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LinkedinBBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins reflects on a lifetime spent discovering new music, the artists he’s backed before they broke big, and why Mucky Weekender remains one of Britain’s most unique festivals.
Q. What’s your first memory of music?
I was obsessed with Radio 1 and Top of the Pops from when I was very young. I had a ghetto blaster and used to tape songs off the radio and made hundreds of mix tapes. I spent my first-ever pocket money on 7” singles and still love going through them now. I can remember where I bought every one of them.
Q. You’ve spent decades introducing listeners to new music. Is there still a thrill in discovering a new artist that nobody else seems to know about yet?
It’s definitely a buzz. I have a new music night called Awesome Friends and it’s fantastic seeing the new bands go on to great things. Lottery Winners did a night of mine a few years ago and now they’re huge. More recently I’ve had The Ks and Tom A Smith play the night and they’re flying.
Q. Who were your musical heroes as a teenager – and who inspires you today?
David Bowie, for sure. First for the intrigue and then the fascination with his music. Everything about him seemed so different. In my teens I was big into The Stone Roses and later, Oasis. I also loved dance music, from the tail end of Acid House through the amazing indie sleaze scene. I love guitar music as much as I love acts like The xx, Disclosure and Peggy Gou.
Q. Why do you love Mucky Weekender and who are you most looking forward to seeing this year?
Mucky’s got the most incredible spirit about it. I think the mixing of artists and festival-goers on site is key to that. The line-up is always brilliant. It might seem obvious, but I absolutely love seeing Dub Pistols on stage. They’re the ultimate festival band.
Q. Mucky has built a reputation for being more than just a festival. What gives it such a unique atmosphere?
It does what it says on the tin! It’s brilliantly eclectic, welcoming and unpretentious. People come for the music, but they stay for the atmosphere – and of course Barry Ashworth and Dub Pistols. There’s a real sense of community, it’s small enough to bump into all your friends and the headliners, and that’s what also makes it so great.
Q. You’ve interviewed some of the biggest names in music. Who has surprised you most over the years?
Maybe Calvin Harris because when I first interviewed him he was very much an artist releasing great pop music. He’s now one of the biggest DJs on the planet, so seeing him make that transition is incredible.
Q. Who is the most underrated artist people should have on their playlists right now?
I think The Guest List have the potential to go huge. They’re a great band from Manchester. Seb Lowe is a big talent. There’s a band from Leeds called The North who have big potential, and also STRATA. I think they could all go very big.
Q. What makes 6 Music such a special home for music lovers?
In short, 6 Music is an amazing home for anyone who loves music beyond the mainstream. We all love the music we play and I think you can sense the passion. It’s also got the best listeners, who are a fundamental part of the station sound.
Q. Did you enjoy school – and why?
I didn’t love school in the UK, but I spent a year at an American high school, which was absolutely incredible. It was in Baton Rouge. I was in class with James Taylor and Carly Simon’s son, Ben Taylor – an artist in his own right. I later went to college in the States and was friends with Bill Withers’ son, Todd. Both of those American experiences were unbelievable. The best.
Q. What’s been your most memorable moment behind the microphone?
Genuinely, I love every moment on the radio. I consider it such a privilege. I loved getting behind Sam Fender early doors. I did exclusive first plays of his first three releases, so seeing him win the Mercury Prize felt very special. Interviewing artists I love is always memorable – people like Calvin Harris, Sam Fender and also Jack White, Dave Grohl, Fatboy Slim, Tim Burgess, Lana Del Rey, Moby, Johnny Marr, Brett Anderson, Shirley Manson, Skin and so many more. All icons and all lovely too!
Q. If you could curate your dream Mucky Weekender line-up – living or dead – who would be on the bill?
Three artists I think would have been great, and that I never got to see: Lee Scratch Perry, Andrew Weatherall and The Specials.
Q. Desert island choices: one album, one song and one luxury item?
Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense. “Once in a Lifetime”. Suncream.
Q. Best gig you’ve ever been to – and why?
Stone Roses at Heaton Park in Manchester – the comeback show with Primal Scream supporting. A dream night.
Q. What song guarantees a packed dancefloor at your ultimate party?
I play indie bangers when I DJ, so Arctic Monkeys’ “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” is always fantastic. But Gala’s “Freed From Desire” is always a winner too. I played Dexys’ “Come On Eileen” at the end of a festival set the other night and it went wild.
Q. What’s the one record everyone should listen to from start to finish at least once in their life?
John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band. It’s a masterpiece.
Chris Hawkins will be appearing at Mucky Weekender Festival from 10–12 September at Vicarage Farm, Winchester. The festival line-up includes Goldie Live, David Rodigan, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Roni Size, Pop Will Eat Itself, Goldie Lookin Chain, Children of Zeus, Norman Jay, Darren Emerson, Don Letts, Utah Saints, The Sabres of Paradise, DJ Yoda, X-Press 2, Mr Scruff, Greg Wilson and many more. https://mucky-weekender.co.uk/
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