BBC Radio1′s Essential Mix is a weekly radio show broadcast on BBC Radio 1 and features all styles of dance music. The show began in 1993 and had its first broadcast on 30 October 1993, with DJ and Presenter Pete Tong. Every Sunday a two hour programme is broadcast between the hours of 1am and 3am UK-time. The standard format of the show is an uniterrupted guest mix of two hours provided by an invited DJ, group or producer, introduced by Pete Tong. The mix is usually studio recorded in advance, but there are also live broadcasts from clubs or festivals, particularly during the Summer months (Global Gathering etc…)
These are mainly from within the UK, but are sometimes broadcast from Ibiza and elsewhere. The broadcasts from Ibiza have taken place every summer since the first broadcast of Nicky Holloway playing live at Ku on the 2 July 1995.

The show has been used as a platform for artists to showcase their talents, and for some is seen as a major boost to their careers. Notably, although he was already a highly successful DJ, Paul Oakenfold gained critical acclaim for his now infamous ‘Goa Mix’ broadcast on 18 December 1994, bringing Goa Trance music to a more mainstream dance and club culture.

Fittingly, This Saturday see’s the return of the legend that is Paul Oakenfold. He’s busy promoting his new artist album ‘A Lively Mind’ right now which is due out in a few weeks. He has recently re-launched his official web site and his latest single Faster Kill Pussycat is currently doing the rounds and going down very well form what I hear. His drive to release and push new music never seems to end and his new album looks one to really watch out for.

Upcoming Essential Mixes

April 30th: Paul Oakenfold
7th May: Gabriel & Dresden
14th May: Radio 1′s Big Weekend
21st May: MYNC