With the NME Radio superstar talent James Theaker broadcasting his live show direct from Topman Oxford Circus, we thought we'd take the opportunity to turn the questions on him! Expect breakfast habits, his 'guilty pleasure' and a day in the life of Mr Theaker...
Q. How did you get into radio presenting / DJing?
I’ve always had a passion for radio, listening to Star and Vibe FM when I was younger and living at home in Cambridge. I once got invited onto the breakfast show at Vibe FM because I won a competition; my life was never the same! Then when I moved to uni in London I started a placement at Radio 1, (completely unofficial, my friend got me in the back door and I just kept turning up!), and from there built up a load of experience. Then the NME approached me and that’s where I am today. DJing was how I initially got into music though.
Q. Describe a typical day in the life of James Theaker...
I’m a radio plugger by day, which means it’s my job to get my artist’ records played on the biggest shows possible in order to get them the most exposure. I live in North London and commute to London, which is where I’m based unless I’m in the West End at meetings. So its breakfast, tube, office, and then my evenings are usually involved with preparing my radio show for that week going to see bands play, or out DJing myself. I’m rarely without something to do.
Q. What would you consider are your style essentials?
I have my finger on the pulse in terms of fashion, but I’m the first to admit that I could know more. Essentials? Smart look for the office (this Summer I’ve been doing that whole roll-your trousers-up thing). Then if I’m DJing I like to wear something bright so that people can see me. I’m open to anything really.
Q. Favourite bands of the minute?
I’m not going to get drawn into this question! I’m going to say that bands become my favourite by doing something new, that’s it. Whether you’re a multi-platinum artist with millions of fans, or a new band practising in your garage, if you’re doing something brand new you’ll probably become my new favourite band.
Q. Where do you like to hang out?
My favourite city in the world is London there’s always something to do. Where I go is usually dictated to me, however I rarely go and find somewhere on a whim and hang out there. It’s either I go somewhere because a band is there, and then I decide I like to hang out there, or because a band is there, and then I decide I like to hang out there, or because someone’s taken me there for a particular reason. My new house I’ve just started renting at has a small cinema in the basement, I’m enjoying time in there right now too!
Q. Guilty Pleasure?
Any late 90’s trance. So good, yet so bad.
Q. What have you enjoyed most about the live shows?
The red couch! It’s my zone, I’ve had some great guests come and join me on that couch. It’s supported me through thick and thin particularly when I’ve been out until 4am DJing the night before I do the live show. Can I have it when I’ve finished...anyone?
Q. Favourite area of the new store?
Sharps Barber & Shop. Great idea!
Q. Best challenge so far?
I really enjoyed pitting my style savvy against one of the seasoned Topman stylist pros; we both had a budget with which we could pick an outfit and we had to see which one a customer would choose if they were given the choice. I went for all out bright neon colours in a bid to convince the customer that looking like a rainbow was the new look this winter. Suffice to say, the Stylist won.
So! It's over and out from James Theaker. Have you been listening to the show? Heard any of the special guests who've graced the famous red sofa? Well if you're in the area this weekend, don't forget to pop in and check out James performing the show live! Click here to find out more about the show, and click here to visit the profile for James on the NME Radio website.
