S2 EP3: Eli1ah - Early Grime's use of Pirate Radio and thoughts on the culture today

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This week, we have the free-thinking grime historian and modern-day UK music icon, Elijah. He’s a writer, DJ, artist manager, and co-founder of the record label Butterz. With a background in pirate radio, he has evolved into a cultural commentator through his Yellow Squares project on Instagram, which you should definitely check out if you haven't already. He uses this project as a canvas to encourage discussion and challenge industry norms in an open and honest manner. When I emailed him to invite him on the show, he replied immediately, suggesting we do it in two hours. This really put me on my toes and made me put my money where my mouth is—absolutely love it. His approach to the Yellow Squares project reflects his enthusiasm for cultural discussions; he’s very driven and passionate.

I’ve always been a big fan of his work. I primarily invited him on because this podcast has mainly focused on Jungle and Drum and Bass from my perspective, leaving little representation for grime. Elijah is someone who has spoken extensively about grime and how the scene utilized pirate radio.

He is also very vocal about the current state of the music industry and often challenges outdated ways of thinking in a philosophical manner. This is crucial because, while this podcast celebrates the legacy and history of pirate radio, I want these discussions to be beneficial for those who didn’t experience that era. I can think of no one better to facilitate this than Elijah.

We discuss various topics, including his beginnings as a listener and how the grime scene incorporated pirate radio at a time when internet radio had become an easier and safer option. We also delve into his thoughts on the shortcomings of radio today and how a DIY approach is now more important than ever. It’s a truly engrossing conversation that I believe you’ll enjoy.

I’ve been getting some great feedback on the podcast and in particular an email from James Norman, a professor at University of Bristol who was struck by the conversation I had with Bailey a couple of episodes ago about how the concept of ‘the future’ is no longer a source of inspiration for Jungle & Drum n Bass. At the end of the show I read and comment on the email and I encourage you to join the discussion via [email protected] or on the Discord. Thus creating that ever important Pirate Radio broadcaster to listener feedback loop. 

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