Phil Taggart

Phil Taggart
Born Philip Taggart
1987
Omagh, Northern Ireland, UK
Occupation Radio presenter and Disc jockey

Philip Taggart is a Northern Irish radio presenter on BBC Radio 1.

Early life

Taggart played bass in the band Colenso Parade[1] for nine years from the age of 15. The band went on several tours throughout the UK and supported the likes of Richard Hawley, Dirty Pretty Things and The View.

He began writing for music magazine Alternative Ulster at the age of 17.

Early radio career

While studying at the University of Ulster, Taggart won the BBC/Skillset Young Broadcaster of the Year award.

In 2008, Taggart helped set up and worked behind the scenes on the Omagh community radio station Strule FM. The station went on to pick up an award at the 2009 Sony Radio Academy Awards.[2]

In 2010, Taggart was asked to stand in for regular presenter Rigsy on BBC Radio Ulster's Across the Line programme after taking part in a work experience scheme. After that he went on to cover on Across The Line regularly.

BBC Radio 1

In December 2011, Taggart became the host of BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland as part of Radio 1's regional output. The programme, broadcast on Monday nights, showcased new music in Northern Ireland.

Taggart also began appearing on some of the Radio 1's national programmes, covering for Sara Cox, Huw Stephens, Dev and Gemma Cairney.

Starting Monday 7 January 2013, Taggart, alongside Alice Levine, took over the prestigious 10 pm-midnight show, Monday to Thursday, on Radio 1. The show was described by the BBC as "an energetic mix of specialist and upfront new music, entertainment and guests."[3]

With Annie Mac taking over Zane Lowe's weekday programme, Taggart was given her Sunday night show (10pm to midnight). This is in addition to his Thursday night programme (9 - 10pm).

Television work

Taggart appeared as part of the BBC Three television coverage of Radio 1's Big Weekend 2013, which was held in Derry. He was also the face of BBC Northern Ireland's television coverage.

On Thursday 19 December 2013, Taggart fronted Christmas on Benefits, a documentary on BBC Three in which he travelled to Bristol to meet a group of young jobseekers, and set them the mission of organising a Christmas party on a benefits budget.[4]

Hometown Records

Taggart owns an independent record label called Hometown Records. The label released Raise Your Love, an EP by Rhodes on 28 October 2013.[5] They have gone on to sign and release music from Rat Boy, Speelburg, Love Ssega with more on the way throughout 2015.

References

  1. "Radio 1 DJ Phil Taggart Goes National". Belfast Music. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  2. "Six major award successes for community radio at the Sonys". Community Media Association. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  3. "Phil Taggart and Alice Levine to host prestigious 10pm-midnight show on BBC Radio 1". BBC Media Centre. BBC. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
  4. "Christmas on Benefits". BBC Three. BBC. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  5. "Introducing RHODES". Hometown Records. Retrieved 17 January 2014.

External links