BOILER ROOM AND ITS OFFSPRING

Boiler Room/Kaytranada

For years, DJs - both emerging talents and veterans - have shared a common dream: performing at Boiler Room.

Founded in London in 2010, Boiler Room changed how audiences experience music across genres. The initial concept was simple: stream DJ sets directly from the heart of their sessions.

The first event set the tone. In a secret London warehouse, with just a webcam mounted on the wall, the inaugural set created an intimate, authentic atmosphere.

Since then, Boiler Room has expanded into a global phenomenon, broadcasting live events from over 100 cities worldwide. This format opened doors to a new way of experiencing music, allowing millions to witness exclusive performances remotely.

Unlike traditional concerts or festivals, Boiler Room positions the audience behind the DJ, creating a direct connection with the music. The camera moves through the crowd, turning spectators into part of the show. Many sets are remembered for the characters who became memes, like Kaytranada's performance and more recently, Chase and Status, where the audience became integral to the experience.

The absence of stages and barriers eliminated the distance between artist and audience, turning each event into a music celebration.

Boiler Room has shaped many emerging DJs' careers. Artists like Peggy Gou, Kaytranada, Fred Again, and Ben UFO saw their popularity surge after their performances went online.

The platform also brought lesser-known music genres to global attention. From Berlin techno to Nigerian afrobeats, South African gqom to London grime, it connected artists and audiences internationally.

Over time, the Boiler Room brand evolved to include documentaries and collaborations with festivals and fashion brands. The format adapted, becoming more polished through partnerships with Apple and YouTube.

The brand expanded into exclusive physical events and launched inclusion initiatives featuring artists from diverse backgrounds.

Recently, new formats have emerged as "children" of Boiler Room, created primarily for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, featuring short clips of improvised sets in unusual locations.

Aprtmnt is one such format. It features intimate venues with small crowds close to the DJ, carefully curated white or sand-colored outfits, and cool music suited for aperitivo hours.

Other formats include Playground, which hosts house parties; Antidoto Club - created by our "Close Friend" Yosef and Les Amis, which mirror Boiler Room's club setting; and LETHIMCOOK, where DJs perform in active restaurant kitchens during service.

These examples show Boiler Room's global influence. More than a streaming platform, it's a cultural movement that redefined relationships between artists, audiences, and technology. As music evolves, Boiler Room remains a reference point for the industry.

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