How To DJ

Tommy Smith joins Chris Hawkins to tell the story of the legendary Blackburn warehouse parties that helped shape the UK rave scene. From discovering acid house in the late 1980s to organising illegal all-night events in disused mills, Tommy reflects on community, counterculture, clashes with the police and why he believes the movement changed society forever. 

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Chris Hawkins is joined by legendary Hacienda resident and British house pioneer Graeme Park. From growing up a Factory Records fan in Scotland, through his early days in Nottingham’s record shops and clubs, to becoming a key figure on the UK house scene, Graeme shares candid stories, reflections on the evolution of DJ culture, the unforgettable energy of the Hacienda, and his adventures remixing and touring the globe.

Plus, they discuss staying passionate after four decades, adapting to new technology, life and loss, recovery from cancer, and what keeps the dancefloor magic alive.

How to...

Phil Kieran joins Chris Hawkins on How To DJ to talk about the moments that shaped his career — from blagging his first DJ set at Belfast’s Limelight to becoming one of electronic music’s most respected producers.

Phil reflects on discovering dance music in the early 90s, learning through trial and error, and why making mistakes is still central to his creative process. He also talks about producing on early hardware, breaking into international DJing, moving into film scoring, and why staying uncomfortable is often the key to creating something original.

Plus, stories about David Ho...

Remixer and DJ Louis La Roche joins Chris Hawkins to chat about his career in music so far. From discovering dance music through Fatboy Slim and building tracks from samples, to remixing global artists and navigating the realities of life as a touring DJ. 

Louis reflects on growing up in Norwich, becoming obsessed with records at a young age, and launching his career after early support from management and booking agents while still a teenager. He also discusses the pressure of being compared to major artists early in his career, the challenge of staying authentic, and why own...

Swedish DJ, DJ Seinfeld, joins Chris on How To DJ to break down his career in music, from growing up in Sweden, through to his time studying in Edinburgh and living in Barcelona.

Armand opens up about his use of sound from film, TV and other media and discussed his music-making philosophy. He also discusses his breakout hit "U" and the impact that YouTube had on his journey.

How To DJ is a Listening Dog Media production.

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Jack sits down with BBC Radio 6 Music & How To DJ presenter Chris Hawkins to discuss his gig history. From a life-changing experience at Glastonbury with Faithless, to memorable moments with Pete Doherty and his favourite UK venues, Chris shares his passion for live music.

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Mike Pickering joins Chris Hawkins on How To DJ to discuss his life and career in music.

Mike shares stories from his days at the Haçienda, signing bands like the Happy Mondays at Factory and later founding M People. Later, he shares how he discovered Calvin Harris and launched his career at Columbia Records.

How To DJ is a ⁠Listening Dog Media⁠ production.

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Chris is joined by Mark & James from Manchester house duo, Solardo. The pair discuss their meteoric rise from a council estate in Wythenshawe to playing huge gigs across the globe and launching their own record label.

They delve into what brought them together, the impact other artists had on their career, and how they took matters into their own hands to achieve their phenomenal success.

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Join Jack Wood as he talks to artists about their gig history. From their first gigs, their worst gigs and their dream festival line-up. Jack discovers what live gig experiences shaped artists careers today.

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Chris is joined by pioneering British House DJ, Lottie, to delve into her career over 3 decades.

From early gigs in the North West, to iconic clubs in Miami and Ibiza, Lottie shares her journey through music.

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Chris Hawkins is joined by Alex Paterson, co-founder of The Orb, for a deep dive into the origins of ambient house and a life spent pushing musical boundaries. From punk gigs and roadie days with Killing Joke to raves with the KLF and the creation of The Orb’s landmark album Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld, Alex shares the stories, influences and chance encounters that shaped his career. Along the way he reflects on sampling, DJ culture, the evolution of dance music and why the spirit of the ’90s still resonates today.

How to DJ is a Listening Dog M...

Chris Hawkins is joined by Alan Braxe & Fred Falke for their first joint interview in 20 years as they discuss the anniversary of their seminal track "Intro". In this episode, the pair discuss the track, it's impact on their career and what it is like being back together after such a long time.

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Chris sits down with Simon and Sean from 2 Bad Mice as they discuss their life in music, from the origins of the band through to their own label, touching on live performance, signings and their success with Bombscare.

This episode was recorded at Listening Dog Studios.

How to DJ is a Listening Dog Media production.

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Eddie Piller joins Chris Hawkins to discuss his life and career in music. The son of the founder of the Small Faces fan club, Eddie has been in and around music his entire life. In the episode, he talks about the band that inspired his musical journey, mishaps along the way, and running Acid Jazz Records.

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London Elektricity AKA Tony Coleman sits down to chat with Chris Hawkins about his life and career through music, touching on what got him into music, owning his own label and his thoughts on AI in music.

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Chris introduces some of the best bits from our guests on How to DJ in 2025 including Dave Seaman, Trevor Nelson, Lisa Loud and DJ Spoony.

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Johnno Burgess joins Chris Hawkins to talk about his life and career through music, the success of Bugged Out and his latest book.

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Chris sits down with Chris Todd & Jim Baron from Crazy P. The pair share their memories of late bandmate Danielle Moore, founding the band, breaking in Australia and the journey they've taken as Crazy P as well as their future plans.

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Chris Hawkins is joined by Mixmag "Raving Reporter" Kirk Field who shares his memories of rave culture including how technology and Margaret Thatcher enabled the rave scene. Kirk also discusses his best-selling books Rave New World and his latest book Rave new world presents planes, trains & amphetamines: Clubbing Holiday Confessions.

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Chris is joined by the only female DJ to win the number one DJ in the world award by DJ Mag, Smokin Jo.

During their conversation, Smokin Jo talks through her career from her early clubbing days through to her love for Ibiza and her various residencies and performances at iconic venues in London and the rest of the world.

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Chris sits down with DJ and Presenter Andi Durrant who discusses his career from starting out in Yorkshire through to remixing iconic tracks, winning radio awards and spending times on private jets.

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Chris joins Manchester's DJ Tintin who talks about his career on the northern music scene, from early encounters with Liam Gallagher at the Boardwalk, to touring with New Order and the poignant gig which took him back to his childhood.

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Chris is joined by presenter and author Elizabeth Alker who talks about her career through music and radio from her beginnings in Rochdale through to presenting on BBC Radio 3.

Elizabeth's new book Everything We Do Is Music is out now.

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DJ, producer and vocalist Sally Rodgers joins Chris to chat about her life in music as one half of iconic production duo A Man Called Adam, becoming a DJ and moving into education.

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Chris is joined by Radio 2 presenter DJ Spoony to talk about his career in music from growing up in Hackney, to becoming an influential figure in the UK garage scene.

He opens up about his time at Radio 1 and looks forward to this year's Radio 2 In The Park taking place in Chelmsford in September.

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Chris is joined by the “First Lady of Dance” Lisa Loud who discusses her career and love of music.

From the changes she’s seen through to her favourite stages to play, Lisa and Chris chat about her full career.

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Chris chats with Matt and Jimmy, founders of Sancho Panza, as they share their journey through the world of DJing, from their early experiences in warehouse parties to the establishment of the Campo Sancho festival.

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Chris is joined by musician & DJ Emma-Jean Thackray who discusses her journey in music from her beginnings in Yorkshire through to her latest album Weirdo.

She talks about inspirations including Giles Peterson and how music plays a major role in her mental health.

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Chris is joined by Richard Fearless who discusses his love of vinyl, Death in Vegas and working with the legendary Iggy Pop.

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DJ Spinna shares his journey from a young boy experimenting with turntables in Brooklyn to becoming a renowned DJ and producer. He reflects on the community and music culture of New York City, the influence of iconic clubs like Paradise Garage, and the evolution of hip-hop.

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Chris is joined by Radio X presenter Adam Brown who talks about his radio journey that included time at Capital FM, XS Manchester and Radio X. Adam shares stories from throughout his career, experiencing imposter syndrome and even getting a B&Q paint colour of his own!

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DJ, producer, and performer Charlotte Devaney joins us to talk rave culture, working with icons like Snoop Dogg and Fatman Scoop, and launching the Hologram Sessions during lockdown. From wild stage moments to heartfelt reflections, she shares the highs, the challenges, and the passion that drives her career.

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Chris is joined by record producer and DJ Arthur Baker to discuss his life and career through music. From his early musical discoveries, to his love of disco and pioneering work in hip-hop through to working with bands like New Order.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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