CF: You’ve had one of the longest running shows at Radio 1; what were your proudest achievements during your time there?
Wow. So many good times. Achievement wise, probably winning a Sony Gold Award but managing to play artists like Amy Winehouse and Jay Electronica at Demo Stage was good. Being able to share a studio with John Peel is the thing I cherish the most…
CF: In your mind, how will the new show differ from that on Radio 1, apart from the obvious difference of doing it in daylight?
The new show just gives me the opportunity to stretch out even more – to really push the musical boundaries even further. I feel that the audience is very proactive and that interaction is very exciting for me – daytime is brilliant – I’m really enjoying that!
CF: Do you think the new time slot will allow for your music to reach a different group of listeners? And if so, will you program the music with that in mind?
I suppose there are things to take into consideration here – yes the nerds are still listening but I can really feel that there are many people who don’t really know what I do and are just super open to hearing great music – that is so fresh to me. I think the new time slot will really allow me to break music. I’m hoping to find the right balance between new and old and obvious and random!
CF: It sounded like you really enjoyed the first show? What are you most excited about regards the change?
I just want to get into a relaxed place with the show where I can really feel like I’m in my front room with a bunch of mates flicking through music – everyone’s dream basically!
CF: Are there artists new or old that you’d like really like to focus on more, since the switch to BBC Radio 6 Music?
Not really, I’m just hoping that the music doesn’t ever dry up! The best thing about living in the UK for me is that it’s a constant fountain of music and art and youth culture and fashion. It’s still on the top of the charts globally for me. There’s a constant source of fine stuff as long as you search for it!
CF: Of all your shows at Radio 1, have you got a favourite?
The last show was a lot of fun getting all my old producers in but otherwise I really enjoyed doing shows with Roy Ayers and Questlove and my interview with Theo Parrish on the same show as a Maida Vale session with Meshell Ndegeocello – that was a classic show!
CF: You had so many amazing live sessions. There must be too many to choose from, but if you could, what would you say was your most memorable?
The last one between Tigran Hamasyan and LV was pretty special – a good collaboration always works for me. Dwele with Roy Hargrove was good too…
CF: Will you continue to commission live sessions for the new show, and if so, is there anyone you’d really like to feature that you can tell us about?
We will still be doing bits and also using the live lounge area. I’m hoping to get Eska in in a couple of weeks’ time before her show at the QEH – she’s the most amazing unsung British singer out there. That will be a good one to start with…
CF: And finally, what is your favourite thing about living in London?
Leaving for a few days and then coming back…
