Presenter – Email: yan.townsend@enjoyradio.co.uk

Shows:

• Monday: #NewMusic – 7pm-8pm
• Sunday: Yan’s Rock & Roll Jukebox – 7pm-9pm

Bio: It all began when I stood on my toy drum, playing my toy ‘tickar’ (couldn’t say guitar at that age). Music is in my blood. I was brought up with my mum and dad’s record collection, listening to artists like Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Little Richard and Marty Robbins. Music was always on around the house and if it wasn’t then my dad would be whistling or singing a song. I have a very broad taste in music. Influences include Ska and 2 Tone, Rockabilly, Rap, Heavy Rock, Punk, Funk, Soul, Prince, Indie, Dance and Garage! In the early 90’s I took an interest in being a DJ at the local Royal Air Force NAAFI Bop and since then have continued to DJ at various RAF entertainment functions, even Silent Discos!

My love of music continued when I joined a couple of bands playing heavy rock music. One day back in 1998 I heard the sounds from the Stray Cats coming out of a work tent and soon I was in my first rock n roll band with fellow comrade Pat Winn. In 2011 I joined Pats band ‘Run Devil Run (UK)’ playing rock n roll, Rockabilly and country. We had the pleasure of playing in iconic venues mostly around London including the legendary 12 Bar Club, The 100 Club, The Dublin Castle, The Spice Of Life and The Fiddlers Elbow. My greatest achievement with the band was going to Nashville in 2015 to play a number of gigs and record with legendary singer songwriter Buzz Cason (Everlasting Love). He’s worked with all the greats; James Brown, Carl Perkins, Kenny Rogers, the list goes on. While out in Nash, we even met Buzz’s good friend Billy Swan. An amazing experience I will never forget. The band have also supported the incredible 70s/80s band ‘Darts’ at the 100 Club 3 times. What an honour! I remember ‘Taping’ ‘Duke of Earl’ from the Top 40 when I was a kid. Hope they didn’t mind! 😉 Our band also played gigs with Kasabian, Turin Brakes and Mark Lammar being in the audiences. Unfortunately The band split early this year but Pat and I are now writing songs so let’s see what happens. I also play in another Rock and Roll band ‘Sammy Jo and The Red Flames’ with unbelievable talent and have played many gigs in the South including the Brentwood Festival.

I have a few friends who have their own radio shows who keep introducing me to fantastic artists and music. I am really grateful to Alan (Straughton) for giving me this opportunity to be a radio presenter playing classic songs from established rock and roll / rockabilly / country artists and introducing new artists who are currently on the scene.

Let’s Rock…and roll!