Kiss History

CHRIS BLACKLAY 07 May 2010

Chris Blacklay is the Executive Specialist Producer at Kiss, he talks to us about being passionate, starting his career in Ghana and his favourite DJs.

How old are you?

I’m tempted to say mind you own business but I’m 30

How long have you worked at Kiss?

Coming up on 6 years now 

What do you do at Kiss?

As the Exec Specialist Producer I report to the Kiss PD Andy Roberts.  I manage a team of two other Specialist Producers and a DJ roster of 16 DJs broadcasting 7 days a week.  The Kiss Specialist Department is an extension of the daytime broadcasting team.  We aim to produce inclusive, music driven, credible, relevant, engaging radio without alienating the daytime listener.  I work with Andy Roberts in the programming and future planning of the Specialist schedule and assess whether genres are still in vogue and remain relevant.  Where gaps in our music coverage appear we researched, recruited and developed new talent.  Along side this I produce 10 shows during the week

How did you get into it?

I’ve always loved music but I got into radio production by taking a punt and going to Ghana to work on a radio station after I didn’t get a job at the BBC due to lack of experience. With that on my CV I subsequently got the job I missed out on and then moved from there to Kiss in ’04.

What makes a good Specialist Producer?

A real passion for making great, accessible radio with new music as its focus.  You need to be confident and know what you think good radio sounds like, the technical side can be learnt but an understanding is useful. 

What is a 'typical' day for you?

There really aren’t many typical days as each radio show is different.  I guess the common factor is new music.

What is the best thing about the job?

The idea that we are bringing exciting new music to the listeners.

What is the hardest thing about the job?

Sometimes the hours are a bit long. 

What is your favourite song we're currently playing on Kiss in the specialist shows?

There are too many to name but from the top of my head I really like Big Boi – Shutterbug and Mala – In Love.

What is you favourite show you work on and why?

David Rodigan’s show is an inspiration in so many ways and probably edges out the energy and musical freshness of shows by Logan Sama, Sinden and Hatcha, to be my favourite.

What is you favourite show you work on and why?

David Rodigan’s show is an inspiration in so many ways and probably edges out the energy and musical freshness of shows by Logan Sama, Sinden and Hatcha, to be my favourite.

Which artist are you tipping for big things in 2010?

I’m rubbish at tipping stuff as a lot of what I don’t like goes to number 1 but I think Big Boi from Outkasts’ 1st proper solo album will be really good and I hope that the Roule inspired filtered disco house thing carries on through the summer.

What's the best gig/concert/club that you have ever been to and why?

For clubs I'd have to say Berghian in Berlin is amazing and I’ve got a really soft spot for Plastic People in old street..  live music wise the Exit festival was brilliant when I went and the dance arena is amazing.  The last beta band gig at shepards bush was amazing and The fugees live were amazing.  There are loads more.

Who's your favourite artist of all time?

Who knows……way too many……… the beta band, Burning spear, LCD Soundsystem, Diamond D, Wu Tang Clan. 

Who's your favourite club DJ of all time?

That’s really hard. It totally depends on what I want to hear, I used to love seeing Ed Rush and Optical when I loved Drum and bass.  Recently for a bit of Techno, Dubfire is really good.  Mala from Digital mystiks, but only if it’s in a really small loud place. When he’s at his best I think Errol Alkan is brilliant.  Urmm, David Rodigan is a real treat to see ‘DJ’ and Shortee Blitz is the best club hip hop dj in the country, hands down.  There are loads more.