Dubrek25: Celebrating 25 Years of Music, Creativity and Community in Derby

For 25 years, Dubrek Studios has been one of the beating hearts of Derby’s grassroots music scene. It has been a recording studio, rehearsal space, live venue, creative hub and, for countless musicians, a place where ideas became reality. Dubrek25 was more than just an anniversary event. It was a celebration of the people, bands and artists who have passed through its doors over the last quarter of a century and helped shape what Dubrek has become.

TREИDNG had already promoted the event in the run-up to the day, but being there from start to finish gave us a chance to experience exactly what makes Dubrek such an important part of Derby’s creative landscape.

Organised by Dubrek founder Jay Dean, the day brought together artists connected to Dubrek through recording sessions, rehearsals, gigs, events and friendships built over many years. Every act on the bill meant something to Dubrek, and Dubrek clearly meant something to every act.

Speaking to TREИDNG during the event, Jay reflected on what he considers his proudest achievement over the last 25 years.

“It’s supporting people who maybe wouldn’t otherwise have had the opportunity to do music,” he explained. “Helping people keep performing, keep writing and keep creating.”

It is a simple statement, but one that perfectly captures what Dubrek has stood for throughout its existence. While venues, studios and equipment are important, it is the people behind them that truly matter.

Interestingly, Jay’s journey began before he was performing himself.

Before bands, venues and festivals, there was simply a fascination with electronics and recording equipment.

He told us that long before Dubrek became the institution it is today, he was recording local musicians purely because he was interested in the technical side of music production. That passion steadily grew into the creative powerhouse Derby knows today.

Dubrek25 was therefore not just a celebration of a business. It was a celebration of decades of relationships, collaborations and shared experiences.

The day opened with Derby Midwest emo favourites Porcelain Girl, who immediately kicked things into life with one of their trademark energetic performances. Blending emo, pop-punk and heavier influences, they delivered a set packed with songs that have become familiar favourites amongst local audiences. Their combination of emotional melodies and powerful guitars provided the perfect way to start the celebrations.

Throughout the day, it became clear that every artist on the lineup represented a different chapter in Dubrek’s history.

One particularly meaningful performance came from Debbie and the Sea of Fire. During her set, Debbie mentioned recording with Jay many years ago, prompting us to ask him about those early sessions.

Jay smiled as he remembered Debbie’s former band, Twinkie.

His own band had supported them at The Garrick in Derby years ago, and shortly afterwards he took an eight-track PortaStudio to Debbie’s house to record the group. Those sessions became some of the earliest recordings in what would eventually grow into Dubrek Studios.

In many ways, Debbie and Twinkie helped lay part of the foundation that Dubrek would be built upon.

Today, Debbie and the Sea of Fire remains every bit as adventurous and creative. Her solo project combines synths, guitars, loops, drones, toys, cheap electronics and vocals to create fascinating soundscapes that sit somewhere between experimental electronica, ambient music and contemporary art. The music often feels like a soundtrack to abstract adventures, technological futures and journeys through space, creating an immersive experience unlike anything else on the bill.

Another standout performance came from Output, whose blues-infused garage rock brought a welcome dose of grit and swagger to the day. Their sound moved effortlessly between soulful melodies and heavier moments, with passionate vocals and occasional bursts of raw screaming adding extra intensity. It was dirty, energetic and impossible not to enjoy.

Hannah Dennis then delivered a beautifully crafted set accompanied by Rhys on guitar. The songwriting shone throughout, with thoughtful lyrics and strong melodies drawing the audience in. Sometimes the simplest performances can be the most effective, and this was one of those moments. It was a reminder that great songs do not need elaborate production to make an impact.

Perhaps the most fitting performance of the entire day came from Jay Dean himself.

While Dubrek25 was ultimately about celebrating everyone who has contributed to Dubrek’s story over the last quarter of a century, it felt only right that the man who started it all should take to the stage as part of the festivities.

Performing with his band Goddesses, Jay stepped away from organiser duties for a while and back into the role of musician. The band’s sound is difficult to pin down in the best possible way, blending psychedelic rock, shoegaze textures, funky rhythms and infectious grooves into something that feels both nostalgic and completely fresh.

Watching Goddesses perform felt like a reminder of why Dubrek exists in the first place. Before the venue, before the studio, before the festivals and events, there was simply a love of music and creativity. Twenty-five years later, that passion remains just as visible as ever.

Solo artist Krista followed with a performance that showcased her remarkable voice. Mixing original material with carefully chosen covers, she captivated the room with a vocal performance that was both powerful and intimate. There was a warmth and authenticity to her set that resonated with the audience.

Floral Pattern then brought something entirely different to the main stage. Their experimental blend of psychedelic jazz, acid jazz and improvisation created one of the day’s most infectious atmospheres. Before long, people were moving, dancing and completely immersed in the music. The band’s adventurous spirit was matched by exceptional musicianship, particularly from the saxophone player whose performance added huge energy throughout the set.

Over on the second stage, Fawn Music provided one of the most beautiful moments of the day.

Accompanied by an ensemble of fellow musicians featuring cello, clarinet, guitars and additional instrumentation, the performance blended Celtic folk traditions with contemporary songwriting. The inclusion of songs sung in Gaelic added another layer of depth and authenticity. The result was utterly captivating, with stunning vocals and rich arrangements creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and expansive.

As evening approached, Kez brought a very different kind of energy.

Self-described as “poetry punk”, Kez combines spoken word, punk attitude, indie influences and shout-along choruses into something uniquely their own. The main room quickly filled as people packed in to witness one of the day’s most energetic performances.

The set was packed with personality, humour and attitude. Somewhere between spoken-word poetry, punk gig and indie party, it created a sense of joyful chaos that perfectly suited the occasion. A brand-new song was unveiled during the set and immediately connected with the crowd, who responded by dancing, singing and throwing themselves fully into the performance.

Lilly Sphere then transformed the atmosphere once again with a set built around ambient electronics, haunting vocals and pulsating dance rhythms.

Her music moved between atmospheric electronica, trance and even touches of drum and bass, creating a cinematic and immersive experience. The contrast between delicate vocal passages and powerful electronic arrangements made for one of the day’s most distinctive performances.

Finally, it was time for the headliners.

Part Chimp.

If there was any concern that the day might end quietly, Part Chimp immediately erased it.

The London noise rock and sludge metal veterans are legendary for their volume, and they certainly lived up to their reputation.

From the moment they started playing, the room was hit by a wall of colossal sound. Massive down-tuned riffs, layers of fuzz and distortion and earth-shaking rhythms combined to create an experience that felt as much physical as musical.

People were headbanging, dancing and throwing themselves around the room. At several points the energy became so intense that drinks were sent flying across the venue.

And it was loud.

Seriously loud.

Yet beneath the crushing volume was an incredible sense of groove and melody. Part Chimp’s genius has always been their ability to take seemingly overwhelming noise and transform it into something strangely addictive. Their sludge-infused, drone-heavy sound continued to build and build throughout the set, creating a thunderous finale worthy of such an important occasion.

It was the perfect ending to a day that celebrated everything Dubrek stands for.

What made Dubrek25 special was not simply the quality of the performances. It was the connections between them. Every artist represented a relationship, a memory or a chapter in Dubrek’s story. The event felt less like a traditional festival and more like a family reunion for Derby’s creative community.

For 25 years, Jay Dean and the Dubrek team have championed grassroots music, emerging artists and independent creativity. Whether organising events, recording local bands, building opportunities for artists or even taking to the stage himself with Goddesses, Jay’s impact extends far beyond the walls of the studio itself.

With plans already underway for a major city-wide festival involving multiple venues and promoters across Derby later this year, it is clear that Dubrek continues to influence the wider cultural landscape of the city. It is no longer simply a recording studio or venue. It has become part of the infrastructure that helps Derby’s creative scene thrive.

The success of Dubrek25 demonstrated exactly why that matters.

For a quarter of a century, Dubrek has given musicians somewhere to rehearse, somewhere to record, somewhere to perform and, perhaps most importantly, someone to believe in them.

Happy 25th birthday, Dubrek Studios.

Congratulations to Jay Dean and the entire Dubrek team.

Here’s to another 25 years of emerging talent, unforgettable gigs, creative risk-taking and the music that continues to bring people together.

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