Music > Interviews

Gary Davies

EPIC Studios

13/02/20

Ahead if his gig at EPIC on Saturday 22nd February, we caught up with Gary Davies. 

Gary Davies started out at BBC Radio 1; with plenty of freedom around his playlist he was in his element in those high octane, innovative years seeking out the brightest and best music for his iconic show "Bit in the Middle". His popularity surged and he was soon gigging most nights of the week across the country. 
 
In 1992 he moved to Virgin Radio for six successful years whilst starting his own firm 'Good Groove' which specialised in what he does best: finding great undiscovered new music. Good Groove continues to be a success, but in 2017 everything changed. In February 2018, when Radio 2’s schedule reshuffle was announced, he was delighted to come back home to the BBC and take charge of Sounds of the 80's!   Currently  Gary is covering the Ken Bruce midmorning weekday show on BBC Radio 2,’ 9.30AM-12.00PM Monday to Friday on BBC Radio 2.
 
We can’t wait for you to come to Norwich next month to play Epic Studios on Friday 22ndFebruary, what can we expect from the show?

I’m really looking forward to coming to Epic Studios too, expect a great fun night full of 80’s bangers!

We all know your trademark show ‘Sounds of the 80’s’ on BBC Radio 2, is this tour a good excuse to bring that playlist to the dancefloor or do you treat live sets a bit differently music-wise?

Yes, I will be playing a lot of the songs that feature on Sounds of the 80s but as it’s a live club show it will be very much dance/party based.

Looking back, how did you first get into the world of radio and was this always an aspiration of yours?

Yes I always dreamt of being a radio DJ ever since I listened to the early days of Radio 1 and watched Top of the Pops, but it wasn’t so easy to get a break though – I was DJing in a club in Manchester and spent 2 years sending off demo tapes to Radio 1 and lots of other radio stations. Eventually I got a job with Piccadilly Radio in Manchester and worked with them for 3 years although my dream was always to work for Radio 1.

Your first big break in radio I believe was the Radio 1 show: ‘Bit in the Middle’ in the mid 80’s. Does ‘Sounds of the 80’s’ pay homage to those years or does the new show take an entirely different direction?

Actually, my first break at Radio 1 was presenting their new Saturday night show in December ‘82 and didn’t start ‘The Bit in the Middle’ until 1984. Absolutely Sounds of the 80s pays homage to those times but I also try and make it very relevant to today so that even if you weren’t around in the 80’s you can still enjoy the music and the show.
 
 I understand you spent many years managing a publishing company: ‘Good Groove’. How did this come about and was it a natural progression from radio?

Good Groove was not just a publishing company but also a label as well. When I was on the radio I always tried to seek out great new talent so when the time came to leave Radio 1 I decided to continue my love of finding great new artists and songwriters. It took a while for it to be successful but eventually we had hit records with All Saints, Kylie and others plus we discovered the amazing Corinne Bailey Rae.

You walked away from Good Groove in 2018, was this to shift focus back to radio and touring? Or were you just satisfied you accomplished what you set out to do with it?

It has been a natural progression. We sold the publishing company just after I started at Radio 2 – I never intended to go back on radio but when Radio 2 asked me I couldn’t resist.

Can you highlight any records in particular that you love or are a staple for playing live?

Such a difficult question but my favourite artists from the 80’s would include U2, Tears for Fears, Deacon Blue, Bruce Springsteen -  as for live songs make sure you come on 22ndFeb to find out!

Naturally your shows are predominantly 80’s focused, but what new music are you excited about?

Since I started working in clubs in the 70’s I’ve been a massive fan of dance music and I still love listening to and playing underground deep house music aside from that I’m a big fan of Michael Kiwanuka, Jack Savoretti and a brand-new artist called Stealth.

What does the future hold for Gary Davies?

Who knows! I never try to plan too far ahead – I’m loving being back on the radio and playing out live again…..let’s see what happens!