The ‘Off Beat’ collective are some of Manchester’s hottest student promoters, with collaborations from some of the biggest names in music. If you’re a student in the area you'll undoubtedly have heard of them, be it from their flyers or desperate, last-minute pleas for tickets to their events on Facebook.
But how did they get to where they are today? I caught up with Off Beat co-founder and resident DJ Zephyr Orsler, to find out more about one of Manchester’s hottest nights.
SHS: Why did you start Off Beat?
Zephyr: ‘We formed nearly two years ago now. Jack (Rivo), Lawrence, Ed (MC Easyy) and myself met in halls during our first year at uni. Just through Oak House antics and some weekly sessions with Reggae Thursdays, which used to be at the Ram, we all kind of got together and it just kind of happened. We all have a slightly different memory of how it all came together... but to me it was a shared passion for collecting vinyl, similar music tastes and wanting to put on an event which led to us coming to do our first night!’
When did you get into DJing?
I got into DJing when I was about 15. I had been collecting records since I was 10 or so after buying some old jungle and punk records (an odd mix I know) off a guy back home. But just playing them you know, no mixing. Then after seeing Mungo's Hi Fi for the first time on their sound system in 2012, that was it really, I felt hooked from then on. Lawrence was DJing way before uni as well, a few friends he used to work with back in Bristol showed him the ways. Jack and Ed started mixing a few years ago... Sounds like they have been doing it for years though, picked it up straight away... wizards on the decks. If you've ever witnessed Jack with his red box of disco 7"s then you'll know what I'm on about.’
What’s your DJing background?
We've all come from a vinyl background really.. To be honest none of us have much experience on CDJs! Definitely something we need to make time for. Lawrence and myself have always just DJ'd in our bedrooms before University. Fortunately, we've all had some great opportunities up here to support some of our heroes... including Gilles Peterson tomorrow. Me and a few mates put on some small events in our local pub's function room while we were still in school, but apart from that we just enjoyed collecting records and attempting to mix them together... not much has changed really!
What’s the day of an Off Beat event like?
A bag of emotions. All the excitement and time spent planning the event all boils down to that one day. It's always exciting though. Just with a pinch of stress.
What motivated you to keep going with Off Beat after almost 2 years?
We are just doing what we enjoy I guess. Some people enjoy playing football on a Sunday, we like to go round record fairs... that's about it! Most DJs, promoters and record collectors in general will feel the same I'm sure. It's more of an addiction than anything.
What advice would you give to other student DJs/Brands?
Start now. Everyone I have spoken to who wants / has started something up seems to always regret not starting earlier. If you are interested just give it a shot!
I feel Manchester especially has a system in place which supports anyone who is interested in starting up a night or just DJing in general. Venues like Cubo (Koh Tao) and Indigo make it possible for anyone to start something up, it's quite special really.
How do you juggle uni and events?
Yeah that is always the tricky one. I'm not sure it's possible to be honest.. if anyone has found a way then let us know!
What artists have Off Beat brought to Manchester and which of those was the one you’ve always wanted? Also, who would you like to bring to Off Beat in the future?
Mala, Roni Size, Detroit Swindle, Maurice Fulton, Hubie Davison, Byron the Aquarius, K15, Ed Solo, Benny Page, Aries, J-Man, Kenny Ken, Doc Scott, J-Man, Fox, Gardna, ASBO Disco and Anz! I think if I was speaking on behalf of all of us then it would have to be Mala with Sinai Soundsystem. That really was a special night for us all. Roni Size however is also up there, he's been a great influence to me from the start. Some of his tunes like 'Heroes' and 'It's Jazzy' were always getting played in the car as a kid, so the 2nd birthday is likely to get a bit emotional to say the least. Regarding future bookings, the list is endless...
What’s the future for Off Beat?
There are a few projects in the pipeline... our 2nd birthday in particular is on the 16th March at Gorilla! Aside from some interesting events and collaborations coming up, we have been putting a lot of planning into the label side of things. Jack and a handful of incredibly talented producers from Manchester and elsewhere have been cooking up some great tunes recently. Being able to push these artists forward and presenting their work on some wax is something we are all looking forward to.
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