BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac - Interview
We interview BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac “Funk…I am a massive fan of the funk… my music collection started with funk”
As part of BBC Radio 1’s “in new music we trust” campaign you get to play the music you love to a world audience - how does it feel to know that people want to hear it?
Well I wasn’t sure at first, but now that the show has been up and running for 6 months and the feedback is really positive…I can say that it is the best feeling in the world.
The raging debate continues - Tea or Coffee?
Tea..always always tea
Sir John Peel’s death rocked the nation, what influence did he have on you and your music collection?
It wasn’t my music collection as much as my attitude towards music..he was the only dj on the station that I used to see bring his production team out every week and go record shopping…I do that now..
Funk or Dub?
Funk…I am a massive fan of the funk…my music collection started with funk..
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up?
When I was young my musical influences were my brothers…they were into The Pogues (obsessed) and Thin Lizzy and The Smiths and stuff like that…I grew up on guitars..playing the guitar and loving everything to do with guitars…
Who was the artist / what was the track that changed your perceptions of music?
Stevie Wonder…
What was the first piece of vinyl you bought?
A Tribe Called Quests - Beats Rhymes And Life..was the first one I chose from a record shop… I have since discovered all the rest of their LPs and LOVE their work…
Honestly?
Yeah! However, my first CD was the Stakka Bo LP…that is suitably mortifying..
You used to promote techno nights, who was your favourite DJ at the time?
I didn’t know enough to have a favourite one…but I remember the ones that blew me away..Laurent Garnier.. DJ Sneak..
Do you think that the music press fully represents the underground dance music scene at the moment?
Some magazines do, I read DJ Magazine cos it covers every genre..I like that…
What is your favourite record label(s) at the moment?
20:20 Vision, Hospital Records, Kinky Vinyl
Who is your tip for 2005?
Rex The Dog, Syncopix, Sharam Jay, Phil Kieran
What is your favourite website ?
I’m not on the web enough you know..but I’ve just got a laptop and am hoping to change that…
MC Pitman or The Darkness?
Don’t know enough about Pitman…used to love the darkness.. I used to put on their first EP every morning to wake up..now I’ve had enough of them..
What can we expect from the coming months of your BBC Radio 1 show?
I want to try and do a tour of indie record shpos around the country…. whether I’m allowed or not is a different story…! Loads of wicked people in the minimix…
What is your favourite type of Simian?
Chimpanzee…
How will you see in the New Year?
I am DJing at the Cross Central event in Kings Cross with Erol Alkan and Touche… (this is a dream come true..) can’t wait for it..
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You can catch Annie Mac’s show every Thursday 9pm-11pm on BBC Radio 1. Or get a rewind via BBC online. Check out her pages here.
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Annie Mac was interviewed by 3DJ