DJ NO HANDS, aka Jacob Lane, believes anything is possible – and he proves as much by following his passions, despite his challenges.

Jacob, 22, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in childhood, but with his endless positivity, stubborn perseverance and the constant support of his family and friends, he has never let the condition hold him back from doing what he loves.

One of those loves is music.

“I started watching DJs on YouTube, and wondering if I could do it,” he says.

A few years ago, Jacob lost the ability to use his hands. Around this time, he also discovered RockyNoHands, an American gaming streamer who, although paralysed from the neck down, had broken two gaming records.

Jacob noticed RockyNoHands played using a Quadstick, which can simulate a PlayStation controller, or computer mouse that can be operated by the mouth.

He realised he could use this not only for gaming, but as a tool for DJing.
“My carer at the time, Brody, helped me set it up. He got me into DJing,” Jacob says.

His current support worker, Jack Cooper, explains that learning to use a Quadstick is like trying to learn an instrument and involves blowing into it and pressing it with your chin.

Once Jacob had learned to use the Quadstick, his DJ career began to gather speed and he booked gigs at Disability Discos in Tauranga, the weddings of family friends, 21st birthdays, the Whakatāne RSA, Whakatāne Sportfishing Club, Matatā Hotel and even the Boiler Room on Christmas Eve.

At his first RSA gig, Ōpōtiki’s Grant Koia, aka DJ G, was impressed by what he saw.

As Jacob’s mum, Katrina, puts it: “They were just like, wow!”

“They helped him buy all this gear, helped set it up and figure out where to buy it from,” she says.

His parents and support workers quickly learned how to be stagehands, setting up gear and stages at every gig, and often joking about organising some “CREW” t-shirts for his DJ NO HANDS gigs.

“The Boiler Room was a good crowd, and I was able to play my favourite music instead of just the hits,” Jacob says.

His favourite genres are drum and bass, house music, but he likes a bit of everything.

“I like hyping everyone up, and I just love music,” he says.

He has recently taken a hiatus from gigging because of health issues but is eager to get back into it as soon as he can.

“Once I get my breathing under control, I want to start DJing again and play at more places, more consistently.”

Support worker Jack once organised for Jacob to meet his favourite DJ - 1991.

The British DJ had a show in Tauranga, which Jacob and Jack travelled up for.

Jack says the venue and talent were “really accommodating” of Jacob.

“He met with him before he went on stage and hung out with us after.”
Jacob was at the front of the crowd.

“The bass goes pretty hard when you’re right in front. It was good for a while, then your ears start piercing. I enjoyed it though,” he says.

1991 keeps in touch with Jacob, and last time he was in the country but unable to meet in person, he made sure to send a video message.

Jacob is also supported by Christchurch wheelchair rapper Big Joe Green, also diagnosed with Duchenne.  “We chat about what we’re going through,” he says.
Big Joe Green designed a flag for DJ NO HANDS.

Jacob has been interviewed by American podcasters about his journey on the Friends & Family with Duchenne podcast and has worked with Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty to create a Life Story Book.

“The life writer, Josie, would come and talk to me, video what I was saying and type it up. It’s all in my words,” he says.

“They work with you to record what you’ve done and what you want to achieve.”

The story follows Jacob’s family, school years, his time representing New Zealand in the Under-21 Wheelchair Soccer Team, his travels, his support dogs and his achievements.

Since completing and publishing the book, 78 copies have been sold. He says friends and family have purchased copies but so have people he has never met.

Anyone wanting to purchase a copy of the book can message Jacob on his DJ NO HANDS Facebook page. The books are $15.