For the 62nd instalment of Phonica’s Off The Record mix series, we welcome Leeds-based selector, producer and party-starter DJ Subaru.
A vital presence in the UK’s underground dance circuit, Subaru has steadily built a reputation for playful, emotionally charged selections that drift between Italo, house, new wave and cosmic disco oddities. Rooted in the vibrant Leeds scene—where they run the beloved Pleasuremaxxx parties and hold a residency at the queer institution Lovemuscle—their reach has quickly extended across Europe, with appearances at iconic venues such as Berghain and Panorama Bar, as well as parties and collaborations alongside Berlin tastemakers Sound Metaphors. On the production front, Subaru debuted on CWPT with the 2024 Lots Of Love EP—featuring a remix from Prins Thomas—before returning with the punchy indie-dance 12″ Dog in 2025, continuing to carve out a distinct sonic identity shaped by punk attitude and disco romanticism. For Off The Record 062, Subaru distils the records currently fuelling their dancefloors—imagining a packed room of dancers while recording at home—delivering an hour of favourites from their bag right now, stitched together with the same warmth and intuition that’s made them one of the most exciting selectors to emerge from the UK underground in recent years.
We had a quick chat with Subaru about their mix and what they have in the pipeline for 2026:
Hey Subaru, thanks for joining us! Can you tell us about your mix and what the idea behind it was?
Thanks for having me : ) I think this is probably all my fave club records at the moment in 1 hour! I was imagining people dancing in my head while I was recording it in my front room.
What are your preferred methods for finding new music, do you still enjoy digging around in dusty crates, or do you prefer to buy online?
Quite a bit of both! Plenty of crate digging on my travels, Sound Metaphors in Berlin and Atlantis in London, plus obsessive Discogs trawling, and also picking up new releases from yourselves! I had a couple of big scores in Italian antiques warehouses a few years back, hoping to do some more driving around to some off the beaten track spots as soon as possible!
What are five records you couldn’t live without?
I think this is a hard question so I made some categories for myself to make it easier <3
Most played peak time in the club: Equip – XXXO
Most played in my headphones: Suzanne Ciani – Seven
Waves Most played at work (a cafe ;p): Leonard Cohen – Death of a Ladies Man
Most played opening/closing in the club: The Flamingos – This Heat
Most played in my front room: Various Artists – Rebel Music (An Anthology Of Reggae Music)
What has been one of your most memorable sets over your career?
I think the “secret location” Pleasuremaxxx I put on last year was the most special thing I’ve ever done. A friend’s workshop, nice sound and lights, 200 of the most excited dancers, plus a 6 hour b2b with my bestie Tam Tam. It has entered into mythical party pub chat status!
What do you have up your sleeve for 2026?
Starting the label (Pleasuremaxxx Records…) lots of parties, hanging out with pals, and hopefully make some records!
You can catch DJ Subaru at the next Phonica presents party May 30th at The Carpet Shop. You can grab tickets HERE
