UK nightlife isn’t dead, it’s thriving underground - One in three Gen Z say the best DJ sets happen at house parties

26 November 2025 - Press release

 

• New research highlights the enduring role of house parties, with over a quarter of  Gen Z and Millennials playing their first DJ set at one

• One in three Gen Z say they have been inspired to learn to DJ after experiencing a house party set

• DJs Fabio and Snoochie Shy agree how vital these DIY spaces have been in shaping artists’ early careers

 

New research* exploring house party culture across the UK and Europe found that more than a third of Gen Z (35%) and Millennials (34%) believe the best DJ sets happen at house parties - proof that UK nightlife isn’t dead, but thriving underground in more intimate DIY spaces. 

The survey of over 2,500 respondents, conducted by leading DJ brand AlphaTheta, revealed that more than a quarter of Millennials (28%) and Gen Z (25%) played their first DJ gig at a house party - confirming the role of the house party as a playground for new DJs and a cornerstone of the dance music community, as well as playing with music. One in three (33%) Gen Z respondents also said that the first DJ set they ever experienced was at a house party, and that those experiences have inspired them to start DJing themselves - even if it’s for experimentation and having fun with music.

For many of today’s biggest DJs, including drum and bass godfather Fabio (from Fabio & Grooverider), James Hype, and BBC 1Xtra’s Snoochie Shy, these DIY spaces were where it all began. Each one acknowledges house parties as a vital space for emerging DJs, where they can practise their skills, learn to read the crowd, and refine their unique sound.

Legendary drum and bass DJ, Fabio, said: "House parties and DIY spots were everything back in the day - that’s where we learned our craft. You had total freedom, no rules, no security telling you to turn it down, just vibes and creativity. Those spaces built communities and gave people a chance to experiment and find their sound. UK nightlife was built on that DIY energy. Without those small, independent spaces, the scene loses its soul.”

These findings come at a time when the UK nightlife scene is navigating significant challenges, with rising costs contributing to the closure of several much-loved venues, including Bristol’s Motion and The Wire in Leeds, while London’s Corsica Studios prepares to close its doors in March 2026. Yet rather than signalling a decline in dance culture, this shift shows how house parties continue to offer vital spaces for creativity and connection, with half of Gen Z (50%) and Millennials (55%) agreeing that they are the ideal, low-pressure setting for music discovery - where anyone can explore new sounds.

BBC 1Xtra DJ Snoochie Shy said: “I began DJing at online radio which was a space for all of us youngsters to practice and learn our craft, from there I went to smaller venues (most have closed now) with events ran by my mates and begged to be on the line up to get club practice in. The more I did, the more I learnt and this eventually got me to BBC 1Xtra as well as DJing festivals like Wireless and travelling the world. Smaller venues and youth communities are super important for the next generation of DJ’s coming up.” [Photo credit: Snoochie Shy]

What’s more - the findings suggest that 70 per cent of respondents want to go to more house parties, with nearly a quarter (24%) saying that they would take over DJ duties themselves. Gen Z also ranks the DJ among the top five most important elements of a house party - and with AlphaTheta’s accessible entry-level range, including the DDJ-FLX2, DDJ-FLX4 and DDJ-GRV6, anyone can experiment with DJing in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. 

Keleigh Batchelor, Marketing Manager at AlphaTheta, said: “House parties have always been at the heart of DJ culture, but these findings show just how crucial they continue to be. They are a space where creativity and community collide, and offer the opportunity for anyone to jump on the decks and learn, whether they’re looking to pursue a career as a DJ or just have a little fun. DJing should be accessible to everyone, and the house party fully embodies this idea - it’s a place where people can connect and enjoy their shared love of music” 

AlphaTheta is the team behind Pioneer DJ – a brand that’s been central to DJ culture for over 30 years. Today, AlphaTheta continues the journey, fueled by the same people, passion, and commitment to innovation, engineering excellence, and the power music has to connect and unite people everywhere. For more information visit alphatheta.com