After a suitably sufficient session of decompression, I’m back online to share some BMC love. Endless months of dedication distilled into two perfect days in the sunshine. Brighton Music Conference delivered. Community, connections, corking tunes. It was the shindig for the mind, the wiggle for the soul as old and new friends came together for a beachside session of networking, learning and dancing.

My first panel with Queenie, Anthony Prior (Stompahounk), Ralph Lawson (20:20 Vission), Markus Saarlander moderated with perfection by Roxy Roberts (Mothership Group) was the chat I needed to have as we discussed all things residency DJ and came up with the goldens – turn up on time, don’t play it too loud, be nice, always be nice and, most importantly, if you can’t see it, make it. Representation on the dancefloor is yours to demand and create. Love to HE.SHE.THEY for ensuring my autistic soul’s nerves and overthink were countered with tales to charm and inspire. Sophia Kearney, Steven Braines, Just Her, Fernando Montes and Ashraf Ejjbair you were everything this moderator needed to complete their clipboard life. Yes, I have a clipboard now, yes, I’ve hit peak grown-up.

Thanks to the Gaydio team especially the incredible Alex Baker for asking us to play on that sunshine-filled i360 terrace and to Oxylion & Danger for the perfect sunshine sounds. As for The Bug Club – Justin Rushmore we will forever be lusting after your sweet-sounding and oh-so-sustainable DJ booth. To Mixo for the most glorious but most random of interviews. Respect and love to the She Said So fam – networking got better because you said so. Thanks especially to Nikki McNeil and Nemone for ensuring Brighton’s Beach House view was one of style and substance. To Ellie Talebian the props – thank you for the support and honesty that ensured mental health and neurodiversity were at the forefront of BMC 23. Just as it should be. A shout out to Mark Vessey, Simon Dunmore and all at Enter Gallery for keeping the views oh so fine – and keeping the record spine sound.

And to Billy, Ellie, Nolan, Jude, James and the incredible BMC team thank you for putting your faith in two disco queers and giving Queenie and me the space to shine. Who knew there was panelling and moderating clipboard-owning soul inside this DJ? Thank you for ensuring your love and support filled those i360 seaside rooms, empowering souls like mine to take new steps with the right connections. See you at the seafront in 2024.

Photos – DJ Faro – Alistair Back (Loft 55) Howie McConnell (28th Street Media) – NJ Strange – BMC – Tim Nolan Belcher – Mixo – Model’s Own