From Volume Control to AVA: Reger's Rise in the Electronic Music Scene
Local electronic sensation Reger has swiftly risen through the ranks of the music industry, leaving his signature mark on the electronic scene. At just 22 years old, he boasts a decade of music production under his belt. His AVA Boiler Room set last summer has gained over 10,000 views (and counting!), showcasing the impressive journey of a young artist who began his ascent with Volume Control in 2018.
Finding His Rhythm Through Volume Control
Back in 2018, Reger found himself at a crossroads, eager to break into Belfast's music scene but facing the challenges that underage performers often encounter. After he’d just been gifted a new pair of decks for his seventeenth birthday, he discovered an ad for Volume Control with the tagline ‘Are you looking for gigs?’. Learning about the etiquette of the events industry is what stood out to him most about the project, so he decided to apply.
Reger reminisces about his time with the youth programme, highlighting the invaluable skills he acquired in events management and the art of engaging with venues and promoters.
"It's a very enlightening process where you're meeting like-minded individuals at quite a young age, which can be quite hard to do since you're not able to get into clubs and event spaces that are 18 plus."
Reflecting on the challenge of staying authentic in a sea of trends, Reger credits Volume Control for instilling a commitment to authenticity. The curated approach to their gigs, where acts were carefully selected, encouraged Reger to resist conformity and follow his unique artistic path.
‘‘Our gigs were very authentic in the way that we would carefully pick the acts and put them on at a certain time because we believed that it would work best that way. Having that sort of thought process or creativity, it just sort of makes you think differently in terms of perspective. I definitely feel like that was the route for me and Volume Control, that sort of base level understanding.’’
Unexpected Opportunities
Volume Control not only taught Reger key skills for navigating the events industry but also unexpectedly paved the way for long-lasting professional opportunities. Reger's bold move to volunteer for a voice drop at BBC ATL to promote one of the project’s gigs led to a significant ongoing collaboration. From Royal Exclusives to Beat Seekers, Reger's involvement with the BBC ATL has evolved, showcasing the unexpected turns a career can take when one seizes opportunities.
‘‘So it was kind of a full circle moment then, and I'm still working for them.... I wouldn't have had any of that had I not put my hand up in that meeting, which is pretty mad. That was a real moment.’’
There is also a strong sense of comradery and connection between the young people who work together through Volume Control, forming long-lasting friendships. Those who choose to continue down a path in music often cross paths in a professional capacity as they move into adulthood, as is the case with the 2018 group.
‘‘A lot of us still keep in contact. I see Molly taking photos, she was taking photos at AVA last year. Paddy from Zyra LeBleu, back then they were called Zyra LeBleu, they're now called the Florentinas. I still see them every now and then.’’
Launching Into The Music Scene
Post-Volume Control, Reger's journey accelerated. Securing his first gig in 2019 at Ulster Sports Club after an encounter with DJ Bobby Analog at AVA festival, Reger's career gained momentum. A chain reaction of events, from a performance at a huge after-party resulting in a lot of social media attention, to catching the eye of other club nights, set the stage for his regular DJ sets around Belfast.
Having performed twice at Oh Yeah in the last year, Reger shared his thoughts around the experience, "There's not an expectation of certain music you have to play to please the audience. I think in here there's a lot more room for eclecticism.’’ He highlighted the venue's unique atmosphere, emphasising the freedom to explore mixes that aren’t confined to any one genre.
Reger’s Advice for Aspiring Artists
Reger shares some wisdom for aspiring musicians:
"Staying true to yourself can be somewhat of a challenge because you see so many people around you conforming to trends. But if you stay true, you're going to be consistently working for a longer period of time."
Join Volume Control
We will launch the application process for the next Volume Control group during the summer of 2024. Applications are open to those aged 14-18 with a keen interest in music and events management. There will be announcements on our socials and website for details on the recruitment process later in the year, so stay tuned!
If this is something you are curious about, be sure to follow the current Volume Control team on Instagram and Tiktok to stay up to date with their events and come along to one of their uniquely curated all-ages gigs.
Reger's journey from a seventeen-year-old struggling to get gigs to his widespread recognition is a testament to the transformative power of Oh Yeah youth projects, helping to shape the future of young talent in the music industry.
