Dream 107.6 FM
Dream FM was a leading London pirate radio station[1] founded by DJ Spinback (Jason Robertson), DJ Swiftlee and Fiaz.[2][3] The station broadcast between 1994 and 1998 from Battersea, South West London. Originally named Global FM, the station first transmitted during the transitional period where breakbeat hardcore music fragmented into what became two genres - Oldschool Jungle and Happy Hardcore.
They used a microwave broadcasting link so if the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) found their transmitter they would not know where the studio was located, which was often someone's bedroom. The actual transmitter was located on the top of residential housing blocks and padlocked up. This was also to prevent other pirate radio stations from stealing their equipment. The aerial itself was run down the lift shaft of the building, creating a large broadcast range. This meant the radio station had a wider reach as demonstrated by listeners phoning in from as far east as Southend and as far north as Pinner.
Dream FM played predominantly Happy Hardcore and old school Hardcore but also had some Jungle and House music shows. They were one of the first pirate radio stations to do live outside broadcasts from some of their club all-nighter events. The station regularly hosted live audience participation phone-ins, rewinds, wind ups, and games like 'Beat The Raid'. Initially using pager messaging systems, the rise and availability of mobile phones helped increase audience participation.
Dream FM became instrumental in championing the Happy Hardcore scene, promoting raves at London venues such as the Rocket (Holloway Road), Club Labyrinth (Dalston), Lazerdrome, Pleasure Rooms (Tottenham), Linford Film Studios (Battersea), Adrenalin Village (Battersea) and Bagley's (Kings Cross). It also branched out into a monthly high-street magazine called "Dream Magazine".
DJ's and MC's to have played on Dream include: DJ Wise, DJ Influence, DJ Innocence, DJ Temptation, DJ Extreme, DJ Fiaz, DJ Stylus, DJ Livelee, DJ Fluid, DJ Rhythm Master, DJ Spinback, DJ Boots HiFi, DJ Eclipse, DJ Energy, DJ Tom Thumb, DJ Gussy, DJ Uproar, Dj Vinyltrixta MC Zouki Banton, MC Base, MC Suicide, MC Ruff, MC Stevie A, MC Sniper, MC Twilight, MC Chucky
Dream FM finally closed down after 3 years on air on 19th April 1997 with a £5 farewell party at the Linford Film Studio's venue in Battersea, London. Rhythm Master stated "this is the last day of Dream FM, the management have had enough due to things beyond their control, Dream FM is shutting down tonight."
Some of the Dream FM DJ's and MC's continued on, for a short time, with another pirate radio station called Reality FM 107.5, with the catchphrase 'Where your dreams become reality.'
See also
References
- ↑ Angela Lewis on pop The Independent, 6 September 1994. Retrieved 13 August 2013. Archived here.
- ↑ ScottishHardcore.co.uk | Interview with DJ Spinback (1998)
- ↑ DJ Spinback discogs.com, 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013. Archived here.
