DJ NOIZE (UK): From Southeast London to Dancefloors Worldwide

Few artists embody the true spirit of Drum & Bass culture quite like DJ NOIZE (UK).

Born and raised in SE10, Southeast London, NOIZE has spent decades immersed in the music, building his reputation through pirate radio, underground raves, respected club bookings, and a lifelong dedication to the scene.

From legendary stations including Kool FM, Origin FM, Weekend Rush, Folkestone Radio and Life FM, through to performances at iconic venues such as SE1, Brixton Mass, Heaven, Camden Palace, Herbal, Hastings Pier and countless squat raves, NOIZE has remained a passionate representative of authentic Drum & Bass culture.

One of his proudest achievements was securing a regular slot on Kool FM and becoming part of the much-loved Morning Glory Show alongside Flirt and Profile, helping soundtrack countless mornings for listeners across London and beyond.

Now, with his highly anticipated Drum & Bass booty remix of “5 On It” landing soon, NOIZE is once again poppin' off. Mastered by the legendary TC, the remix delivers heavyweight bass pressure, crisp drums and serious dancefloor energy while paying homage to one of hip-hop’s most recognisable hooks.

Ahead of the release, JungleDrumandBass.co.uk caught up with DJ NOIZE to discuss pirate radio, rave culture, production, Kool FM memories, career highlights and what’s next.

For those who may be discovering you for the first time, who is DJ NOIZE and where did your journey into Drum & Bass begin?

The journey began at secondary school around 14 years old, listening to tape packs in my old walkman. My mum bought me a pair of sound lab decks which were my pride and joy.

You were born and raised in SE10, Southeast London. How much did growing up there influence your musical identity?

Everyone on my estate was into drum and bass and jungle. Around 94 - 95 you would constantly hear it playing out of the tower block windows. 

What first attracted you to Drum & Bass and what was the moment you knew this wasn’t just a hobby anymore?

My best mate at school had older brothers and we would sit in his flat listening to the jungle mania CDs. We would also mess around with the FM radio tuning into pirate stations and record shows. 

It became an obsession once I had my decks, I would mix from 7am before school and then mix for 2 - 3 hours after school every day. It's all I could think about while at school and couldn't wait to get home. 

You came through the pirate radio era. What did pirate radio mean to aspiring DJs back then compared to today?

Pirate radio was the way forward. If you wanted to get noticed you had to be involved. If you were on the radio, you weren't Just a bedroom DJ anymore, you are now stepping into elite territory. I feel for the new DJs who never got to experience the excitement of pirate radio, the buzz and adrenaline of doing something illegal but making people happy who got a chance to listen.

You’ve held residencies on Kool FM, Origin FM, Wax FM and Life FM. Which station had the biggest impact on your career and why?

For me it has to be Kool FM (94.6) for all those who remember. This opened a lot of doors. Being an established artist on Kool FM was huge. Without Kool FM I wouldn't have met so many amazing like-minded people who just wanted to do what I was doing. 

One of your biggest achievements was becoming part of the Morning Glory Show on Kool FM alongside Flirt and Profile. What are your memories of that period?

So many laughs and jokes on the morning glory show, the name says it all! I was very close with funky flirt, him and Profile took me under their wing. Flirt is a very funny guy and knows how to have a laugh. I don't think I have ever seen a phone line go so mad on a radio show. Profile is also an amazing guy, he took me out to do the rounds as we called it. Going to 3 - 4 events in one night to network with other artists. 

Kool FM has such an important place in Drum & Bass history. What did it feel like becoming part of that legacy?

Honestly it was a dream come true. I will never forget the day I got the voicemail on my phone telling me there was a slot for me on the biggest pirate radio station. 

What was the biggest lesson pirate radio taught you that still helps you today?

Always remember you are playing to a wide audience, don't get stuck in playing music only you like play a wide verity if you want to get people's attention. 

You’ve played some legendary venues over the years. Which club gave you the biggest buzz walking into the DJ booth?

I have been very lucky to play at a lot of events so first of all thank you to all the promoters that put me on their line ups. The majority of clubs I played at gave me a massive buzz. I would have to say Brixton Mass was probably the best venue.

SE1, Brixton Mass, Heaven, Camden Palace, Herbal, Hastings Pier and countless squat raves. Which set stands out as the most unforgettable and why?

Battle of the MCs was immense my set was in-between Friction and Sub Focus. Having too big artists perform before and after me was a massive moment. 

The underground rave scene helped shape Drum & Bass culture. What do you miss most about those early days?

The main thing I miss is the record shopping! The new school have missed out on that era. I miss dragging a record bag around on my shoulder. I miss listening to pirate radio. 

How do you think today’s generation of ravers differs from the generation you came through with?

I hope there is no difference, I hope the new generation love drum and bass as much as my generation do!

You’ve worked alongside many respected artists and DJs throughout your career. Who were some of the people that inspired you most?

That's going to be a long list! 

I always wanted to be as big as Andy C, Brockie, TC, Twisted Individual, Shy FX, Mampi Swift, G Dub and Bass Face Sacha.

We have to mention the DNB HQ Mix Marathon! I loved that night what a great thing we did with DJ Mag. What are your memories of being involved in that project and seeing the community come together?

That was a great day, it was great to be part of such an exciting event. Thank you J - Swift for inviting me down. I love a community event. 

After all these years in the scene, what keeps your passion for Drum & Bass alive?

More Drum and Bass!  It's etched into me, I love music and it will never leave me. 

Let’s talk about your new remix. Why did you choose “5 On It” as a track to reinterpret?

I have always had the Aphrodite version on vinyl I love the track. I started a remix of this a couple of years ago but like all producers you get to a point in the track and it gets sidelined as you have other ideas for another track. It was something I came back to, this is how I make a lot of my tracks! I probably have about 100 unfinished on my computer at this present time!

The original is one of the most recognisable hooks in music. Was there any pressure taking on such an iconic track?

It sure is, yes, a massive amount of pressure! You always want to do an original track justice. It wasn't easy and it took a while and a lot of changes before it was ready to be sent off for mastering. 

The remix feels heavy, energetic and built specifically for the dancefloor. What was your vision when producing it?

I wanted to make a track that people could sing along to, something that people would remember. Something that when two ravers are in a car say to each other let's put on that 5 on it remix!

The track has been mastered by TC, one of the most respected names in Drum & Bass production. How did that collaboration come about?

I'm very lucky to have TC on hand for my mastering. I can't go into detail but just know any tracks that come from me will be mastered by him so you know that they will be mastered to the highest level. Thanks TC. 

What was your reaction when you first heard the mastered version back from TC?

I played it over and over. I only got it back this week! It is definitely hot off the press. Promos are due out end of June. 

The remix balances nostalgia with a modern Drum & Bass edge. Was that something you consciously aimed for?

It changed from day to day. The original track was a bit more jump up but I wanted to tone it down slightly. 

Where would you most love to hear “5 On It” played for the first time? A festival, a club, pirate radio or somewhere unexpected?

I'm hoping it will get rinsed at a lot of festivals this summer. That's the aim. To be fair I hope it gets a lot of coverage all over. It would be great to see a video of a festival with people singing along.

How has your production process evolved from your earliest tracks to the music you’re making today?

I look back at some of the early stuff and laugh. It was where I started and it has just got better and better over time. 

Looking back over your journey, what achievement are you most proud of?

There are loads, the main one would probably be building my studio. Getting everything right is a job in itself. 

Finally, what’s next for DJ NOIZE? What can fans expect after the release of “5 On It”?

You will have to wait and see. I'm in talks with an artist at the moment we may colab. If it happens it will be another achievement on the list. I will keep you posted.

After decades in the scene, if you could go back and give the younger DJ NOIZE one piece of advice before his first pirate radio show, what would it be?

Ooooo. Make sure you record all of your early radio shows. Honestly trying to track stuff down online is a nightmare! Thank you so much for having a chat with us! Wishing you all the best for 2026 and beyond!

Interview by Missrepresent June 2026 Noize Soundcloud