Pete Tong on 'Evolution,' Blurred Lines Between Hip-Hop and EDM

Pete Tong is a household name from across the pond that discovers DJs and catapults them to fame with a slingshot release on his long-running radio show on the BBC. Now Tong has brought his sonic pizzazz and immaculate taste with ‘Evolution,’ a series, which has just become Clear Channel’s first terrestrial EDM station in Boston, after successfully launching in New York on iHeartRadio, followed by his “All Gone” tour in December, which will see more dates during Ultra Music Festival in Miami. It’s all gone, Pete Tong? For the lord of DJs—never.

VIBE: How does your show, ‘Evolution’ differ from your BBC show?
Pete Tong: ‘Evolution’ is going to be like running a mini radio station, a playlist and be able to hammer the new music home on a daily basis. Musically it won’t be that different but I'll be very conscious of the homegrown U.S. talent.

How do you cater to an American audience?
There is no point giving them spoonfuls of what they have in abundance. I'll be using my influence and experience to shine the spotlight on the next level, the future... we will take a few risks.

What do you think dance music in America is lacking?
A few different angles and dimensions but it's coming

Tell us about the “All Gone” tour?
It was a big night celebrating Pacha's 7th b-day, no mean feat for a club in NYC!! Look for more 'All Gone Pete Tong' parties at Miami Ultra Week

You’ve made many DJs' careers by premiering them on your show, who are some of the biggest to date?
Carl Cox, Sasha, Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers, Luciano, Sven Väth, Loco Dice, Marco Carola, Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler, Laurent Garnier, shall I go on ?

Who’s next in your opinion?
Hot Natured, Julio Bashmore, Richy Ahmed, Deetron, Porter Robinson

Who do you dig in hip-hop?
Frank Ocean has mesmerized me. Drake, Tyler the Creator, Q-Tip, Rakim, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Public Enemy, Salt n Pepa

What are your thoughts on labels like Roc Nation signing DJs such as Sander van Doorn?
They can't resist the juicy red apple in the Garden of Eden!

Do you feel the lines blurring is a good thing?
You can't stop it.

How are you going to do both shows at once and tour?
Time machine.