Lobsta B : The Donk King

Bouncing straight out of the UK underground, @lobstab is the donk DJ and music producer who’s turning dancefloors into fever dreams. Known for his turbo-charged sets, tongue-in-cheek visuals, and a sound that’s equal parts nostalgic and ridiculous, Lobstab is bringing donk back—but not as you knew it.

Think sped-up classics, blown-out basslines, and chaotic samples with zero shame and maximum energy. A cult figure in the rave revival scene, Lobstab has played sweaty backroom basements to packed-out club nights across the UK, always with a wink and a windmill arm. His mixes are part bootleg brilliance, part meme-worthy madness—fusing 2000s pop, hardcore rave, and chaotic Y2K internet energy into something totally original. Beyond the decks, he’s a curator of vibes, co-organising DIY parties that feel like inside jokes you can dance to. And in a world that sometimes takes itself way too seriously, Lobstab is your reminder that club culture should be fun, fast, and a little bit feral.

How would you describe donk to someone who’s never heard it before—like your nan? It’s bangin’ dance music that sounds like someone headbutting a drainpipe and is designed for blasting obnoxiously loud out of your souped-up VW Golf.

What was the moment you realised, “Okay, I’m fully obsessed with this sound”?

I had a mix from a club called Maximes in Wigan (the home of donk). I’d never heard DJs or MCs with such uplifting energy. It led me to discover Alex K (the king of donk bootlegs), who massively influenced my sound. 

You blend humour with rave—how important is that balance in your sets?

Very important! The techno scene has become pretty dark and serious recently and I want to re-inject a bit of euphoric fun into the hard dance scene. 

What’s the weirdest sample you’ve ever dropped into a track?

I used to be an English teacher to Spanish students and a language CD I used bizarrely had a lesson about two English guys drunkenly rampaging through the streets and upsetting an old lady. I knew I had to sample it and 15 years later that became my track “Banging Noise”. 

Where does the name ‘Lobsta B’ come from—be honest.

It primarily comes from my love of lobsters! They’re fascinating creatures that deserve more compassion than being boiled alive. I came up with the name in the early 2000s and the spelling of “Lobsta” comes from a favorite track at the time - Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio.

The “B” is my second initial. I named myself in the era of DJs like Andy C and Mark EG so it’s a reference to that. 

Donk is often seen as chaotic and unserious—do you think that’s part of its power?

I feel like dance music is becoming more slick and corporate so the DIY, chaotic energy of donk is a counter to this movement for people who want a more wild and sweaty night out. 

What’s been your favourite set, and what’s the worst one you've survived?

My worst set by far was my friend’s wedding. He booked me for a Lobsta B set but the guests were totally unprepared and I absolutely cleared the dance floor. I was booted off the decks by furious bridesmaids who put on She’s So Lovely by Scouting For Girls as soon as they’d got rid of me.  My sets at the UK dance music festivals Bangface, Balter and Boomtown are my favourites. Whilst donk is gradually spreading worldwide, it’s the UK crowd that really ‘gets’ it (except at weddings). 

Are there any artists, inside or outside donk, who inspire your vibe?

There are some great collectives in the south of England (where I’m based), that really nail the DIY, high NRG chaos that make donk and hard dance nights so fun. Check out Planet Fun, Mum’s Against Donk, Donkline and Cabarave for events that prioritise inclusivity, diverse lineups and bangin’ tunes. 

What makes a perfect night out in your world?

I’m in my late thirties so I’ve become quite keen on 6am sets where I can go to bed first then have a beer for breakfast before heading to the club!

What’s next for you—more music, more madness, or something unexpected?

All of that, but here’s something unexpected… In 2022 I was paid for one of my original tracks to be used in a Hollywood film. It was a production with big stars and a director who’s previously worked with Brad Pitt. The release (which I’ve not seen) has been indefinitely postponed due to poorly reviewed test screenings and may never see the light of day… but fingers crossed, in the future you might see the first ever Hollywood film with a donk tune in the soundtrack!