BlindSided – Drum & Bass DJ | Twisted Official

The DJ

BlindSided is a Drum & Bass DJ from Birmingham West Midlands and a truly inspirational artist within the Twisted family.

He had been DJing on and off for a number of years but began taking it seriously after being registered Severely Sight Impaired (Blind) in 2018. His sight loss was caused by diabetic retinopathy a complication of Type 1 diabetes that he has lived with since childhood.

Back in 2014 BlindSided underwent extensive laser treatment on his eyes. Sadly in 2016 he suffered a retinal detachment in his right eye and required major surgery in an attempt to correct it. Unfortunately the surgery was unsuccessful. Over the following months due to the nature of diabetic retinopathy his eyesight continued to deteriorate.

BlindSided now has no vision at all in his right eye and approximately 5% vision remaining in his left eye. He can mainly see shadows.

After losing his sight BlindSided almost gave up. What truly turned his life around was his young son Harry. Seeing how Harry took his father's sight loss in his stride gave BlindSided the strength to keep going. He realised that if Harry could cope with it then so could he.

Before his sight loss BlindSided played on vinyl decks. As his vision deteriorated this became increasingly difficult as he would often knock the tonearm and scratch the needles across the records. Forever determined he took the plunge in 2019 and bought himself a set of CDJs and he has never looked back.

Although his sight has continued to deteriorate and the news that he may lose his remaining vision completely has been devastating music continues to keep him sane. With or without sight BlindSided is a DJ to watch.

He is an up-and-coming star who amazes us with every set he performs. At first BlindSided worried that if people knew about his sight loss they might feel sorry for him or not judge him purely on his music. This could not be further from the truth.

BlindSided has an incredible tune selection and every set he plays is filled with passion energy and a genuine love for the music. He is one in a million and a shining star. If you comment on one of his sets and he misses your shout-out please make an allowance for his loss of sight.

We are hugely proud of this amazing artist and he has honoured us by becoming an ambassador for the Up & Comer Awards. As a former winner himself receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021 BlindSided represents everything Twisted stands for.

He is a huge part of Twisted and an inspiration to all of us and we hope he inspires you too.

The Music

After being registered blind BlindSided struggled deeply with severe depression and anxiety. During one of the hardest periods of his life he found true happiness freedom and purpose behind the decks.

His journey began on vinyl after falling in love with Drum & Bass and being inspired by some of his idols including Nicky Blackmarket and Andy C. As his sight loss progressed vinyl became increasingly difficult to manage but BlindSided refused to let that stop him. Determined to continue doing what he loved he made the transition to digital DJing and taught himself a new way forward.

For BlindSided music is far more than just sound. It is strength escape healing and happiness.

As BlindSided himself says:

"Music is my key to happiness."