In Conversation with Gilles Peterson

Gilles Peterson, one of Britain’s most-loved radio broadcasters and DJs, filled his days with something else: he built a three-storey recording studio with enough shelving to house most of his considerable vinyl collection. Situated at the end of his Stoke Newington garden, the soundproofed space is where Gilles plans and plots his musical empire. There is even the possibility, he says proudly, to stage small (very small) live gigs in the basement.

The empire (though that’s probably not a word the very humble Gilles would use) is an extensive and creative network of BBC shows, music festivals, freeform radio services and record labels. Having joined the BBC in 1986 (after broadcasting pirate radio), Gilles founded and co-founded endless cultural institutions across the land, such as Talkin’ Loud, Worldwide FM, Brownswood Recordings, and the We Out Here festival. On top of playing at night clubs all over the globe, Gilles currently hosts a three-hour live BBC 6 Music show on Saturdays, as well as his regular Thursday Brownswood Basement slot on Worldwide FM

Introducing Gilles can turn into a long list of people he’s either worked with or mentored over the years, as such mapping his cultural relevance over a near four-decade long career. In an industry consumed by newness, and lined by endless artists constantly dropping new albums, it’s perhaps easy to feel old and tired. But that’s not the impression you get when talking to the French-born DJ. Instead, what strikes you is his never-ending thirst to find fresh music, and a burning desire to share that music with us, his listeners. Thank you for your service, Gilles.

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