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This week we sit with Kiss FM hip hop/R&B legend DJ & remixer (and now  @lovethingldn  podcaster) Swerve to look at both the many opportunities that his DJ career has brought him, and the people who have helped and supported him along the way.

Summary

In this episode of the Once A DJ Podcast, DJ Swerve shares his journey in the DJing world. He talks about his early interest in DJing and scratching, starting with pause tapes and eventually getting his first mixer. He discusses his love for hip hop and the influence of artists like Public Enemy. DJ Swerve also shares his experiences gigging out, joining VIP Sound and the Starlight Crew, and participating in the DMC competition. He talks about his transition to full-time DJing, joining Kiss FM, and touring with the Pure Hip Hop albums. Adam Gow discusses his music collections, recording hip hop compilations, the politics of compilation albums, funny road trip stories, touring with Mystique, and transitioning from radio to Love Thing London. He also shares his thoughts on the future of radio and DJing.

Takeaways

- Compilation albums involve a lot of politics and negotiations with record labels.

- Touring with artists can lead to memorable experiences and encounters with other musicians.

- Transitioning from radio to other ventures can provide new opportunities for growth and creativity.

- The future of radio lies in creating unique and engaging content that offers a sense of community and connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Once A DJ Podcast

02:15 Early Interest in DJing and Scratching

04:43 Pause Tapes and First Mixer

08:31 Getting Second Turntable and Mixer

09:30 Introduction to Hip Hop and DJing for Friends

11:31 Influence of Public Enemy and Hip Hop Culture

13:25 Making Mixtapes and DJing for Parties

15:22 Gigging Out and DJing for Bucks

18:59 Getting Turntables and Joining VIP Sound

20:49 DJing at Soul Nights and Joining Starlight Crew

22:11 Participating in DMC Competition

25:00 Experience in DMC and Influential DJs

28:47 DJing for Soul Nights and Joining Kiss FM

31:39 Transitioning to Full-Time DJing

38:50 DJing on Kiss FM and Life-Changing Opportunity

45:57 Transitioning from Day Job to Full-Time DJing

49:22 Touring with Kiss and Pure Hip Hop Albums

51:18 Adam Gow's Music Collections

52:31 Recording the Hip Hop Compilation

53:27 The Politics of Compilation Albums

54:54 Working with Warner's and Shorty

55:23 Choosing Songs for Compilations

56:20 Road Trips and Funny Stories

57:49 Secret Party Spots

58:10 Glasgow Gig and DJ Swerve

59:18 Passport Troubles and Taiwan Gig

01:00:44 Touring with Mystique

01:01:38 Working with Live Bands

01:03:06 Music Directors and Live Bands

01:04:05 Memorable Gigs and Tours

01:06:40 Transitioning from Radio to Love Thing London

01:10:57 Transitioning from Kiss to Love Thing London

01:11:26 The Future of Radio and DJing