Coldcut's Matt Black reveals what attracted them to Resonance FM

My ex-missus turned me on to Resonance about five years ago. She said there was this excellent station playing a really diverse selection of music. I listened, was impressed and asked them whether they'd be interested in hosting our Coldcut and friends mix show, Solid Steel.

There's a definite alternative spirit to the station. Which is what we like to think we're about too. The main strength of London is its cultural diversity, and that should be reflected in its radio stations. And although it is generally understood that the alternative sector provides ideas for the mainstream and energises it, it doesn't get enough support.

I'm always struck by a show like Calling All Pensioners and how different it is to most talk radio. It's a real breath of fresh air, despite the fact that some of the views expressed on it are close to the edge of what's acceptable. It proves that real people are interesting if you give them the chance to express themselves.

Recently the [avant-jazz] Sun Ra Arkestra were in London, and they were invited on to Resonance. They're the type of band who'd never be given that kind of opportunity anywhere else, despite the fact that they're this amazing band with an incredible history.

Best of all is the fact that, because of the internet, you can listen to Resonance in all these different countries. There are plenty of interesting things out there, it's just that we're not exposed to most of them because the people in control want to leave power in their hands.