Mistajam Interview: It's a feeling you get that can't really be fully explained

Image: Shaun Bloodworth

As an ambassador for all things rumbling from the lower end Mistajam is hard to better. His patter on the airwaves has existed side by side with the unquestionable wobble and growl of everything that falls under that specific musical cannon, be it hip-hop, drum and bass or dubstep. It’s his love of the latter that perhaps translates better across his BBC radio work, where his personality has helped breathe life and exposure into the likes of Katy B, Magnetic Man and Chase & Status in the past years.

His Speakerbox project has seen him take this musical passion directly into clubs, and it’s ahead of him manning an arena under that banner at Electric Daisy Carnival shortly that we caught up with him to see what to expect from the Arena.

What music did you listen to growing up? How did you get into DJing?

I listened a lot to radio - Trent FM as it was back in the day, Unique FM, Heatwave FM and of course Radio 1 so I was exposed to lots of different kinds of music from early. I got into DJing kinda naturally because it was always something I was interested in.

How did your Radio 1 slot come about?

I was spotted at an event a good friend of mine had put on and offered the chance to try out. I got the job and have been there ever since!

Your sets and radio shows showcase music from a wide range of genres. What makes a track stand out to you?

It's hard to define. It's a feeling you get that can't really be fully explained. Sonically the quality has to be there too.

What advice would you give to budding producers?

Don't run before you can walk.

Top five favourite tracks at the moment?

DECiBEL – ‘Wot’

Dizzee Rascal – ‘I Don't Need a Reason’

Majestic & Jungle 70 – ‘Creeping In The Dark’ (below)

Filly – ‘Hung Like A Donkey’

SecondCity – ‘Hold You’

You’re playing at a tonne of festivals this year. How do you tailor your sets for the festival occasion?

I never plan. I enjoy trying to read the crowd and tailoring my approach from there.

Where are you particularly looking forward to playing this summer?

EDC, Ibiza, Boardmasters, Creamfields, Global Gathering... the list is endless!

We’re excited about your appearance at London’s first ever Electric Daisy Carnival. Are you planning anything special for the occasion?

Wait and see!!                                     

Can you let us in on what you have in store for us with your Speakerbox Arena?

I worked really hard with the legend that is Scott Barton to pull together a really strong line up that would complement what was happening at the main stage. As we're a 16k capacity arena, I've picked DJs and artists that will know what to do in front of a crowd of that size. It should be immense start to finish!

You’ve also had a successful stint as an actor. Do you have more acting work in the pipeline?           

Nope. Not at all.                                                                                                                         

Are there similarities in the way approach acting and DJing?

There are between acting and broadcasting as it’s all about projection, voice and control.

What does the future hold for Mistajam?

Who knows! Hopefully a long career!

Finally, what would you be if you weren’t a DJ/Actor?

I'm more a DJ/Broadcaster/Entrepreneur than actor! I don't really think anything else would work for me!

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