Be it viral moments during DJ sets or breaking down barriers for the new generation with his label ec2a, Dr Dubplate and the UK’s new underground run closely alongside one another. Dr Dubplate’s entry into dance music came as a teenager. Heavily influenced by his father – then manager of London institution Plastic People – he grew up absorbing Afrobeat, Rare Groove, House and Funk. Working the cloakroom on Thursday nights at Plastic People he was exposed to residencies and performances from some of the most esteemed artists – Theo Parrish, Four Tet and Floating Points to name a few- which paved the way for an education in and appreciation of UK Sound system and club culture. Dr Dubplate’s DJ stripes were earned in Bristol, as promoter and resident for party series Piff where he played alongside artists such as Mall Grab, DJ Seinfeld and Hodge. In 2020 he established ec2a – a more personal project referencing his inspiration and upbringing. Emerging during the height of the new UK Garage scene, Yanis’s debut as Dr Dubplate soon followed. With label and DJ projects running side by side, a following quickly formed, leading to bookings up and down the country when clubs re-opened, and a breakthrough year in 2021. A memorable headline B2B set with Interplanetary Criminal for Keep Hush, at their sold out summer festival, catapulted him into the eyes and ears of post-pandemic clubbers as did an ec2a Fabric RM3 takeover later that year. With a rich musical upbringing, it’s no coincidence that Dr Dubplate’s sets reflect his character; a positive, multi-genre taste with gun fingers as part of the blueprint and treating his crowds to everything from Gil Scott Heron to Kwengface, Dubstep to UK Funky and Trap. ‘For fans of DJ Oneman…’