to navigate gaining exposure and experience myself, this event is an excellent entry point into the local circuit. Although 30-minute slots per DJ may seem small, it gives the artists enough time to express their style and get a taste of what playing in front of crowd feels like. Admittedly, when I say crowd, we’re talking around 30 people at the peak of the evening, however this small tight-knit community works in the event’s favour. While music often takes a backseat to allow conversations to flourish, when a big tune is dropped, the dance floor is full of people moving. This also gives the DJs challenge, to really dig through their collections to find some gems that will heighten the atmosphere in their short allotted time.

The music, whilst of course important, often takes a backwards seat to allow conversations and catch ups to be the forefront of the night. The event taking place on a Tuesday evening highlights this. The majority of attendees will have lecturers, jobs, or the school run, the next morning and cannot be out late getting seriously battered. The audience High Key Social are trying to attract are not the kind of people off their head, chatting the ear off of some girl they hardly know. It’s all about proper connections and showing support for the music they love. I myself experienced this at their most recent event as I attended by myself. Admittedly, it did take a short while, including several painful glances of pity, but eventually, I was invited to join a group of lads of a similar age. We got talking about artists, venues, the typical small talk taking place at an event like this. But it was encouraging to see people being open enough to give a stranger a chance. This really proved to me how the welcoming atmosphere was infectious amongst everyone. After originally coming to see our friends perform I think I can speak for myself and the group I joined; we will certainly be back for more.


Additionally, High Key Social have formed a group chat for young DJs, to take these conversations online, and to keep them going long after the night is over. Alongside artists being able to promote themselves, through posting recorded mixes and their own productions, the general support and advice that is offered in this group is invaluable. The conversations are always positive, with each person’s contribution taken seriously, no matter their skill level. This is the key difference between High Key Social and events of its kind: a supportive community, without gate keepers, thats all about the love of the music.