DJ Hermit

DJ Hermit's journey began in the mid-1990s when UK Garage was still finding its identity in underground clubs and pirate radio stations. Growing up in East London, he witnessed the evolution from speed garage to the shuffled rhythms that would define the sound.

Influenced by legends like EZ, Zed Bias, and MJ Cole, Hermit quickly developed his own distinctive style. He spent countless hours at Rhythm Division in Bow, East London, digging through crates, building relationships with selectors, and absorbing the culture that would shape his career.

Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, DJ Hermit became a fixture in the underground UK Garage scene. While the genre experienced mainstream success, he remained committed to the underground ethos—playing intimate club nights, warehouse raves, and pirate radio shows where the true spirit of garage lived.

His 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. From East London to Birmingham, Manchester to Bristol, his name became synonymous with quality garage music.

What sets DJ Hermit apart 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.

A vinyl purist, Hermit prefers the tactile connection and warm sound of records over digital formats. His collection spans thousands of records accumulated over decades—each with a story, whether it's a white label from a producer at a rave, a dubplate cut especially for him, or a classic pressing found at Rhythm Division. This deep connection to the physical format adds an authenticity to his sets that's increasingly rare.

Beyond selection, 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 energy and impact. He understands EQ control, knowing when to let the bass drop out to build tension and when to bring it back for maximum effect.

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

DJ Hermit's relationship with Big Drum Records goes back to the label's early days. He recognized in Big Drum a kindred spirit—a label committed to quality, authenticity, and the preservation of UK Garage culture. Over the years, this relationship has deepened, with Hermit becoming a key figure in the label's identity.

Through Big Drum Records, he's released several mix compilations and exclusive tracks showcasing his deep knowledge of the genre. His involvement extends beyond his own releases—he's been instrumental in A&R, helping discover and nurture new talent while ensuring Big Drum maintains its commitment to authentic UK Garage sounds.

As UK Garage has experienced a revival, DJ Hermit has found himself in a unique position. Having lived through the genre's golden era, he serves as a bridge between 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.

Hermit embraces this role as educator and ambassador. 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, and offering advice on mixing and selection. This generosity reflects the communal nature of the underground scene that shaped him.

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 a DJ's role is to be a curator and storyteller, using music to create an emotional journey that connects with the audience on a deeper level.

This philosophy extends to his business approach. 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 playing 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.

As UK Garage continues to evolve and reach new audiences, DJ Hermit remains committed to 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. 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.