DJ BenG, known for his warm disco-infused house mixes, brings a refreshing sound that aligns with the arrival of warmer summer weather. In discussing his creative journey, Ben openly addresses the challenges he faced in finding his artistic inspiration and highlights the importance of seeking support from the DJ community. This engagement has helped him tap into new ideas and influences, ultimately enriching his music.
Please introduce yourself to those unfamiliar with your DJ sound.
For those unfamiliar with my sound, my name is Ben Holtam, aka DJ BenG. I thrive on all things funky - whether it’s nu-disco, disco re-edits, funky house, or jackin’ house, my selections are always built around grooves that make you move.
This latest mix marks my seventh guest mix for Little South, but if I’m honest, this one was a challenge to put together. In fact, I think my last mix for the site was the last time I actually put together a set. Over the past year, I’ve really struggled creatively - I’ve found it difficult to turn on my decks, pick up my headphones, and get in the zone.
Tell us something positive to inspire future artists.
I couldn’t quite put my finger on why this was happening. Maybe it was the demands of work or just a general loss of creative spark. So, I did something I hadn’t done before—I reached out to my social media community and asked for advice. The support from other DJs was incredible, and one piece of advice in particular really stuck with me:
"Go back and listen to the tracks that got you into this music in the first place."
That advice was a game-changer.
What artists have inspired your DJ style?
“Back in the day,” I was a hip-hop head and scratch DJ. I loved digging deep for samples and breaks, tracing the DNA of classic records. When hip-hop’s golden age started fading, I naturally drifted into house music - but not just any house. I was drawn to tracks that sampled from the same funk, soul, and disco records I was already obsessed with.
That led me to a whole new appreciation for funky and soulful house, and it all came together when I discovered Danny Rampling’s Love Groove Dance Party on BBC Radio 1. It wasn’t just the music - it was the vibe, the spirit, the energy, and the celebration of everything soulful and uplifting. That show shaped my musical identity and my approach to DJing.
Talk us through your podcast mix track selection.
With that in mind, this guest mix is a reflection of my journey - a mix that takes me back to my roots and reminds me why I fell in love with this music in the first place. Expect funk-infused grooves, feel-good disco cuts, and house tracks packed with soulful energy.
It’s a mix that represents where I come from as a DJ and, hopefully, serves as a reminder to anyone facing a creative block - sometimes, the best way forward is to look back.
Let me know what you think, and most importantly, keep the funk alive!
Tracklist:
Bob Sinclar - Save Our Souls (BT’s Edit)
Michael Moog - That Sound (Full Intention Mix)
Barbara Tucker ft. Darryl D'Bonneau - Stop Playing With My Mind (Full Intention Mix)
Dave Lee ft. Tramps - Can't Get High Without U (Original Mix)
Klub Family, Sybil - When I Fall In Love feat. Sybil (Knee Deep Disco Club Mix)
King Unique - Love Is What You Need (Look Ahead) (Knee Deep Classic Club Mix)
Phunkie Souls - Tha Music (Knee Deep Club Mix)
Kings Of Tomorrow - Young Hearts (Extended Version)
Una Mas - I Will Follow You (Full Intention Club Mix)
Hardsoul, Ron Carroll - Back Together (Main Classic Mix)
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