MISTAJAM

“A lot of radio DJ’s flop in the real world… MistaJam’s proved he’s NOT one of those DJ’s… No hype, just fact.” Shy FX

“Turn that f*cking music down” Chris ‘MistaJam’s dad’ Dalton

Forget trying to nail MistaJam to a genre for he’s a DJ who’s from the school of thought where only those who’ve perfected the art of mixing need apply. If it has a big beat, bassline and melody, chances are Jam’s in it.

Regularly causing people to get bunions at some of the finest clubs around the world, his fearless approach to delivering the ultimate blend has seen his army of supporters grow as quickly as he’s shrunk. Along with steadily achieving his weight loss plan, he’s risen through the ranks of BBC 1Xtra and Radio 1 at a speed that (a dramatically slower) Usain Bolt would be proud of.

Not bad for the now 26 year old Nottingham boy, Pete Dalton, who started in the game proper at 14, cutting his teeth working with local youth soundsystems, playing multi-genre sets, working with Nottingham rap crews and graduating to playing house parties, youth clubs, carnivals and such. Doing all this while studying for his GCSE’s and holding down weekend jobs, including stints at a café in the budget clothing store C&A and music shop MVC (although he accepts no responsibility for both chains closing down) goes some way in explaining his strong work ethic.

But while looking a lot older than his age at the time was a benefit, now it’s become the reason why he spends untold amounts a month on anti-aging serums, personal grooming and several punishing hours in the gym.

Continuing to keep it really real by writing for magazines such as the now defunct (noticing a pattern?) Grandslam & Big Daddy, becoming go-to DJ for acts from both the US and UK, and putting on many events in Nottingham along with his then business partner Joe Buhdha, there’s no denying Jam is a grafter. In fact, up until the end of 2007 you may even have bought a loan from him over the phone at credit card company Capital One, where he juggled a 9-5 job until his life which involved playing Grime did pay.

Joining BBC Radio 1Xtra in 2005 after being talent scouted at one of his own Nottingham events to host an overnight Thursday night Hip Hop show, his attempts at injecting humour and taking musical risks didn’t go amiss. Moving up the ladder onto other, higher profile radio slots to show the multi-genre skills he had since his youth soundsystem days has subsequently led to the peak time evening slot he now holds. MistaJam is now regarded as one of the go-to-men for breaking new music in British radio.

Hoping for the broadcasting longevity and versatility of Terry Wogan, the technical skills & deck-confidence of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the kudos of his broadcasting heroes the late John Peel, legendary David Rodigan and groundbreaking Trevor Nelson; Jam’s lucky that the only mix he’s fluffed on legal air to date was when attempting to cut from Cliff Richard into Mariah Carey and Dizzee Rascal. “Scientifically impossible” – or so he says. His own fault for playing Cliff.

But while MistaJam may be the DJ, Pete Dalton is also an actor. After attending the renowned Nottingham Junior Television Workshop from the age of seven (also famed for starting the careers of Samantha Morton and Toby Kebbell) fancying himself as a black James Bond may not be just a dream.

Possible phone calls from Guy Richie aside, If you’ve ever seen this guy’s cameo in EastEnders, former role in Crossroads (as Minty Sutton, the chef come pirate radio DJ), watched the BBC Three series Trexx and Flipside, or caught him in the West End musical 125th Street, you’ll know what’s popping.

But come 10 years down the line, MistaJam hopes to be entertaining the nation on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, maybe doing some music-based TV work, causing more dancing injuries in clubs and if all else fails believes his calling could be back in telesales.

If you don’t want this man phoning you with an amazing offer you know what to do.

“For a man I once mistook as Sean Kingston I can but apologise. MistaJam is clearly the future of radio and if I had a new tune to break and Annie Mac, Zane Lowe or any other tastemaking DJ was parring me, I’d definitely go to him.” Chantelle Fiddy, Mixmag

“MistaJam, is the golden boy of Radio 1 bosses Andy Parfitt and Ben Cooper, having just begun his own two hour Saturday night show… But he is also taken seriously by his musical peers.” Ian Burrell, Independent

Hear MistaJam on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra on Saturday from 11pm-1am with the Saturday Night Soundclash and on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Monday to Thursday between 7pm-10pm with Your Key to the Underground.