Radio DJ Eastman Departs from Kool London Station
After 31 years of shaping the UK's electronic dance music landscape, Kool FM and Kool London, two iconic radio stations, are set to undergo a significant change. The founders, Eastman and Suzy G, have announced their retirement and the passing of ownership to a new team under the name "Kool The Next Level."
A Rich History
Kool FM, launched in 1991 by Eastman, was a driving force in the early days of jungle and drum and bass music. The station quickly gained recognition as a key platform for underground music genres, providing exposure for emerging artists and DJs, and influencing London's music culture deeply.
The station's roster of DJs and MCs in its heyday was a who's who of the jungle scene, featuring names like Mampi Swift, Brockie, Det, Shy FX, Skibadee, Shabba D, DJ Ron, Bryan Gee, Funky Flirt, DJ Probe, Navigator, Logan D, Crissy Criss, The Ragga Twins, and many more.
Selling Out Renowned Venues
Kool FM hosted their own events, with their Jungle Fever dances regularly selling out renowned London venues such as The Astoria, Coronet, Ministry Of Sound, and Electric Brixton. Super Sundays on 'Kool with a K' was essential listening for all junglists in the 90's.
Moving Forward
In 2000, Kool FM went online and rebranded as Kool London, reaching a global audience. The station continued to adapt, embracing a broadened sound that included drum and bass, garage, and other electronic music styles. DJs such as Fabio and Bukem were crucial figures in shaping this tempo and style that defined a new direction in UK dance music.
Kool FM will be relocating to a new studio on the 1st of January 2023 for a month to give the new team time to meet everyone, sort out the Rota, and prepare new Websites, Socials, and promotion for the relaunch. The station has stated that this is not the end but a new beginning for the station, under new ownership.
A Legacy of Gratitude
Eastman and Suzy G have expressed their love and respect for the DJs, MCs, and listeners who have been a part of Kool over the past 31 years. They have also expressed gratitude towards those who have helped with the running of Kool over the years, including Tentun, Dan Darkness, Jack knife, Old skool & Uno.
The founders will work with the new owners for a minimum of 5 years in the background to ensure a smooth transition. Kool FM has been expressing gratitude towards its listeners for their support over the past 31 years, and this sentiment is echoed by Eastman and Suzy G as they pass the torch to the next generation.
[1] DWRT-FM, a radio station in the Philippines, is unrelated to Kool FM/Kool London.
[2] [3] [4] Sources for further reading will be added upon the relaunch of Kool The Next Level.
- As Kool FM evolves into Kool The Next Level, the station will broaden its horizons to include new sections like home-and-garden and lifestyle, alongside its established entertainment and music segments.
- Amidst the changing landscape, Kool London's founders, Eastman and Suzy G, anticipate their retirement with excitement, envisioning future listeners enjoying the station's legendary electronic music in a more comprehensive lifestyle context.
