Most people choose a DJ name to sound cool. I chose mine to stay honest. “Scribey” is a nickname, a brand, a creative alter ego — but mostly, it’s a synthesis of the three disciplines that have defined my life: technology, music, and writing It’s how I work, think, and build — whether I’m writing code, DJing late into the night, or finishing a screenplay draft at 1am while the rest of the world’s asleep....
This summer I had some amazing gigs. Nerves? Naturally, you can't get away from them. But once I got into flow, the experience was manageable, maybe even easy. Then I went to the DJ Battle hosted by the Faded Society in London. Five-minute sets. Ridiculous speed. Techniques so sharp they sliced the air. And just like that, my confidence osiclated back down to 'incompetent". Watching those DJs reset the bar — it threw me back...
🎧 Our favourite local DJ hangout returns for one last sun-drenched spin before autumn settles in.Join us at The Rocket, Acton for another uplifting Open Decks session — all about good tunes, good people, and great energy. 🌀 Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned selector, this is your chance to jump on the decks and share your sound in a warm, welcoming crowd. Vinyl or USB — all formats and flavours welcome. 🍽️ Instead...
I was listening to the excellent Crossfader Podcast recently when an artist caught my attention. One of their students had quite a meteoric rise, as a DJ, in a relatovely short time. When interviewed she explained that she’d lived in three different countries, and that constant change gave her the confidence to just jump straight into DJing without hesitation. It’s a compelling story — but if you know the Kolbe Index, you’ll see there’s more...
Dance music is born from subculture. Underground. Alternative. Marginal. Expressive. These words are stitched into the DNA of the scene — they aren’t add-ons, they’re its source code. But here’s the paradox: DJs — the very people shaping and soundtracking this world — often recoil at the idea of expressing themselves on social media. The idea of being "alternative" in a digital context feels cringeworthy to many. The need for attention? Even worse. I’ve lost count...
Warren Buffett—the most famous investor in modern history—just officially retired. Known for his decades-long partnership with Charlie Munger, Buffett wasn’t just a stock picker. He was a master of mindset, discipline, and long-term thinking. And although he couldn’t be further from the dancefloor (and probably wouldn't be seen near a Funktion-One speaker), there’s a lot that DJs—especially those early in their journey—can learn from the way Buffett built his empire. Here are four key principles from...
In recent conversations with both emerging and established DJs, two major identity challenges keep coming up: Musical Identity and Visual Identity. Whether you're just starting out or have been on the circuit for years, these issues can shape — or shake — your sense of self as an artist. 1. Musical Identity: OR vs AND Thinking Most of us come into DJing with a deep love for a specific genre. House, Techno, DnB, Afro — whatever...
The Podcast That Changed My Thinking Lately, I’ve been hooked on Will Clarke’s podcast. It’s articulate, funny, and packed with insights. The fact that both his parents are therapists makes sense—he draws out the kind of conversations that go beyond gear and gigs, tapping into the psychology of being a producer. It’s not just about music. It’s about contracts, mental health, creative identity, and managing relationships. Music isn’t just a job—it’s a people business. Maybe the...
I just listened to a brilliant podcast between Will Clarke and headliner DJ Nic Fanciulli—someone who’s been in the game for decades. They cover a lot. The ups and downs of the music industry. The grind of running a label. The nostalgia of those early Ibiza days. How dance music has evolved, how vinyl is making a comeback, and how community and collaboration are more vital than ever. https://www.youtube.com/embed/hA2Aju0wPmk But what hit me hardest was this: Nic still...
“We’re introverts who like to make noise.” That line came up in one of our first coaching sessions. We all laughed—but it stuck. Because it’s true. DJs aren’t always the people shouting loudest in the room. In fact, many of us are the quiet observers. We’re sensitive to mood, to detail, to subtle transitions. We’re feelers with deep emotional range. And yet, we choose to stand in the middle of a crowd and take responsibility for...