Melbourne-based neo-soul artist Billy Davis has partnered with streamer and gaming org founder Sam Peckett (known as ‘Peckett’) to form ‘DIS’—a sick new gaming, culture and apparel brand. After connecting in 2021 via a shared love of gaming, music and fashion, the two have since launched an apparel store and two original series on YouTube under the DIS umbrella. 

Dreamt up by Billy and Peckett in 2021, the pair connected on their love of gaming and passions for style, art and music. DIS was born as a platform for gaming, music and culture-driven content and showcasing stacks of local artists and creators. DIS have developed two so far; DIS-Lab, a weekly YouTube variety show, and DIS-Tracks, a weekly sample flipping competition hosted on Twitch and YouTube.

DIS-Lab is a YouTube variety and talk show hosted by Billy and Peckett as they invite prominent guests from the gaming, fashion and music worlds such as Aki Yaguchi, 3K’s Beluga, Pania, DJ Spell and react to niche cultural moments in a series of off-kilter segments.

DIS-Tracks is a LIVE beat battle hosted by Billy Davis weekly on Twitch. Up to 32 producers compete at a time with 2 hours to flip a sample chosen by a guest judge. The winner of each beat battle must face off against the guest judge for a major prize. DIS-Tracks debuted on Twitch in January and YouTube in April, so far having attracted world-renowned artists like MXXWLL, Mr Carmack, J3PO and Kaelin Ellis as guest judges. 

On the creation of DIS, Billy said: “Two years ago I lost my mama, and a year later lost the biggest musical tour of my life and got thrust into covid lockdown. I played a game called Warzone for a year and made friends with a community while I was at my lowest of lows. That’s when I met Peckett. Turns out we were both into fashion too, so that’s when the seeds were planted. Peckett and I eventually partnered up to co-found the DIS brand. A way for people to tap out of reality. We’re connecting both of our worlds. I’m bringing in my fashion and music friends into this world where they can connect with arts and gaming too.” 

Speaking on their latest show, DIS-lab, Billy said: “Peck and I sitting down at a table, getting random guests who have to endure whatever comes out of our brains. Who knows what it could be? Could be absolutely ridiculous, but it will always be a good time.” 

Peckett added: “We both bring different kinds of people together to discuss a world gone mad and react to things or complete activities catered completely for the guest. It’s a really fun project that everyone at DIS has their hand in, and I think it’s a good way to showcase what the team can do.”

The crew at DIS has also partnered with Australia’s highest-rated banking app UP, a company aiming to gamify savings in a digitally based economy. Their recent Save Up 1000 in-app game helps savers embed savings habits in their daily lives. Additionally, 2Up –  Up’s version of joint accounts, is all about fighting finances with your player 2. These tools, along with the socialisation of payments with GIFs, emojis and chats represent Up’s commitment to bringing the joy of gaming into the world of finance. 

In addition to video content, DIS has also launched an apparel line featuring extra-comfy fleece hoodies, track pants and tees for all your lounging, gaming and content-consuming needs. Check it out here.

DIS-Lab episodes are released every Wednesday on the DIS YouTube channel, and DIS-Tracks episodes are released to YouTube every Friday. Check out more from DIS on their website here and follow DIS on IG for more.