Some friendships and collaborations are built to last—and Mode has been at the heart of many of them. For Allan Barwise and John Barr, their journey began at Mode, where music, learning, and laughter laid the foundations for something much bigger.
Allan’s Journey
Since leaving Mode, Allan has never stopped creating—completing around 2,000 tracks and continuing to collaborate with long-time friends and mentors Mike Chatterton, Rob Cain, and Les Calvert.
In 2023, a new chapter began when Allan started piano lessons with Amy Chester. After hearing her incredible voice, Allan invited Amy to re-sing some tracks. From that moment, Groove Collective was born.
The project quickly gained momentum: Amy’s live performance at Reminisce Festival led to a booking at Lee Butler’s Birthday at Club 051—a dream come true for Allan. “I’d always dreamed of playing on that stage,” Allan recalls. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Allan’s music has since been played on In Demand Radio, including being featured as The Morning Glory Anthem on Lee Butler’s Breakfast Show. He has also collaborated with Lee on tracks showcased at major events such as Save The Rave and Reminisce Festival. Other DJs, including Billie Clements, have also been spinning Allan’s tracks, with one even remixed by The Klubbheads and released on their label.
Through Groove Collective, Allan continues to push forward, growing the team to include singer Kirstie Smiler and securing a coveted DJ/PA slot in the Bounce Tent at Reminisce 2025.
John’s Journey
John Barr has also carved out a strong reputation in Liverpool’s music scene. After a six-year residency on Matthew Street, John moved into production and presenting with In Demand Radio, eventually landing his own weekly show. This exposure opened doors to perform at Reminisce Festival on the Fezzy Pop Arena and led to further residencies, including prime-time Friday night slots.
John’s career has seen him share stages with some of the world’s biggest DJs and PAs. In 2024, his path aligned with Allan’s again as they launched Groove Collective, quickly making waves across the city. Together, they’ve played huge events such as Rave In The Grave, Butler’s Brunch, The State, and Club 051 for Lee Butler’s Birthday Bash.
Looking ahead, John continues to balance his DJ career with a packed radio schedule, now hosting shows six days a week on In Demand Decades, while preparing for Groove Collective’s highly anticipated Bounce Tent performance at Reminisce 2025. “To go from Mode classrooms to playing some of Liverpool’s biggest stages—it still feels surreal,” John says. “And this is only the beginning.”
From “Old Blue Moaners” to Festival Stages
Back at Mode, Allan and John jokingly earned the nickname “The Old Blue Moaners”, borne out of their shared love for Everton Football Club. Today, that friendship has grown into a powerful creative partnership that’s lighting up stages across Liverpool.
Groove Collective is living proof of what happens when passion, persistence, and collaboration come together. From Mode classrooms to radio airwaves and festival arenas, Allan and John’s story is still unfolding—and the best is yet to come. Today, that journey continues as they both take to the stage at the Bounce Back Arena at Reminisce Festival
