The music is pumping, the crowd is moving, and Jacob Lane is behind the decks, but unlike most DJs, he is not using his hands.

The 23-year-old Whakatāne resident, who performs under the name DJ No Hands, believes he may be the first person in New Zealand to DJ this way

Lane has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness, but he has found an innovative way to pursue his passion for music.

Using specialised technology, Lane controls his DJ software by sucking and blowing into a device that moves a cursor across the screen. He also uses buttons operated with his chin to trigger effects and control functions such as play and pause.

Lane first stepped behind the decks at the Whakatāne RSA in 2023.

His journey into DJing began after years of watching performances online and wondering whether it would ever be possible for someone with his condition to get behind the decks.

“I was like, how am I going to do it?”

After researching options, Lane discovered a device commonly used by some gamers with limited mobility and realised it could help him achieve his goal.

The learning process was far from easy.

“It was tough to learn at the start, but I’ve gotten a lot better at it now.”

Lane was given his first opportunity to DJ at the Whakatāne RSA in 2023. Since then, he has built an impressive list of performances, playing at pubs, weddings, tattoo conventions and disability community discos.

Despite the challenges associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, including impacts on his breathing, Lane said he still loves every minute of it.

He continues to develop his skills and says other DJs have offered encouragement, advice and techniques after hearing his story.

Last week marked another milestone when he played his first gig outside Whakatāne at Rotorua’s Good Eastern Taphouse.

Lane said audiences are often stunned when they realise he is performing without using his hands.

“They’re pretty shocked. They’re like, ‘Oh wow, how do you do that just with your mouth?’”

The reaction, he said, has been overwhelmingly positive.

“They’re all like, ‘Whoa, that’s crazy, you’re an inspiration, mate.’”

While he appreciates the support, Lane hopes his success sends a broader message about disability and opportunity.

“People with disabilities do have a voice, and we can be just as creative as people who don’t have disabilities.”

Lane uses a specialised device that responds to sucking, blowing and chin clicks to run his DJ software.

He wants to challenge people’s assumptions and show what can be achieved when barriers are removed.

“I want to show people you can do anything.”

Lane credits his parents and friends for supporting him throughout his DJing journey.

Looking ahead to the summer season, he hopes to secure more performances both locally and further afield as awareness of DJ No Hands continues to grow.

And he has one ambitious goal in mind: one day sharing a stage with English drum and bass artist 1991.

Zoe Blake is a multimedia journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post.