FIRST PHASE DJS
ASH SELECTOR SOLAR RADIO
Ash Selector Winner Best Soul Club Dj 2016/2017
Winner Best Soul Radio Show Groove Control 2016/2017
Award Winning Best Soul Station Solar Radio.
Winner Best London Soul Club 2016/2017 & 2018/2019
ASH SELECTOR started djing back in 1980 playing soul, jazz funk, brit funk & lovers rock @ student parties.
In 1982 Ash became a club Dj with his 1st Residency “Soul Night” @ Melanies in NW London every friday night.The night became a roaring success and the club gave Ash every saturday as well to do the same. The club changed the sound system and sold the old one to Ash with which he set up the “RHYTHM BOX SOUL SOUND” & and ran for 4 years,playing & promoting at his own soul music events.
In 1984 ASH had his first taste of playing @ Notting Hill Carnival with the Peoples Choice International sound system. Throughout the next 5 years Ash continued to play on the club scene spinning anything from soul/funk/brit funk/jazz funk/acid jazz/hip hop/electro/lovers rock to soulful house and garage whilst presenting radio shows on Girls Fm & Skyline Fm, he also played @ clubs in the midlands, amongst them were “Boogies”, “Bobby Browns” & “Edwards no.8” in Birmingham, “Christophers” in Kingswingford & “Alley Cats” in Stourbridge.
1989 to 1991 Ash was resident Dj in the soul/soulful house room @ Kiss Fm’s 3rd Base Every Saturday night @ Shaftesburys night club attracting up to 1500 clubbers every week in the west end of London,alongside a variety of Djs including Paul Trouble Anderson,Chrissie T, Max & Dave,Steve Jackson & Chris Phillips.Ash also played at Kiss Fm’s weekly sunday under 18’s gig “JOY” @ the WAG club alongside Rob Blake & Maura Miller.
1991 to 1994 Ash played at various london clubs, including Pump Club @ Iceni,London Soul Night Out @ Limelight, Rhythm & Soul @ Laceys & Life @ The Middlesex & Herts country club, WITH DJS including Norman Jay, Bob Jones,Jasper the vinyl Junkie, Kev Hill , Mark Smedley & Tony Monson.
In 1994 Ash met Choice Fm’s Steve Wren and was invited to join him on his Saturday night Clubtime show. After a positive initial response from the listeners, Steve invited Ash to join him every Saturday night. Ash played various comical characters and supplied sound effects for the show, the most memorable being a variety of horns and whistles.This continued for the next 5 years.
In 1995 Ash Selector & Steve Wren dj’d together at a club night Ash named “Slam”(Bar Royale, Camden), every Saturday night for 6 months. Ash also mc’d for Steve @ Caister Soul Weekenders & Southport Dance Weekenders from 1994-1999 as well as djing with him on various club nights including Funk Fantasy in Surrey & The Launch Party for RnB act N-TYCE. In 1997 Ash had the idea to launch a new club night playing soul classics alongside upfront rnb & soulful house and garage all to be played in one club room.
Shaft was launched in Sept 1997a small club called Flamingos in Hanover square, London . In April 2000 Shaft was voted No.2 club night in the Uk in Blues & soul magazine. The night ran till July 2000 with a variety of guest djs including Greg Edwards, Kwame (D influence), Chris Hill, Froggy, & Gary Dennis. Ash was also resident Dj @ “BUBBLING FRIDAYS” monthly in Chiswick playing the best in old school funky grooves with guests Cleveland Anderson, Geoff Schuman & Steve Wren.
In 1998 Ash joined In House recordings staying with them till 1999 releasing 5 singles & remixing classic soul & current rnb in a 2 step uk garage style,one track was a cover of we got the funk by positive force using 3 mc’s, B-Live, CKP & MC Neat, the tracks were well received and played by DJ EZ & THE DREEM TEAM.
In 1998 & 1999 Ash joined the Soul City Movement as a dj & mc touring Malta with RnB acts including Lemar & Kele Le Roc. London’s West End called the Soul Cafe in Wardour Street. Soul Shack commenced in Feb 1998 in London’s West End at a venue called the Soul Cafe in Wardour Street as a weekly Friday night and through it’s popularity moved to every Saturday night. The night still runs as a monthly event on the 3rd Saturdays of every month (www.soulshack.com) Ash has co- presented guest dj slots on internet radio stations soul 24/7 & UK Rumbal & CONTINUES TO PRESENT the GROOVE CONTROL show every Saturday ON SOLAR RADIO 12pm-2pm and the Soul Shack every third Saturday of each month.
CALVIN FRANCES
Calvin Francis was born in Hackney; his career has flourished in the Media Industry, through a comprehensive love and knowledge of soul and reggae music. His Radio career has spanned over two decades and he is now a well-known` household` name both within the local community and across Europe.
Calvin is able to demonstrate commitment professionalism and flare to anything that he puts his hand too. His credentials are flawless, and he is a renowned professional voice over artist with a unique Baritone.
As an Ex Armed Forces Sergeant of The Logistic Corps, he has travelled globally, knowing the importance of commitment, organisation, trust, leadership and discipline, fully transferable skills that are applied in all elements of his personal & professional life. Proud of his personal achievements, Calvin was recognised with, The Rhodesia Medal and The Zimbabwe Independence Medal. Whist in active service.
Throughout his music career Calvin has made some marked achievements including
- The Base Award (MOBO) for Best radio Presenter 1995
- The Head of Commercial Production at Choice FM now (Capital Extra).
- Presenter at Choice FM
- Head of Commercial Production & Presenter at W.N.K Radio.
- Drive Presenter at Colourful Radio
Calvin is fluent in German, delivered with, his natural baritone voice that projects reassurance, authority, trust and a warm friendliness. Instantly recognisable as his own personal hallmark.; and key element of his position in music as a Soul & Reggae authority.
“ON THE ROAD”
Calvin Francis is well respected, recognised and stand alone as a reputable brand in entertainment and advertising. Calvin spent over 18 years with London`s Choice FM 96.9/107.1, presenting the “Weekend Breakfast Show” on Saturday & Sunday 6AM – midday, featuring current playlists, travel bulletins, news and interviews including giants in music such as Luther Vandross, Teddy Riley (Blackstreet), Brian McKnight, Angie Stone, Jill Scott, The O`Jays, Alicia Keys, Anita Baker, Mary J Blige, Beverly Knight.
Calvin also presented “The Quiet Storm” on Sunday`s from 10PM – 1AM, a specialist show featuring the best in Neo Soul, Rare Groove, classic soul and slow jams. His time with the station gained him an in-depth knowledge and experience in all aspects of commercial radio, event hosting, public service announcing and commercial production., Owning a fully operational studio, Calvin is able to record and produce advertisements, voiceovers, interviews and prerecorded radio programmes. Calvin has throughout his career been compere and host to credible events featuring artists including Gladys Knight, The O`Jays, Brian McKnight, Angie Stone, The Wailers, Marcia Griffiths, Tevin Campbell and Blackstreet.
Calvin has also played at some of the biggest venues across Europe including Cafe De Paris,
Ministry of Sound, Jazz Cafe Camden, Boisdale Canary Wharf, Indigo O2 Greenwich, Winter Gardens Margate, Dingwalls Camden, Neon`s Steinhagen Germany, Ibiza Rocks and many more.
“IN THE CLUBS”
Throughout his career, Calvin has maintained a profound business acumen with venue ownership and promotional roles at a diverse array of music venues in Greater London, including but not limited to:
- Former co-owner Night Moves nightclub Shoreditch E1,
- Promoter Corks Wine bar Binney Street W1,
- Promoter Bar Latina Tottenham N15,
- Promoter Cucci Nightclub Wood Green N22,
- Promoter Silks Wine bar Queen Victoria Street EC4,
- Promoter Jazz Cafe Camden NW1,
- Promoter Granaries Nightclub Croydon,
- Promoter Nuffield Leisure Centre Chingford E4 and Bar 300 in London
A well-respected professional DJ/Entertainer with a wealth of experience and knowledge in all aspects of urban music from, RnB, Hip Hop, Soulful House, Dancehall, Rare Grooves and of course soul and reggae. His own collection, an excess of 40,000 original albums and singles and an almost infinite volume of digital tracks from a mixture of genres.
Calvin currently presents Decades of Soul on Mi-Soul Radio, owned by the former owner of Kiss FM Gordon Mac. The show broadcasts live on DAB, Mi-Soul.com via internet, apps and smart speakers every Thursday from 7-9PM in London & Brighton playing a slick selection of Neo Soul, Reggae, Disco, Rare Grooves and Slow Jams.
As a man of integrity with a strict code of professionalism, Calvin has won a range of projects and media opportunities through his career. His work in entertainment is accompanied with a long list of proud achievements., His flexibility and will to make things happen being his greatest assets in addition to his ability to deliver first class promotional work, through voice overs, narration, and presenting.
Calvin has donated generously to charitable causes, particularly through the mentoring of young people. Well known across the capital, Calvin is respected for his encyclopaedic musical knowledge, backed up with his own private collection. His distinct voice mirrors his life experiences that took a youthful Calvin Francis from Hackney to The British Army and ultimately contributing heavily to the Commercial radio and Entertainment Industry.
GEORGE KAY
The veteran broadcaster, George Kay has worked alongside some of the biggest names in Radio over the past thirty years. He moved from The BBC to Choice FM where he co-hosted the Breakfast show with Daddy Ernie then onto Kiss FM.
He was influential in the breaking of numerous acts in the UK and helped to stage live events and concerts for many of the RnB and Hip Hop acts around today, including Boys to Men, Jodeci, Usher, Aaliyah, Mary J Blige, Brownstone, CeCe Peniston, R.Kelly, Guy, Sounds of Blackness, Blackstreet and more recently Mario, Ciara, Trey Songz, Neyo, Ray J, and Chris Brown.
Hosting celebrity parties for the likes of P.Diddy, Usher, Dr Dre, R.Kelly, Biggie, Blackstreet, Horace Brown, Jodeci, Dru Hill, Zhane George has also hosted worldwide at The Carling Cup final, Champions League, The 2003 MTV EMA’s, World music awards, Grammy awards and MOBO Awards he is now a seasoned presenter and has been a five-time nominee at the UK MOBO awards and won Best Radio Presenter at the Channel Five Urban Music Awards.
PETE ANDREW
Pete Andrew is a powerhouse Radio Presenter, captivating audiences for over 20 years. His unwavering passion for entertaining keeps listeners coming back for more, creating a magnetic connection that transcends the airwaves.
For Pete, music is not just sound—it’s an art form that deserves relentless dedication and the finest soulful melodies. With a deep-rooted love for Neo Soul that has blossomed into a profound appreciation for Rare Groove and Collectors Soul, his ever-growing record collection is a treasure trove not meant for the faint-hearted.
Beyond the airwaves, Pete is a sought-after DJ, lighting up stages across the globe in stunning locales like St. Lucia, Greece, and London. He has shared the spotlight with top artists such as Lalah Hathaway, Kem, October London, Will Downing, and Natasha Watts, delivering unforgettable experiences at concerts and events.
Pete’s vibrant personality bursts through the airwaves, delivering a heartfelt, no-nonsense show that leaves listeners intrigued and wanting more. His blend of professionalism and genuine warmth, paired with a wealth of musical knowledge, resonates with a diverse audience, from the young to the seasoned connoisseur.
Tune in to experience the magic of Pete Andrew every Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM, exclusively on Mi-Soul Radio. Don’t miss out!
PAUL CLARK
The DJ – who was resident at the Inn Place, Papillon, Busbys on a Sunday, Brighton Belle, Sheffield Arms, Hilly and the Escape, not forgetting Caister Soul Festivals – started DJ’ing in 1977 at the Seven Stars in Brighton. First record span was Roy Ayers’ Freaky Deaky .
He played jazz-funk-soul for 11 years and as well as being known nationally, he became the #1 DJ on the south coast.
He was resident at the Inn Place, Papillon and Busby’s on a Sunday, which was voted #10 in Blues & Souls top clubs.
In ’82 he played one of his best ever gigs – Caister Soul Weekender 10, with over 4000 people and ran the Brighton Beach Party at Top Rank.
’83 saw him at the Brighton Belle with Fatboy Cooke and Carl Cox and in ’85 he began a residency at Brighton’s Escape club and Hilly’s in Sheffield Park, resident with Chris Hill, Pete Tong and Jeff Young, and was #3 DJ at Canvey Island’s Goldmine.
Following years at Special Branch in Ibiza with Rampling, Masters, Tong, Peterson and Holloway and Corfu and gigs with De La Soul..
In ’88 Acid House arrived, with partner Warwick Armsby Ward created their best night, Shoom, with the Rampling’s. Regular slots at Queens, Colnbrook with support Rocky & Diesel, Phil Perry’s club with Dave Courtney on the door.
1990 saw Clark in Detroit, with Blake Baxter, and Boston.
He returned to Saturday night residency at the Escape in ’94 with Russell Small and guests such as Sister Bliss, Boy George, Farley, X-Press2, Fatboy and Rampling and also played regular spots at the Emporium in Leicestershire, Swansea’s Escape and The House in Nottingham.
Finished DJ’ing in ’99 due to promoter changes, but due to huge demand, Clark has returned to the one’s and two’s, and has appeared at Escape to the ‘90’s, The Heist, The Sovereign and Richard’s Parties with Inn Place and Papillon revivals every two months and a new Saturday residency in Brighton.
The new gigs are Bournemouth Soul Weekender, Solar Radio all-dayers, Chocolate Chip Brighton, Papillon Brighton, Dantes Bognor, Stage 3 East Anglia Soul Weekender, Soulstice, Med Soul, Egyptian Soul and Shoreham, the Heavy Soul Cambridge, Essex Weekenders, Richard’s Parties, The Surgery London, Bar one Ascot, Brass Monkeys Hastings, Patterns Brighton with Brandon Block, Alex P, Danny Rampling, Russell Small, Joey Negro, Norman Jay MBE, Paul trouble Anderson, Ibiza Soul Week, Mi-Biza, Mi-Soul all-dayers at Shooosh Brighton, Liquid Spirit Benfleet, Butlin’s Skegness paul Has Releaded 30 tracks under the name North Laine.
DJ PURDS
I have listened to Soul music since I was a teenager, purchasing George Benson’s ‘ Give me the night’ album, MJ’s Off The Wall, plus Soul / disco singles 7″ & 12″ every payday during my apprenticeship years.
I had the mandatory whistle & white belt during the disco era🤣
Now 45 years later, I still love playing Soul music, especially Philly & Soulful House.
Over recent years, I have been invited to play sets in Cyprus, Rhodes & Lanzarote, I am looking forward to Sharm in 2026.
You may see me playing out & about in Surrey & surrounding areas.
See you soon.
DJ Purds.
