Kenny Hawkes

Pirate radio isn’t all crass euphemisms, cheesy rebellion rallies, suicide callers and shirtless Samantha Mathis. Right around the time Hard Harry pumped up the volume, Kenny Hawkes took control of the UK underground station Girls FM. Under his leadership, Girls FM grew to attract a million listeners a month and expanded its DJ roster from two (Hawkes included) to 22. Girls FM showcased its lineup each week at the London club Space, where Hawkes became a live spinning sensation. Space shut its doors years ago, and Girls FM is out of Hawkes’ hands, which leaves him more time to produce and tour. Hawkes’ sets include African rhythms, Latin beats and deep house grooves, the combination of which is as combustible as a trinket-stuffed microwave.