Desert Island Discs Birmingham is the brainchild of both veteran DJs Steve Bignell and Chris Bridge MBE.

Possibly the coolest and well anticipated events in the city, it maintains a very low profile and still can be considered very underground. 

Birmingham has always had a rich dj / club culture.  From northern soul to Sound system culture, soul R&B then the emergence of hip hop and Dance Music.  This city has been home to some of the most significant clubs and promotions within all the respected genres.  

Talking about the 80s and 90s when DJing culture was probably at it’s height.  You saw promotions, club nights, record shops became home to where communities and friendships were formed. 

I personally was not into the dance music scene, yet I would cross paths with many of those who were part of that community in the record shops as well going to school with many of them.  I went to a high school that as Djing became a thing in the hip hop era.  There is a long list of pupils who came from that school that went onto do a lot of great things, especially under the wide spectrum of Dance Music.  The Rave Scene had not hit yet. 

This was a time you could not afford Technics Turntables you and your friends would assemble your own kit from hand me down turntables and amps , When you had a little money you go to Tandy’s.  This was a magic time and experience I got to experience with my friends.  Getting magazines, news papers like NME or Melody to find out information. 

Some people continued their passion and as they entered the later teens would explore the cities night life. 

Over the years there have been shifts and changes in that culture we experienced.  How music is delivered and presented, technology changes. Shifts in culture and society are reflected.  Even style fashion everything changed. 

It would be unfair to say there is a lack of individuality and real passion for music and culture.  It feels and appears we living in a very disposable age.

When the Digbeth Dining Club started up, it did give the music side some attention but for me when they opened up the Hockley Social Club they selected and asked a range of DJs who mainly came from the era and time I came from.  A lot of them came from an era before me.  All of them very respected and had a passion for music. 

Here a community formed that didn’t really exist anywhere else.  Over time sadly that novelty wore off on some but for people like me who really truly loved getting on turntables this venue was ideal.  I was given a free range to play what I want.   It was a great feeling to have people even older than myself introducing themselves to speak of not just their appreciation but their connection to music I and others played.  We created a landscape for people who were looking for something alternative to what the city offers right now.  

Within that community, there was a positive energy being shared.  People want to come out and here music that speaks volumes to them.  I don’t know when the first Desert Island Discs event happened, but I can say founders Steve and Chris already knew most of the community that had been formed at Hockley.  This is because they had a long history themselves within the Birmingham scene.

When I first heard about the event it was being held at the Ruin (Digbeth).  I was asked to be a guest there playing 8 of my favourite records.  I also had to submit a album title, which people voted on.

Steve introduces everyone and you get to play.  I had a great time, joined by my old classmate Jason Coombes, Steve Bridger and Kev DaCosta.  Since my time at the Ruin although I have to say I have not been to all their events, it’s real clear they have formed a solid community of people who have are absolutely dedicated to this event. 

Over time the event migrated to DEADWAX (Digbeth) where this event has really blossomed.  They have grown the event and I have played their once a guest DJ and once again returning to play 8 records. 

I got to play alongside my good friend Seanbmx1 who I met some years back through my old classmate Brett Knight.  Sean has truly a fantastic collection of records.  A large pristine collection.  He is a very particular collector and the times we have played at Hockley together.  I have shared sets with him.  He has always played great sets. 

Some of the pictures you see here feature Sean and were taken by great photographer Stuart Myers. 

If you like good music, cool people and have not checked out this event.  Its really a must.  They serve great food and each event features a long list of guests. 

I think events like this need to be championed and spoken about and ultimately experienced.  In the wake of Hockley Closing and so many corporate versions of the street food brand opening up. One of the elements that has been really lost was the organic Ness of what Hockley started as.  That energy and organic Ness exists here at this event.  What needs to be pointed out here also is the primary focus at DID is the music.  That comes first.