SBCLTR (Subculture) is a booming platform that specialises in putting together some of Cape Town’s most legendary events, supporting local talent, and celebrating all things alternative. It’s shining a light on local life, art and culture and we love that!
SBCLTR originally started as a fashion and events promotion company called VEHEMENT YOUTH in 2016, imagined by Matthew Hairbottle and Michael Glass. Post-COVID, Matthew moved on to new ventures in the UK. But Mike ain’t going nowhere! Rather, he’s rebranded and updated the company into what it is today; the beating heart of Cape Town’s nightlife and subcultural scene.
- Michael Glass Instagram: mike_glass

Subcultures are groups of people that have values, norms, and/or cultural patterns that set them apart from the status quo. Examples of subcultures include hippies, goths, ravers, hip hop or heavy metal fans and bikers — the list is endless. Mike Glass’ SBCLTR celebrates a more nuanced interpretation of these unique networks.
This is a brand that aims to create a space that brings together people of all backgrounds and walks of life to share, learn and experience the different scenes thriving in Cape Town. It’s a space for all — however, you define yourself — to celebrate your identity and take part in a multifaceted cultural network that is growing by the day.
“This is the new South Africa and we (SBCLTR) believe that we should start acting like it,” Mike told Cape {town} Etc.


SBCLTR currently focuses on music festivals and fashion brands but has exciting plans to expand into more art, food and extreme sports events. Mike says that he wants “to give people the chance to grow, digitally and otherwise, which in the bigger picture will expand the different industries we target and create more opportunity. Often people have the skills but not the marketing ability to get their names out there”.

This is the first venture that Mike has taken on solo and went in with the attitude of, “Let’s see where it takes me”. We have no doubt that his eight years of experience in the music industry, spanning over Johannesburg, Cape Town and international territory will carry him into a new era of success, right here in the Mother City.

Mike took SBCLTR to a new level thanks to his magic marketing. In the space of a year, he recruited a phenomenal team that together, has managed to reach millions. Their strategy is simple but genius: connect subcultures through a collective love of art, fashion, music and all things alternative.

SBCLTR uses macro and micro-influencers to spread the word about events, products, music or anything that you can see, feel or hear in different cultures. Companies now approach SBCLTR to use their network to help generate traction or gain feedback about products and services. It’s a people for the people approach.


Musically, SBCLTR has focussed efforts on the electronic scene but is slowly starting to move into the Hip Hop and Alternative Rock space, too. Artistically and theatrically, the company is pushing comedy, theatre and up and coming, individual artists.

The company’s vision is to create a springboard for the rest of the world. “We want to be able to plug in SBCLTR into different events or environments around the world allowing us to display South African Culture.”

NTWRK was the first project by SBCLTR to take place once lockdown was lifted on events. This event was a place for the SBCLTR’s team to network and collaborate.
“This is the core of SBCLTR as it’s putting different people from different environments into the same room.”

Today, SBCLTR is hosting its own events once a week at Modular which is known as one of the most influential electronic music nightclubs in Africa. Additionally, it promotes some of the biggest festivals in the country, including Organik Love Project, Love and Light, Sexy Groovy Love and many more.

Mike’s inspiration and drive are born out of his own frustrations. “When I was a kid I always wanted to start a fashion brand and had no idea how to go about getting it out there. Tapping into those feelings of being confused and desperate has given me the drive to create as well as help. It’s the worst feeling wanting to create but not be heard.”

An event is hosted every Friday at Love Thy Neighbour, plus a weekly event at Modular.
- Love Thy Neighbour: 10 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Modular nightclub: 34 Riebeek St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Check out SBCLTR on Instagram @sb_cltr and stay tuned for upcoming events in Cape Town.
Also read:
Cape Town’s favourite day party is back with Sexy Groovy Love!
Picture: @sb_cltr / Instagram