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Cordless: Prior to working for Kiss you were a presenter on Virgin Radio alongside chris Evans. What did it take for you to land the position on Virgin Radio?
James: Well I started on pirate radio in my school days. From there I got a job working at Virgin Megastore’s VMR (in-store radio) which was broadcast to all Virgin stores. It was fantastic experience because I did this at the same time as student radio. So when I left college, I had already made contacts though the VMR. I just applied for a small position, writing scripts for DJs, adverts, and things like that. After two weeks they said “oh, you been on the air before haven’t you?” I said “Yes” the next thing you know I’m on the air. So it was a combination of being in the right place at the right time and having already put in the groundwork at pirate and student radio.
What was it like to work with Chris Evans?
As a matter of fact it was a real laugh! He’s a nice guy. It was a bit of a party atmosphere on Virgin Radio, as it was an independent station with a real independent spirit before it changed ownership. Also, it’s based in London’s Soho so it’s right next to all the cool bars and the drinking culture. Although now it’s changed its name to Absolute Radio, it’s still a fun place to work. Evans was definitely a good boss.
You managed to grab the CRCA award for Best Presentation Newcomer of 2000. Tell us
you pulled that one off?
I had been doing the overnight show at Virgin for three and a half years and because there
were no officials listening at like 3am, you can have a bit of a laugh. My style was very laid back.
I didn’t feel under pressure to be as politically correct as you would on daytime radio where
people can’t be so creative. So essentially I had a lot of freedom to say what I liked, enjoy myself
and have a laugh. And I think that went down well with the listeners. Neil Fox, one of the
judges, thought what I was doing with the radio format was new and refreshing.
Now you've got the dream job. You get paid to kick your feet up, play some good music,
and chat away while the whole country listens. I'm so jealous! What's your secret to
getting where you are now?
(LOL) What’s my secret? I’d like to think it’s putting in the work from the start. Anyone will tell
you that you can’t go straight to the top. You have to start with the small things as I did with
student radio and in-store radio. But while your doing that ensure that you meet the right
people. It’s important not to burn your bridges with people because the industry goes in
cylces. Most importantly work hard because I believe if you want something and you work
hard at it you will probably get it.
In addition to working for Kiss, one of the most popular radio stations on the airwaves,
you've also done some work as a voiceover. Who have you been lending your voice to
and how did this come about?
I had to get a voiceover agent, which are actually quite hard to come by. A lot of people want
to do voice over work and there aren’t many positions. My agent is voicebookers.com. I just
happened to find them as they were setting up and looking for new voices so it all seemed to
work out quite well.
I’ve had quite a few jobs. One of them is the audio guide for the Tate Modern. So anyone that
picks up an audio guide in the Tate hears my voice telling them where to go which is quite
cool.
Does this mean you're a smooth talker with the ladies?
(Lol) You’ll have to ask my girlfriend.
Speaking of ladies; Stonefoxx. I heard through the grapevine that you manage the pop
trio, is that right?
Yes, I stand as their manager. Currently they are signed to my label Nut Records however, we
are seeking a major record deal. That’s the next step for us.
With all these things going on you must be one of the busiest men in the business! Tell
us about Stonefoxx and how you came to be their manager.
You’re right I am quite busy! I’m at Kiss 9-12am everyday and Stonefoxx take up the rest of my
time so I’m pretty much working all the time, but it’s all good!
Myself and Chris Young put this three-piece band together called Stonefoxx.
We started a couple of years ago and our strategy was to find a gap in the music market. At the
time the Sugarbabes and Girls Aloud were not as fresh and influential as they once were. We
thought we’d assemble something together for the on-going fans of girl bands. It’s been a long
process. Deciding what style of music they should produce and we’ve finally gone for a slightly
urban tinged pop are we’re quite happy with it!
Do you have any more projects lined up in the near future? Anything that James Merritt
fans should look out for?
No I’m just working on Stonefoxx at the moment and they are taking up all my spare time but
I’m always on the look out for any other artists.
I assume you’ll be supporting the girl’s as they’re one of the groups due to perform on
The Cordless-Show.
Yes they’re performing on the show soon and I’ll be behind them the whole way.