Radio wonder
BBC presenter wants to be on air till she’s 90
She’s supported superstar Calvin Harris on stage, spent the summer DJing next door to him in Ibiza and is following in his footsteps as an artist and producer.
But Radio 1’s Arielle Free has no plans to give up her breakfast show for his kind of global fame.
Being on the radio four days a week for the station’s early morning show is a career highlight and the Stirling-born star is having the time of her life.
After gigging with Calvin at Hampden, a weekly residency in Ibiza, DJing at Glastonbury and returning to hosting Love Island’s podcast, she released her debut single and has just done her first major record remix.
But she still wouldn’t mind if Calvin offered to work his magic on one of her tracks.
Arielle said: “I wouldn’t dare ask him if he’d remix one of my tunes, although obviously I’d love that. He did give me really positive words on my first single.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be playing in Ibiza every Friday opposite Ushuaia, where he’s had his summer residency, so I’ve annoyed him a few times this year.
“I’m just loving being on the radio daily. For me, radio is such a connective medium. I hope I can be on the airwaves until I’m 90.” She and Calvin brought their turntables back home in July when he played Hampden Park and asked Arielle to support him. It was a double thrill for Arielle, who was able to invite her football-loving grandpa John along – who had never seen her DJ. She said: “The gig was incredible, the crowd were just so up for it. My grandpa loved it, although he did call me the next day to say his ears were still ringing.” While she’s helped with Radio 1’s coverage at Glastonbury, Arielle chalked off another first this year – DJing for the first time.
She said: “It was just magical. I’ve been lucky enough to host the West Holts Stage the last few years but DJing for the first time was just brilliant.”
Arielle is also being scouted as a remixer. She worked her magic on Scots singer Joesef ’s track It’s Been A Little Heavy Lately and on Friday got an even bigger gig remixing Gorgon City’s Tell Me It’s True for Amazon Originals’ The Sound Of Modern House playlist.
She said: “To remix Gorgon is a real honour. I’m such a fan of their music so I was nervous but I’m pleased with how it’s gone.” She added: “I just want to be the best producer I can be and keep people smiling on the radio and dancing at gigs.”