About Dan Soulsmith

Biography.

In 1995, while studying Design at Wirral Metropolitan College, Dan met several creative people who introduced him to the music of Orbital and The Future Sound of London. In 1997, a degree in Textiles took him to Manchester, to study at MMU. It was then that his passion for collecting music really took off. Like many before him, Dan spent his student grant and loan on a pair of turntables, a mixer and a whole lot of vinyl! Around this time he discovered LTJ Bukem’s seminal compilation ‘Logical Progression’. This was Dan’s turning point! Hooked on that vibe, from then on he would endeavour to unravel the inspiration behind such productions; a musical field dubbed ‘intelligent’ Drum & Bass by the music press.

In 2003 Dan won a New Entrepreneur Scholarship at the Manchester School of Business. With the help of a Princes Trust loan, he set up his own business, Northern Groove Promotions. He then took it upon himself to get involved with the music that he was so passionate about. Through Northern Groove, he provided online promotional solutions and PR for venues and artists, including some of his most respected influences, such as pioneering Electro-Funk DJ, Greg Wilson. Today Dan drives Greg to his various club nights, festivals and book tours around the UK, as well as helping Greg to document the pre-rave period in UK dance music culture, via the website electrofunkroots.co.uk.

Between 2006 and 2011 Dan worked closely with LTJ Bukem, as his Press Officer and Record Label Coordinator at Good Looking Records.

From 2009 to 2011 Dan was involved with re-establishing one of Manchester’s leading live music venues, Band on the Wall, which reopened after a 5 year period of redevelopment. There he worked as Assistant Club Night Promoter & Consultant, promoting events such as Manchester’s legendary Drum & Bass night, Soul:ution, as well as the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show Live and various live Reggae, Soul and Jazz concerts.

Dan also established his own club night at Band on the Wall called ‘Stretch Disco’, where he provided a platform for such luminary guests DJs as Nicky Siano, Norman Jay, The Unabombers, A Guy Called Gerald and Greg Wilson.

The nature of his work enables Dan to indulge in his favourite pastime, that of DJing. After 25 years experience, he has learnt his trade by playing music to a far-reaching cross section of the community, holding residencies in many of Manchester’s venues. He is also a capable radio show host, from 2009 to 2011 his weekly Northern Groove Show aired live across Greater Manchester on Unity Radio 92.8FM. Across two hours, he presented a unique selection of eclectic ‘cosmic’ flavoured music, including Drum & Bass, Deep House & Nu-Disco. Looking backwards, as well as to the future, his Northern Groove Show also highlighted classic and influential tracks from many genres, such as classic Soul, Jazz, Funk, Reggae, Afrobeat, Disco, Electro, Hip Hop and House Music.

Today, Dan broadcasts on BassDrive.com, the world’s most popular online Drum & Bass radio station. Through his weekly Northern Groove D&B Shows, Dan specialises in “deep-rolling”, liquid and atmospheric Drum & Bass flavours, playing to a dedicated following of listeners from all corners of the globe.

Dan’s passion for his music is unquestionable; his quest for knowledge concerning the roots of such music is paramount. Combined with a thirst for the latest releases, such dedication is reflected in his radio shows and live DJ sets.