Pulse Ctrl Is Remixing the Denver DJ Scene 

Pulse Ctrl, the energetic queer DJ duo featuring Erin McMahon and Jovana Bjelanović, reverberates iconic music to curate an inclusive community. As friends and DJ partners who quickly bonded through music, Pulse Ctrl continues to connect rave and queer culture in Denver. Since their first club gig at DV8 in 2023, the duo has been expanding their outreach and spreading joy in Denver.  

Pulse Ctrl’s music has something for everyone. Their sound is “raw, bassy, familiar and lyrical. We’re always blending influences from hip-hop, tech, bass and house music,” said Bjelanović. 

Their comprehensive sound has everyone dancing and enjoying time together. “Music can keep people engaged on its own. We like to play on that niche of blending queer and rave music,” added McMahon. 

Pulse Ctrl creates spaces where queer people come together in community to promote safety and togetherness. Uniting people through music is especially important for marginalized groups, considering the current state of politics. The Denver rave scene allows people to explore self-expression and come together in community. Despite being born out of connection, rave and DJ spaces have historically been male-dominated. Working with other amazing organizations like Support Women DJs Denver, Pulse Ctrl facilitates a safe, fun scene for women, queer folks and anyone who enjoys their sound. 

Inclusivity drives McMahon and Bjelanović as they perform DJ sets. They embrace this sense of collective effervescence and transport each crowd. “Bringing people together drives us to make music. We’re all in this one moment together. Music carries memories, so bringing that energy to the dance floor is cool. I love making people feel fully present. Everybody is here for the music, for the people,” shared McMahon. 

McMahon and Bjelanović use music to inspire others and grow through one another. “It’s funny because we kinda have a dichotomy. They play more throwbacks, and I usually like playing newer stuff,” explained Bjelanović. Their combined styles draw inspiration from artists such as Odd Mob, Frank Ocean, SZA, Aluna and MATRODA. 

The music industry is constantly evolving and needs genre-blending to thrive. Pulse Ctrl mixes styles to include something for everybody. They are keeping the Denver DJ scene fresh with this special merging of inspiration. 

Alongside combining genres, Pulse Ctrl is melding catchy beats with an appreciation for impactful words. “I have an appreciation for lyrical music now. The EDM industry has strayed a bit from that. But I think there’s something really powerful in lyrical music. I love watching people sing. Singing and dancing at the same time involves full presence. Giving people those moments is powerful,” McMahon explained. 

Pulse Ctrl is remixing what it means to be a part of the Denver DJ scene. McMahon’s passion for lyrical music furthers their iconic stage presence and keeps people absorbed in the moment. In combination with Bjelanović’s love for new electronic beats, this DJ duo curates an inclusive immersive sound. “Musically, we want to bring in a lot of people; we don’t only play Charli XCX or Brittany… we also include a lot of hip hop and rap. Pulse Ctrl caters to every community and is always keeping the energy up,” stated Bjelanović. 

For Bjelanović, music is a catalyst for belonging that reaches beyond performance. They often engage with community by collaborating with like-minded queer people in the Denver music scene. Pulse Ctrl has gathered a strong following including rave and EDM communities who join together at events.

 “It’s really cool to see our community all come out for our events. We have a whole section where the music is less loud and all our vendors are also really inclusive. It’s important to be allies to the community and bring in many queer talents. We are non alcohol inclusive, too. The scene doesn’t have to be about getting wasted,” said McMahon. 

In addition to incredible events, Pulse Ctrl is crafting new projects. “We’re working on producing our own music, but that is on the map for the future,” said McMahon. “Creating music takes a lot of practice…Hopefully, in the next year you’ll see a little track. All it takes is one.” 

Get excited for upcoming music and events with Pulse Ctrl, including upcoming shows at  Temple Denver on June 27, Number 38 and X Bar on June 28, as well as Urban Cowboy, Desert Social, and The Beacon on June 29. Stay updated with Pulse Ctrl so you can experience this inclusive, extraordinary duo! 

Photography by Rodney Baldwin and Lydia McCann.