All DJs Get a Seat at Let Them Cook's Table

Get to know the event series reverberating through the local music scene for giving DJs of all levels a chance to play.

- Ephraim Dytianquin

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?'"