What To Expect For 2023

There are many exciting developments on the horizon for the South West UK dance music scene as we look to the future.

From the rise of female DJs to exclusive live events from some of the biggest names in the industry, it's clear that the next few years are going to be packed full of great music and unforgettable experiences. One of the biggest trends we can expect to see in the coming years is the continued rise of female DJs. In recent years, we've seen a number of talented female DJs, such as Dollface, Danae Bianca, and Modir, to name a very small number, who are emerging on the scene, and this trend is only set to continue. With more and more women getting involved in the world of electronic music, it's clear that the future of house music is going to be heavily influenced by these talented artists.

A woman wearing headphones and a hat is playing a dj set.

One of the key players is DJ Phoenix Fox, a female DJ who has made a name for herself with her high-energy sets and unique style. With a number of sold-out gigs, namely her Namaste, euphoric power house nights and festivals under her belt, Phoenix Fox is definitely one to watch out for in the coming years.


Another emerging player in the South West house music scene is Sonar Events, a company that has made a name for itself with its exclusive live events based at The Terrace Cafe and Bar, situated in its unique position on The Hoe in Plymouth. From the stunning views overlooking Plymouth Sound in midsummer, it's hard to believe that you’re dancing the night away on the White Island itself. Sonar Events, run by Andy Bacon and including the names Reece Johnson, Jamie Coakley, Hayley Blue and veteran Plymouth DJ Jefferson Vandike, just to name a few,  has something for everyone, and their events are always packed full of top-quality music and a great atmosphere.


In addition to these exciting developments, we can also expect to see more from the established names. With a number of top-quality events and a vibrant music scene, the region is becoming increasingly popular with DJs and music fans alike.

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It's clear that there are plenty of exciting developments on the horizon...

One company that is leading the way in this trend is Dancership, a company that specialises in organising music events with some truly massive names like Todd Terry, Saison, Sartorial and Moodena. Their own crew of DJs, Flambe, Steve Bell, James Farley and Steve Power, focus on bringing high-quality music and a great atmosphere; pair that with those big house music names, and you can see why Dancership has become one of the go-to names for music fans in the region, and their events are always packed full of top-quality vibes.

Keeping it close to home, the PCH (Proper Cornish House) DJs, which were started by Jason Bell and Chris Murphy, are a group that still wants to keep the spirit of house music alive in Cornwall by holding different events all year long. PCH is a popular place for music fans and locals to hang out because it focuses on community and being open to everyone.

In 2023, the PCH team has planned several events, such as DJ nights with the likes of Hayley Ball, Myles Davies and Fergus Lessels, live music performances, and more. They also give new talents, like local DJs Hayley Ball, Myles Davies and Fergus Lessels, a stage to showcase their skills and help them make the break to play at clubs, venues, or festivals. Whether you're a fan of house music or just looking for a fun night out, PCH is the place to be in Cornwall.

A red and white lighthouse against a blue sky with clouds

So what can we expect from the house music scene in the South West over the next few years? It's clear that there are plenty of exciting developments on the horizon, with more and more talented DJs and producers making their mark on the scene. Whether you're a fan of intimate club nights or massive outdoor festivals, there's something for everyone in the South West, and with so many talented artists and companies bringing top-quality music to the region, it's clear that the next few years are going to be packed full of great music and unforgettable experiences.


Of course, these are just my thoughts. Admittedly, these are rather Cornwall and Plymouth based due to my location, so why not tell us more about your events, events you plan to attend, and DJs to keep an eye out for in 2023?


We’d love to know what else is in store.

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Written by

Ben Holtam aka BenG • 19 January 2023
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