This week we caught up with Radio 1 DJ, Phil Taggart to question him on what it's like to be the man himself as well as working as a radio presenter. Phil had formely presented with Alice Levine under the name of 'Phalice' but has since been divorced from his radio wife and has began to operate the studio alone on a Thursday night at 9pm as now he presents the, 'New Music Show'. Phil was up for a chat about his recent seperation from Alice as well as what really goes on within the Radio 1 studios.
1. What is a usual day in the life of Phil Taggart within the Radio 1 studio like? What do you get up to before you go on air?
I am inherently one of the laziest people I know, getting out of bed is more of a long drawn out affair. Once I best the mattress I am all good. A more interesting subject would tell you they go to Tai Kwon Do or have a keen passion for trainspotting, however my girlfriend did book me fencing lessons for Valentines day. A normal day consists of waking up, sticking my headphones on, doing some work on my record label, listening to more music and then going to work or a gig. Pretty standard.
2. You and Alice, AKA ‘Phalice’, recently went your separate ways. How does it feel to now be presenting on your own?
Doing the 10pm slot with Alice was amazing! We both had a blast but it was important for both of us not to get too comfortable as a double act. As much as we like each other the thought of myself and her still together in our 60’s, AKA The Chuckle Brothers, would have been a very frightening thought.
I am enjoying radio as much as I ever have being able to pick 100% of the music and sharing the new bits and pieces I am hearing every week.
3. You now present the ‘New Music Show’ on Thursdays from 9-10pm. Are you waiting for the moment where you can feel like a proud father after giving a band their first radio play?
Well I already feel like that has happened, the first plays on Radio 1 for Royal Blood, Banks, London Grammar, Vic Mensa, Indiana and heaps more originated from our show. I quite like waving them off to day time, never to darken our doorstep again. Once you have more than 35 plays on SoundCloud you have outgrown us.
4.Will we ever see ‘Phalice’ re-united again?
Myself and Alice are working on a Time Team Special and will be excavating ancient ruins around the globe in the new series. Apart from our commitment to that and our shared interest in archeology there are no signs that a rekindling or second wedding will be happening anytime soon.
5. What has been your proudest moment in the time you’ve been a Radio 1 DJ?
Proudest moment is seeing the bands we break flourish and become successful. If you are talking literal moments I wouldn’t say the day I slept in and missed my interview with Quentin Tarantino. The whole of Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Derry was significant to me as thats where I was born.
6. What has been the biggest mistake you’ve made in your time as a Radio 1 DJ?
The show after Glastonbury I managed to make it through the whole show without anything going wrong only to say ’s**t’ in the last link. That was a fun phone call the morning after.
7. Who’s been the best artist or band you’ve interviewed in your time as a Radio 1 DJ?
There are dozens of great acts to interview and you continue getting them back because they were such good value. Off the top of my head Van McCann from Catfish and the Bottlemen, the lads from Slaves, Mac Demarco, Childish Gambino, Palma Violets and loads that I can’t remember right now.
8. Who usually makes the tea and coffee in the studio? We’re thinking Huw?
I point blank refuse to let anyone make my tea because i am a tea bag psychotic. I have tasted Huws tea before and it is a good brew, he has a system, something to do with squeezing the bag, pretty sure he was on about tea.
9. Who’s the biggest joker in the studio? We’d say Grimmers.
I rarely see Grimmy as we are at odds with each other on the schedule. He’s in bed when i am on or at least supposed to be. Biggest joker? Probably Dan P Carter. He likes to dress up and scare people as well as draw everyone and make some very thought provoking cakes.
10. Finally, who is the most annoying in the studio? We’ll go with Greg?
Most annoying - ermmmmm, Alice, because she can never get the temperature right, is always too hot or too cold.
Huge thanks to Phil Taggart for the interview.
Posted by Charlie Ireland.
RIFFED x