Strawberries & Creem and Pioneer DJ launch DJSUNLOCKED competition

Shelley Dodds

The tastiest festival for music and youth culture, Strawberries & Creem (S&C), are delighted to announce the return of the DJSUNLOCKED competition for 2022. In collaboration with leading DJ tech innovators Pioneer DJ, they are searching for the hottest DJ talent to take to the stage this summer.

The campaign celebrates up-and-coming talent and aims to find the best young DJs in the UK – offering the winner a unique chance to win a set at this June’s festival, plus a seriously impressive Pioneer DJ prize package.

With its mantra ‘Champion Future’, S&C has always been committed to finding and nurturing young music talent. Be it Alisha‘s first festival performance as a  DJ, or an unknown Aitch jumping on the mic as a special guest in the Big Top – S&C take chances on newcomers with potential.

“The last two years have been a tough time for DJs. We want to use our platform to provide opportunities for up-and-coming artists, as they return to playing live.

There is no better feeling than seeing an emerging DJ go on to reach new heights after playing at Strawberries & Creem. We pride ourselves on championing future stars, and want to be a stepping stone for them to get to the next level. 

Pioneer DJ is the perfect partner for this competition – adding credibility, insight, and an incredible prize package to help our winners master their craft and reach their potential.

More time at home has offered DJs the chance to hone their skills on the decks. This is now a chance for them to put those skills to the test, in front of 15,000 people. Good luck!” – William Young, Managing Director of Strawberries & Creem

Working with Pioneer DJ, the DJSUNLOCKED talent search is looking for selectors who think outside the box, bring a different flavour to the mix, and draw on cross-genre influences  – from Hip-Hop and Afrobeats, to House and Techno, to Drum & Bass.

“We love being involved in DJSUNLOCKED, it’s a great way for us to check out the next wave of talent and help give new DJs the platform to launch their careers. We can’t wait to hear the submissions for the 2022 competition and eventually watch the winners perform in a fitting setting – on big stages in front of passionate music lovers.” – Steven Briandt, Marketing Executive at Pioneer DJ EMEA

Entrants are asked to submit a 10-minute mini-mix to the S&C website BY 31st March: www.strawberriesandcreem.com/djsunlocked

Ten finalists will then be selected by the S&C x Pioneer DJ judging panel – and two winners will be decided by a public vote that opens on the 8th August, and announced shortly after.

The winner will get the chance to play a set on one of the three main stages at the festival – including the S&C Main Stage, depending on which genres they’re spinning. 

“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had DJing so far in my career and will encourage as many up and coming DJs to enter in the future.” – DJ Sherry, DJSUNLOCKED 2021 winner

They’ll also be added to a stellar bill of some of the UK’s leading DJs and artists – getting the chance to share a stage and rub shoulders with some of the best in the business and pick their brains backstage after their set.

Full list of prizes on offer: