Rebel
Rebellion comes in many forms; it is a reaction that goes against the grain, subverting typical ideologies in favour of change. It is opposition to what’s deemed the norm and can often result in carving out new pathways and new ideas.
REbEL (real name Jonny Lawrence) certainly represents the moniker he has chosen, opting to focus on a more sincere approach to music than is typically found nowadays. Giving his music true soul, depth and meaning, as well as dancefloor-appeal, is what motivates the London-based artist and label owner. With a wealth of knowledge, a lust for production and years of dancefloor experience, Jonny has set the wheels in motion working tirelessly to achieve his dream…
The catalyst behind this dream was his first love - eighties electronica, a love which progressed into nineties dance music with Technotronic among key influences from this era. Jonny’s passion for dance music culminated in his adoration of one of the world’s most respected and influential DJs - Sasha. In fact, Sasha’s influence still permeates into REbEL’s sound today, embodying the traits found in early progressive house; i.e. the ability to uplift, to transport the dancefloor to another dimension, trippy effects, cosmic rhythms and invigorating basslines – these elements remain a core part of his sound ethic, together with a firm focus on staying true to spinning vinyl.
The rest of it — four more paragraphs
Jonny’s involvement with the house and techno underground began over 10 years ago when he relocated from his native Buckinghamshire to Leicester. He flourished in the Midlands city, playing regularly for the infamous Sonido parties and starting his own event, Save The Pony. The reputation he built there soon spread beyond the city limits grabbing the attention of labels in Manchester (Electronique) and London (Lower East). Early releases centred on deep house with a rugged edge, though, in more recent times, the focus has gravitated towards tripped out techno.
Besides working on his own music and DJing, Jonny also helms his own label, Tough Luck (co-owned with friends Chris Cue and Twon), a platform that represents tough, raw techno with soul. Tough Luck embodies that powerful sound combined with trippy elements to create bewildering yet unforgettable moments. It’s a mature, Continental sound aimed directly at the dancefloor, where REbEL, a self-confessed diehard raver, spends a hell of a lot of his time.
Years of field research have informed his approach to making music and DJing, putting all the hours spent in sweaty warehouses to good use by transferring his extensive knowledge back into his productions. The success of Tough Luck’s first release, REbEL’s ‘History’ EP demonstrating how potent his depth of knowledge truly is. The EP was immediately picked up by many of the industry’s most influential tastemakers as well as receiving Mixmag's “Techno Tune Of The Month” accolade.
Now living and working in London, REbEL continues to dedicate every spare moment building his repertoire, whether it’s spending hours on end in the studio, DJing whenever possible or A&Ring for his fledgling label. It’s a 24/7 vocation, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Just like his idol Sasha, he realises that a true master continues to refine his craft, to push the envelope and never stops learning no matter how successful they become.
Their Resident Advisor profile, in full and unedited.
Records out on Digital Delight, Lower East, Last Night On Earth, Lucid Dreaming Records, Resonance Records, Moda Black, Music Is Love Records, Roots For Bloom and Tough Luck Records. — their own list on Resident Advisor
The night
Who they play with
One night, and this is who was on it.
- Mon 29 Jun 2026SKYWALKER · RIOT · DJ's JOSHUA RUIZ · ED WOOD · Dangerous Rose · DJ's LE GRAND PHOENIX · JANETT · UPRISE · DJ's KEVIN AVIANCE · Alexis Tucci
The nights, the rooms and the bills are the listings themselves. The biography, the labels and the photograph are Resident Advisor's. Nothing on this page was written for it.