Accelerator program

DJ APPLICATION INFORMATION

If 8 MILE and Boiler Room had a baby,
this would be it.

BENEFITS FROM BEING CHOSEN INTO THE FINAL 8

This is more than just a DJ competition, it’s an accelerator and pathway program to develop your skills, getting you prepped for the live competition AND BEYOND (into your career)

We get it. The word "Battle" sounds intense. You’re wondering: “What if I train-wreck a transition?” or “What if the crowd doesn’t vibe?”

Here’s the truth from our previous finalists: The nerves are where the growth happens.

How will you go anywhere, let alone far if your name is not in the hat?
The only thing standing between you and changing that path is this application.

Resources, preparation support and free training workshops
- LSEM x Pirate Studios (3 hour group workshop)
- Music Marketing masterclass (3 hour group class) all in East London.
- Practice session at Pirate Studios PRO room with 3 decks (1 hour x 8 DJs)
You will have a lot of content created to showcase everything about you as an artist
It’s a full 6 week digital marketing campaign and personalised content from:
- Full bio presentation
- G-SHOCK Radio guest feature
- Mixcloud set to showcase your sound
- Artwork and specs to show off
- Skits feature in our reel series
- Continued content on Youtube and more after the competition night
Check out the #BattleVerse to see and imagine yourself in there. See what past content has been done for the past DJs
You’ll receive and get access to everything such as:
- Headshots for your new EPKs and press packs
- Live DJ videos and photos from the competiton and all the content listed in the campaign
- Recordings to upload to your own platforms
- Interview footage to promote your artist brand
Get dedicated artist liaison for both logistical and mental support. We’re passionate about this topic because we know that it’s nerve-racking to put yourself outside of your comfort zone.
But we’re here to provide all the support we can to get you prepped for the competition, and beyond! (for your career)
- Get access to The Faded Community, connect with other DJs and producers and join in on the forums
- Get direct & valuable feedback from industry judges, bookers and personnel in the scene
By being in the FINAL 8 of the competition, you are automatically in the lineup for the supplement F2F (Face2Face) event after the competition ends.
The date of the event is one month after the competition date in London
This will be a paid gig for an hour set with your allocated B2B partner (but F2F!)

ENTER THE #BATTLEVERSE

Explore, discover and visualise yourself in this content universe. Click enter or HERE

Watch everything from past DJ audition tapes, personal POVS and award-winning acting skits (insert sarcasm) to their character cards highlighting their specs, musicality and strengths!

dj APPLICATIONS
FOR SEP 2026 COHORT

SEASON 3: TOURNAMENT 3 - FRIDAY 11th Sep 2026 (program July-Sep)
This tournament (live production event) and workshops will be hosted in Manchester, UK

Application closes Friday 12 June 2026
Screening calls Friday 26th June 2026
Final 8 chosen Monday 29th June 2026
Full campaign starts Monday 13th July 2026
DJ Battle competition Friday 11th Sep 2026

This 2–3 month incubator discovers and nurtures underground talent. Beyond a competition, Back2Back DJ Battle acts as an "A&R training pathway," providing workshops, resources, and content to launch each artist's public identity.

RESOURCES
Just like a job, do your research to see if you're ready for the role.

Dive into the INFO PACK
Read prizes and how it works on WEBSITE
See yourself in the #BATTLEVERSE
Catch up past Battles on YOUTUBE
Listen to past winner’s tips on MIXCLOUD PODCASTS

ARE YOU THE DJ WE’RE LOOKING FOR?

You're a confident DJ who can make quick decisions on your feet
You've got a unique performance persona who can handle and engage with a live crowd
You're a wiz at power mixing and able to alter as needed whilst keeping a high standard set
You've got a good grasp on different techniques such as hot cues and effects
You've got a strong sound identity but can be fluid to explore multi genres
You've want to further develop your skills and accelerate your music career

APPLY FOR YOUR TIME TO SHINE

TOURNAMENT PRIZES

Mixcloud PRO account
Pirate Studio credits
Alpha Theta Pioneer accessories and products
A spot at the Noise x Faded Community 3-day Amplify Academy in September 2026 (Milton Keynes)
Back2Back DJ Battle Interview podcast at Pirate Studios
The Faded Scene editorial feature
Mission London 1 hour studio content recording
Get invited back to the November 2026 championship to win...

CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZES NOVEMBER 2026

UK festival slot with Noise
Radio residency with G -SHOCK Radio
Mixcloud feature article on their Blog
Marketing & branding 2-hour solo workshop with The Faded Community
DJ equipment from Alpha Theta (Omnis Duo)
and all above again from the tournament prizes + any other surprises

WHAT DO YOU WIN FROM THE NIGHT?

ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER & APPLY

KEY DATES

By applying, you will need to confirm that you can take part of all dates below as part of the program

Event: Friday 11th Sep 2026
Free DJ class @ Pirate Dalston 3-hours workshop: To be announced
G-Shock Radio & Content day: To be announced
Free marketing session 2-hours workshop: To be announced

Final 8 screening call: Screening calls Friday 26th June 2026
Final 8 chosen Monday 29th June 2026
Pirate studio PRO room practice hour: You get 1x free hour so your choice on when and where in the week leading up to the competition date

Application for SEP DJ BATTLE closes Friday 12th June 2026

APPLICATION & NEXT STEPS

The details from your application and provided bio will be used for marketing purposes should you be selected. Please make sure to proof read and check your emails promptly if you are chosen. If we don't hear from you within 24 hours of notification then we can't hold your spot.

T&Cs
A non-refundable £10 entry fee applies to each tournament application (maximum of three applications in a year). At a rate significantly lower than industry standards, this fee grants you immediate access to our exclusive A&R pathway and its associated benefits, regardless of the final results.

Upon selection, a refundable £20 commitment deposit is required to secure your placement. This deposit ensures the integrity of our promotional schedule and content creation process; it will be returned in full following the event.

LAST RESOURCES

Mixcloud blog: How to win a DJ competition
Mixcloud blog: Connecting communities through DJ competition

Check out this explainer HERE then catch-up TV on YOUTUBE to watch all past battles
Once chosen into the FINAL 8. You will be given a Welcome Pack that outlines all rules and rounds for preparation. You will have two months to prepare for the competition
No it’s a DIGITAL DJ competition only (no vinyls or turntables)
We welcome a wide range of genres and BPMs. What you will be tested on is how well you can represent your expert sounds, styles, transitions and mixing tricks.
The program in the lead up to the competition night is 2 months. Within this, you are expected to be present for 4 key dates:
- Event: Friday 1st May 2026
- Free DJ class @ Pirate Dalston 3-hours workshop: Saturday 18th April 2026
- G-Shock Radio & Content day: Sunday 29th March 2026
- Free marketing session 2-hours workshop:Monday 9th March 2026
The rest is for you to allocate your own practice time. You will get 1x FREE Pirate Studio Pro studio hour (with 3 decks). You can book in with us on any date and location
Yes we encourage DJs from all walks of life to showcase any electronic music genres
We’ve had a lot of genres in past DJ Battles
- House & Tech house
- Drum & Bass
- Jungle
- UKG/ Speed Garage
- Dubstep
- Techno
- Jersey club/ Future Beats
- Afro Beats
- Soca & Reggaeton
and more!
Yes. You’ve got 5 mins to showcase who you are in the first round. If you get through, the next round tests your skills and abilities outside of your comfort zone.
Then if you make it to the final round, this is a 15 mins of pure back2back and track4track
In the world of the DJ Battles, 5 mins is a lot of time to read the room and cater to the audience
Once you’ve competed in the first round (Quarter finals) and don’t get into the next round (Semi finals) then there is a chance you can come back for redemption.
The 2 DJs with the highest decibel measure will be invited back for the People’s Choice Awards round, where there are no rules. Play the last 5 mins set to make people remember you and win £50 cash!
Judges don’t get to vote. The power is fully by the people to vote.
There are 3 votes
- 2x votes are from the industry judges who will provide live feedback after the DJ Battle then cast their decision
- 1x vote is from the live-audience
You need 2 out of 3 votes to get into the next round
3x Pioneer CDJ 3000s
1x Pioneer A9 Mixer
EPK aka Electronic Press Kits is like a digital CV as an artist. It provides the full bio, links to core promotional materials, assets and latest work.
HERE are tips on how to create one. You can also click on examples to view closer
You do not need to have one to apply, but make sure to proof read your bio information and links.
It would be nice if you had one so we can have all information in one place.
You will get invited to a 20 min screening call with founder Cat aka Faded Society.
This step is to make sure you are 100% committed to the program, and serious about wanting to receive all the resources and artist development.
We don’t mess around so we don’t want to work with those who aren’t serious about their music.
This is a 3-day retreat in Milton Keynes at NOISE’ music studio, offering free accommodation, catering and jammed-packed artist development program
- DJ workshops
- Music production workshops
- Marketing and content workshops
- F2F jams
- Guest speakers (2025 we had Grahame Farmer and Turno!)
Check out the 2025 recap