There are many professions for which a university degree seems a waste of time, you would be forgiven for thinking DJing to be one of them. On closer inspection, however, it seems that one of the best routes into the world of nightlife could actually be through your university.
When Freddie Katis – one half of Newcastle based DJ and events duo Kitchen Sync – applied to Newcastle University the plan was, like most students, to get his degree – his is in Economics and Business Management – and move on to a high-flying career in the world of corporate business. Two years down the line and Freddie DJs three nights a week in Newcastle clubs, leads a successful recurring event that tours the UK and hosts student raves with an ever-growing list of renowned DJs. Freddie and friend/business partner George Lee liaise with clubs, sort out transport for acts, sell tickets and market the events. Come the night, they even perform their own set for the swathes of students that come each time.
The success of Kitchen Sync comes as a result of – as well as a great deal of time and effort from its runners – its location in a major UK city. For Freddie and the many other dedicated students around the country who perform a precarious balancing act between staying up till 3 am DJing and making it to lectures the next day, it is their University’s city-based location which gives them the chance to do this. The difference between trying to arrange a gig with one of the countless Newcastle clubs and getting one of the 2 clubs within an hours’ driving distance of Freddie’s home in rural Kent to do the same is well… huge. In a profession that relies a lot on networking and exposure, and doesn’t offer much financial reward early on, a move to a big, buzzing city, and the financial stability of a student loan could mean that university is arguably the best way to go.
Freddie states that “you really see your work has gone to something, more so than just getting a grade on a bit of paper at the end of term” means he now sees it as a real career path. And why wouldn’t you? With upcoming events booked in Bristol and Edinburgh, and bigger and bigger acts joining them along the way, Kitchen Sync seems to be a hit. Maybe Uni and DJ’ing do go together after all….
Matt Kefford