How To DJ: Chris Hawkins explores the art of radio and club DJs

Chris Hawkins is best know for his work as a DJ for BBC Radio 6 Music, but his own podcast extends this passion for music. In How To DJ, Chris asks guests to pick from a box of 45 random questions. There are anecdotes aplenty, essential do’s & don’ts, as well as gear recommendations, PLUS there’s always an apocalyptic set closer too! We asked Chris to tell us more…

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m a DJ on BBC Radio 6 Music, fascinated by audio and music. My podcast How To DJ explores the life stories, techniques, minds and experiences of much loved radio and club DJs.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

The Ricky Gervais Show. I loved Ricky, Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington on XFM and this felt like bonus extended versions of that brilliant show.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

I was fascinated by the one-to-one of radio as a kid and my ambition (other to to play left midfield for Shrewsbury Town) was to be a music radio presenter. I’m lucky – because that’s what I’ve always done – I’ve never had any other job. As such a huge fan of radio as a medium and as such a massive music fan I wanted to create a podcast where I got to ask DJs about their craft. For me, storytelling is key to all audio and I wanted to find a way of getting DJs to tell their inspiring life stories.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

The Boiler Room podcasts are fantastic. I listen to loads of music shows on BBC Sounds and love Lauren Laverne’s Desert Island Discs. I should also mention my wife – Clare Nasir. Clare’s a meteorologist and the Channel 5 weather presenter. She hosts a podcast called Weather Snap. If you like weather, you’ll love it.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

So many of my dream guests have already appeared on How To DJ. From Carl Cox to Tony Blackburn, Fatboy Slim to Greg James and Mark Radcliffe to Jodie Harsh. I’ve been lucky – when we invite guests to come on, they seem to say yes!

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Greg James, Mark Radcliffe and Nicky Horne talk in great detail about the art of radio and from the club DJs, Carl Cox and Jamz Supernova really demonstrate that there are no shortcuts to the top – that hard work really pays off.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

I’m on 6 Music every day!

Listen to How To DJ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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