Masters of the Airwaves

Masters of the Airwaves: the Rise and Rise of Underground Radio charts the history of black music radio in London during the 80s through interviews with the people who were involved with pirate and specialist radio at the time. In this talk co-authors Dave VJ and Lindsay Wesker present the real story of black music pirate radio stations, a story about a passionate group of music-lovers, but specifically the music that couldn't be heard on UK radio, and how pirate radio indelibly changed UK radio, British culture and the very nature of popular music.

Dave VJ's career as a Club DJ/Radio Broadcaster spans over twenty years within a forever evolving industry. Dave VJ's initial love of music, from pop to reggae, led him to DJ then to radio including Kiss FM from 1991-99. Dave VJ is currently studying for an MA in Broadcasting at Birmingham City University.

Lindsay Wesker has worked in the music industry since 1981. He helped radio station Kiss FM earn a legal licence and was their Head of Music between 1990-94. Since 1999 Lindsay has worked at MTV, initially brought in to create R&B and hip hop TV station MTV Base. Lindsay also presents a weekly radio show, The A-Z of Mi-Soul Music, on mi-soul.com.