WIZmedia Wizzi: Reggae Rooms with The Bevan's

Worplace to home, the rise of the Bevans

Against common view that couples ought not work together, Derek and Rachel Bevan’s successful collaboration at home and at work has made Reggae Rooms go from strength to strength.

The pair work together on many projects,

‘She has the hook-ups and the eye for it.’ Derek said in a recent interview. Derek Bevan has been collecting records ranging from Hip-Hop to Roots Reggae and all genres lying between since he was 13. Now at 37 he still buys vinal from the likes of Mikey Dread, the face of the biggest soundsystem in the UK, Channel One.

The ethos behind Reggae Rooms is to bring people together, Derek said:

‘In Godalming people seem to be getting glassed. Here in Guildford the vibe is peaceful. We can get really decent groups of people to come together.’

Reggae Rooms began five months ago and Derek has been growing the event alongside working full time as a lawyer and bringing up two children with another one on the way.

Like many successful music event managers, the Bevans began on the free party scene. Becoming a culture the scene peaked in the 1990’s holding the idea of paying as little as possible to hold and attend big parties.

Derek works alongside Kieron Hunter and Sam Reed who t

ogether make up ‘The Roots Brothers’. Spinning mixes of Jungle, Ragga and Reggae across the country with Rachel Bevan managing them whilst also promoting Mikey Dread, Channel One and the mighty DJ Earl Gateshead of Trojan Records.

See previous post for an exclusive interview with Earl Gateshead.