| Send 1Xtra your demo | - If you think you've got what it takes to become a 1Xtra DJ, send your demo tape to: 1Xtra, PO Box 1X, London W1A
|
Norwich DJ J Swift has been juggling his AS-level exams with hosting his own show on digital and internet radio station 1Xtra. The DJ, better known to his family and friends as Jamie Wallace, is presenting a two-hour programme each Monday from 4am during June. It is the 17-year-old's third stint on the BBC's black music station. He was given the chance to broadcast to 1Xtra's international audience after winning its competition with BBC Blast, a project to get young people involved in the arts. This run of shows has coincided with the City Of Norwich School student's AS-level exams in English, psychology, media and theatre - but he is determined to make the most of his time back in the London studio. "It's meant a lot to me to be asked back because 1Xtra is seeing my ability and I'm giving it my best," said Swift. "I've met a lot of the DJs and have been talking to them about getting started in the music industry." Talent showcase The DJ, who lives in Eaton, was picked from thousands of people last October to become the voice of the Xtra Talent slot. He was then asked to present a month-long run of shows on Sundays during March for the campaign, before putting on the studio's headphones again this month. "I entered the competition to find a presenter amongst thousands of the general public. Me and seven others got through and had the chance to present a one-hour show in the Xtra Talent slot," he said. Feeling the music J Swift was born in London, but moved to Norwich aged eight. He got into music in middle school and started DJ-ing while at Hewett High School.
 | | Swift lays down his show at 1Xtra |
"When I was young I listened to a lot of my Dad's music like Grover Washington, Maze and Marvin Gaye. I idolised artists like Michael Jackson and Tupac Shakur," he said. "I got into music in middle school playing the trumpet and violin. "Then I discovered DJ-ing through my cousin and saved up for more than a year to buy my own pair of decks. In high school I started teaching myself piano and drums. "About two years ago I then discovered the NR5 Project [Norwich-based youth education, creative arts and music group] which introduced me to music production." Youth competition Swift heard about BBC Blast through 1Xtra. Listeners were invited to send a one-minute demo tape of them presenting a mock-up 1Xtra show. "It took me three days to build up the confidence to do it. Then I got to the point where I thought 'there's nothing to lose,' so I went for it and gave it my best," said Swift. "It was during the summer holidays, so by the time I started college I'd totally forgotten about it. "During October '05 I had a call from 1Xtra telling me they were impressed with my audition tape and wanted me to come down to do a second audition in front of a panel of 1Xtra DJs. "I was amazed that I had been blessed with this crazy opportunity, so I went down to London for the audition. "When I arrived I was the most nervous I had ever been in my life - but it was a relaxed atmosphere. The DJ honed his presenting style on air at Future Radio, a community station run by the NR5 Project. He still uses its recording studio facilities for his production work with local artists including Spoken Drama. But for the time being he is keeping his career options open. "I'm unsure of what direction I want to go in but I definitely want to work in the music industry and hope to get on the University Of Westminster's commercial music course," he said. | 
