There’s always a certain buzz at the studio when the afterschool DJ club starts up again. Today marks another new chapter — a fresh mix of returning faces and curious newcomers stepping through the door.

We’ve been running these sessions since April 2011, right here in South London. That’s a lot of Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons filled with basslines, laughter, and the slow building of confidence. The ritual never changes: we begin by asking what kind of music each young person likes, and whether they play an instrument. Upwards of 90% will initially say, “I like everything.” I’ve always found that answer refreshing — and maybe a little unexpected.

From there, it unfolds. Friendships form, playlists stretch, and what starts as a weekly session soon feels like a shared experience. Opportunities open up: every few months we hold showcases where the students perform DJ sets and for those who prefer to make tunes rather than mix them, there’s space to create and present their own productions. Summer brings the thrill of local festival stages, where the young people get to feel the electricity of a crowd responding to their sound.

Another curious thing I noticed early on and still to this day rings true: those who arrive wanting only to DJ often discover an urge to produce. And those who come to produce often catch the itch to DJ. The skills blend into each other — as do the stories, the joy, the being part of something, the worth and the sense of growth.

So here’s to the afterschool programme. Here’s to the students, our team and the simple magic that happens when we put the needle on the record or as is the norm these days, cue up the track.

It’s all exciting, all new again — the vibe and frequency helps us get onto the same wavelength.

Let the music play!