The Blindboy Podcast The medieval origins of 2fm Radio DJ voice
Dec 10, 2025
Delve into the distinctive Irish DJ voice and its surprising medieval origins. Discover how early recording technology molded speech, leading to high-pitched deliveries. Uncover the African-American roots of spoken word and the impact of nightclub culture on radio presentation. Explore the comparison between town criers and radio DJs, plus the unique tonal communication of Irish bouncers. Reflect on the evolution of cultural expression from communal gatherings to algorithm-driven spaces, and the urgent need to preserve fading oral traditions.
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Microphones Shaped Radio Voice
- Blindboyboatclub links broadcast “radio voice” to microphone technology and performance choices made to out-sound in-studio presenters.
- Early weak mics forced nasal delivery, while condenser mics allowed intimate, low crooning and new spoken-word styles.
Nightclub Roots Of DJ Delivery
- Blindboyboatclub argues nightclub DJs adapted an amplified, musical speech to cut through loud rooms and later carried it to radio.
- Removed from the club context this performance voice now sounds absurdly out of place on broadcast.
Let Interviews Wander Before Editing
- Avoid constraining interviews to a rigid question sheet; allow conversation to drift naturally.
- Edit digitally afterwards rather than forcing tight in-session control.
