Ashley

Ashley Noble - DJ and Hull Community Member

I’ve been a part of developing Nice Twice Club right from the start. I went to one of the community conversations back in October 2022, it was warm, welcoming and a nice environment. I learnt more about Hull and accessibility, prior to these conversations, I had never thought about it before. It was something I knew I wanted to go back to again.

I was part of the conversations about developing the Nice Twice Club, we spoke a lot about what’s important in Hull and decided on creating a campaign. It felt good to be a part of something and help create something new that was open for me to put my ideas forward and listen to other people’s ideas rather than just one person making all the decisions.

I’d never done anything like this before and I would absolutely 100% do it like this again.

My highlight so far is the exhibition we put on last year, I wrote a positive reggae track called “true” all about one true friend which I performed on the opening night. I loved seeing everyone’s work come to life, we could celebrate each other with family and friends.

I hadn’t been to an exhibition before and it wasn’t something I ever thought I would go to. I just didn’t think it was for me. I thought exhibitions were all about drawings but I realised it’s more than that, it’s all forms of artwork, music, videos, these are the artforms I mostly enjoy.

I have been to exhibitions at Humber Street Art Gallery since, I feel more confident in these spaces and feel more intrigued by what’s happening.  I’ve also been back to the exhibition space down Priory Street too.

Nice Twice Club has introduced me to lots of new things and people, I have been a part of many things since like our band Tuesday Tea Club. We rehearse at Humber Street Art Gallery which is a different vibe to a rehearsal room. It can sometimes spark more inspiration playing in a space like that.

Nice Twice Club has also helped me become more accessible as a DJ, when performing I always have in the back of my mind, how can we be more accessible. The Book in Driffield is a great example of a welcoming venue, the people there are so nice and good to work with, I get clear expectations and that’s really important.

I want to keep spreading the word of Nice Twice Club, it’s so important for Hull. I want people to see the logo and recognise it just like Tesco, a household name! you see it and you know what it is – never say never!