John Digweed: “There Are No EDM DJs at BPM”

John Digweed has had as many phases in his illustrious career as he has had hairstyles. The Brit has been at the top of dance music for nearly thirty years, from his beginnings in Hastings, UK, where as a club DJ he helped launch the careers of everyone from The Prodigy to Carl Cox, to his game-changing bromance with Sasha, to his Bedrock club nights and imprint – It’s safe to say the man knows his way around a set of decks. Digweed’s Bedrock nights in particular have served as an entryway into club music for untold thousands, and this week, he brought the brand to the BPM Festival for a day party at the Blue Parrot Beach Club. It was an opportunity for partygoers to get a bit of education in between all that dancing.

“I first played BPM four years ago and have been back every year since,” Digweed tells THUMP. “The festival has grown organically over the years and the numbers have increased every year based on its reputation and consistency for showcasing the best in underground house and techno acts.”

Digweed’s words echo a prevalent sentiment in the air around Playa – Despite the immense growth of The BPM Festival, the ethos has remained distinctly underground, and that’s what keeps DJs and fans alike returning in increased droves year after year.

You could make the argument that BPM is defined as much by what it stands in contrast to as as anything else. In Digweed’s words: “The people who come to BPM are not looking for big room EDM sounds. The fact that there are no EDM DJs means the music is consistent day and night, the entire time throughout the festival.”

Although the sonics may be consistent, you’ll not easily find a showcase that matches the quality and depth behind Digweed’s own. His Bedrock label showcase went down yesterday at the Blue Parrot Beach Club with jozif and In.Phrequent. Check out the pics below:

Photo credit: Pearcey Proper

Now done with his duty behind the decks, Digweed has some big plans.”I’m gonna soak it in, enjoy the wonderful beaches and the great food and the fantastic mexican hospitality…. The weather is fantastic and with so many beach style parties, BPM has a real unique feel about it.”