Episode 40 is coming from Reform Radio regular Alex McKenzie. He hosts the Night Athlete show monthly and chatted with AMF about his musical inspirations and the Manchester club scene.
Hey, Alex thanks for coming on the blog and having me on the Night Athletics show. What’s does your DJ story look like? When did you start mixing music and what spurred that decision?
I’ve listened to electronic music now for about 25 years. As soon as I was old enough (or looked old enough!), I was in clubs getting my rave on. I’ve been around DJs most of that time and I guess in the end just wanted a go. My mate showed me the ropes and off I went!
Are there any standout DJ’s or club nights that have really influenced you as a DJ?
I guess my real formative years were in Leeds from 1998. I used to go to a lot of underground techno nights there as well as the more mainstream hard house nights there like Sundissential. We travelled around a lot too and went to the iconic nights of that era, Cream, Gatecrasher, etc. Trance was massive then. I have to say Sankey’s Soap was probably my favourite though. I’m biased being Mancunian no doubt but the atmosphere in there was just electric. So many DJs impressed me back then, I guess Oakenfold for one but over the years I’ve been lucky enough to see so many across so many genres. You can’t help but be impressed by Krafty Kuts or Andy C, Sasha or Lee Burridge. In recent years I’ve loved Damian Lazarus and DJ Tennis.
How long have you had the show on Reform and what’s the ethos behind it?
Just over a year. The ethos is pretty simple. Playing tracks I’ve heard that month along with a few from the back catalogue. I try to play a range if I can, all the way from pretty disco-esque stuff to approaching techno. I love an eclectic mix.
Are there any challenges that come with running your own radio show and what advice would you give others looking to get on the airwaves?
The challenges are keeping it fresh. I’ve not been back in Manchester that long so I’ve tried to get local DJs on to mix it up and promote what’s out there in this great city. Advice? I guess determination. Keep asking the questions in the right way and you’ll generally get a chance in the end.
Manchester’s no stranger to underground and alternative radio stations. Why do you think DJ’s are flocking to this format in the 21st century?
I guess because it’s such a good way to get heard. The opportunities are growing all the time and it’s just another medium to add to the old methods, playing in clubs, etc which of course not everyone can do.
Using the mix you’ve done for this blog as an example, can you talk us through your creative process for putting a mix together? Do you just work it out as you go or do you approach each mix with a theme or idea?
I guess I try to create a ‘journey’ if that’s not too clichéd. I’m definitely an on the fly type of person, I like playing a track and then thinking what would be good next. I think if you plan too much it can get you in trouble especially if you’re playing out. You need to be flexible to what’s going well and what might not be. I don’t see the point in doing a mix which wouldn’t be using the same method of how you’d play to a crowd.
Finally, what’s on the horizon for you? Any more radio shows or events on the horizon?
As I’ve said, I’ve not been back in Manchester that long so I’m just now getting to a stage where I’m getting offered gigs round here. There’s a few on the horizon though so watch this space!
