Hi Charlie, congrats on your Gallery debut! How did you hear the news?
Thank you for having me, I’m so excited to play! I’ve known about the situation for a while obviously being in the industry, plus it’s been all over social media over the last week or so – with so many people showing support. I think it’s great!
For those unfamiliar, please elaborate on your musical style?
Musically I play electro house with a twist, the twist being that although I play quite a lot of new house, in my sets you’ll be guaranteed to know a few tracks from your past. Or ones you might not necessarily think I’ll play…The idea is to cater for everyone – but still keeping the style fresh.
How did your involvement with the Kiss FM breakfast show come about?
From age 13 I used to freelance for a magazine, and managed to blag an interview with one of the Kiss DJs. Kept in touch with them throughout my school and college time, then when I was just about to start uni (BA in journalism), was asked to come in as a runner for the breakfast show - one week making tea! I never left, learnt my way up the ladder and now here today presenting the breakfast show.
With this more chat & mainstream music orientated, is it hard to adapt between the radio and club booth?
I don’t think so, no. Kiss breakfast is extremely commercial but taking the music aside, my show is about waking people up in the morning and having a laugh. Evening time playing out is me in my element, it reflects the music I play in clubs and my musical personality. I also have a Saturday night/Sunday morning show from 2-3am. It’s a mix show on Kiss and again that’s exactly the style I play out. I suppose you’ve got a ‘day Charlie’ which consists of Kiss breakfast, an ‘afternoon Charlie’ which is meetings, voiceovers, TV work. Finally an evening Charlie, which is all about the music and DJing – my absolute passion.
Last year saw you perform a few shows under ‘The Revolution Recruits’ banner. How was it to play alongside Carl Cox?
‘Ridiculously good’ is all I can say, Space Ibiza was just next level good, ADE Amsterdam immense and Electric Brixton just incredible. A great year, an incredible learning curve and a great a experience. I’m excited about this year too…
The Gallery is perfect for Charlie Hedges because…?
It was made for me to play! I’m all about atmosphere, starting the weekend with a bang on Friday nights. The Gallery and me are hopefully going to become great friends on the night! Joking aside, I’m really looking forward to it I can’t wait…
Major plans for the rest of 2013?
I’ve got some exciting gig dates coming up which can be found at www.charliehedges.com, Definitely more travelling and playing this year, Ibiza again (dates I’ll be announcing online in the next few weeks) and just continuing to fulfil my dream. Djing and being out loving music.
Finally in Gallery tradition, three words to describe your forthcoming set?
See for yourself! Thanks for having me guys, see you soon x
View it here.
