Max HeyraudNetwork 404 was born from a conversation between DJs Majin and Askurmea on the dancefloor. Frustrated by the barriers facing emerging artists, from access to venues to gatekeeping within the industry, the pair set out to create something different.
Instead of waiting for opportunities to come their way or for the industry to fundamentally change, they took matters into their own hands. Armed with a generator, decks and a PA system, they transformed public spaces across Belfast into open-air dancefloors, bringing music directly to the community. What began as a DIY solution soon became a grassroots movement, creating accessible platforms for local artists and attracting crowds from all walks of life.
Drawing on their backgrounds in digital marketing and their passion for underground culture, the pair combined their skills to build a platform that feels greater than the sum of its parts. Network 404 has since amassed more than 4 million organic TikTok views and hosted collaborations with artists including Mark Blair, Parsa Nani, Subtrax, Tyler Jack and Ethan Mitchell. Despite its growth, the project’s focus remains unchanged: championing emerging talent, increasing representation within the scene and making music more accessible.
Today, Network 404 continues to support underrepresented artists, women and LGBTQ+ creatives, while investing in equipment and resources for grassroots promoters. The collective remains dedicated to its founding principle of bringing music to the people and hopes one day to establish a permanent cultural space of its own.
