DJ Hermit is a name that resonates deeply within the UK garage community. Not just as a DJ, but as a guardian of the culture, a selector with an encyclopedic knowledge of the genre, and a performer who understands that UK garage is more than music—it's a feeling, a movement, a way of life. For over two decades, DJ Hermit has been at the forefront of the underground scene, keeping the authentic spirit of 2-step garage alive through his impeccable selections and technical prowess behind the decks.

The Early Days: Discovering UK Garage

DJ Hermit's journey into UK garage began in the mid-1990s when the genre was still finding its identity in the underground clubs and pirate radio stations of the UK. Growing up in Bedfordshire, he was exposed to the raw energy of the emerging garage scene through local raves and warehouse parties. Unlike many who came to the genre later, DJ Hermit was there from the beginning, witnessing the evolution from speed garage to the shuffled 2-step rhythms that would define the sound.

His early influences came from legendary DJs like EZ, Zed Bias, and MJ Cole, but DJ Hermit quickly developed his own distinctive style. He spent countless hours in record shops like Big Drum Records, digging through crates of vinyl, building relationships with other selectors, and absorbing the culture.

The Underground Years: Building a Reputation

Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, DJ Hermit became a fixture in the underground UK garage scene. While the genre was experiencing mainstream success, he remained committed to the underground ethos, playing at intimate club nights, warehouse raves, and pirate radio shows where the true spirit of garage lived. His sets were characterised by deep cuts, rare dubplates, and a mixing style that was both technically flawless and emotionally resonant.

DJ Hermit's reputation grew through word of mouth—the most authentic form of recognition in underground music. Promoters knew that booking DJ Hermit meant guaranteeing a night of pure, unadulterated UK garage. His ability to read a crowd, build energy throughout a set, and drop the perfect track at the perfect moment made him a sought-after selector across the UK. From Bedfordshire to London, Birmingham to Manchester, DJ Hermit's name became synonymous with quality garage music.

The Art of Selection: DJ Hermit's Approach

What sets DJ Hermit apart from many DJs is his approach to selection. For him, DJing isn't about playing the biggest tracks or following trends—it's about telling a story, taking the audience on a journey through the rich history and diverse sounds of UK garage. His sets seamlessly blend classic 2-step anthems with deep, underground cuts that even the most dedicated garage heads might not know. This balance between the familiar and the obscure creates an experience that's both nostalgic and fresh.

DJ Hermit is a vinyl purist, preferring the tactile connection and warm sound of records over digital formats. His collection spans thousands of records, accumulated over decades of digging and trading. Each record has a story, a memory attached to it—whether it's a white label he picked up from a producer at a rave, a dubplate cut especially for him, or a classic pressing he found in a dusty record shop. This deep connection to the physical format adds an authenticity to his sets that's increasingly rare in the digital age.

Technical Mastery: The Craft of Mixing

Beyond his selection skills, DJ Hermit is renowned for his technical ability. His mixing is precise yet creative, using the full range of DJ techniques—cutting, blending, double drops, and rewinds—to maximize the energy and impact of each track. He understands the importance of EQ control, knowing when to let the bass drop out to build tension and when to bring it back in for maximum impact. His transitions are seamless, creating a continuous flow that keeps the dancefloor moving from start to finish.

DJ Hermit's technical prowess extends to his understanding of sound systems. Having played on everything from small club setups to massive festival rigs, he knows how to adjust his mixing and track selection to suit the acoustics of any venue. This adaptability, combined with his deep knowledge of the music, makes him equally effective in an intimate basement club or a large outdoor event.

Big Drum Records: A Perfect Partnership

DJ Hermit's relationship with Big Drum Records goes back to the label's early days. As both a DJ and a supporter of the underground scene, he recognised in Big Drum Records a kindred spirit—a label committed to quality, authenticity, and the preservation of UK garage culture. Over the years, this relationship has deepened, with DJ Hermit becoming not just an artist on the roster but a key figure in the label's identity.

Through Big Drum Records, DJ Hermit has released several mix compilations and exclusive tracks that showcase his deep knowledge of the genre. These releases serve as time capsules, documenting the evolution of UK garage while highlighting lesser-known gems that deserve wider recognition. His involvement with the label extends beyond his own releases—he's been instrumental in A&R, helping to discover and nurture new talent while ensuring that Big Drum Records maintains its commitment to authentic UK garage sounds.

The UK Garage Revival: Bridging Generations

As UK garage has experienced a revival in recent years, DJ Hermit has found himself in a unique position. Having lived through the genre's golden era, he serves as a bridge between the old school and the new generation of garage fans. His sets educate younger audiences about the genre's history while showing veteran ravers that the spirit of UK garage is still alive and thriving.

DJ Hermit has embraced this role as an educator and ambassador for UK garage culture. He's known for taking time to talk to younger DJs and producers, sharing knowledge about the genre's history, pointing them toward classic tracks they should know, and offering advice on mixing and selection. This generosity of spirit reflects the communal nature of the underground scene that shaped him—a scene where knowledge was shared freely and respect was earned through dedication to the craft.

Residencies and Notable Performances

Throughout his career, DJ Hermit has held residencies at some of the UK's most respected underground venues. These regular slots have allowed him to develop a loyal following and refine his craft in front of audiences who understand and appreciate authentic UK garage. His monthly residencies have become institutions in their own right, drawing crowds from across the country who know they're guaranteed a night of quality music and positive vibes.

Beyond his residencies, DJ Hermit has performed at major UK garage events and festivals, sharing stages with legends of the genre. Whether it's a intimate club night or a large-scale festival, his approach remains the same—respect the music, respect the crowd, and deliver a set that honours the culture of UK garage. His performances are characterised by high energy, technical precision, and a genuine love for the music that's infectious.

Philosophy and Approach to DJing

For DJ Hermit, DJing is about more than technical skill or having the latest tracks—it's about understanding the culture, respecting the history, and creating moments of collective joy on the dancefloor. He believes that a DJ's role is to be a curator and a storyteller, using music to create an emotional journey that connects with the audience on a deeper level than just making them dance.

This philosophy extends to his approach to the business side of DJing. DJ Hermit has remained independent and true to his principles, never compromising his sound or style to chase mainstream success. He's turned down lucrative bookings that would have required him to play music outside his genre, preferring to maintain his integrity and the trust of his audience. This commitment to authenticity has earned him respect throughout the UK garage community and beyond.

The Future: Keeping the Spirit Alive

As UK garage continues to evolve and reach new audiences, DJ Hermit remains committed to his mission of preserving and promoting authentic garage culture. He sees the current revival not as a trend but as an opportunity to introduce a new generation to the music and values that have sustained the scene for decades. Through his DJing, his work with Big Drum Records, and his mentorship of younger artists, he's ensuring that the spirit of UK garage will continue to thrive.

Looking ahead, DJ Hermit plans to continue doing what he does best—playing quality UK garage music to appreciative audiences, discovering and supporting new talent, and maintaining the standards of excellence that have defined his career. For him, success isn't measured in social media followers or mainstream recognition, but in the smiles on the dancefloor, the respect of his peers, and the knowledge that he's played a part in keeping UK garage culture alive and vibrant.

DJ Hermit represents the best of UK garage culture—authentic, skilled, passionate, and committed to the underground ethos that made the genre special. Whether you're a longtime garage head or new to the scene, experiencing a DJ Hermit set is a masterclass in what UK garage is all about.