Interviews

Jack Gascoigne, Communications Director of BillyChip, introduces the charity’s first standalone Bristol fundraiser, headlined by James Hype across three rooms. Founded in 2019 in memory of his friend Billy, BillyChip lets donors buy £2 tokens that rough sleepers redeem for essentials. Having grown through the pandemic, the charity is directing tonight’s proceeds toward building micro-homes with Help Bristol’s Homeless, aiming to fund several new units if the event sells out.

Jez Sweetland, Project Director of the Housing Festival, outlines the organisation's mission as an independent "think and do tank" sparking housing innovation. Drawing on his background in corporate law and inspired by Bristol’s housing challenges, he focuses on system-wide change. The Housing Festival drives delivery of social, council, and sub-market key worker homes. Rooted in social justice, it unites local, regional, and national partners to tackle housing inequality and homelessness.

Nicola, a vicar in Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston and chaplain for housing, supports people experiencing homelessness across Bristol. She co-organises an annual Bristol Cathedral service honouring those who have died while homeless, and works with Justlife to improve temporary accommodation. Nicola highlights how schemes like BillyChip restore dignity, kindness, and visibility, while urging for more affordable housing and stronger citywide support.

Andy Sherman of Team Shermanology is in Bristol supporting James’s charity event alongside Dorothy, driven by a shared love of giving back. Delighted to reconnect with the city, Andy looks forward to James’s set and the show's technical craft. Reflecting on music’s future, he notes that while the metaverse didn't become the expected staple, shifts like AI are inevitable, urging artists to embrace and harness emerging technology rather than fight it.

Dorothy Sherman of Shermanology speaks from Bristol’s iconic Beacon ahead of attending her first James Hype show. Excited to see him perform, she turns to the future of the music industry, pointing to AI artists as a defining shift. While recognising the challenges this brings, Dorothy remains hopeful that the industry will steer AI to benefit musicians and elevate their creative work.

Alexis Knox shares her excitement about DJing at Bristol’s iconic Beacon for the first time, celebrating the city's vibrant nightlife and creative scene. Eager to catch James Hype’s set, she urges the music industry to embrace tech like AI and streaming rather than fear it. Her performance features a remix of Tinie Tempah and Abby Flynn’s “Closer,” alongside a dedicated push to champion BillyChip and support those living without stable housing.

Abby Flynn speaks backstage at Bristol Beacon ahead of supporting James Hype for BillyChip. Marking her venue debut and midnight birthday, the milestone feels cosmically aligned. Abby reflects on her dance music career, having voiced well-known house tracks without initial credit. After a producer recently tracked her down to right the past, she is finally gaining the formal recognition she deserves, unlocking larger stages and higher-profile performances.

Performing as DJ Haskell, James Haskell is supporting James Hype at Bristol Beacon to raise funds for BillyChip and support homeless people. A longtime fan of Hype since watching his rise in Ibiza, Haskell plans to deliver a tech house set featuring crowd favourites like “Perfect Sound” and unreleased tracks like “The Heat.” Backed by 12 years behind the decks, 30 releases, and an upcoming record label, he aims to keep expanding his sound and connecting with dedicated dance music crowds.