DEX (FKA Open Sessions) - Open decks + DJ Workshop, Pirate Birmingham

You’re Invited to DEX

DEX is Pirate’s free open decks night at Pirate Birmingham, running every month on the last Wednesday from 7–10PM.

It’s a welcoming community event where DJs of all levels are invited to jump on the decks, sign up for a 20-minute set (first come, first served), and connect with other DJs across all genres. Whether you’re a seasoned selector or just starting out, you’ll get hands-on time in the booth, plus the option to take part in the Beginner DJ Workshop.

Don’t forget! Bring a USB loaded with tunes and headphones.

Not a DJ? Come through anyway! Music lovers are encouraged to attend, hang out, and catch a vibe.

What’s New at DEX:

• Longer DJ sets: 20 minutes per person
• Two-part Beginner DJ Workshop ( CDJs) for first-timers
• Beginner DJ Workshop Mastering Stems in Serato with JDY

Beginner DJ Workshop with SOULQU3ST (CDJs)

New to DJing? Join our interactive session hosted by SOULQU3ST and learn:

• How to use DJ gear
• Beatmatching and BPM
• Mixing basics and transitions
• Filters and FX

This is a relaxed, entry-level space designed to help you build confidence behind the decks.

About Your Workshop Host: SOULQU3ST

SOULQU3ST is a DJ and producer known for her emotionally rich and rhythmically layered sets that explore diasporic electronic music. Rooted in both her Jamaican and British heritage, her sound blends percussive depth with atmospheric textures, drawing influence from her time in Birmingham’s underground scenes. With a presence on stations like Mondo Radio and Voices, and guest appearances on Reform and Cashmere Radio, SOULQU3ST crafts immersive experiences that speak to movement, memory, and identity. She is the founder of Soundclash, a platform and event series dedicated to championing genre-fluid, community-focused art spaces. Her performances include appearances at festivals such as We Out Here and Cross the Tracks as well as club nights and cultural venues across the UK.

Beginner DJ Workshop Mastering Stems in Serato with JDY (8PM - 9PM)

Interested in learning how to DJ with stems and Serato? Join this interactive session led by JDY and learn:

• What stems are and how to use them
• How to map stems to your controller
• Live performance techniques and creative tricks
• Best practices for getting the most out of stems

Join JDY for a hands-on DJ workshop exploring the creative power of Serato Stems. Whether you’re new to DJing or looking to level up your sets, this session will give you the tools to remix and reimagine tracks in real time.We’ll start with the basics: understanding what stems are and how they can transform your mixing. You’ll then learn how to map stems to a controller using Serato’s MIDI mapping tools. JDY will guide you step by step before giving a live demo of how stems can be used to layer vocals, strip down drums, and build unique transitions.The workshop also includes interactive practice time so you can try it yourself, plus pro tips on best practices to make your sets more dynamic, Leave the workshop with more depth and creativity to your DJ sets.

About your Workshop Host: JDY

JDY is a dynamic DJ known for blending soulful, afro, and house-infused sounds with amapiano rhythms. A seasoned mixer with an ear for seamless stem control, she brings deep groove, joy, and spiritual energy to every set. With a residency at Sophy Digbeth’s BACK2BACK and standout performances at pirate events and the Pirate x Relentless Energy collab with DJ AG, JDY continues to carve out her place as a rising force in the Birmingham scene.

Helpful tutorial links for further information regarding Serato Stems:

https://youtu.be/o2V7Z7ky1uw?si=qi8xgpHVgHSzyyty

https://youtu.be/zm3DBjq-fEw?si=aFwEJfb3lsgVpE3u

https://youtu.be/MaSNUymqiG4?si=O2YjbdjknP9INoJB

Location & Access

DEX is held in studios 10, 11, 14, 15

Address: Pirate Birmingham, Unit 2, 77 Upper Trinity Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B9 4EG

Entry: Guests must present their tickets to the person on the door otherwise entry may be refused. Security on site reserves the right to check guests' bags.

Accessibility needs? Contact support@pirate.com

DEX Etiquette

• Be punctual – Arrive early and be ready when your set starts.
• Be creative – Try something new, share your sound.
• Be considerate – One set per person. Stick to your time.
• Be kind – Encourage and support others.
• Be respectful – No disruptive behavior. Respect staff and the space.

Notice of Photography

Photos and video will be captured during the event. By attending, you consent to their use in Pirate’s marketing, including website, social media, and paid promotions.