After Hidden Manchester featured our BYOB basement party in Hulme, we saw a wave of new heads come through — including a promoter who booked me for my first paid gig…
“I never thought I’d get booked — I just wanted people to hear my stuff.”
Meet Gary, aka DJ Ræ, a Manchester-based producer and bedroom DJ who spent the last two years mixing UKG and 140s sets in his spare time while working full-time in a print shop.
He’d played for mates, uploaded a few mixes to SoundCloud, and dreamt about spinning live – but without connections, a reputation, or even the nerve to approach venues, the dream never quite left his room.
That changed when Hidden Manchester featured the underground BYOB party he helps organise in a Hulme basement. We mentioned Gary by name in our “Highlight of the Week” post and embedded a clip of his latest blend. What followed surprised even him.
“People started finding me on Instagram. Some promoter from Levenshulme messaged asking if I wanted to play a set at their new DIY venue. I thought it was a joke at first.”
The gig went ahead two weeks later – a packed, sweaty room with proper sound. Gary played 45 minutes and said it was “the best night of my life.” Since then, he’s picked up two more local bookings and is building a following of underground heads who actually turn up to support.
It’s not superstardom – it’s better. It’s local, real, and it’s proof that visibility matters.
“You don’t get a spotlight when you’re starting out unless someone’s looking for you. Hidden Manchester gave me that chance.”
Have a story like Gary’s?
Send it to us via Submit a Spot – we’re always looking for the next story, sound, or scene worth shining a light on.
