HBDJ Weekly Update - Week 37

HBDJ Weekly Update - Week 37: Unforgettable DJ Experiences in Tauranga!

Hey team!

Another week has wrapped up, and what a week it’s been! Let’s dive into the exciting happenings.

Open Decks Sets Are Live!

We’ve officially dropped all of our July Open Decks sets throughout the past week. Honestly, there’s some serious talent coming through the doors right now!

The recordings really speak for themselves. If you haven’t already, jump onto our YouTube channel and listen to some of Tauranga’s best DJs in action. Who knows? You might just find your new favourite DJ!

Find the Open Decks sets here: Open Decks Playlist.

Friday Night + Venue News

Friday had a couple of notable moments!

First up, Rita’s. It’s still a blast as always! It did take a while to get the dancefloor going, and it was definitely quieter than usual. That said, it was a freezing night, so I’m not reading too much into it.

Secondly, and more importantly, we heard about the imminent closure of Neck of the Woods in Auckland. Michael and I had the chance to play there in September last year. It quickly became one of our favourite venues! Getting the opportunity to play outside Tauranga made it even more special.

This one hits a bit closer to home, especially after Tauranga lost Voodoo Lounge last year. That was another hugely important venue for the local scene.

Venues like these are essential. They’re where up-and-coming artists get their start. You often see future headline acts before they hit big stages or even international gigs. Without these grassroots spaces, we risk ending up in a scene dominated by major companies. Opportunities become harder and harder to access.

If you’re able to support, you can donate to Neck of the Woods here: Support Neck of the Woods. At the moment, they’re about one-third of the way to their goal, which is awesome to see! The community is really showing up. Let’s keep that momentum going!

A Personal Mix Drop

To round out the week, I dropped a mix yesterday that I’ve been planning since the start of the year. It’s kind of a special one!

Since it’s now 2026, it’s been 10 years since my first proper Spotify Wrapped. Technically, I had one in 2015, but I barely used Spotify then—less than 1,000 minutes, so I don’t count it.

I went back through my top 100 songs of 2016, picked my favourites, and mashed them all together into one mix. It’s definitely less flashy from a mixing perspective, but that’s not what this one’s about.

This mix is personal. It’s a reminder of why I started DJing in the first place. Sometimes, if you’re always performing or putting on a facade, you forget that. Being able to go back and relive those moments and connect with a simpler time in life is honestly something special.

What’s Coming Up

We’re back at Rita’s this Saturday! You’ll have Mr. Michaelangelo on the decks alongside Phillips, throwing down all your favourite groovers. Make sure you get down there; it’s shaping up to be a great night!

The Importance of Community in DJ Culture

Let’s talk about community! In the DJ world, it’s everything. We thrive on the energy of our crowd. Each event is a chance to connect, to share, and to create unforgettable memories.

When we support local venues, we’re not just preserving spaces; we’re nurturing the entire music scene. Every DJ you see today started somewhere. They played in small venues, built their skills, and grew their fan base.

By attending events, you’re not just enjoying the music. You’re part of a movement! You’re helping to shape the future of our local scene. So, let’s keep showing up and supporting our artists!

Final Thoughts

As we move forward, let’s remember the importance of our local venues and the artists who fill them with life. Each event is a celebration of music, creativity, and community.

I’m excited for what’s next! Let’s keep the energy high and the music flowing. Have an amazing week, team. We’ll talk soon!

Jaden