Oneman: A DJ First and Foremost

In the landfill of fledgling producers and SoundCloud monikers flooding the internet, not many have made a name for themselves as simply a DJ. Steve Bishop, better known as DJ Oneman, is one of the few names coming out of London’s diverse underground scene that’s harnessed a loyal following in both the UK, and international, for his electric taste for all sounds moving. Having risen through the ranks from London’s pirate radio culture, Oneman typically blends grime, UK funky, garage and dubstep, while never fogoing compelling strands of house and hip-hop in his genre-bending sets. Aside from running his label 502 Recordings, Oneman hosts a regular show at the renowned Rinse FM where he looks to showcase progressive music from across the board. In this conversation, Oneman speaks on how the iconic dubstep night DMZ acted as a backbone to his now successful career, London’s pirate radio scene, and how his latest cohesive DJ project with Jackmaster as Can U Dance has been one one of his most memorable works this summer. Enjoy the interview below and click through the gallery to see snapshots of Oneman’s recent set at London XOYO’s second birthday bash.

Favorite record to start your set?

Any new weird rap song.

While your sets are known to be eclectic, the transition between different genres is always smooth. Is there a certain structure you follow? 

I typically play for 90 minutes and usually split my set into two set bpm parts. Starting between 125-130 bpm and gradually working my way up to a more energetic 140 bpm scanning through house, garage, grime, rap etc.

Do you ever think about incorporating live elements to you DJ sets?

No not really, I love using the effects on the Pioneer DJM900 but that is about as ‘live’ as I want to take it. I want the focus to be on my DJing and track selection.

Your sets are constantly evolving, plucking sounds from different genres. Would you be able to name a record store or DJ/friend who’s a great source for music?

I really enjoy the second-hand record stores in Central London. I get lost for hours in those places, digging through the past to find those hidden gems. My girl Ysa has also shown me a lot of new rap music that I wouldn’t have found without her. Other than that I just have my own ears, I trust them.

How did you get into DJ’ing for Rinse FM in the early days?

I was initially approached while on React FM in West London. Sarah called me and asked me to come play a show, I think cover someone’s show initially, and she really liked what I was bringing to the station so I joined in 2008. I think I got the chance because I had played at DMZ in Brixton and my name was starting to make a buzz.

Why is pirate radio culture a valuable part of London’s history and how has it shaped the way the capital listens to music today?

It’s really important because it used to be purely a community thing. If you lived outside a certain area of London, then you couldn’t pick up some stations. If you lived in South West London like myself, you couldn’t get a clear signal for say, Rinse FM or De Ja Vu FM, so we would listen to Delight and Upfront FM as they were closer. You had station loyalty, like following a football team. I’m from Streatham and Delight FM is what me and most of my friends would listen to.

What do you look to showcase on your Rinse FM show, and how do your sets differ from your club sets?

I try to take it easier on Rinse and showcase my wider range of interesting sounds, from past or present. I feel showing a wide range of skills on the radio is important as it can set you up for nightclub and mixtape work alike.

UK’s underground music scene is constantly evolving with a strong focus on rising talents. Why do you think there’s such a big appetite for new sounds and sub genres?

I think now that the internet is a main component in the conception and filtering of new music scenes people have way more instant gratification than before, I think the focus is on “new” all the time because the hunger is there for more. Shelf life has never been so short.

You’ve released two mix albums for FabricLive and Rinse FM. Can we expect any forthcoming releases – either compilation or production?

Solitaire Vol. 3 is coming out this autumn and is more of a studio based project where I have been given time in the studio from Red Bull to work with some of my favorite producers and MCs to create some exclusive music for the mixtape. More information soon.

Most memorable DJ gig this summer?

Parklife Festival in Manchester as part of Can u Dance with Jackmaster. Pure energy and synergy, it just went way better that we expected.