All DJs get a seat at Let Them Cook’s table
Music transcends language. It stirs something visceral within us, and a certain few have been exploring its depths through DJ-ing. They often revel in the excitement of blasting a BPM (beats per minute) that gets people on their feet or curating a setlist that sparks a euphoric reaction. Yet, for newcomers, the DJ space can be intimidating and difficult to break into.
That is why Let Them Cook (LTC)—an event series that gives DJs of all levels a chance to play—has reverberated through the local scene with its novel format, and Young STAR sat down with the co-founders, Gian Ferrer (DJ Better Living) and Kyle Dominic Lim (KADILIMAN), as well as LTC alums, Arianna Lansigan (arigoggles), Kobie Brown (Ko BB), and Zar Donato (Zar), to learn more about its origins, impact, and future.
The head chefs behind let them cook
“Chefs” Gian and Kyle have always been fervent lovers of music, with Gian’s interest in the electronic genre dating back to 2009. His love snowballed into a deeper curiosity for DJ culture and a yearning to take it further. “In my head, it made sense that I wanted to DJ. Hindi naman siya ‘yung tipong ego. I just really want to play music that makes people dance.” That desire led him to sign up for Don’t Tell Nanay’s second DJ workshop on Sept. 2, 2023, where he met Kyle.
Meanwhile, Kyle turned to music and fashion after leaving his corporate job. Being a fly on the wall at a previous Don’t Tell Nanay recital inspired him to attend the next. “I liked the vibe and the environment. People were playing their own stuff without caring, and the audience was super receptive. So, I was like, ‘Oh, why don’t I try DJ-ing?’”
The two left the workshop with a newfound friendship and an intensified passion to perform beyond their bedroom walls, but LTC only began with an epiphany Gian had at the end of 2023. “I wanted to do a birthday gig with us alums sa workshop (but) couldn’t do it. Then I had the idea na we’re probably not the only ones looking for gigs. What if we all just make our own little gig? If you can’t have one, make one.”
Gian pitched the idea of starting an event exclusively for new DJs to a group chat with Kyle and two other workshop attendees. Kyle quickly hopped onboard. “Sometimes, people say, ‘Oh, let’s do it,’ but no one really follows through. I felt like Gian (was) a person willing to do something. So, I was like, ‘Yeah, okay. Let’s go!’”
Opening the doors for other DJS
When asked about LTC’s ethos, Kyle answers, “It’s for DJs to explore, experiment, and play what they want. (It’s a) platform where they can really be themselves in terms of their taste in music.”
Gian mentions how novice DJs commonly get booked for weddings first. “You’re most likely not playing music you want.” It was a must for the co-founders to foster a like-minded community, especially as the art form generally lacks substantial external support.
Although they initially catered to beginners, the duo soon realized that more seasoned DJs longed for a creative outlet too. For Zar, LTC has been foundational to understanding her musical identity. “Every set, event and conversation has contributed to my growth—not just as a DJ, but as an artist.” She emphasizes how LTC not only acknowledges the struggles of DJs but also provides a platform for free expression. “It’s rare to find a place that encourages both exploration and ownership of one’s sound, mas lalo na dito sa Philippines. (That’s) why LTC is healing.”
Arianna, a beginner DJ who moved from Los Angeles, was among those who found solace in LTC. “It’s the least intimidating platform to shoot your shot as a beginner or even as an experienced DJ wanting to try something new.” She remembers her inaugural LTC set at the Lasunan flea market being a “spiritual shift” thanks to Gian’s encouragement to just have fun. “LTC opened my mind to realize, ‘Oh my God! I can actually play what I want!’ It’s stupid simple, but it is life-changing.”
Kobie, also fresh into his DJ career, had a similar revelation. Determined to prove himself, Kobie spent weeks rehearsing and fine-tuning his set after being the first person to sign up for LTC’s open deck session, Just Jam, last January. “I was so excited but nervous ‘cause it was gonna be one of my first times playing in front of people,” he confesses.
Kobie felt the nerves creep in during the event as he watched the other DJs perform. Right before he had to set up, Arianna approached him, relaying Gian’s advice to have fun as she cheered him on. That dissipated his nerves and transformed his mindset. “I was looking at the playlist I made and was like, ‘I’m not gonna use this anymore. I’m gonna pick random songs,” Kobie admits. “I had an amazing night. That was probably one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
Holding steadfast to their vision, LTC has made waves; around 100 DJs have signed up for their events despite only debuting in late August last year. “Before, ‘yung problem namin (was), ‘What if we have to look for DJs?’” Gian recalls. “Now, our problem is, ‘Oh no, we need more events!’”
Letting the next generation cook
As for what’s next, Gian’s ambitious goals for the platform include radio, a booking agency, their own place, and going global, but he isn’t pressured to make it happen right away. However, when it comes to changes he wants to see in the local DJ scene, his answer is concise: for it to be “more open, and to actually mean it.”
“The diversity of LTC is pretty insane to think about,” Arianna reflects. “For that to exist, I want to continue to be part of something that actually encourages community.” Arianna has since been inducted as a “sous chef,” or an LTC core team member. She hopes that more women and queer people can tell their stories by taking over the decks. “I hope in the future, DJs lean more into playing what they want. It’s okay to stand out. That in itself is revolutionary.”
Now branching off into his own collective, We Don’t Care UK, with Myc Priestly, Kobie is grateful to LTC for kickstarting his career and instilling the confidence to approach sets with freedom. “I love how you can fully be yourself (at LTC). To any DJs out there who are intimidated, go to an LTC event. I swear it will unlock something in you that is just beautiful.”
Regardless of what the future holds, LTC plans to always leave its door open, which Kyle deems as the most important thing. “How will a beginner approach you if you’re clique-ish or not receptive to entertain people who want that opportunity? At the end of the day, I hope it will be a platform for DJs—no matter if global, local, or people we don’t see play—to get their spotlight.”
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