Very few DJs have been as influential over their careers as British DJ Mary Anne Hobbs has. She has been instrumental in bringing attention to countless artists and as a host on BBC Radio 1, she was likely the source, directly or indirectly, for the first time someone hearing grime or dubstep, to name a few genres she’s championed. She left BBC Radio 1 last fall and remains one of the most important names in electronic music. She will return to the radio in the UK in July to host a weekly program on XFM.
Before returning to the airwaves, she’s about to embark on a tour across North America called “The Road Warrior Tour”. It kicks off in Seattle at the Baltic Room tomorrow night (Wednesday, April 13) and continue through the month, including playing Coachella in Indio, CA this weekend. It also features some of her favorite electronic artists opening. The show at the Baltic Room features Gonjasufi, Lorn and TAKE. Tickets are available here for $12 (doors at 9pm, 21+).
Mary Anne Hobbs was kind enough to answer my questions via e-mail about her upcoming tour, radio program and what artists she’s finds exciting today.
Congratulations on the new radio show with XFM. What prompted you to return to radio and XFM so shortly after leaving BBC Radio 1?
XFM made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. It’s such a victory to win a primetime Saturday night slot for all the artists that I believe in and the listeners who care so deeply. I look forward to creating some truly mind-blowing, redefining radio with Xfm. The new show begins July 9th. You can listen live online and listen again anywhere on earth at www.xfm.co.uk. I actually broadcast my first ever radio show for XFM, and if you’re interested in my history with network I’ve posted about it here: www.maryannehobbs.com
You’ve been one of the biggest advocates for the electronic music scene(s) on the West Coast (particularly LA), what is particularly special about theelectronic music in this part of the world?
The fearless sense of invention among the West Cost artists knows no bounds. Right at the epicenter of the community is my favorite club on earth, Low End Theory, which offers the most extraordinary artists a stage to perform on every Wednesday night at Airliner in Lincoln Heights, a place experiment, inspire and nurture fresh ideas.
The final song you played on your BBC Radio 1 show was Ms. Dynamite and Oris Jay’s “Tes Dis“. Besides being a great song (killer beat, amazinghook, fantastic rhymes, etc…), what was it about that song that made you want to end your program on that note?
It’s my favorite dubplate. One of the greatest lost tracks of all time. It’s never had a release. The deeply intelligent lyrical message of ‘no compromise’ was on point in that moment.
You often come out to Seattle annually for Decibel Fest. What do you like about it to keep coming back from across the world year after year?
Decibel is one of the finest electronic festivals on the planet. I’m always delighted to be invited back. Their booking policy is very much in step with my own sonic interests, and it’s a chance to see many artists I love play in one intense hit. The audiences of Seattle have been very good to me, they are a rarified, wild and ambitious. I’m very grateful for the love.
Is it a good or bad thing overall that dubstep is making its wayinto “mainstream” pop music? The most obvious example might be Britney Spears’ new single “Hold it Against Me” but it’s not the first dubstep-like song she’s made.
Personally, I’m most excited about what happens at the outer limits of sound. However, I think some of the major artists that have done so well in the US, such as Skream, Benga & Caspa are creating new gateways for a much broader audience to step through. Once people have made it across that threshold, there’s a whole alternate universe of new sound to explore.
What can US fans come to expect from seeing the “Road Warrior” tour?
I am blessed with a truly brilliant agent Sara Ajiri at 11:11, who has helped me to curate a phenomenal line-up for the majority of the shows: Gonja Sufi, TAKE, Lorn and Strangeloop play with me. My own set will represent a whole rainbow spectrum of electronic textures.
Can you say which artists making music now most excite you?
There are hundreds.. but here’s a Top 10 Tor Today: Badawi, Matthew David, Kode 9, Floating Points, Al Tourettes, ?, George Fitzgerald, Girl Unit, Jacques Greene and Darqwan.
Photo by Shaun Bloodworth.
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