DJ Twinny

Between 1994 and 1996, Twinny was a regular at Club Labyrinth in Hackney, losing weekends to the rave scene. He also attended iconic events like Slammin Vinyl, World Dance, and AWOL, where he witnessed the pioneers of Jungle and Hardcore in their prime — those nights made him want to be part of the culture.

Twinny and his twin brother spent countless days at Wax City Records in Croydon, buying up Jungle and Hardcore white labels. By 1997, they were hooked on the emerging UK Garage sound and shifted to Big Apple Records, digging through the crates for the freshest 2-step and underground Garage cuts. These record shops became their training grounds, teaching them selection, respect, and the real meaning of underground dance music.

Twinny started DJing in 1994 when he was just 14, using a pair of belt-drive turntables and a simple two-channel mixer. The setup was basic, but the passion was real.

In 1996, he got his first pair of Technics 1210s, and that was a game-changer. He finally had the tools to mix properly, and his passion for DJing went through the roof. At first, he played Jungle and Hardcore, inspired by the raves he was attending. By 1997, UK Garage took over his decks completely — the swing, groove, and soulful edge drew him in for life.

Pirate radio became his platform to grow. It taught him about flow, timing, and how to keep a crowd locked in, even if he couldn't see them. Those nights were raw, unpredictable, and unforgettable — the true essence of underground culture.

Twinny's biggest influences include DJ Randall, Slipmatt, Mike Millrain, and Groove Chronicles — true masters of rhythm and emotion who shaped the sound of an era.

His sound blends deep, soulful Garage with rolling 2-step energy, always mixed live on vinyl. Every set tells a story — digging through crates for hidden gems, forgotten white labels, and timeless anthems. His selections are carefully curated, drawing from years of collecting and a deep understanding of what makes a dance floor move.

Wax City Records, Big Apple Records, and the pirate radio community were his training grounds — the places that taught him selection, respect, and the real meaning of the underground scene.

Through the late '90s, Twinny played on pirate stations and in underground clubs around London during the golden era of UK Garage. The energy was electric, the music was fresh, and the scene was thriving.

In the early 2000s, he moved to Leeds for two years, holding several club residencies and helping push the Garage sound up north. The crowds there had real energy — true ravers with love for the music. Those residencies solidified his reputation as a DJ who could move any crowd.

After stepping away from DJing for 12 years, Twinny made his return in November 2023, reigniting the same passion that started in the 90s. Joining Garage Tape Packs has been a huge milestone — a chance to relive his youth, represent the roots, and keep the old school underground sound alive for a new generation.

UK Garage means everything to Twinny — it's more than just a sound; it's about people, culture, and connection. The scene has evolved and gone global, but that core underground spirit is still alive. You feel it when a proper 2-step tune hits and the whole dance moves as one.

Club Labyrinth, Slammin Vinyl, World Dance, AWOL, Wax City Records, Big Apple Records, pirate radio, and his Leeds residencies all shaped his path and sound. Each experience added another layer to his understanding of the culture and deepened his commitment to preserving its authenticity.

Platforms like Garage Tape Packs play a crucial role in keeping that authentic energy alive and giving DJs a proper space to represent real UKG culture. It's about maintaining the standards and passing the torch to the next generation.

One track Twinny will never get tired of spinning: Roy Davis Jr. – Gabriel (Large Joints Remix). It's a timeless anthem that never fails to move the crowd.

Funniest or wildest experience behind the decks: The DTI kicking the door in during a show on pirate radio — they legged it out the fire exit. Those were the days when playing underground music came with real risks, but the passion made it all worthwhile.

Pre-set ritual: A few deep breaths and off we go. No elaborate routines, just focus and connection with the music.

If he could go back to any rave: Club Labyrinth, Hackney, 1994-96 — no phones, no egos, just pure people and vibes. That era represented everything beautiful about rave culture.

Right now, Twinny is focused on recording new Garage Tape Packs mixes, growing his YouTube channel and social media accounts, and playing at more club nights. He's still adding to his vinyl collection and staying true to that classic sound while introducing it to a new audience.

Expect deep 2-step grooves, soulful Garage cuts, and pure underground energy — all mixed live on vinyl. Every set is a journey through the sound that built the scene, with carefully selected tracks that tell the story of UK Garage's rich history.

Looking ahead, he's just going to keep doing his thing and see where it takes him. He's enjoying collaborating with like-minded DJs who share the same passion for the roots of UKG and its future direction. Who knows, he might even promote the odd club night or two.

In one sentence, what does music mean to Twinny? Music is my happy place!

When you hear him play, you can expect authentic UK Garage energy, deep selections, and a journey through the sound that built the scene. Every track is chosen with purpose, every mix tells a story, and every set is a celebration of the culture that shaped his life.

Big love to everyone who's supported from day one — and to Garage Tape Packs for keeping the real underground culture and sound alive. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come.