An interview with last year’s Mixcloud Online Radio Awards winner DJ MoCity

Published: April 25, 2018

In case you missed it, the 2018 Mixcloud Online Radio Awards are now officially open for submissions. But be quick: there are now only two days left to enter so head over to our new-look website and nominate yourself, or nominate the shows, stations and personalities you love before entries close at midnight on Thursday. Find out more at mora.fm.

The shortlists will be announced on Thursday 10 May.

As part of our series looking back at last year’s winners, we turn to one of the hardest working and most passionate personalities in the entire online radio business, DJ MoCity. Not only is he the host of an award-winning radio show with ‘Motellacast’, DJ MoCity – otherwise known simply as ‘Mo’ – is the proud co-founder of an online radio station based in New Delhi called ‘Boxout.fm‘.

2017 Mixcloud Online Radio Awards winner DJ MoCity
2017 Mixcloud Online Radio Awards winner DJ MoCity

Entering the scene in April 2017, it’s hard not to be impressed by what Mo and his counterparts at Boxout.fm have achieved in the little time they’ve been on air. From the ‘Boxout Weekender’, which celebrated the city’s first birthday, to hosting a takeover with Boiler Room, the station has become the most forward-thinking radio station in India and is now a gateway to the country’s alternative music and culture scene.

Last year, Mo’s Motellacast show deservedly picked up the gong for ‘Best Online Music Show: Hip Hop / RnB / Afrobeats’. We caught up with him to find out more about the show and his thoughts on the world of online radio:

Tell us a bit about Motellacast.

Having started off as a weekly series, Motellacast is a homage to the sounds that shape my world – music that has defined my life as a DJ, promoter, label-owner and entrepreneur in India and abroad. The show draws inspiration from the likes of Andrew Jervis, Joe Kay and LeFtO.

What do you love most about online radio?

I love how remotely operational the whole idea is. I have pretty much recorded, uploaded and streamed my show from a moving bus, on a plane and inside a club all thanks to the magic of the internet. I never really had access to traditional radio growing up, so for me it all started with online radio. Subnav.com was my first channel of discovery. They even sent me sticker pack once.

What most excites you about the future of online radio?

Being able to collaborate, connect and reach people from all over the world. It’s so amazing when people you have never met or knew about hit you up and say that this show has had some positive impact on their life. With online radio we have a virtual dance space and a virtual listenership that is loyal and up for all kinds of new sounds and vibes. This is great for anyone who might not be able to connect with a fanbase on the dance floor or in their city.

Why does something like the Mixcloud Online Radio Awards matter?

It does for sure. I was able to reach some new folks, discover some other folks, friend up a bunch of people who vibe the same music I do.

What’s next for Motellacast and DJ MoCity?

The show will be moving back to being a weekly show from it’s current monthly frequency.

You can follow DJ MoCity’s Motellacast show on Mixcloud:

Interested in entering this year’s awards? You can also find out more about the Mixcloud Online Radio Awards with our seven reasons you should enter.

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