Leo Console

Name: Leo Console

Show: Fear and Loathing in Exeter

When are you on?
We are on air every other Sunday from 8pm to10pm.

What type of music can we expect to hear on your show?
Indie, pop and indie-pop.

Oh and Jude likes to play the odd bit of Americana and stuff like that. I usually play something by Correcto.

How did you get into this type of music?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t into it.

How long have you been DJing?
Since the mid nineties.

How did you start DJing?
I started as the ‘stand in’ indie DJ at Timepiece. This led to me doing the Monday indie night for a bit (this would have been in the mid nineties). I also did Tuesday indie night at Volts for a while. Then I DJed at the Cavern between bands for a few years (mainly as a way of getting to see lots of bands) until about 2002 I think. Then I stopped when it stopped being fun (see embarrassing moments…).

Can we find you DJing anywhere other than on Phonic FM?
I’ve made a tentative return recently. I sometimes play between bands for various events put on by Pop Noise Records (www.myspace.com/popnoiserecords). Usually at either Tigga’s Bar or The Hub.

What has been your most embarrassing DJing moment?
I used to enjoy being in the Cavern’s little soundman booth playing great music, then the DJs were encouraged to venture out of this booth and eventually the stage! Not really my thing.

So no anecdotes I’m afraid. But I did find the concept of playing records while on a stage or somehow in view very embarrassing. I’m afraid I don’t buy this idea that DJs are somehow artists to be watched as if they’re musicians, certainly not indie DJs anyway.

What has been your best DJing moment?
One very busy night at the Cavern. I was playing Rise by PIL. Lots of my friends were out including a few I hadn’t seen in a while. It was a great night and everyone was singing along, I discretely came out of my booth to join the crowd too.

Who is your favourite artist?
The Beatles. Because they’re great. Innovation not imitation.

I have lots of second favourites too, the most constant of which include: David Bowie, Suede, Beach Boys, New Order, The Smiths. The Monkees, Velvet Underground, Syd Barrett, Luke Haines, Stone Roses. You get the idea.

What is your all time favourite album?
The White Album. Difficult to explain why. Great songs obviously, but also I like it’s weird atmosphere, the eclecticness, the shambolicness, the odd off-cuts at the end of songs, not to mention the total coolness of releasing an unnamed double album of amazing songs in a plain white sleeve while being the biggest band in the world.

Where do you shop for music?
I mostly buy music from my computer. If I see something in a shop I want I usually buy it but it’s not often. I find unless it’s in the top 40 then most shops won’t stock it. Boo.