DJ Andrew Marston

I’ve not only spent more than half of my life behind the record decks - but I’m also the longest serving new music presenter at the BBC. I'm also a musician, having played piano and keyboards since the age of 6. I’ve always had an ear for a hit - and never failed to get a dancefloor pumping, which is why I've always been invited back to every place I've ever played. Which, incidentally, was 125 gigs in the year leading up the the pandemic! As well as hosting a weekly show that is broadcast across the entire region, I’ve also hosted takeovers with Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 1, with Theo Johnson on 1xtra, presented outside broadcasts from the Hay Festival with Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2 and LakeFest at Eastnor Castle on BBC 6 Music. For nearly a decade, I chose EVERY song you heard broadcast on my local BBC - from breakfast to sport, drivetime to the gardening phone-in. Some of the things that make me unique… 1. I’m also a Video DJ. Whenever I DJ, I’m actually mixing live video. But unless I have a projector or set of flatscreens - you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. If I’m booked at a venue that has this installed, simply hand me an input cable and voila! I also tour with a rather funky projector screen, so while many people may be in love with their 55" flatscreen, I tour with two that are 3 metres wide! Display wise - anything is possible - from music videos, photo slideshows, visual effects, promo videos, animations, etc. I often make video slideshows to accompany my sets - click on videos to see some examples. I offer these as standard. * Don’t confuse this with a Zoom DJ - I will actually be at your event! 2. I regularly tour with a saxophonist, rapper, vocalist and percussionist. As a piano player, I can also walk around the dancefloor playing synth…so if you fancy hearing 7 Nation Army, Zombie Nation or Eric Prydz Pjanoo performed live…! Let me know if this is something of interest as I’ll need to check availability of other musicians. I have often had conversations with clients who are not sure whether to book a DJ or a band. Sometimes they’ll spend a fortune by having both. I’m able to offer the perfect hybrid - performing non-stop, without breaks in the music (and most importantly - in the set) while bringing a combination of singers and musicians on-and-off stage to perform live. Having been at the helm of BBC Music Introducing since 2005, I’m in no shortage of finding the very best talent. 3. Everything I do involves music. I read a wonderful blog where an industry professional said “you wouldn’t ask a hairdresser to service your car - and you wouldn’t let a mechanic audit your accounts”. I’ve met so many DJs who play records at night and, by day, work in a shoe shop! Discovering music is what I do - and I refer to my best discoveries as my “secret weapons” - tracks that will blow the roof off any venue. Every week I listen to in excess of 400 tracks - so my collection is VAST. If you want a dance set, no problem. Or house, trance, drum ’n' bass, indie, rock, 60’s soul, 70's funk, 80's disco, Motown, Old Skool, UK garage, hip-hop and RnB - I’ve got it all! I also carry request forms with me and I’m happy to take suggestions on the night. 4. If your event requires equipment, this is where I really stand out. Having spent thousands on the best gear, while making sure it's all extremely portable, my setup is both subtle and impactful. For example, my speakers are of festival grade (I actually bought them off the person who does the acoustic stage at Glastonbury!). They come with built-in feedback eliminators and anti-distortion limiters, so no matter how loud or quiet you’d like it, the full range clarity of sound will ensure nobody will be leaving with raging tinnitus. For live projection, I install 2 x 3M screens either side of the DJ booth and backwards project, meaning you won’t see any cabling. My lights are DMX controlled and range from stage-grade moving heads, strobes, moonflowers, lasers and smoke (if permitted!). Of course, all of this depends on space. Having run a variety of club nights for a number of years, I’m also able to recommend bands, fire eaters, stilt walkers, table magicians, photographers, videographers, casino table operators, chocolate fountain providers, photo booth suppliers and plenty of other professionals that can really put the 'wow factor' into your event. Just drop me a message! Notable sets: BBC Radio 1, BBC 1xtra, BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, Ibiza Rocks in San Antonio (several shows), Scala in London (former resident), Naughty But Nice in Hereford (organiser/promoter), Velvet/Tramps Nightclub in Worcester (former resident), LakeFest at Eastnor Castle (10,000 people - multiple years), The Upton Sunshine Festival (6,000 people - multiple years), the opening set at Mello Festival (5,000 people), Into The Woods (multiple years) and Nozstock (5,000 people) plus closing off the Wychwood Festival (10,000 people - multiple years). I've also held residencies at more than 10 venues across the Midlands for more than a decade. The BBC: Presents a weekly new music show on the BBC / Select playlist tracks for BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra / Recommends “ones to watch out for" for BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC 6 Music, BBC Asian Network and BBC Television / Has selected artists for stages at Glastonbury, Reading + Leeds, SXSW, Radio 1's Big Weekend, T In The Park, The Montreal Jazz Festival, Worcester Music Festival, Nozstock, Radio 2 Live In Hyde Park, The Great Escape, Bestival, LakeFest, The Cheltenham Jazz Festival & The Royal Albert Hall. • "Andrew has been DJing at our club for the last two years, or so. Not only is he the best DJ we have ever had, he is also completely reliable. His knowledge of music and mixing is excellent." - Charmaine Danter, Jacqueline's Nightclub • "Andrew is one of the most entertaining DJ's we've had, whether solo or with other musicians. Highly recommend him." - Paul O'Neill, Artistic Director, Lakefest • "A hugely enthusiastic and dynamic DJ, bringing much fun to every party he plays.” - Graeme Merifield, Director, Wychwood Festival • "Having worked with Andrew with regard to DJing, event promotion, and live performance, I can happily say I found him to be intelligent, insightful and reliable. His professionalism allowed me to relax and concentrate on other facets requiring my attention, safe in the knowledge he had things covered. Recommended.” - Andy Passman, Founder of Naughty But Nice • "Andrews's talentspotting record at BBC Introducing stretches back over a decade - and puts him at the living, beating heart of Hereford and Worcester's thriving music scene.” - Tom Robinson, Musician & BBC 6 Music Presenter