DJ Clent and DJ Slugo pull out of Boiler Room Detroit in boycott of KKR ownership

Chicago artists DJ Clent and DJ Slugo have removed themselves from the line-up of Boiler Room’s forthcoming Detroit event in boycott of its ties to KKR, the parent company of its owner, Superstruct Entertainment.

DJ Slugo announced the news of his withdrawal on Instagram last week (July 4), writing: “After learning more about the ownership and funding behind Boiler Room - specifically its acquisition by KKR, a firm with direct investments in weapons manufacturers and financial ties to the state of Israel - I cannot in good conscience be part of this event.”

He added that it “wasn’t an easy decision”, but said it was “the right one”, affirming that he stands “with the people of Palestine, and with artists and communities worldwide demanding accountability from the platforms that profit from our labor and our voices.”

Read this next: Boiler Room issues statement concerning new owners Superstruct/KKR

“As someone rooted in Chicago, a city built on resistance, creativity, and collective power, I refuse to let our culture spaces be used to sanitize the image of global capital and militarism.”

On the same day, DJ Clent announced his withdrawal from the line-up on Twitter, explaining that he would no longer appear at the event – which is due to go ahead on July 26 at a currently unannounced location in Detroit.

“Upon gaining further knowledge regarding the ownership and funding of Boiler Room, particularly its acquisition by KKR, a firm with direct investments in weapons manufacturers and financial connections to the state of Israel, I am compelled to disassociate myself from this event,” he wrote.

Read this next: Sama' Abdulhadi withdraws from Sónar over KKR ownership

Last month, Detroit DJ gulley also announced that he would no longer perform at the same Boiler Room event, citing the company’s ownership by KKR.

A fundraiser has been launched to help artists recover lost fees, which has so far raised close to $2,000 of a $3,500 goal. The ‘Boiler Room Artist Relief Fund’ is described as a “crowdfunded financial resource with the goal of supporting DJs and producers who are boycotting Boiler Room by canceling their upcoming performances.”

In March, Boiler Room released a statement regarding its stance on Palestine amid concerns about the activities of KKR, claiming that staff do not hold “any ownership or voting rights in the company, and had no control over the sale.”

Boiler Room was sold by DICE to festival and events giant Superstruct in January, claiming that its former owner “held 100%” of the company.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter