"MUSIC TO ME IS LIKE BREATHING. I DON’T GET TIRED OF BREATHING"

Backto95 catches up with the one and only Buzzhard ahead of his performance at Ministry of Sound this month.

Not many hosts can captivate a crowd like Buzzhard. A leading light on the rave scene, Buzzhard has performed at the some of the biggest clubs and events across the country, while also earning a reputation for his radio presenting. A household name on the UKG circuit and a DJ in his own right, Buzzhard is able to work any crowd to perfection, and is sure to light up the stage when he appears at our 17th birthday on the 29th March.

Ahead of his appearance, we caught up with Buzzhard to find out what all the hype is about.

Buzzhard – thanks for taking the time out to chat to us. Can you sum up where you’re at right now?

I’m very good thanks. Feeling positive about 2018, and hopefully being involved in some interesting projects.

Let’s start off by going right back. Where did you grow up?

Well I was born in Stamford Hill, and grew up in Tottenham N17

So when did music become a serious interest for you?

Music became of interest to me from a very early age as my mother was into live events and promoting artists. She often had open mic sessions at various clubs in London, like Phebes, Moonlighting,10 Rooms etc.

How would you define the role of an MC? Is it simply about warming up the crowd, taking people on a trip, or something else?

Well my role is slightly different to as an MC as I’m regarded as a host, who warms up the crowd, giving out birthday shouts, normal shouts etc.

Was MCing something that you had to practice a lot to get good at, or did it come natural to you? And do you still have to practice today?

As I explained before I am more of of host than an MC. You need to have a certain type of personality to be able to interact with crowd. If it comes to the stage that I need to MC then I have no problem doing so, but you need to do it properly by allowing the music to breathe, and not spit all over the vocals of people’s favourite anthems. The fact that I’m also a DJ, I know when to speak and when not to.

What do you want the crowd to feel when you’re up there on stage?

I want the crowd to feel love and respected when I’m up there on stage by me and the DJ, making them feel special. I want them to have a great night and leave with smiles of happiness. I have done every Backto95 since it began and it’s such a special feeling entertaining the Backto95 crowd - I love it.

Which MCs did you look up to for inspiration when you were starting out?

The MCs that inspired me when I first started were Creed, Blakey, CKP, Rankin, Neat DT

And is there anyone who’s particularly inspiring you now?

I have great love and respect for all MCs, including B Live, Majestic, Mighty Mo, Bushkin, PSG, and many more, and I love that everyone has their own individual styles. They all know how to interact with DJs and most importantly the crowd they are in front of and they are all the best at what they do. I know I may be considered more of an Host than an MC, but all of them have always shown love and respect to me and I love and respect them all.

What is the most memorable gig you’ve ever done?

The most memorable gig for me was the first 51st state festival Backto95 tent because the vibe and the energy was absolutely phenomenal and that was our first festival and it took me by surprise.

And the strangest gig?

I think the strangest gig I ever did was when I did a gig in Amsterdam with Ramsey and Fen. We were in a club and the decor was like we were in a science laboratory with people dressed up in weird costumes and smoke and special effects and glitter balls and stuff. It was so freaky, but I loved it.

Alongside hosting, you’ve also tried your hand at DJing and production. Is this something you’d like to do more of in the future?

Absolutely as much as DJing, I think I want to make some tracks with some of my famous little sayings that people know me for, and tracks with great hooks, and at the same time some tracks with conscious lyrics that relate to what is going on in our communities with the youths of today..

Does music play an important part of your life when you’re not working? If so, what do you put on to wind down and chill out.

Music to me is everything. Because I’m a radio presenter on London’s Housefm.net as well as hosting and DJing in clubs nationally and internationally, I am so involved in my music that there are only one or two other things I do apart from it - go to the gym and my turkish steam and sauna. Music to me is like breathing, I don’t get tired of breathing, I don’t get tired of music.

To wrap it all up, what has 2018 got in store for you?

I hope with all the events and projects that I’m involved in, especially Backto95, HouseFM.net, Groove Odyssey, that with all the teamwork our 2018 will be our biggest year ever as everyone has been working so hard and I would like to see everyone rewarded for their hard work and dedication. Nothing would please me more than that right now.


SEE BUZZHARD AT MINISTRY OF SOUND ON 29 MARCH

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