Behind the Decks: Getting to Know DJ DSP – From Pirate Radio to Subjam
From the underground sounds of London’s pirate radio scene to the airwaves of Subjam, DJ DSP has spent decades sharing his passion for House and Garage music. With a journey that began on a pair of Soundlab decks at just 14 years old, DSP has experienced everything from legendary London venues to unforgettable radio shows and dancefloor moments.
We caught up with DJ DSP to discover more about the man behind the music, his early influences, career highlights and what being part of the Subjam family means to him.
The Man Behind the Decks
Born in Buckinghamshire but a Londoner through and through, DJ DSP grew up between North and East London, where his passion for music would eventually take shape.
Away from DJing, DSP is a huge football fan. Whether he's getting involved in a game himself or supporting his beloved Manchester United, football has always been a big part of his life.
But there's another passion keeping him busy outside the studio – running.
Currently training for his second London Marathon, DSP is determined to beat his personal best from 2021 while raising money for a local charity. Supporters can follow his journey through @dspizzleruns and get behind a great cause.
Despite his energy behind the decks, DSP describes himself as fairly quiet until he gets to know people. As for how his friends would describe him?
"I dunno, you'll have to ask them!"
Where It All Began – The Pirate Radio Years
DSP's love affair with House and Garage started at an early age, inspired by an older cousin who was already DJing.
Wanting to follow in his footsteps, he immersed himself in London's underground music scene, tuning into pirate radio stations including London Underground, Magic FM and Freek FM.
"It just felt right. The twelve-year-old me was addicted to the music."
By the age of 14, DSP had his first set of decks, thanks to his mum, who bought him a pair of belt-drive Soundlab turntables.
What started as a bedroom hobby quickly developed into something much bigger, with a group of friends coming together to learn the art of mixing and develop their skills.
One DJ stood out above everyone else as an inspiration – DJ EZ.
DSP remembers those early Freek FM broadcasts and legendary Kiss 100 shows as defining moments in his musical education.
But it wasn't just the DJs who caught his attention. The iconic Heartless Crew, particularly Mighty and Bushkin, inspired his interest in MCing.
And for those lucky enough to catch him after a few pints, there's even a chance of meeting his alter ego – MC Puppet!
From Homerton to London's Legendary Dancefloors
DSP's first DJ performance took place at the Adam and Eve pub in Homerton in the late 1990s, when he was around 15 or 16 years old.
The night was called Strictly Underground, organised by local promoter and friend Barry K.
Although he can't remember exactly how that first set went, the venue and experience marked the beginning of his journey behind the decks.
Years later, things came full circle when Barry invited DSP to perform at his birthday celebration – held directly opposite the original Adam and Eve venue.
Returning to the place where it all started was a special moment and a reminder of just how far his musical journey had taken him.
Throughout his teenage years, another venue played a major part in DSP's life – the Opera House in Tottenham.
Having spent so much of his adolescence there, eventually getting the opportunity to DJ at the venue was a huge personal achievement.
Building a Career Through Radio, Clubs and Lifelong Friendships
Radio has always been at the heart of DSP's journey.
A significant turning point came when he met his DJ partner Link, who was one of the owners of Radioweb.tv.
Performing on the station helped build DSP's confidence and opened the door to further opportunities on stations including True and Pulse London.
Another important chapter came through his involvement with Sam Supplier's Pure Temptation team, performing both across the UK and abroad.
Those years weren't just about playing music. They helped shape his approach to DJing, develop his experience and create friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
One performance that particularly stands out was alongside Link at London's iconic Scala in King's Cross, where they played the main room with MC Creed.
At a time when UK Funky was dominating dancefloors, DSP decided to stay true to his Garage roots and switch things up with an Old Skool set.
The result was an unforgettable atmosphere.
"It was a great vibe and one that stands out."
For DSP, however, the biggest career moment might still be ahead of him.
Rather than focusing on past achievements, he's excited about future opportunities, with Back 2 95 and Ministry of Sound both firmly on his DJ wish list.
His biggest challenge over the years? Finding the right balance between his passion for DJing and everyday working life.
Joining the Subjam Family
DSP's journey to Subjam began with a chance meeting on Boxing Day.
While out enjoying himself, he bumped into Dizzy D, someone he already knew from his Pulse London days.
The conversation turned to Subjam, and DSP mentioned that he was interested in returning to radio.
A few weeks later, the phone rang.
For DSP, one of the biggest attractions was the opportunity to broadcast on DAB radio, alongside an impressive roster of DJs.
After looking into the station and the artists already involved, he knew it was something he wanted to be part of.
Since joining, he's embraced the freedom that comes with presenting his own show.
Originally, DSP thought his programme would focus entirely on Old Skool House and Garage. However, with so much exciting new music being released, the show has naturally evolved into a blend of past and present.
"Lots and lots of absolute vibes! Anything goes – House, Garage, new and old."
That freedom to explore different sounds, introduce fresh tracks and revisit timeless classics has become one of his favourite things about broadcasting on Subjam.
More Than Just a Radio Station
For DSP, Subjam has become about much more than playing music.
He's particularly enjoyed welcoming guests into the studio, sharing the decks and creating memorable radio moments with fellow DJs.
However, one of the moments that has meant the most to him came during an incredibly difficult time for the station.
Following the loss of Pintsize, DSP witnessed the Subjam team come together and support one another.
The unity, friendship and strength shown by everyone reinforced his feelings about the people involved and what the station represents.
"The best Subjam moment is the way the team came together after losing Pintsize. It most definitely cemented the good feeling I have for the team and the station."
It's that sense of community that makes Subjam more than simply another radio platform.
Dream B2Bs and Taking Subjam to Scala
With so much talent across the Subjam roster, choosing just one DJ for a dream back-to-back set isn't easy.
But when pushed for an answer, DSP has one name firmly in mind.
Brasstooth.
And when asked where he'd take his Subjam show for one unforgettable night anywhere in the world, DSP didn't hesitate.
Forget Ibiza, Miami or some far-flung festival destination.
For this proud Londoner, there's only one place.
Scala, King's Cross, London.
Having spent so many years playing at the venue, bringing the entire Subjam team together for a huge event would be the ultimate homecoming.
"Let's take over Scala and have a massive Subjam event. I spent so many years playing there, it would be great to go back with the Subjam team and absolutely tear it up!"
The Story Behind the Name – DJ DSP
With so many DJs having unusual stories behind their stage names, we couldn't finish our conversation without asking DSP one final question.
How did he come up with the name DJ DSP?
His answer was refreshingly simple.
"It's just my initials!"
Sometimes the simplest names are the ones that stick, and after all these years behind the decks, DJ DSP is a name that has become part of his musical journey.
The Journey Continues
From a 12-year-old captivated by London's pirate radio stations to an experienced DJ playing across some of the capital's best-known venues, DSP's journey has always been driven by a genuine love for House and Garage.
His story is one of passion, friendship, musical influences and staying true to the sounds that first inspired him.
Now, as part of the Subjam family, he's continuing to share that passion with listeners, combining Old Skool favourites with fresh releases and bringing his own energy to the airwaves.
With future ambitions, new music to discover and plenty more memories still to be made, DJ DSP is showing no signs of slowing down.
Catch DJ DSP on Subjam – bringing you the best in House and Garage, old and new.
SUBJAM – THE NEW ERA OF HOUSE & GARAGE.
