IT has been a year to remember for brothers Mark and Mickey Horsey who are rapidly making a name for themselves as both DJs and producers.

Collectively known as Vibe Killers, the pair have attracted interest from some of the leading dance labels and been in demand for live sets at some of the biggest club nights around the UK.

Not bad for a pair who started out in their bedroom in Nelson 20 years ago.

“When we were kids we pestered our mum to get us a pair of belt drive turntables,” said Mark. “It all started from there. We would do milk rounds and paper rounds to earn money to buy records - it was all vinyl then.

“Like most DJs we started out in our bedroom but when our mum and dad went on holiday we’d have a party and play there.

“They were good house parties,” he recalled with a laugh.

Eventually the brothers sought a larger audience.

“Sankeys in Manchester used to give you an early slot if you could bring a load of your mates with you and that’s sort of where we started our apprenticeship. It’s not just about playing, it’s about networking and making contacts.”

That networking clearly paid off and two years ago the Horsey Brothers as they were known decided it was time for a new name.

“We just wanted a fresh start really,” said Mark. “When you’ve been putting music together for a while some of the stuff you did in the early days doesn’t really represent what you are now and that was the case with us.”

The name is deliberately ironic and has helped the pair make inroads and now from their studio in Manchester their tracks have appeared on releases by a number of major dance labels.

Their Violater EP was released last month on the Hot Trax label.

“We’re getting a following all over Europe,” said Mark. “We have been working with some of the biggest labels in our industry. It’s quite funny really because a lot of people have only just heard about us but we have been at this for 20 years.”

Both Mark who now lives in Burnley and Mickey who lives in Colne run their own businesses which allows them time to meet the demands of DJ-ing and producing.

“My wife is very understanding,” said Mark, “She used to come to the clubs with me but it’s hard when you are working. It sounds glamorous but it’s actually hard work, there is a lot to think about. So I try to make it up to her on other days.”

Being brothers, Mark believes, has helped in the duo’s success.

“I tend to do more of the social media side and Mickey is more the studio guy,” said Mark. “We know each other so well and we can take the mickey out of each other. I would hate to go travelling around the country on my own. Because we go together makes it more of an adventure.”

With 2017 having been so successful, how do the pair see 2018 panning out?

“We’d love to do some of the bigger festivals, something like Park Life at Heaton Park,” said Mark. “We’re always working on new music.”

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