How To DJ
80 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsFrom club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris warms up his guests before asking them to pick a set of 5 questions from a box of 45. There are anecdotes aplenty, essential do's & don'ts, as well as gear recommendations, PLUS there's always an apocalyptic set closer too!
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
NEW PODCAST: Ticket Stubs - Out Now
April 14, 2024 12:49 - 3 minutesTicket Stubs is the podcast for the gig goer. For the people who can’t resist saying “I saw this live”, spending half their wage on merch, and the other half on pints. It gives every guest on the podcast a chance to show their inner fan, by chatting through the gigs of their lifetime. We’ll talk highs, lows and everything in between. So come on, get stuck in and get to know each guest properly, through their love of music, whilst we have a right laugh, and try not to mention the state of the ...
Katie Thistleton
April 05, 2024 01:00 - 55 minutesChris Hawkins is joined by Radio 1 presenter Katie Thistleton who discusses her career from starting out in TV, making the move to Radio 1 and her mental health experience. This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nicky Holloway
March 22, 2024 02:00 - 43 minutesChris is joined by Nicky Holloway who discusses his life and career from starting out in the 80's, to becoming one of the 'Ibiza Four' to creating club nights such as Special Branch and Doo At The Zoo, alongside the likes of Pete Tong and Gilles Peterson. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
DJ Prime Cuts
March 08, 2024 02:00 - 50 minutesChris sits down with founding member of the Scratch Perverts, DJ Prime Cuts. Chris and Joel discuss his career from the early days with Scratch Perverts through to today. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Arielle Free
February 23, 2024 15:22 - 47 minutesArielle Free chats with Chris Hawkins about her career from starting in TV through to her current role at BBC Radio One and as a live DJ. She talks about her highs including playing Glastonbury Festival as well as supporting Calvin Harris, This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Brandon Block
February 09, 2024 02:00 - 42 minutesBrandon Block sits down with Chris to discuss his career from his first night in Ealing through to his chart success in the 90s and his work around drug abuse. This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Judge Jules
December 22, 2023 02:00 - 35 minutesIn the final episode of the series, Chris sits down with DJ & Producer Judge Jules who discusses his career in clubs, radio & as a lawyer. This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Norman Jay
December 15, 2023 06:24 - 57 minutesChris is joined by Norman Jay MBE who discusses his music career from growing up in London, discovering new tracks in New York and becoming a label owner. This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Barry Ashworth
December 08, 2023 07:48 - 52 minutesChris is joined by DJ & musician Barry Ashworth who tells the story of his career from first promoting club nights to becoming a DJ and later forming the electronic band Dub Pistols. This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dave Beer
December 01, 2023 02:00 - 41 minutesChris is joined by legendary club promoter Dave Beer whose club night Back To Basics is the longest running night in the UK. This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
David Holmes - Part 2
November 24, 2023 15:38 - 27 minutesChris sits down with DJ, musician & composer David Holmes who shares the story of his career, from musical influences growing up in Northern Ireland and early DJ gigs through to composing the scores for major Hollywood films. This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
David Holmes - Part 1
November 24, 2023 15:28 - 33 minutesChris sits down with DJ, musician & composer David Holmes who shares the story of his career, from musical influences growing up in Northern Ireland and early DJ gigs through to composing the scores for major Hollywood films. This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mike Sweeney
November 17, 2023 02:00 - 51 minutesChris catches up with Radio DJ Mike Sweeney who shares the story of how his career started off from being in a band and led to a 40-year broadcasting career. Mike discusses how music has shaped his life, from starting The Salford Jets, through to starting his radio career at Piccadilly Radio, joining Capital Gold and being on the BBC today. This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Groove Armada
November 10, 2023 02:00 - 48 minutesChris sits down with Andy Cato & Tom Findlay, otherwise known as Groove Armada. In this conversation, Andy & Tom share stories about the first time they met, signing with Jive Records and growing Lovebox from a club night to one of the countries biggest music festivals. This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Orbital
November 03, 2023 02:00 - 49 minutesWe're kicking things off for this brand new series with electronic duo Orbital who sit down with Chris ahead of their show at Halifax's Piece Hall. In this conversation, Phil and Paul Hartnoll discuss their career in music and what started off their love of electronic music. From their journey starting out in the clubs of Kent through to a huge Glastonbury performance which led the way for more Dance and Electronic artists to play the iconic festival. This episode is sponsored by Flare Audio....
How To DJ Series 8 Is Coming!
October 31, 2023 09:28 - 5 minutesThe next series of How to DJ arrives this week with guests including Orbital, Groove Armada, Dave Beer & Judge Jules. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Stephanie Hirst
August 11, 2023 09:35 - 57 minutesIn the final episode of the series, Chris sits down with Stephanie Hirst who talks through her journey from first discovering radio to her national radio shows today. In it, she discusses her time presenting the Hit40UK and gaining over 1m listeners to her Breakfast Show on Capital. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Greg Wilson
August 04, 2023 06:58 - 57 minutesChris sits down with Greg Wilson who discusses his career from growing up on Merseyside, his musical influences & his move into music production. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jon Carter
July 28, 2023 08:01 - 43 minutesChris sits down with Jon Carter to discuss his life and career from starting out as a musician at University through to today. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Andy Bush
July 21, 2023 05:25 - 38 minutesAndy Bush began his DJ journey somewhat accidentally, without any prior interest in radio. After university, he moved to Bristol to play in a band and took on a day job at BT to pay the bills. One day, during his lunch break, he stumbled upon a careers fair in Clifton where they were advertising for Traffic News readers. Despite not being a driver, he saw it as a unique opportunity and recorded a demo on a cassette tape. Surprisingly, he got the job and this marked his start in radio, around ...
Mr Scruff
July 14, 2023 05:46 - 52 minutesMr Scruff, a British DJ, found his passion for music at a young age. As a twelve-year-old, he was captivated by the Street Sounds Electro series and the art of mixing. Initially, he didn't fully comprehend the intricacies of DJing, but as he tried it himself, he realized the complexity involved. Despite being isolated in his musical interests, he delved into the world of radio and magazines, discovering the deep and vibrant culture of DJing. Motivated by his love for the music, he decided to ...
Claire Sturgess
July 07, 2023 01:00 - 45 minutesIn today's episode, we have a special guest, Claire Sturgess, who shares her fascinating journey in the world of radio and broadcasting. Claire's story begins with her A-level studies at Salisbury College of Technology, as she didn't attend university. Despite her desire to attend an art college, she believed she wasn't artistic enough and ended up working various jobs, including for a local newspaper and a sports car firm. With a bold move, Claire decided to write a letter to the BBC asking ...
Utah Saints - Part Two
June 30, 2023 01:00 - 34 minutesIn this episode of "How to DJ" as we delve into these fascinating stories and gain valuable insights from the brilliant Utah Saints. Tune in now to learn more about sample clearance, unexpected influences, and the power of live improvisation. You won't want to miss it! How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Utah Saints - Part One
June 23, 2023 01:00 - 39 minutesIn this episode, we hear from Utah Saints. They started getting into music at a young age and saved up to buy their own turntable. They entered and won a DJ competition and eventually found success working at a club in Harrogate, where they started their own night playing house music. They discuss their musical career and how they transitioned from playing at raves to performing as a band at festivals. They also talk about their approach to music production and their experiences with alcohol ...
Nicky Horne
April 21, 2023 17:16 - 51 minutesChris is joined by Nicky Horne who talks about his journey in radio which has taken him through Radio One, Virgin, Jazz and all the way through to Boom Radio today. From club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris Hawkins warms up his guests before asking them to pick a set of 5 questions from a box of 45 and there’s always an apocalyptic set closer too! In Series 6 Chris cues up eight more episodes of life stories & experiences, tips & techniques, to find out just how the minds ...
Jayne Middlemiss
April 14, 2023 01:00 - 45 minutesChris catches up with an old friend in this episode as he speaks to TV & Radio Presenter Jayne Middlemiss. She talks about starting out in television and the incredible journey she's been on since then from interviewing the likes of David Bowie to finding herself at Virgin Radio. From club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris Hawkins warms up his guests before asking them to pick a set of 5 questions from a box of 45 and there’s always an apocalyptic set closer too! In Series 6...
Sam Divine
April 07, 2023 01:00 - 32 minutesIn this episode, Chris Hawkins catches up with Sam Divine, renowned Defected DJ and producer who’s certainly paid her dues in many ways to become an established name in the clubs. From attending her first rave, aged 15, Sam’s passion for dance music has taken her back & forth across the globe many times and led to her running her own record label DVINE Sounds. From club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris Hawkins warms up his guests before asking them to pick a set of 5 questi...
Don Letts
March 31, 2023 13:48 - 35 minutesIn this episode, Chris Hawkins speaks with DJ, film director & musician Don Letts who discusses his career from growing up in London to becoming a pioneer for punk in the UK. Don's story is fascinating and his love for all kinds of music shines through. From club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris Hawkins warms up his guests before asking them to pick a set of 5 questions from a box of 45 and there’s always an apocalyptic set closer too! In Series 6 Chris cues up eight more e...
Huw Stephens
March 10, 2023 07:10 - 40 minutesIn this episode, Chris Hawkins speaks with a DJ who has a firm grasp of their broadcasting medium; former Radio 1 and current BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru presenter Huw Stephens. Huw’s obsession began with magic but as soon as he heard Virgin Radio 1215 AM at an impressionable age, he quickly turned his hand to Hospital Radio before landing a job at Radio 1 at the age of seventeen. Huw’s journey would appear to have started at the top but he’s never stopped wanting to learn and make the most...
Leona Graham
March 03, 2023 02:00 - 32 minutesIn this episode, Chris Hawkins speaks with one of the finest voices in the radio business, Absolute Radio’s Leona Graham. After catching the radio bug at university, Leona certainly paid her dues DJing on local commercial radio stations across the country. Her tenacity and talent paid off with a slot on Virgin Radio that led to her becoming a long standing fixture at Absolute since its launch back in 2008. She’s many strings to her bow with popular podcasts a part of that repertoire but music...
Gary Crowley
February 27, 2023 06:27 - 52 minutesIn this episode, Chris Hawkins catches up with Gary Crowley; an old colleague from their time at BBC Radio London together. A music obsessive who’s passion was lit from his early teens as punk exploded, Gary’s career began writing fanzines, working in radio & TV promotion, as well as a writer at the NME. From there he became the youngest voice on London’s Capital Radio which led him to Radio London, the launch of XFM and back to where he feels most at home on BBC Radio London. Gary’s joy for ...
Carl Cox
February 17, 2023 02:00 - 50 minutesIn this first episode of a brand new series, Chris Hawkins catches up with a true pioneer, a DJ who trailblazed a path for himself and his contemporaries to become Superstar DJs. Carl’s love of music is centre stage and it's this passion that has informed all his many successes including his long standing residency at Space in Ibiza which he’s still very emotionally connected to. Like the true creative he is; there’s more he wants to achieve beyond just being a DJ and it’s all here within his...
Series 6 Coming Soon!
February 10, 2023 07:02 - 3 minutesA brand new series of How To DJ is coming soon! How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
BONUS: Best of 2022
December 23, 2022 02:00 - 11 minutesIn this bonus episode, Chris looks back at some of his favourite How to DJ moments from the past year. You'll hear part of his conversations with the likes of Paul Oakenfold, Greg James, Mark Radcliffe and Emma B. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jeremy Healy
December 16, 2022 08:06 - 44 minutesIn this final episode of the series, Chris Hawkins chats with pioneering Superstar DJ Jeremy Healy in what is a glorious romp through his varied career. From his early breakthrough as an off-the-wall Pop Star in the 80s, through to his explosion in the 90s as a credible and much sought after DJ; Jeremy has always ploughed his own furrow by taking chances and doing everything for the love & FUN of it! Strap yourself in for a hugely entertaining yet equally candid conversation. From club to ra...
Bobby Friction
December 09, 2022 07:48 - 46 minutesIn this episode Chris Hawkins has an in depth chat with a pioneer of the Asian Underground sound and former Radio 1 DJ, Bobby Friction who is still a stalwart of the Asian Network. From his musical baptism at the altar of Prince who has shaped Bobby’s musical and performance styles, this is a fascinating dive into the mind of an engaging and intelligent artist still enjoying the challenge of discovering where his race and music passion place him in British popular culture. From club to radio...
Sarah Story
December 02, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutesIn this episode Chris Hawkins catches up with one of Radio 1’s newest DJs who’s also emerging as club DJ on the global stage, Sarah Story. From paying her dues on her local radio station and taking her love of clubbing and dance music to the decks with a sideline in songwriting; Sarah’s fun and frank approach to her career is as inspiring as it is breathtaking; and like she says she’s only ‘just getting started’! From club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris Hawkins warms up h...
Paul Oakenfold
November 25, 2022 07:14 - 20 minutesIn this episode Chris Hawkins chats to the original & ultimate Superstar DJ, Paul Oakenfold. It’s a fascinating insight into what makes him tick and still drives him to this day. From finding his feet as an awkward school kid to quickly understanding his musical calling and DJ style; Paul has led from the front and played some of the biggest and most amazing events on the planet. From club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris Hawkins warms up his guests before asking them to p...
Freddy Fresh
November 18, 2022 07:08 - 37 minutesIn this episode Chris Hawkins chats with American DJ & music producer Freddy Fresh. It’s a fast paced romp through his career that began as an avid collector turned Roller Disco DJ who regularly journeyed from Minnesota to New York to pick up the latest records and be on top of his game. His DJing and music making have taken him all over the world, working with some of the most credible and pioneering artists with hugely entertaining and inspiring stories along the way. From club to radio an...
Jack Saunders
November 11, 2022 07:51 - 38 minutesIn this episode Chris Hawkins chats with Radio 1’s Jack Saunders; a truly driven and passionate person who has completely immersed himself in his role as the presenter of Radio 1's Indie Show and the Official Chart Show. From his formative years Jack’s goal was to land himself the prized role as a DJ on Radio 1 and his hard work & effort has certainly paid off. This is a story of music obsession for the bands that he plays and for the medium he’s chosen as his platform. It’s rammed full of in...
Steve Davis
November 04, 2022 06:51 - 40 minutesIn this episode Chris Hawkins catches up with Steve Davis, Snooker World Champion turned radio & club DJ. Steve’s always been a massive music head but it wasn’t til his fame was at its peak that he was able to use his clout to promote one of his favourite Prog Rock bands, Magma. From then on a similar obsession for music as snooker has seen him easily fall into the role of radio and now club DJ. It’s a fascinating story of how seemingly contrasting professions can meet when the person at its ...
Bob Harris
October 28, 2022 01:00 - 48 minutesIn this first episode of a brand new series, Chris Hawkins catches up with Bob Harris, one of the most respected and enduring DJs and broadcasters in the industry. It's an epic tale of total music passion coupled with Bob’s ability to befriend some of music & broadcasting’s legendary figures along the way. Expect charming stories and some invaluable tips from one of the very best in the business! From club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris Hawkins warms up his guests before...
Series 5 coming soon!
October 26, 2022 06:29 - 4 minutesChris is back with more chats with stars from the world of music for another series of How To DJ - here's a quick taste of what to expect! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dave Pearce
September 09, 2022 01:00 - 34 minutesIn this final episode of this series, Chris Hawkins catches up with legendary radio and club DJ Dave Pearce. Dave has been at the forefront of dance music from his earliest days on GLR and Kiss through to Radio 1 pioneering new dance shows and he’s still filling the clubs wherever he plays. A huge music fan, his stories encapsulate the passion, skills and energy it requires to be a DJ that always makes it ‘go right off’! From club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris Hawkins w...
DJ Paulette
September 04, 2022 08:31 - 43 minutesIn this episode, Chris Hawkins gets some deep insight into the life & work of DJ Paulette. The former Flesh resident from the Hacienda’s heyday details her until now largely untold story of rising through the ranks of mostly male peers to establish herself at some of the biggest clubs internationally alongside the headliners of the profession. It’s a hugely inspirational tale, packed full of tips and techniques that Paulette says is all about entertaining and sharing her passion for music and...
Dave Berry
August 26, 2022 01:00 - 36 minutesIn this episode, Chris Hawkins chats with TV Presenter turned Radio Academy award winning DJ Dave Berry. From his formative years as a kid who loved his ‘high jinx’ and fashion, Dave’s energy is infectious and clearly drives his work as current host of the Absolute Radio Breakfast show. Just don’t get too close or he might claw your back to bits! From club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris Hawkins warms up his guests before asking them to pick a set of 5 questions from a bo...
Scroobius Pip
August 19, 2022 01:00 - 35 minutesIn this episode, Chris Hawkins chats with the wildly talented Scroobius Pip. A poet, musician, actor, podcaster, and obviously DJ who’s ‘can do’ attitude to everything he’s set his mind to has birthed so many creative and exciting projects! It’s an exhilarating listen which will inspire everyone and certainly anyone who’s ever felt held back in any way. From club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris Hawkins warms up his guests before asking them to pick a set of 5 questions fr...
Lauren Layfield
August 12, 2022 05:26 - 38 minutesIn this episode, Chris Hawkins chats with Capital Radio’s Lauren Layfield about her career that began on hospital radio before she landed her job as Hacker The Dog’s co-host on CBBC where she certainly was no ‘normal’ presenter! A lover of music and now also a DJ for big events; her insights on her profession prove to be just as infectious as her humour! From club to radio and every other music DJ in between; Chris Hawkins warms up his guests before asking them to pick a set of 5 questions f...
Mark Rae
August 05, 2022 01:00 - 43 minutesIn this episode, Chris Hawkins catches up with DJ, Producer & Author Mark Rae. From his early years as a budding scratch DJ in his hometown of Newcastle to his arrival as a student in Manchester where he created his own scene around clubs, record shops and then a record label; Mark has always been a pioneer. His remixes as one half of Rae & Christian made them the people to go to in the mid to late 90s. Mark’s insight into his much honed craft is refreshingly honest and funny even including ...
Mark Radcliffe
July 29, 2022 01:00 - 48 minutesIn this episode, DJ and Broadcaster Mark Radcliffe speaks to Chris Hawkins about his esteemed career in the radio industry. From his early days as producer at Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio, through the highs and lows and then highs again at BBC Radio 1 to his time now at 6 Music and Radio 2; Mark’s story is a fascinating deep dive into the mind of a music obsessive that informs his talent as a much regarded broadcaster. And if you’ve ever wondered whether Mark & Lard will work together again ...