The Art of The Warm-Up: AJ Christou interview
TRANSMISSION RECEIVED
In our new interview series, The Art of the Warm-Up, we speak to DJs across the [UNVRS] lineups. We explore what makes a perfect warm-up set and the role that supporting DJs play at residencies.
AJ Christou established himself in the underground long ago but is now deep into the next phase. His sounds is a mix of crisp early noughties tech house and the irresistible swing of New York with his own percussive flair, distinctive congas and basslines. He’s released on Cuttin' Headz and Jesse Calosso's Boogeyman label and has headlined label events everywhere from Canada to Costa Rica to Hï Ibiza. We interviewed him following his set at elrow on 11 July, 2026. His set from [UNVRS] that night is out now to listen back to on YouTube and Apple Music.
WHY ARE WARM-UP DJS IMPORTANT, AND WHAT ROLE DO THEY PLAY?
I think they're one of the most important parts of the night. A good warm-up isn't about trying to steal the show, it's about creating the right atmosphere and giving the headliner somewhere to go. If you get it right, the whole night flows naturally. People sometimes don't realise how much influence the first few hours have on everything that comes after.
WHAT'S A WARM-UP SET FAUX PAS TO AVOID?
Trying to force the peak too early. The temptation is always to play your biggest records because you want to make an impression, but the best warm-up DJs have patience. Read the room, let people settle in and leave space for the story to build. Sometimes less really is more.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT PLAYING WARM-UP SETS?
I actually enjoy the challenge. You have to think differently because you're setting a mood rather than chasing reactions. It's a chance to play records that might not work later in the night and really focus on groove, selection and taking people on a journey. There's an art to it.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WARMING UP A HUGE ROOM LIKE [UNVRS]?
A room like [UNVRS] can be intimidating because of the scale, but my approach stays the same. I don't think about filling the room straight away. I think about filling the space with the right feeling. You earn people's trust record by record, and as the room grows, you grow with it. If you stay patient and read what's happening in front of you, the energy naturally builds.
elrow's Saturday residency at [UNVRS] runs until 3 October 2026. Tickets and VIP tables are available now.