Spotlight: Jay Knox

— 20 Mar 2018 by Lauren Furey

Online Croydon Social Panels 18 03 22 Jay Knox and Friends4

A fan favourite at Boxpark Croydon is resident DJ, Jay Knox. This Thursday, Jay is bringing his usual blend of big hits and floor-fillers to our brand new BeatBox with some very special friends. We caught up with Jay to find out more.

For those who don't know, tell us who you are and what you do.

My name's Jay Knox and I'm from South London - ha ha, this feels like I'm introducing myself on Blind Date! Seriously though, I'm a DJ, radio presenter and club promoter.

When did you first realise that you wanted to be a DJ?

​I used to listen to garage sets on pirate radio non-stop when I was younger and record the sets on tape, and that made me want to DJ but I couldn't afford to get turntables and a load of records.

I didn't really worry about it until I started doing my own parties and starting hosting on the mic, and I learned about the importance of the selection of tunes in clubs, to get a party jumping, but I still couldn't DJ. Then one day, I was hosting a Jaheim, Ginuwine, and 112 concert and the DJ couldn't make it. I ended up on stage with some CDs from my car but I couldn't actually mix! So, I decided I wouldn't be in that situation again where I have the opportunity to DJ, and can't; so I learned. Best thing I ever did.

Who are some of your biggest influences in music?

​So Solid Crew. Listening to them on pirate radio inspired me to pursue music, and started my love for garage and then grime. My older cousins got me into Usher and 90s R&B, so that's where my love of that comes from. Growing up, I heard a lot of reggae and dancehall artists, and I loved Beenie Man, too!

You've played at major radio stations and large scale events, what have been some of your personal highlights, so far?
​DJ'ing and hosting concerts for so many US artists, including, 112 Jagged Edge, Chris Brown, Rick Ross and Migos have been huge moments for me, but over the last couple of years, I'd say playing at some of the UK's biggest festivals; Wireless, Reading & Leeds, and Glastonbury have been massive; along with doing the MOBO Awards live on ITV, and BBC 1Xtra Live as Tour DJ for Fekky.​

What can visitors expect from your event at Boxpark Croydon later this Thursday?

​Definitely vibes, from great music; a mixture of all things urban. Hiphop and R&B, garage and funky, bashment, and everything in between.
My events are all about good party vibes, with good natured people having a great time.

Who should everyone be listening to right now?
​
​Me doing the breakfast show every morning on The Beat London 103.6FM!​

But if you meant artists then Splurgeboys x PAP are already having a great year and have loads going on from trap to grime. Croydon's very own Lottie Jade is a talented singer I think everyone should be listening out for. And, I think, Young Adz (D-Block Europe) has a wave that everyone should get on.

What does the rest of 2018 have in store for you?

​I'll be DJ'ing in Holland,​ Cyprus (Ayia Napa), Dubai, but I'm really excited to be up and down the UK, and doing more in Croydon because ain't no place like home, which is one of the reasons I love being a resident at Boxpark Croydon. You really can't beat the eclectic mix of people that come here and have a good time.

Finally, what was the last song you listened to?

​T2 - Heartbroken - It's still a banger!


You can catch Jay Knox & Friends at Boxpark Croydon on Thursday 22 March. Be sure to follow Jay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for further updates.