jennarichards.net

Name: Vik Mohan

Show: Homeward Sound

When are you on?
I’m on from 4pm to 6pm every third or fourth Friday.

What type of music can we expect to hear on your show?
I play a lot of Soul, a lot of Funk and I also really enjoy Jazz. My favourite sort of Jazz is 60s Jazz onwards but I also play a little bit of contemporary Jazz.

How did you discover this music?
I grew up on a strict diet of soul music it was one of my childhood passions. I went to concerts by Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, George Benson and it kind of came from there really. Then I got more into Jazz, I was blown away by live Jazz when I was at university. Then I came across a DJ called Giles Peterson and ever since I came a cross him I’ve brought practically all of his CDs. He’s a London DJ, but his music captures the sort of music that I’m passionate about, Jazz, Funk, Soul and a little bit of international Latin as well.

How long have you been DJ’ing?
I did one show on last year’s Vibraphonic FM. Then I did the opening show for Phonic FM this year. It was quite a privilege and a great honour, having done only one show previously, to be given the opening show on Phonic FM. I can tell you the first ever track played on Phonic FM was Marvin Gay and What’s going on.

How did you start DJ’ing?
I started listening to Vibraphonic when it first appeared five years ago and I though this is exactly the kind of music I want to come out of the radio. I’ve been a passionate supporter ever since and listened to hours and hours of Vibraphonic every day during its broadcasting period. Then just through enthusiasm and willing I got the opportunity to do a show.

I’m a GP; I have no background in radio. I do have some experience in front of a microphone, I’ve done stand up comedy and I do a lot of public speaking, but I didn’t have any experience of the decks and mixing desk. Despite this the guys were happy to let me have a go. My first show was very stressful – it was the most challenging thing I did all of last year, and I’m a doctor!

Can we find DJ’ing anywhere other than on Phonic FM?
No, just on Phonic FM.

What has been your most embarrassing DJ’ing moment?
One of my friends recorded my first ever show and played it at a dinner party whilst we were all sitting having dinner. There were a couple of really bad cock ups, not only that but it my first ever time on the radio so I felt like a prat anyway. Oh my! To have to sit through my whole two hour show with my mates around the dinner table. Oh man! It was painful!

What has been your best DJ’ing moment?
It would be either when you get really good feedback or when the timing is perfect. It’s great when you get an email through from someone you don’t know saying ‘I loved that track’ or ‘that was wicked’. Cause that’s what it’s all about – giving people the pleasure of good music.

Now and again you will cue something up and get the timing just right and that feels good as well.

Some of it is about the process getting it right and feeling competent, The rest of it is about feeling that they get it, that someone out there understand what you are playing!

Who is your favourite artist?
It depends what day of the week you catch me. If I had to pick one artist that I’ve loved in an enduring way I’d probably say Stevie Wonder. I’ve got such respect for that guy. Another guy I think is great is George Benson; he’s such a great performer, he’s been going for forty years and he’s still a good performer. In terms of Jazz I’m a big Miles Davis fan. My favourite Jazz pianist is Bill Evans and then Herbie Hancock.

What is you all time favourite album?
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis because it’s the greatest Jazz album ever produced.

Where do you shop for music?
I’m on first name terms with Amazon!