Josh Butler on the ‘Last Day’ EP and bringing spontaneous magic to XOYO’s Dansu Discs night

Tony Allen
May 30
3 min read

Man in glasses and black shirt looks left against a gray background, appearing thoughtful.

Dansu Discs returns to XOYO on 31 May with a fresh all-nighter that promises to build on the momentum of their sold-out New Year’s Eve debut. This Manchester-born label has been carving out a strong reputation since 2017, and it is known for pushing fresh underground sounds with sharp intent. Grab your tickets here: https://www.seetickets.com/event/dansu-discs-josh-butler/xoyo/3354481.

Leading the charge is Josh Butler, a name you might recognise from heavyweight labels like Defected and Hot Creations. He’s got a reputation as a ‘DJ’s DJ’ for a reason. His groove-driven house sound is tight, rolling, and crafted to keep dancefloors moving. His latest release, the ‘Last Day’ EP, dropped on 23 May alongside Chesster and features a slick three-track collection of deep, minimal tech. It’s moody, club-ready, and perfect for heads-down sessions.

Josh doesn’t box himself in. When asked about his shift towards minimal tech on this EP, he said: “I try not to go for any particular subgenres, to be honest; for me, it’s all House music... Some tracks naturally end up more classic house sounding, others lean into the tech side a bit more.” This openness is reflected in his work and his sets, which are as unpredictable as they are tight.

Joining Josh are Chesster and THEOS, creating a B2B2B session that’s set to keep energy high and fresh. Chesster, aka Victor Cester, blends warm basslines with crisp percussion and is gaining momentum with releases on Dansu Discs and support from the scene’s heavy hitters. Born in Venice and now based in Los Angeles, Chesster adds a global edge to the night. THEOS, on the other hand, brings an eclectic twist with a sound that mixes deep house, broken beats, and jazz atmospheres. With past releases on Shall Not Fade and nods from Mixmag and Rinse FM, THEOS introduces a textured vibe that rounds out the lineup.

Two men are pictured: one in a black cap and hoodie near greenery, the other in glasses and a vest against a green backdrop. Casual mood.

His approach to back-to-back sets reveals a lot about how the night will unfold. “When it’s a b2b like this with two guys, I’m close with and trust, I always suggest doing one track each and keep that high-pace energy going. It keeps it exciting, and no one in the club knows what’s coming, not even the DJs.” This spontaneity turns the night into a unique experience, a one-off moment created on the fly.

XOYO’s sound system and inclusive vibe make it a perfect home for Dansu Discs. Josh hasn’t played there before but respects its place in London’s club scene. “It seems like one of the highest-regarded clubs in London, so I’m very honoured and excited to be gracing the decks there!”

Josh’s connection to the scene runs deep. He shared a key lesson from his early days: “To surround myself with like-minded people. People I connect with on a personal level... you can hear it in the music when you don’t.” His collaborative work with THEOS on this EP echoes that sentiment, reflecting genuine fun and creativity.

The last few years have seen shifts in house music, and he feels re-energised by the current vibe. “I am more excited about House music today than I have been for a long time... The music has more feeling and more soul again.” This renewed passion shines through in his music and DJ sets.

So, what can you expect on 31 May? Josh promises “bass heavy, dubby, soulful sounds that will progress as we get deeper into the night.” Add Chesster and THEOS into the mix and you’ve got a night that’s as much about surprise as it is rhythm.

Will you be there to catch this rare B2B2B magic? How often do you find a night where every track could be a first-time experience, even for the DJs? Dansu Discs is bringing something real to XOYO – don’t miss it.