How To DJ

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From 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 a

Listening Dog Media


    • Apr 18, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 106 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from How To DJ

    Dave Seaman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 52:00


    In this episode, Chris chats to DJ and Producer Dave Seaman about his life and career, from growing up in Leeds through to working with legendary artists including the Pet Shop Boys and Kylie Minogue. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Kevin Saunderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 50:01


    Chris sits down with dance music producer and DJ Kevin Sanderson to discuss his life and career from his early years in New York to moving to Michigan through to teaming up with Juan Atkins and Derrick May in the Belleville Three. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Lou Hayter

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 37:58


    Chris sits down with musician, DJ and musical director Lou Hayter at dBS Institute in Manchester to discuss her life and career in music from her days in New Young Pony Club through to becoming the DJ to the stars. She also chats about her process for creating music today and offers advice to anyone looking to make their way in the industry. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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    Seb Fontaine

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 48:00


    Chris sits down with Producer and DJ Seb Fontaine who discusses his career including playing famous London clubs like Subteranea, memorable nights behind the decks and chart success. How To DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Justin Wilkes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 47:21


    Chris is joined by award-winning broadcaster and DJ Justin Wilkes who discusses his radio shows on KISS and his career as a DJ. Justin shares his love for the Tomorrowland festival, being a DJ to the stars and playing around the world. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Joe Goddard

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 42:37


    Chris is joined by musician, songwriter and DJ, Joe Goddard who discusses his life in music including his career as a member of Hot Chip. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trevor Nelson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 62:01


    Trevor Nelson MBE, the iconic broadcaster, DJ, and urban music pioneer, joins Chris Hawkins on to discuss his life and career in music and broadcasting. In this episode, listeners are taken on a rich journey through Trevor's life — from a record-obsessed teenager in Hackney to becoming one of the most influential voices in music broadcasting. Trevor opens up on starting the job that he sees as “the pinnacle” of his career as the new presenter on Radio 2's afternoon show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Paul Burke

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 61:51


    In this episode, Chris is joined by Paul Burke, a man whose journey from DJing on a Dansette record player as a child to working in advertising has been anything but conventional. Paul shares his anecdotes about rubbing shoulders with celebrities at iconic venues like Stringfellows and the Hammersmith Palais, where he once played "Dancing Queen" for Princess Diana. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Tall Paul

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 48:52


    Chris Hawkins is joined by DJ and remixer Tall Paul who talks about his career from the early days at Turnmills through to hitting the charts in the late 90's and beyond. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    DJ Fat Tony

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 42:15


    Fat Tony joins Chris to talk about his life and career in music from residencies at places like Trade at Turnmills, Egg and Limelight through to playing for his celebrity fans. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Tarzsa

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 46:12


    Chris is joined by DJ and Broadcaster Tarzsa who discusses her career so far from growing up in Manchester, discovering her passion for music, live performance and moving to London. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Darude

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 48:52


    From Darude's early life in Finland, his transition from live music to DJing, and the creation of his iconic track 'Sandstorm', Chris chats in depth with Darude. A storm is coming. If you'd like to join Darude in the biggest celebration of his career to date, sign up to www.storm25.world How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Fabio & Grooverider

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 75:50


    Chris is joined by "The Godfathers of Drum and Bass" Fabio & Grooverider for an epic chat about their career. Discussing how they started out in their careers through to working with each other, the importance of selecting the right music and their radio shows. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Terry Farley

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 52:55


    Chris is joined by DJ, remixer & producer Terry Farley who discusses his career from the early Ibiza days through to collaborating with Pete Heller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    BK

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 47:10


    Chris is joined by Ben Keen AKA BK who discusses his career that's seen him become one of the most prolific DJs and dance music producers on the planet. Ben discusses the record he's most proud of, DJing with vinyl and the difference between live performance and studio recording. This episode is supported by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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    Quantic

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 51:37


    Chris is joined by Will Holland AKA Quantic to discuss his life and career in music from his early musical discoveries through to global influences that shape his tracks and live performances today. This episode is supported by Flare Audio. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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    BONUS: Chris' Favourite Moments

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 36:29


    In this special episode of How to DJ, Chris takes a look at some of his favourite moments from the past 12 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    A Certain Ratio (recorded live at Kendal Calling 2024)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 41:16


    Chris was joined by Martin & Ellen from A Certain Ratio for a live podcast recording at this year's Kendal Calling. The pair chatted about life in the band, comparisons to other Manchester artists, the tracks that are always floor fillers and more. How To DJ is sponsored by Flare Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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    Adamski

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 40:35


    Chris sits down with Adamski who discusses his explosive rise to the top of the charts and his love of music. From tales of getting a record deal aged 11, through to Top of the Pops performances and visits from Elton John, Adam's story is incredible. 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

    Jon Dasilva

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 36:09


    Chris sits down with Jon Dasilva who discusses his career from the early days at the Hacienda, through to becoming friends with bands like New Order and influencing DJs such as Sasha. 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

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    K-Klass

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 65:25


    Chris is joined by Paul & Russ from electronic group K-Klass who discuss their musical journey from the Hacienda through to creating hits with the likes of Bobby Brown and The Corrs. 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 Toolan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 52:49


    Chris is joined by Hits Radio drivetime presenter Mike Toolan who discusses his radio career from local radio, through to working at Capital (thanks to Chris Tarrant!) and presenting Key 103's Breakfast Show in Manchester for over a decade. 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

    Graham Massey (808 State)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 55:41


    Chris is joined by British record producer, musician, and remixer, Graham Massey who discusses his career with 808 State and beyond. Graham also discusses his experience of working with Bjork and her album Post. 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

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    Neil Barnes (Leftfield)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 53:25


    Chris is joined by Leftfield's Neil Barnes who chats about his career with Leftfield and their influence on electronic music in the 90's. 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

    Lisa Lashes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 34:39


    Lisa Lashes sits down with Chris at the Nighttime Economy Summit in Manchester to discuss her career from stacking shelves to performing all over the world. She also chats about her move into music education. 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

    Carl Loben

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 47:56


    Chris is joined by Editor-In-Chief of DJ Mag Carl Loben who discusses his career as a music journalist & DJ and the journey of DJs over recent decades. Carl also delves into what makes the annual DJ Mag Top 100 and his thoughts on the future of DJ culture. 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

    NEW PODCAST: Ticket Stubs - Out Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2024 3:28


    Ticket 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 toilets. Ticket Stubs is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Katie Thistleton

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 55:56


    Chris 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 43:38


    Chris 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 50:47


    Chris 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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    Arielle Free

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 47:58


    Arielle 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 42:52


    Brandon 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 35:13


    In 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

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    Norman Jay

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 57:19


    Chris 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

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    Barry Ashworth

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 52:32


    Chris 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 41:38


    Chris 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 27:57


    Chris 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 33:58


    Chris 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2023 51:41


    Chris 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

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    Groove Armada

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 48:55


    Chris 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 49:21


    We'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 is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    How To DJ Series 8 Is Coming!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 5:16


    The 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2023 57:15


    In 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023 57:22


    Chris 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 43:13


    Chris 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Andy Bush

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023 38:21


    Andy 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 the year 2000. Working for a company called Traffic Link in Bristol's Evening Post building, Andy had the chance to dial into various shows throughout the day. This experience provided him with valuable knowledge and skills in radio, particularly in understanding the direction of a piece and supporting the presenter, as opposed to going off track. He also learned the importance of concise delivery and being mindful of time constraints. Thus, Andy's radio career began unexpectedly, but it set him on an adventurous path in the world of broadcasting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Mr Scruff

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 52:55


    Mr 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 give it a go, starting out with no equipment or knowledge. However, his youthful inventiveness and abundance of free time allowed him to slowly grasp the craft. During this time, Mr Scruff enjoyed a variety of music, from pop to the eclectic sounds of John Peel and Tony Blackburn. With limited radio stations available in the 80s, he embraced whatever the airwaves had to offer. Eventually, he stumbled upon specialist music through a friend's uncle who possessed all the Electro albums. This led him to dive deeper into the world of DJing, never looking back. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Claire Sturgess

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 45:59


    In 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 for a job, and much to her delight, she quickly received a reply and became a filing clerk at BBC Enterprises. This experience opened doors for Claire and allowed her to interact with iconic artists from Top of the Pops. After a year, Claire applied for a position as a radio production assistant for Radio One, beginning her love affair with radio. Joining XFM, despite the pay cut, was a pivotal moment for Claire as she felt it represented the music she loved. She eventually left Radio One to start her own daytime show at XFM and considered it the best decision she ever made. As Claire progressed in her career, she faced unique challenges, such as starting empty shows and navigating the differences between commercial radio and the BBC. She also shares the importance of preparation, engaging the audience, and incorporating listener content into her shows. Throughout the episode, Claire emphasizes the significance of authenticity, love for the subject matter, and understanding the audience for a successful radio career. She also discusses her experiences at XFM, the changes that occurred when it got bought by Capital and later by another company, and the joy she found in working with artists and bands at the Blue Finn Building. Stay tuned as Claire reveals how she unexpectedly returned to radio after thinking she was done with it and explores the power of the medium in creating an intimate connection with listeners. She also touches on the importance of voice and accent in radio and offers insights into the changing landscape of the industry. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Utah Saints - Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 34:16


    In 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Utah Saints - Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 39:34


    In 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 in the club scene. They touch on their upbringing and how they started DJing at local events. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Nicky Horne

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 51:52


    Chris 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 of much-loved DJs work. How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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