He found fame on the X Factor with band JLS and went on to claim six number one singles, but these days Marvin Humes is the one announcing the UK’s number ones rather than the one receiving them.
The host of the UK’s biggest radio chart show joined broadcasting legend Steve Lamacq last week to bring an inspiring Student Radio Conference to a close at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
The pair gave their unique insight on how to break into the industry, how to host a successful chart show and what it’s like to interview some of the planets biggest names in music as De Montfort Students' Union's (DSU) Demon FM hosted the annual conference.
They are both currently at the top of their game with Steve having the most listened to show on BBC Radio 6 Music and Marvin hosting the UK’s biggest chart show on Sunday evenings across 150 network stations.
Marvin’s chart show, the Vodafone Big Top 40, has 2.5million listeners, a show which he describes as the highlight of his working week.
He said: “To have experience both as an artist and as a radio presenter on the UK’s biggest chart show, is something which I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of.
“It feels strange being the one now announcing the UK’s number one, but to be that person, to tell 2.5million people who they’ve picked to be the number one, is a great responsibility to have.”
RELATED NEWS
James O'Brien, Mistajam and Christian O'Connell share radio experiences at DMU
Radio professionals predict DMU student will be famous
Industry names kick off radio conference with a bang
Marvin who also hosts Capital’s weekday late show was joined by producer Greg Hughes who’s had experience of producing the chart show, being responsible for ensuring the show goes out on all UK affiliated stations and also being at the Brit Awards to oversee outside broadcasts.
The pair took questions from students who are looking at going into both presenting and producing.
The best advice they could give was: “Have respect for the show you are presenting or producing.
“Have natural enthusiasm, enjoy what you’re doing and have everything planned to get the best results from your show.”
Steve Lamacq, who has a broadcasting career spanning 25 years currently has the most listened to chart show on BBC Radio 6 Music.
He hosted the final keynote session on Friday afternoon to bring the three day conference to a close.
One of Steve’s career highlights was when he first met Florence and the Machine’s, Florence Welch.
He said: “One of the highlights of my career was taking Florence Welch to the South By South-west Festival off the back of hearing two tracks off her first demo and we put her on at a gig, having never seen her live at this point.
“She was absolutely fantastic and after that she got a major record deal, but on the night it was spectacular for someone who’s so talented playing for the first time in front of an audience.
“I just fell in love with her talent and being part of that process and being able to put that out on the radio that night was just terrific.”
He opened up about some of his favourite artists and career interviews including Oasis’ Noel Gallagher – ‘one of the best’ he said, as well as The Streets and Bruce Springsteen.
He wasn’t also afraid to let slip on the artists which he doesn’t enjoy and some of the pet peeves of his job, but he reassured students that there’s nothing more fun despite its setbacks.
He said: “I have an amazing job and despite having such a great career, you will always come across people who will try to prevent you getting to where you want to be.
“Don’t let them get to you, pursue your dreams as much as you can and one day you’ll get that big break you’re looking for.”
Posted on Tuesday 25 April 2017