EXCLUSIVE: James Stewart – The Meaning of Music & Festival Fun

James Stewart is a radio DJ at Heart FM who has plenty to say about the current music scene and the festival circuit. We caught up with the enthusiastic presenter and spoke about what he loves most…music, of course!
Hannah Montgomery: Hey James, how are you?
James Stewart: I’m really excited to be involved! Thanks for having me.
Hannah Montgomery: No problem! So, can you tell us, what are your favourite tracks at the moment and why?
James Stewart: I’m obsessed with Jorja Smiths new album at the moment, I’ve been a fan for a while. ‘Teenage Fantasy’ is my fave on the album. Her voice is just on a different level – she’s gonna be huge. I’m also really enjoying Bea Miller…she was on the US X Factor ages ago!
Hannah Montgomery: Who is your favourite artist of all-time and why?
James Stewart: Oooooh, what a question. It’s really tempting to say someone like Katy Perry, but I grew up with Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, Iron Maiden and that sort of stuff, so I can’t pick one. I would say that my favourite is that sort of genre – bands playing instruments is what I love.
Hannah Montgomery: Who is your favourite artist at the moment and why?
James Stewart: I’m excited for British music generally right now, particularly the girls, they’re killing it – Dua Lipa, Mabel, Raye and Jorja Smith as I said before! Overseas, I’m a big Kehlani fan too (she has a song called ‘Honey’ which I adore!)
Hannah Montgomery: What do you think it takes to produce a successful song – what is the recipe for a top track?
James Stewart: It sounds obvious, but a banging top line! I love something you can sing along to; I think that’s what sets a track apart.
Hannah Montgomery: What do you think the music industry has in store for us this summer (and beyond)?
James Stewart: I think we’ll see a few more duos around – I found an amazing couple of girls called Blessed on YouTube, from SE London, who I’m loving at the moment. I’m excited to see what they come up with!
Hannah Montgomery: Why do you think people love music so much, and why is it important to you?
James Stewart: I think because it means something different to every single person. No one hears a song and thinks the exact same thing as someone else. You’re always going to relate it to where you’re at, and where you’ve come from – that’s why I love it.
Hannah Montgomery: What do you love about working for Heart FM?
James Stewart: Heart is amazing, especially because of it’s diversity right now. We’ve gone through some changes musically in the last 6 months, with the introduction of more 90’s music, and we’re also playing stuff that’s brand new. It’s exactly my sort of vibe!
Hannah Montgomery: What does it take to be a Radio DJ?
James Stewart: Lots of hard work, bit of luck and right timing! You have to know your craft, and it sounds silly, but you have to be passionate about music. You have to be able to bring the tracks to life; that’s the gig!
Hannah Montgomery: The festival season is in full swing…are there any festivals you will be looking forward to attending?
James Stewart: I’ve actually never been to Glastonbury, and so I’m gutted it’s having a year off this year! I did Mighty Hoopla which was a lot of fun and also British Summer Time festival in Hyde park… Bruno Mars, in London, in the sun – it doesn’t get better!
Hannah Montgomery: Why do you think festival scene is so successful?
James Stewart: Because it’s like a mini holiday! You can escape Monday to Friday and just lose yourself in music, with thousands of other people sharing the experience!
Hannah Montgomery: And for our final thought..what is your life motto?
James Stewart: Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. You always can.
JAMES Stewart presents Heart FM on Saturdays & Sundays from 1 – 6am.
Photo Credits: Joseph Sinclair