So far, Ryan Swain has led an interesting and blessed life. In the U.K., the 32-year-old Yorkshireman is a well-known radio/TV presenter and DJ whose career remains on the ascent. Among other professional pursuits in media, Swain currently presents his Party Mix show each Saturday night on YorkMix Radio, and he spins anthemic tunes regularly in clubs and festivals around Britain.
But, because he underwent life-saving surgery as a toddler for a heart condition, Swain never forgets those less fortunate and is always one to use his celebrity to benefit a variety of charities.
With his humanitarianism in mind, not to mention the musical part of his career – which includes his latest track, a cover of Gala’s “Free from Desire” – DJ LIFE recently caught up with Ryan Swain.
DJ LIFE MAG: Creatively, how did you approach “Free from Desire”? What was the process of putting it together in the studio?
Ryan Swain: At events, I used to play Gala’s version, which always evoked a big reaction and a sing-a-long from the crowd. So, I wanted to have a go at creating my own version of the popular dance hit, so I laid down a vocal in a recording a studio, and started messing about with different variations of it on Fruity Loops. I then got my friend, fellow DJ and producer Zak, DJ Z, to compile a final mix of the cover and he worked wonders on it creating the final version of the remix we have.
DJ LIFE MAG: Musically, what were your first influences?
Ryan Swain: I have a few influences in music and especially DJing. My favorite DJs have to be Dave Pearce, Paul Oakenfold and Fatboy Slim – his energy matches only mine. As well as the music, his shows are spectacular and, as a DJ, those are the kind of shows I aspire to put on. In terms of production and music, I’m a huge fan of Bob Sinclar and I remember hearing “Love Generation” for the first time on a holiday. My parents took us on to Crete and sat in a swimming pool thinking that these are the kind of tunes I aspire to make.
DJ LIFE MAG: What else was going on musically in Britain when you were a kid?
Ryan Swain: I grew up in the golden era of the ’90s when Eurodance dominated “Top of the Pops,” and Britpop swept the world. I remember getting to the age of 11, the new millennium had started, a new wave of club, trance and dance music started to take over the world, especially the U.K and Europe. I remember watching the film, “Kevin & Perry Go Large,” for the first time and being massively inspired by the soundtrack to that movie.
DJ LIFE MAG: That’s a treasure trove of dance music…
Ryan Swain: That’s where I first found and heard DJs like Tiësto, Lange, Matt Darey, Groove Armada, Y-Traxx, David Morales and Mauro Picotto. It also introduced me to Ibiza and super clubs and brands like Amnesia, Pacha, Ministry of Sound and Cafe Mambo, and straight away fell in love with trance and the euphoria around it. Then following that, I bought my first Clubland CD [U.K. dance compilation] and every one I went to school and college with loved it, and so did I. I remember first hearing Kelly Llorenna and thinking, “Wow, what a voice!” And having a teenage crush on Natalie [Horler] from Cascada, who I now have the privilege to be alongside at events and festivals.
DJ LIFE MAG: Seems like things worked out… Did your parents listen to good music?
Ryan Swain: So, in terms of musical influences, I have a lot, as my parents listened to a lot of ’80s electronic music, such as Bronski Beat, Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, New Order and Pet Shop Boys – and I was brought up with that style of music. David Bowie is a massive inspiration of mine. I’m also a huge fan of guitar music and try to incorporate popular remixes of indie anthems into my sets.
DJ LIFE MAG: Why pursue making music?
Ryan Swain: I wanted to pursue a career in music because I know how good music and tunes make me feel, so I wanted to create that sensation and give that feeling and satisfaction to the masses like my DJing heroes have done. I think music is majorly important in everyday life. It can change mood, mindset and can give inspiration to a lot of people’s lives. It can create and evoke emotions of all kinds.
DJ LIFE MAG: How do you balance your career as a presenter with DJing? Obviously, your on-camera time has given you a known profile in the U.K. – what do fans expect from your DJ gigs?
Ryan Swain: I balance it really well. I’m also a father of identical twin daughters and have them half a week as well. They love music and love it when I have a mix. They dance around to it and are showing interest in mixing, so I’ve started letting them have a go on the crossfader fading in tunes. Yeah, TV and radio have helped me; however, I find I gain more of a following and have better engagement with a live audience at an event or festival. My fans expect high energy, big anthems and good vibes only.
DJ LIFE MAG: You had a health crisis early in your life – you had surgery as a youth to correct a heart defect – and you’ve been very active in charity work… how important is that work to you and how has DJing fit into those endeavors?
Swain: I was basically given a second chance at life. So that is very precious, and I’ve grasped it with both hands and swore an oath, even as a child, I’d live my life to its maximum potential, make every day count and help as many people as I can along the way. If I can use my so-called celebrity and name to make a difference to the less fortunate and the people who are in need, then I’m going to do it. Musicians and names in entertainment even DJs are often mislabeled as attention-seekers or conceited individuals and that whole culture often gets tarnished by selfishness, but if I can use my name I’ve worked hard to get to help others, raise money and awareness for charities and those who need aid, listen and make a difference to other people’s lives, I’m going to do it – it’s a no brainer!
DJ LIFE MAG: What was it like in the U.K. for you during lockdown? Any stories?
Ryan Swain: The pandemic has been a very negative time for many; but for myself, it was actually one of the most exciting creative periods of my life as I rekindled a lot of old passions, especially mixing. During the lockdown via my social media, Instagram, Facebook and Zoom, I helped to raise over £25,000 for various charities just from doing DJ sets virtually. I was playing in large Facebook groups across Europe, which is where multi-genre DJs benefit, as I was getting a lot of sets playing different genres of music. I also had a spiritual awakening, found Zen, became more natural and resourceful, and got back into old, past times, such as skateboarding and art.
DJ LIFE MAG: How has it been for you to be returning to the clubs?
Ryan Swain: I was streaming, using platforms like Twitch, Spotify, Soundcloud, Facebook, Instagram Live and Zoom. I found it to be very bizarre, but enjoyed it as equally playing to the masses at clubs, events and festivals. It was a great pass in a dark time. For me, you can’t beat a real event. Actually seeing people for real and physically raving to your music is the best feeling in the world. So, I’m so happy for everybody in the industry that we are finally getting back to normality.
DJ LIFE MAG: What’s your DJ gear evolution been like?
Ryan Swain: I had a Pioneer DJ DDJ-XDJ3 all-in-one unit with rekordbox and some KRK Rokit monitor speakers that I sold. I also had a set of old Pioneer CDJ-800s that I sold as well. My favorite software for messing about and having a mix has to be VirtualDJ and my go-to hardware when I’m performing at shows is Pioneer DJ CDJ-2000NXS all the way. I also use a Sennheiser microphone.
DJ LIFE MAG: How would you describe your DJing style?
Ryan Swain: I’m a multi-genre DJ heavily influenced by clubland and trance anthems.
DJ LIFE MAG: What are three tracks that you might play any night you’re on the decks?
Ryan Swain: Olive’s “You’re Not Alone.” I like the tune because it has such a profound meaning. If and when I get married it will definitely be my wedding song. N Trance’s “Set You Free.” It’s a timeless classic that still electrifies audiences of all ages now. I love the euphoria of it. Way Out West’s “The Gift.” It’s just such a big tune and can really play on your emotions you can lose in it, which I like. I like the trippy-ness of it. It’s cosmic.
DJ LIFE MAG: Which producer/remixers do you most admire and why?
Ryan Swain: Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, David Guetta, Mark Ronson, Joel Corry, and Chris Henry/Ultrabeat.
DJ LIFE MAG: Which DJs do you admire and why?
Ryan Swain: The DJ I have the most admiration for and can relate to in terms of style, charisma and likeability has to be Carl Cox.
DJ LIFE MAG: What’s next for you?
Ryan Swain: This year, 2022, is a huge year. I am currently hosting and playing sold-out shows with Clubingo across the England and Wales, selling out bingo halls. I am also playing big festivals in the U.K. this summer, including Rock the Park in Wrexham with Scooter, Cascada, Basshunter, SASH, The VengaBoys and many more dance artists. I haven’t announced all of my festivals yet, but will be announcing them in the coming weeks on my social media pages.
DJ LIFE MAG: So, you’ve got opportunities TV as well, right? Music and TV, lots going on there…
Ryan Swain: I have been attending lots of TV auditions to break through into primetime and mainstream television as a host and reality star. I have also been attending a lot of red-carpet events and have invitations to some amazing events within the industry. I attended the BRIT Awards 2022 at the O2 Arena in February and was hanging out with the stars. I felt like something musically was changing, so I want to ride that wave and it has given me a lot of drive as DJ and performer to take my music to that level. I have great feelings about 2022 and want to take it to the next level both musically and fundamentally, so I am prepared to put in the hard work to get it there and will continue to do what I am doing and not lose momentum.
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