Monday 26 December 2011

Dig Deep End Of Year Throwdown 291211


On this weeks show we have the annual Dig Deep End Of Year Throwdown, where Paul works his way through his favourite Top 30 new releases of the past year.

Expect the usual unusual eclectic mash up of house, disco, funk, reggae, hip hop, afrobeat and everything in between.  Here's the Top 30...

Thursday 15 December 2011

Dig Deep with Boogie Nite the 7inch 45king


On this weeks show we have Chicago based DJ 'Boogie Nite the 7inch 45king' in the Mini-Mix with an exclusive 30 minute set of rare and underground disco funk killers.

Boogie Nite honed his skills playing on the Windy City's underground party scene alongside a hot bed of iconic DJs, and is a member of the Chicago based Chuck Brothers; a collective of DJ's and Producers which includes DJ Rahaan, Cee White, Bruce Ivery & Afrodesia to name a few.  As a producer, he has released records under the name Urban Legendz - check his edits on Soundcloud.

He has also won the annual DJ competition on the Bring The Heat website for two years on the trot, taking on DJs from all across the globe in a competition where you can only play rare disco records!

Thursday 1 December 2011

Dig Deep with DJ Izrail #1 (Chicago)


On this weeks show we have Chicago based DJ Izrail in the mini-mix, plus a wedge of my favourite house tracks from Chicago's rich history.

DJ Izrail has been a student and a follower of the legendary Lil Louis since 1987. Before that, in 1985, he started doing pause mixes on cassette tapes trying to mimic Farley Jackmaster Funk from the original Hot Mix Five on WBMX. That year Izail’s parents bought him his first pair of turntables.

At age 15 he was opening parties for Dave Merritt & Vinny Divine at various club house parties. These gigs opened the door for DJ Izrail to spin at many of the house music parties at Main Street roller rink...


Tuesday 8 November 2011

Dig Deep with the Boogizm crew 171111


Live in the studio this week we are pleased to welcome the Boogizm resident DJs Tom Ireland and Tom Boogizm.  Hailing from the hub of Northern Soul that is Wigan, it's fair to say The Toms know a thing or two about music.

Disenfranchised by the wrong end of Mancunia, they fell upon the Unabombers and the Electric Chair and never looked back!  The seminal club literally changed their lives and they would regularly get down early to make sure they got to hear the early doors music and watch the night unfold.

The Chair's influence is highly visible in everthing Boogizm related from the artwork, the decor, the vibe, and most importantly, the music.

Thursday 3 November 2011

Dig Deep with Leeroy 031111


Dig Deep with Leeroy 031111 by digdeepradioshow

This one's for the beat heads, the diggers, the funk lovers, true hip hop fans i.e. anyone that has even bobbed their head to the sound of A Tribe Called Quest, EPMD, Gangstar, DJ Premier, Big Dady Kane, Ultramagnetic MCs, J Dilla, De La Soul, The Pharcyde, Common, Nas, Pete Rock, Slum Village, Public Enemy, Q-Tip..

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Dig Deep with Mikey D.O.N 201011




This weeks show features a a very special Dig Deep sound-clash with Mikey D.O.N (Krispy 3 / Night Of The Living Dread).

Mikey aka Microphone D.O.N was a key player in the original Chorley based crew Krispy aka Krispy 3 - arguably one of the best, and least acknowledged, British rap groups of all time.

The crew consisting of Mikey D.O.N and Mr Wiz came via their father's sound system, Mellow Tone, and went on to release records packed with wit and charisma on Kold Sweat and US indie Bomb.

As well demonstrating his MCing skills with Jinx In Dub, Mikey is a formidable DJ in his own right and has amassed a superb record collection full of rare and sought after gems.

(Fast forward to 2013 and Mikey's 'Night Of The Living Dread' night has been filling the Band On The Wall in Manchester for time. The night that promises Dub to Dancehall, Roots Rockers to Ragga via Lovers Rock went monthly as of March 2013.)

Well known for not taking any prisoners in the DJ booth, Mikey laid down the challenge to one of his infamous sound-clashes and we agreed the arena would be set on reggae funk soul jazz disco afro vibes...

Saturday 1 October 2011

Dig Deep with Nick the Greek (Zunday Zocial) 061011


This weeks show features Blackpool based soul enthusiast Nick Street aka Nick the Greek.  Big friends with legendary New York DJ and disco producer John Morales, Nick knows a thing or too about music with soul.

In his spare time away from running his own DJ Agency and holding down a DJ residency at Zunday Zocial (Bar 137), Nick balances his time between Freelance Journalism and digging for sought after soul, disco and boogie records.  Very much an enthusiast as much as a DJ, what Nick doesn't know about the roots of quality music isn't worth knowing.

Monday 19 September 2011

Itch vs Phreak presents NYC Legend - John Morales


After eight years of doing sporadic, nomadic and sometimes secret underground parties in the city, we continue to lead the way with something fresh for Preston...

ITCH vs PHREAK presents NYC Legend JOHN MORALES...

EXIT, PRESTON
SATURDAY 15th October
10-3AM

Expect a Bronx style DJ battle with some very special guests.

View the event on Facebook here







JOHN MORALES
(NYC Legend // M&M Mixes // Paradise Garage Tour // Southport Weekender)

"In music, and especially in underground music, the word 'legend' is thrown around to the point where it loses all meaning. What is a legend? It's someone who broke the mold - someone whose sounds, techniques - even his style - changed things forever. It's a pioneer that everyone who followed after emulated, whether consciously or not. In dance music, the person you're talking about is John Morales". 5chicago.com

Saturday 17 September 2011

Dig Deep with Eamonn Murphy (Monkeys In Love) 220911


This weeks show features Blackpool born and Salfordian based monkey man Eamonn Murphy (Monkeys In Love).  We've wrestled him away from the guitar, whilst he takes a night off from the band, to throwdown a mixed bag of records that are simply classified as all's that good.

A regular on Chris Holt's fabulous Four Corners Radio Show, Murph's selections are always inspiring whilst his banter is 2nd to none!  Tonight we've invited him to Dig Deep in his eclectic record collection and fetch the result into the studio - expect a record dolly bird on each arm and little bit of everything that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Playlist to follow...

Thursday 22nd September 2011
Preston FM
8-10pm
Listen online here or tune to 103.2fm

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Upcoming shows:

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Dig Deep with Fraser Todd (Joint Custody) 080911


This week's shows features Fraser Todd (Joint Custody) live in the studio for a chat before we let him loose on the decks for the mini-mix at 9pm.

Fraser will be playing tracks that mean something to him right now, old and new.  Tracks that he likes to play that remind him of family and friends, and what suits the crowd...

Fraser likes the element of surprise in his sets, and describes his style as an eclectic blend of electronic and disco influenced grooves.

As well as playing at some big local events, such as For No Reason and this year's CityLove Festival on the Preston FM stage, Fraser has also DJ'd at some well known venues further a field, such as Pacha London, Back to Basics and Sankeys.

Friday 26 August 2011

Legends of the dancefloor: A Piece Of Paradise - Part 5 260811


Preston FM are proud to broadcast Parts 1-5 of the excellent documentary "A Piece Of Paradise" New York's Paradise Garage club and its DJ Larry Levan. This was first broadcast by BBC 6 Music earlier this month.

The Weekend - Thank Larry Its Friday.  Part 5 features five interviews from people very close to Larry Levan including Manny Lehmann, Michael Debenedictus, Brian Chinn, Rochelle Flemming and Bobby Viteritti.  Produced by Eddie Gordon & Lenny Fontana.

Thursday 25 August 2011

Dig Deep with Kim (Trailer Trash) Live at The Beat-Herder 250811


This weeks show features a wedge of deep house music from the likes of Ron Trent, Andre Lodeman & Kenny Dixon Jr, alongside some classic Larry Levan related tracks.

Plus 40 minutes of ace discoboogie from Kim (Trailer Trash) recorded live at Beat-Herder 2011 on the Saturday night. Kim's set compliments Preston FM's Larry Levan week perfectly.

Full tracklisting to follow.

You can download all 120 minutes of Kim's set here on the Trailer Trash website.  There's a load of other Beat-Herder sets on the TT site, including Greg Wilson, Sean P, Fraser, James Deane, Martin Dean and Underground Roots to name just a few.

Legends of the dancefloor: A Piece Of Paradise - Part 4 250811


Preston FM are proud to broadcast Parts 1-5 of the excellent documentary "A Piece Of Paradise" New York's Paradise Garage club and its DJ Larry Levan.  

Produced by Eddie Gordon & Lenny Fontana, this was first broadcast by BBC 6 Music earlier this month.

Part 4 - 3500 miles from Paradise. The English administered Paul Oakenfold, DJ's Harvey & Heidi. Justin Berkman, inspired by Larry, returns and creates the Ministry Of Sound.

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Legends of the dancefloor: A Piece Of Paradise - Part 3 240811


Preston FM are proud to broadcast Parts 1-5 of the excellent documentary "A Piece Of Paradise" New York's Paradise Garage club and its DJ Larry Levan. This was first broadcast by BBC 6 Music earlier this month.

Wednesday's Show - 57th Heaven - Larry Levan's Birthday.

Part 3 features interviews with DJ Victor Rosado, singer Taana Gardner and DJ David Depino.  Three people who worked with Larry Levan closely. Produced by Eddie Gordon & Lenny Fontana.

Larry would have been 57 years old this month had he not succumbed to heart failure due to his narcotic addiction.  One of his career highlights in his short 38 years was his remix of Gwen Guthrie's song "Seventh Heaven" for Island Records.

Tonight we are given a close perspective of Larry from two of his co-DJ's and the artist who's record Levan remixed to success.

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Legends of the dancefloor: A Piece Of Paradise - Part 2 230811


Preston FM are proud to broadcast Parts 1-5 of the excellent documentary "A Piece Of Paradise" New York's Paradise Garage club and its DJ Larry Levan. This was first broadcast by BBC 6 Music earlier this month.

Part 2 features 9 interviews from the movers and shakers of Manhattan during those halcyon days from the 70's.  Produced by Eddie Gordon & Lenny Fontana.  Two Towers, Levan & Crocker own NYC.

Monday 22 August 2011

Legends of the dancefloor: A Piece Of Paradise - Part 1 220811


Preston FM are proud to broadcast Parts 1-5 of the excellent documentary "A Piece Of Paradise" New York's Paradise Garage club and its DJ Larry Levan. This was first broadcast by BBC 6 Music earlier this month.

Produced by Eddie Gordon & Lenny Fontana.  Part 1 features interviews with Michael Linder, Vince Aletti, Nicky Siano, Judy Weinstein and Tom Moulton. Reflections from NYC's top table who saw the era from the floor up through the disco daze past the Millennium.

Thursday 11 August 2011

Dig Deep with Mr Scruff Live at The Beat-Herder 110811


This weeks show features Part 4 of Mr Scruff in the mini-mix, recorded live in the Toiltrees at this year's Beatherder Festival.

Scruff's Herder debut on the Sunday afternoon was one of the festival highlights for many.

The mix starts a couple of hours into his 5 hour set, as Mr Scruff takes us up with some belting newish releases alongside a few classics.  Don't miss Chris Holt's Four Corners show on Wednesday 10th August between 8-10pm for Part 3 of the set.

We'll be playing more of the set in the forthcoming month's, alongside a raft of other sets recorded at the festival in the Trailer Trash Lounge.

Wednesday 3 August 2011

CityLove Festival: Preston FM stage 060811


So we are really looking forward to the first CityLove Festival that is taking place on Saturday August 6th in Preston on the 53 Degress Campus.

Ark Magazine are running stage by stage previews - the Preston FM stage is featured here

Preston FM Stage line up:
10-11pm Neil Scott (El Diablos Social Club / Funkademia)
9-10pm   Paul Thornton (itch / Dig Deep - Preston FM)
8-9pm     Kev McCormick & Jimmy Movement (Who Said Boogie?)
7-8pm     Joint Custody (137)
6-7pm     Neil Smallridge (M.U.M / On a Plate)
5-6pm     The_Wolf (2pin Records / Astro Boogie)

4-5pm     Chris Holt (itch / Four Corners - Preston FM)

For the full festival low down and to buy tickets, go to: facebook.com/citylovefest

Full show listing - here

Tuesday 26 July 2011

Dig Deep with Mr Scruff Live at The Beat-Herder 280711


This weeks show features 30 minutes of Mr Scruff in the mini-mix, recorded live in the Toiltrees at this year's Beatherder Festival.

Scruff's Herder debut on the Sunday afternoon was one of the festival highlights for many.

The mix starts 30 minutes into his 5 hour set, as Mr Scruff eases us in with some wicked reggae vibes.  Don't miss Chris Holt's Four Corners show on Wednesday 27th July between 8-10pm for the first 30 minutes.

Thursday 14 July 2011

Dig Deep: CityLove Festival Special 140711


Preston FM are proud to be hosting one of the 6 arenas at this year's first CityLove festival.  You will find Paul and his fellow DJ's playing in the Source Bar between 4pm - 11pm under the banner 'music with soul'.

On this week's show Paul invites festival organisers Jack Barron and Stephen Alexander into the studio to tell us all about the event.  Plus Yffi (For No Reason), Dirty Tourists (Lowroom Recordings) and The Filth Wizard (Beats of Rage) will be down to play some tunes throughtout the show.

Sunday 10 July 2011

Digging in the corner 100711


Preston FM has reached the 1000 days on air mark!  To celebrate, Chris Holt's Four Corners joins forces with Paul Thornton's Dig Deep for two hours of northern daftness plus some of the best funk soul jazz reggae afrobeat hip hop latin and house tunes for a 'Digging in the Corner' one off programme.

Live show - Sunday 10th July 2011
No Repeat
Preston FM
6-8pm

Listen online or tune to 103.2fm

More pictures on Facebook here.

Thursday 30 June 2011

Dig Deep: Getting ready for't Beatherder 300611


With 2011's Beatherder Festival almost upon us, Chris Holt (Four Corners) and Paul Thornton (Dig Deep) got together for a 3.5 hour jam, hit Record, and came up with a mix of funk fuelled tunes to play on the shows this week...

There's some serious bass business, and a couple of tongue in cheek moments amongst the tonne of funk, soul, reaggae, latin, hip hop, broken beat and disco that we got through.

You can catch Chris and Paul playing one deck each at the Beatherder Festival in the Trailer Trash lounge on Sunday evening from 6.30pm - 8pm.  Paul is also playing Saturday 4.30pm - 6pm in between Fraser & Annie.

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Dig Deep: Beat-Herder Festival Special 160611


Dig Deep Beat-Herder Special with the Trailer Trash crew 160611 by PaulThornton

On this week's show we welcome James Deane, Martin Deane & Kim from Trailer Trash into the studio for what is now our annual chat about the forthcoming Beat-Herder Festival.

With musical vibes aimed at showcasing the varied Trailer Trash sound, an overview of what to expect at this year's festival, and an exclusive 50 minute DJ mix from Kim!

Thursday 2 June 2011

Dig Deep: Gil Scott-Heron Special


On this week's show we pay tribute to legendary composer, musician, poet and author, Gil Scott-Heron with two full hours of his inspirational music.

Having written his first novel at the age of 19, by the late 1960s and early 70s Gil was a spoken word soul performer, colloboratiing with musician Brian Jackson to fuse jazz, blues and soul with Gil's dynamic vocals and unique proto-rap style.

Gil's lyrical content was often a poignant take on social and political issues of the time - ranging from racism, Nuclear power, substance abuse, over commercialism, slavery, illegal immigration, and oppression.

Between 1972 and 1980 Gil recorded at least 13 studio albums, as well as several live albums, that still sound fresh 30 years later. Considered by many to be an influence in today's music, Gil released his last album, I'm new here, in 2010.

Sadly Gil Scott-Heron died at St. Luke's Hospital, New York City, on 27th May 2011 aged 62 after becoming ill upon returning from a European trip.

So with a heavy heart and a lump in our throat, it is only fitting that we dedicate this week's show to one of soul music's true masters, the grandfather of rap, Gil Scott-Heron RIP.

Friday 20 May 2011

Dig Deep with Paul Watson (itch / Fatcity) 190511


This weeks mini-mix DJ is Paul Watson (itch / Fatcity). Paul recently got back from Brazil and his mix features some of his finds. Brazilian, disco and boogie vibes a plenty...

Thursday 5 May 2011

Dig Deep with Sean P live at The Beat-Herder 2010 (Part 2) 050511


Dig Deep with Sean P live at the Beat-Herder Festival 2011 050511 by PaulThornton

As 2011's Beat-Herder Festival draws ever closer, we air part 2 of groove aficionado Sean P's (Disco Not Disco / Tirk / Claremont 56 / BBE) 2010 Beat-Herder set. Recorded live in the Trailer Trash Lounge on the Saturday night.

If you don't already know, Sean is famous for his encyclopedic knowledge of soul, funk, jazz, disco, boogie, rare groove and jazz funk - this set was one for dancers as much as the trainspotters.

Thursday 21 April 2011

Dig Deep with Paul Adams (Circus Circus) 210411


Dig Deep with Paul Adams (Circus Circus) 210411 by digdeepradioshow

This weeks show features an awesome mix by Circus Circus DJ Paul Adams. Self described as Bosphorus beats, Sub-continental psych, Cairo space jazz + more!

Monday 18 April 2011

Sunday 17 April 2011

Dig Deep vs Four Corners 030311

Dig Deep vs Four Corners 030311 by digdeepradioshow

This is what happened when Paul Thornton (Dig Deep) and Chris Holt (Four Corners) got together to do a joint show....

Wednesday 13 April 2011

Dig Deep World Community Arts Day Special 170211

Dig Deep World Community Arts Day Special 170211 by digdeepradioshow

Paul chats to local artists (mostly but not all from OneFiveEight Projects) about their work. Each artist plays some music that influences their creative endevours.

Sunday 10 April 2011

Dig Deep with Sean P (Disco Not Disco / Tirk / Claremont 56 / BBE) Live at The Beat-Herder 2010 230111


Dig Deep with Sean P 230111 by PaulThornton

This shows mini mix comes from groove aficionado Sean P, recorded live on the Saturday night in the Trailer Trash Lounge at 2010's Beat-Herder Festival.

Sean is famous for his encyclopedic knowledge of soul, funk, jazz, disco, boogie, rare groove and jazz funk - this set was one for dancers as much as the trainspotters.

Sunday 2 January 2011

The City’s Dark Horse

Photo: Andy Croasdale
In common with almost any UK city, Preston’s night life has seen many changes over the last 15 years or so. Club nights come and go, pubs close and new bars open; most Prestonians know the nigh-time terrain, or at least they think they do, but it’s a fairly safe bet that many of them, particularly the younger end, the so-called ‘newcomers’ and students, won’t have heard about Upstairs at the Black Horse.

As the name suggests, the venue is a first-floor function room above the Black Horse pub, right in the heart of the town centre between Wilkinsons and Café Nero. To the casual observer, it’s simply a classic Victorian era real ale pub, albeit one with a very impressive 120-year-old tiled bar and some stunning interior features. It’s certainly a gem of a pub with friendly locals and a wide range of bitter, if that’s your tipple. The nine percent Tom Cat bitter is only served in halves and is pretty lethal. But on Friday and Saturday nights, the pub’s first floor caters for an audience that perhaps wouldn’t know a John Smiths from a Timothy Taylors.

But the real action (musically speaking) is to be found by traversing an unassuming flight of stairs at the back of the pub. Once alighted, the vibe changes into something altogether more contemporary. A dimly lit corridor opens out into a candle-lit wooden-floored space with minimal décor, where the music takes centre stage. The music policy is varied to say the least. Funk, soul and jazz rubs shoulders with Latin percussion bombs, disco and hip-hop joints. It really couldn’t be any more different from the scene downstairs.

How did all this come about then? How did the Black Horse end up with trainspotters upstairs and train drivers downstairs? You need to go back a while to find out. In 1993 the venue saw its first regular nights hosted by Hanz Mai, with the music being provided using pre-mixed cassette tapes (remember those?) Shortly after, vinyl was introduced by local DJ Billy Stewart. These nights ran for ten years plus and, broadly speaking, retained their characteristic funky, soulful flavour. Affiliated to the now defunct dance music department at stalwart music emporium Action Records, the Black Horse was never short of local talent behind the decks. But when other nearby venues closed, the resulting footfall decreased and this unfortunately had an impact on the attendances. The venue shut its doors for a while and the regulars migrated to alternative nights offering similar music such as the popular but infrequent Itch parties among others.

Fast-forward to 2007 and the pub was taken over by local DJ Alex who vowed to resurrect the venue. With a ‘stable’ of fourteen DJs in rotation, Friday and Saturday nights once again offer superb musical treats, drawing on the considerable talent of the Itch crew, Herbal Sessions, Action Records, Circus Circus and Preston FM. The original vibe is back, and with DJs drawn from those who were previously involved in the venue, it’s easy to see why. Unlike many other DJ-led events, the Horse tends to have one DJ playing all night. “This way people get to hear the full spectrum of the DJ’s tastes”, enthused Stu, one of the pub’s regulars. “It really can be anything, from Disco to Motown, hip hop to classic house.”