Hitting all the right notes for almost a quarter of a century

In the latest edition of Marketing Derby’s Innovate Magazine we meet Jay Dean, from Dubrek, a business which for almost 25 years has been a hive of all things music.

Today, there’s a real buzz around his Bridge Street premises. Jay is welcoming 2,000 people through the doors each month, with bands rehearsing and laying down tracks and fans enjoying shows and events at the intimate venue.

But there was a time, when city centre redevelopment threatened the future of the business.

Supported by funding from the Arts Council and Prince’s Trust, Dubrek opened its doors for the first time in Monk Street in 2001.

After 12 successful years there an opportunity to relocate into the heart of the city centre, to a site in Becket Street.

However, this site would be included in a redevelopment masterplan which would ultimately lead to construction of the new Vaillant Live concert and conference arena.

As Jay struggled to find suitable alternative premises, the future of Dubrek became increasingly uncertain

The studio’s plight caught the attention of local and national media, sparking a huge campaign to safeguard the future of the business.

It was at that point that the University of Derby came forward with an offer to allow Dubrek to move into one of its buildings and offset some of the rent charges through an agreement, which would allow students to access Dubrek’s expertise and facilities.

The ongoing relationship with the university sees Jay involved in helping shape programmes and modules, provide work experience, mentoring, workshops and technical support. It has been a big success for both parties.

Jay told Innovate: “I’m super happy to be involved because I just like working with young people, and three and a half years on we’re even employing some of the students who we’ve worked with.

“Others have gone off to work in other music-related businesses. There are bands who have formed at the university who continue to use this place to help grow and develop.”

Jay says he is still planning how Dubrek should celebrate its 25th anniversary this summer.

Reflecting on the landmark, he told Innovate: “Not many people get to achieve that.

“We’re amongst the longest surviving music businesses in Derby, alongside venues like Blue Note and The Flowerpot.

“I’d love to still be doing this in another 25 years’ time, if I make it that long. I’ll probably be buzzing around on a Zimmer frame, who knows?

“But it would be nice if things could continue and we need to keep an eye on what’s happening in the world around us, react to changes and modify what we do.

“Things have changed a lot for Dubrek over the past twenty-four and a half years, but if we can stay malleable, then I think we’ll be okay.”

To read the feature in full, click here.