Modulate is BACK!

Creativity thrives in surprising places, and nowhere is this more evident than in West Basement, home to ICRadio. For years, this student led station has been a steppingstone for DJs, musicians, and innovators to kickstart their hobbies. One of the key events that brings this vibrant community together is Modulate, ICRadio’s signature club night, which showcases the comprehensive musical talents of Imperial’s DJs. With the next event just around the corner, Felix sat down with Andres, Aaron, and David—three key figures from ICRadio—to discuss the event’s history, its creative philosophy, and how it’s shaping the social scene at Imperial College London.

The origins of Modulate

Modulate started with a simple idea: to create a space for Imperial students to express themselves musically in ways they couldn’t at typical student nights. Andres, the current Head of Discos at IC Radio, explains how the event has evolved over the years.

“There wasn’t really a night for alternative or underground music at Imperial,” Andres reflects. “People were tired of the same playlists at the student bars, so Modulate became a place for something different.”

Originally launched a few years ago, Modulate quickly found its footing as a major event on the campus calendar. David, IC Radio’s Station Manager, expressed gratitude for the revival of the event as a platform to share Imperial’s creative culture. “He [the creator] threw the first Modulate, and it just grew from there,” says David. “It’s been amazing to see it evolve into a space where people from across disciplines come together to share their love of music.”

People were tired of the same playlists at the student bars, so Modulate became a place for something different.

A space for everyone

Far from being a niche event just for DJs or musicians, Modulate encourages participation from all corners of the university community. Aaron, the Head of Music at ICRadio, explains how the event draws in students with diverse interests.

“It’s not just about DJ-ing or playing music,” Aaron says. “We have people who are producing their own music live, or even students who are just passionate about sharing ideas. For example, we have two students, Erika and Lily, who are running a live dating show. It’s all about giving people a space to express themselves in different ways.”

And it’s not just about what happens on stage. Behind the scenes, ICRadio brings together people with a wide range of skills—from graphic design to sound engineering—to make ICRadio and Modulate happen. “We have PhD students maintaining the equipment, people working on the website, and others doing promotional materials,” Andres adds. “It’s a real team effort.”

A community through music

What really sets Modulate apart is the sense of community it promotes. For students who might feel isolated in the high-pressure academic environment of Imperial, the event offers a much-needed creative outlet.

“It’s not just a night out; it’s about building connections and giving people the chance to meet others who share similar interests,” Andres explains. “You come to Modulate, and you meet people who are into underground music, who want to DJ, or who just want to be part of something creative.”

We like to dig deep and find tracks that you might not hear elsewhere—small artists on SoundCloud with maybe 1,000 or 10,000 followers.

David echoes this feeling, noting that Modulate is more than just a student event. “It’s a showcase of the talent we have here at Imperial, and it brings together students from different backgrounds,” he says. “Even students who aren’t familiar with electronic music or DJ-ing come along for the atmosphere and end up enjoying themselves. It’s all about having an open mind.”

New talent, new sound

For music lovers, one of the main draws of Modulate is the variety of genres offered. From house to garage to techno, Modulate’s lineup spans a wide range of sounds, many of which you won’t hear at other student nights. Aaron is particularly proud of how the event showcases underground music and gives a platform to lesser-known artists.

“We like to dig deep and find tracks that you might not hear elsewhere,” he says. “A lot of what we play comes from small artists on SoundCloud— people with maybe 1,000 or 10,000 followers. It’s a great way to discover new music.”

But Modulate isn’t just about Imperial and current students. “Last year, one of our alumni, Meg, came to Modulate and played a track she had produced herself—a fusion of Beyoncé, jungle, and bass. The crowd went wild,” Aaron tells. “That’s the kind of magic that happens at Modulate.”

Behind the Scenes

While Modulate is all about fun and enjoyment for the attendees, organising the event was no small feat. David, Andres, and Aaron have been hard at work for months, planning every detail to ensure the event runs smoothly. From working with the Union to sorting out promotions and tickets, the team has been managing endless responsibilities to make sure everything comes together.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it when you see everyone having a great time,” David says. “We’ve been preparing since August, and it’s been a team effort. The design, the promotion, the event planning—it’s all been a big project.”

One of the most challenging aspects was making sure the event stays fresh while still delivering the same high energy that attendees have come to expect. “We want each event to feel different, but we also want to maintain the same quality,” Andres explains. “It’s about striking that balance between giving people what they love and introducing them to new sounds.”

First show

As the 15th of November approaches, the excitement for Modulate is noticeable. Early bird tickets sold out in just a few minutes, and general tickets were gone before the end of day. For anyone lucky enough to score a ticket, the event promises an unforgettable experience filled with great music and a chance to be part of one of Imperial’s most creative communities. And since it will be a six-hour long show with a dozen DJs, there is ample chance to witness Modulate within a busy schedule.

What can readers with tickets expect?

The event will start at 8pm and last late into 2pm. Since it will be at Metric, ICUnion’s own performance venue in Beit Quad, most students, especially first-year freshers, won’t have too far of a commute. Drinks and food will be provided, with a food truck stationed outside the venue for attendees that have been dancing all night. The food truck is yet to be decided.

Attendees who are desperate to go may be able to score some tickets at the entrance, so hope is not lost for those who were unable to do so via their website. The best course to find tickets is to keep an eye on their Instagram @icradio.