AIL Meets Kiss FM’s Neev Spencer

Neev Spencer has been a prime time Kiss FM DJ for eight years, attracting 1.7 million listeners to her afternoon show with her unique, London-centric mix of dance, R&B, hip-hop, house and old skool. Voted DJ of the Year at the Asian Music Awards in 2012, Neev is currently a judge on the London Designer Centre’s Music Talent Search competition, from which one winner will be awarded the first ever official year-long busking slot at Wembley Park, located right next to Wembley Stadium. We caught up with Neev to talk about DJing, shopping and all things London.

You’ve been a prime time presenter on Kiss FM for eight years. Can you tell us a little about the highs and the lows of what must be an ultimate job?
The highs would definitely include meeting all the incredible people in the industry that I’ve worked with over the years and interviewing so many big acts and stars. I would say that for me personally it’s all about when I get to meet my listeners at my gigs and Kiss events. To know that I play a part in getting them through their week or put a smile on their faces when things get hard is why I love my job so much. The lows come with the pressure that being in such a prime time position brings. The late nights, the lack of sleep and the constant energy that’s required are the only hard part to this job.

If you could present a show with anyone past or present who would it be and why?
I really enjoy presenting with my co-host AJ King. Here and there we cover breakfast and drive on Kiss. I would love to present a show with Ant and Dec - I think that would be loads of fun, you never know, they may do radio one day!

You’re a judge on the panel for London’s Music Talent Search, organised by the London Designer Outlet. Why do you think music and fashion are so intrinsically linked in London?
London is quite simply one of the coolest cities in the world, we have such a vast cultural makeup and this really adds to the diversity. Those clashing cultures and upbringings bring such a rich variety in fashion and music. I grew up listening to a mix of classic Indian music, The Gypsy kings, Michael Jackson and then went through a huge rock stage. I then found my feet with dance music. I think that in a city like this you can be whoever you want to be and set your own trends. You don’t let the city define you, you let it enhance you. I’ve always felt us Brits have a lot more grit than other countries and this depth really comes out in our music and fashion tastes.

As a DJ you must hear new music all the time. Aside from the talent search are there any up-and-coming bands/artists that readers should be looking out for?
I totally love London Grammar and Clean Bandit - it’s going to be a big year for both of those acts but apart from that I’m really into my House music so artists like LoxtonUK who are brand new really excite me. The new Sub Focus album sounds incredible too.

So, the London Designer Outlet is running the Music Talent Search. Where does a Kiss FM DJ go to shop in London?
The shops that I know I will be spending most of my time in are Nike and Guess. I’m really into my fitness and Nike just always get the sportswear look right, not just to train in but also to make fashion statements in. Guess exude femininity and are above everything else my favourite women's wear brand.

Now for the London-centric quick fire round!

Favourite thing about London and why?
The diversity

Worst thing about London and why?
People that dawdle on Oxford street!

Favourite London landmark and why?
The Natural History Museum – it’s just the most beautiful building.

Song that reminds you most of London and why?
It’s a London thing the old skool Garage tune.

Best place to dance in London?
Wherever I’m DJing ;) No, Kisstory at the Indig02, our monthly night.

Best place to eat in London?
Chakra in Notting Hill.

Do you have any secret London gems that most people don’t know about?
Chakra in Notting Hill for me is the best Indian in London. And the rooftop on 37 degrees gym in West Kensington is the best place to do Yoga.

We end with the toughest question of all time. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?

Ha! Wow… You’ve got me… Michael Jackson Human Nature.. umm can I change that.. lol!


Kiss FM DJ Neev is a judge for London Designer Outlet’s Music Talent Search. London Designer Outlet has launched a local and London-wide search for budding musicians looking to break into the music industry. The winner will be awarded the first ever exclusive official busking slot at Wembley Park for 2004. The competition closes on 31 January. For details of how to enter, visit www.london-designer-outlet.com...


Keep up to date with Neev:
- Facebook
- @neevofficial