Hisham Samsudeen - setting your weekend right!

What made you get into radio?

Radio has always been a passion of mine. Ever since I can remember, I was always fascinated with the range of music, to the transitions and mostly how well an RP shines his personality through just an auditory medium. Furthermore radio often plays a form of escape and companionship to listeners regardless of age, gender, race, social class etc. It is something anyone and everyone can enjoy.

What defines a good mix?

Perfect BPM, perfect Key and more than anything a perfect selection of tracks to keep a good seamless flow.

Photo credits: Kasun Rathnasiri

Do you have a set list or do you go with the flow?

Since social media, this task has been made easier with Facebook, Twitter etc. However the art of it is knowing what you are playing, when you are playing and to who. Basic things like the time and weather helps us realize the mood and its all about catering to it the right way.

Do you have a set list or do you go with the flow?

I personally never keep a set play list. Simple reason being there are too many factors to judge what the feel of  the moment would be, hence why I play with the flow and depend on musical knowledge than a preset playlist.

Do you prefer radio or an actual party?

I definitely enjoy playing on radio more. There is more substance to it than just being the dude behind the console making people dance. More over, it's a much larger audience and that satisfies a DJ.

What's the best and worst thing about working at a radio station?

The best part of it being the job itself. There is nothing better than doing what you truly love and enjoy as job. I cannot think of anything negative about the job, however if I were to pick, I'd say working on public holidays as the show must go on regardless.

Tell me a bit about your show.

My show is The Freeze on FOX 91.4. It's from 2pm to 5pm however it is not your typical preweekend show. The main focus is on alternate EDM music which spans from NU Disco to Garage to Drum n Bass. I however really enjoy samples and records of the past redone tastefully to fit the elements of relatively young electronic genres. So you would hear a lot of Pink Floyd, Etta James, Cyndi Lauper, Tracy Chapman, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Deep Purple etc. However all coming to you as your ultimate chillout essentials. Some might call it a time machine, where the past meets the present and perhaps the future.

By Reihan Stephen