DANNY HOWARD'S MONTHLY ARTICLE

EAST ANGLIA IS WHERE THE PARTY’S AT...
Well, as long as BBC Radio 1 has their way it is! It's always an exciting fixture in the Radio 1 calendar when our Big Weekend takes over an unsuspecting UK city, signaling the official start to the summer (in our book anyway). After the success of Glasgow last year, 2015 sees us take the party further south as we hit Norwich on 23^rd and 24^th of May.

Whilst all musical areas are covered to cater for the widespread Radio 1 audience, there is some excitement in the air for us dance-heads. All I’m going to say is, as Radio 1 has always done in supporting electronic music to the maximum... we’ve got you covered. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with the names we’ve got lined up, although don’t hold your breath for an Alan Partridge and Annie Mac b2b set...

FESTIVAL SEASON IS HERE!
Hopefully there won’t be any need for the old wellington boots this year, but in true UK fashion you can probably expect to see at least one over-excited ‘random’ doing his best reenactment of Shrek-meets-Stig of the Dump in the nearest muddy puddle... it’s all part of the fun, right?! But if Nothing Else Matters but the music to you (sorry, not sorry), then it’s all about We Are FSTVL, Outbreak and Creamfields for me this summer — and I’m so excited just thinking about it! See you down the front...

CAN WE SAY THE ‘I’ WORD YET?
IBIZA IBIZA IBIZA!!! There, I said it. Ever since the turn of the year, quite a lot of us have been secretly dreaming of this summer’s stint on the magical island; finally, we can talk about it openly without torturing ourselves as we look out into the frostiness! It’s all kicking off NOW with opening parties so near and the summer within touching distance — I’m already in my shorts and flip-flops!

Catch me back at Pacha on Saturdays for a seven-date residency as well as dates on the Amnesia terrace for Cream with my brand Nothing Else Matters, and I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be joining Amine Edge & DANCE for their Cuff night at Sankeys. Bring on the summer!

VINYL REVIVAL!
Good to see that vinyl has been making a welcome resurgence over the last few years; I’ve got particularly fond memories of the format because I originally learnt to mix with it. But, by the time I could actually do it confidently and when I started DJing out, you’d be lucky if the club's 1210s were even in the booth, or worse — find they’re being used as a drinks stand or a coat hanger (sad times!). 

Now with events like the recent Record Store Day thriving more than ever, the UK has seen 40 new record stores open since 2009 — with sales up 800%! Wax on!