Welcome to Forever Red Recordings, an independent UK-based record label born from passion, persistence, and a lifelong commitment to underground electronic music. Founded by veteran DJ and producer Steve Friend, and powered by the next generation of talent through his son Joe Friend, Forever Red is more than a label – it’s a living, breathing legacy.

Our story begins in early ‘90s London – a time when the UK dance music scene was exploding with energy and innovation. Steve was there from the beginning, digging through crates at iconic record stores like Black Market, Zoom, and Chocis Choons, absorbing the gritty pulse of techno, house, and acid sounds coming out of warehouses and clubs.

Steve’s first real break came with a gig at Nicky Holloway’s “Opportunity Knocks” night at the Milk Bar – a proving ground for emerging DJs. From there, he hit his stride, landing sets across the UK’s hottest venues: The Garage, Mint Club, Love to Be, The Cross, and many more. His sound – a raw, hypnotic blend of house and techno – was impossible to ignore.

By the mid-1990s, Steve was making waves not only behind the decks but across media, featured in DJ Magazine, Mixmag, Ministry, and Musik. His punk-influenced look – Vivienne Westwood bondage trousers, wild hair, eyeliner, and nail varnish – made him a standout figure on and off the dance floor. This iconic style even led to a modelling stint with Ugly Rage Models and appearances in European ad campaigns and cult TV shows like Red Dwarf.

But music was always the heartbeat. Alongside his brother and manager Colin, Steve co-founded the iconic “Luvly n Bubbly” club night – a celebration of happy house classics, loved for its euphoric energy and inclusive vibe. Touring across the UK, they packed out clubs in Ipswich, Colchester, and beyond, carving out a loyal following.

Then came Ibiza – the island that changed everything.

In 1995, Steve was invited to play a Christmas set for Clockwork Orange, and not long after, was offered a residency at Pacha Ibiza by Dave and Wayne of the “Havin’ It” crew. His reply was instant: “Yeah, for sure.” That summer, Steve delivered marathon 5–6 hour sets alongside DJ Pippi, at the height of the Manumission era, when Ibiza was wild, free, and legendary.

From Kiss FM guest appearances with Judge Jules to chaotic nights at Pikes with boxing royalty like Nigel Benn and surreal encounters with Prince Naseem Hamed, this was Steve at the peak of his powers – living his dream and building a reputation across Europe and beyond.

His sound spread even further after a track reached Dave Kirkpatrick of “Decadence” in Sydney, leading to a New Year’s Eve show at Planet Hollywood and a month-long tour of Australia. Back in the UK, Steve joined the Havin’ It national tour, playing everywhere from Scotland to Devon – a testament to his relentless passion for music.

Fast forward to today, and the story continues with a powerful new energy – his son Joe Friend.

Born in Colchester in 2004, Joe grew up surrounded by music. Watching his dad perform and produce, he developed his own love for the underground scene early on. But it was the rise of tech house that truly spoke to him. Influenced by artists like Chris Stussy, Max Dean, Rossi, and East End Dubs, Joe began producing tracks with a maturity beyond his years – groove-focused, innovative, and club-ready.

Together, Steve and Joe form a father-son DJ and production duo that’s turning heads around the world. Their tracks and sets have gained support from major players in the industry including Jamie Jones, Sam Divine, Gok Wan, Danny Rampling, Roger Sanchez, Nic Fanciulli, and even Bill Kelly, the co-founder of Miami Music Week and the Winter Music Conference.

Their label, Forever Red Recordings, is the natural evolution of everything they’ve worked for. It’s a platform that combines decades of experience with a fresh, forward-thinking approach to releasing high-quality, floor-filling house music. We are committed to nurturing new talent, releasing music that moves the soul, and staying true to the underground roots that inspired us from the start.

At Forever Red, we don’t follow trends – we set them. Our releases blend the best of tech house, deep house, and classic house, engineered with purpose for DJs, dancers, and music lovers alike. Whether it’s a peak-time club banger or a sun-drenched Ibiza anthem, every track we release is crafted with care, authenticity, and a love for the scene.

We’re proud to be an independent UK record label with a global reach – bridging generations, genres, and communities through music. Our mission is simple: create, connect, and celebrate the music we love.

Forever Red Recordings is not just our name – it’s our promise. A promise to keep the fire burning. To honour the past, embrace the present, and shape the future of electronic dance music.

If you’re a DJ, producer, promoter, or music lover – welcome. Let’s build something timeless, together.

The future of house music is bright, bold, and Forever Red.