Episode 35 - [Guest Episode] Behind the Decks: Weddings, Nightlife and DJ Culture with DJ Rugrat
In this week’s guest episode of Aisle Be There, we sit down with Nainesh, better known as DJ Rugrat, to talk about his journey through music, nightlife, weddings, and building one of the most recognised brands in the industry over the last 20 years.
From the early days of being surrounded by rappers, MCs and mixtapes to navigating racism in the club scene and getting his first gigs in London nightlife, Nainesh shares how music became more than just a hobby. It became the thing he knew he was meant to do. We talk about confidence, ambition, and the mindset that pushed him to believe he would make it in the music industry one way or another.
We also dive into how the DJ world has changed over the years. From the decline of club culture and the rise of streaming to how DJs were once the tastemakers people relied on to discover music, this episode is full of nostalgia and honest insight into the evolution of the scene.
A huge part of the conversation focuses on weddings and why they are completely different to clubs. We discuss how wedding DJs have to read a room, balance cultures, curate experiences, and create an atmosphere that reflects the couple rather than forcing a packed dancefloor for the sake of it. Nainesh shares why being part of someone’s wedding journey is ultimately more rewarding than a club set.
We also get into lighting, production, destination weddings, how DJs are selected and managed, and the realities of building a successful entertainment company in such a competitive industry.
This episode is packed with stories, industry insight, and a real look behind the scenes of what it takes to stay relevant in music for over two decades.