Strawberries & Creem Festival partners with Pioneer DJ to launch DJSUNLOCKED competition

A new DJ competition from the Cambridgeshire festival and the audio brand.

Strawberries & Creem and Pioneer DJ have launched a new DJ competition called DJSUNLOCKED. Together, the festival and the audio brand are searching for the next generation of DJ talent, with the competition winner offered a paid set at September’s event, a backstage weekend pass, plus products from Pioneer DJ. The winner’s name will also feature on the Strawberries & Creem line-up poster. 

Experienced DJs and newcomers alike are encouraged to apply, as well as entrants with interests spanning hip-hop, Afrobeats, R&B, drum’n’bass, house, techno and more. The winning DJ will join the likes of Honey Dijon, Mall Grab, Moxie and Tiffany Calver at this year’s festival. Depending on their musical preferences, the winner will play their set on one of the three stages – either the Studio S&C, Renegade Roulade or the S&C main stage. 

Those interested in taking part will need to submit a 10-minute mini-mix to the Strawberries & Creem website between 16 and 23 August. Ten DJs will be shortlisted by the Strawberries & Creem x Pioneer DJ judging panel. Two finalists will then be decided by a public vote that opens on 27 August, with the winner announced shortly after. 

Speaking on the talent search, William Young, Managing Director of Strawberries & Creem, said: “The pandemic has been a tough time for DJs, and we want to use our platform to provide opportunities to up-and-coming artists as they return to playing live.”

“There is no better feeling than seeing a young DJ going on to reach new heights after playing at Strawberries & Creem. We pride ourselves on championing future stars, and want to be a stepping stone for them to get to the next level.”

Kieran Pandya, Partnerships and Events Executive at Pioneer DJ EMEA, added: “We are delighted to partner with one of the UK’s leading music festivals. As a brand, we are committed to supporting and championing emerging DJ talent.”

“The closure of the events and nightlife industries has been incredibly difficult for DJs, producers and artists. We are proud to partner with Strawberries & Creem and give budding talent the latest DJ tech and, most importantly, get [them] back performing in front of a live crowd.”

Strawberries & Creem takes place 18 – 19 September in Cambridge. Find out more about the festival and pick up tickets here.