12/02/2025
Charlie Powell is a London-based DJ and radio selector for the mighty Capital Dance station. Her love affair with dance music began at the age of 14 when she discovered the genre through radio, sparking a passion that would shape her career.
From setting up a school radio station in her teens to now hosting the UKs biggest dance breakfast show every weekday from 7-11am, Charlie brings her infectious, upbeat energy to the UK every morning. As a DJ, Charlie has climbed the ranks massively over the past two years, cementing her place in the dance music scene.
This summer, shes shared the hallowed 1s and 2s alongside the likes of Bicep, Sonny Fodera, and Gorgon City, showcasing her undeniable talent. With her name firmly on the rise, Charlie is definitely one to watch right now. Here we welcome her debut release, Act A Fool. A straight up club weapon with a sultry, bumpy groove, old skool synth stabs and a great vocal that adds bundles of character!
Q: Please introduce yourself
Hi! I’m Charlie Powell, a DJ, Broadcaster and producer based in London. Proper muso through & through!
Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?
Oof, there are so many, but probably Carl Cox. I’d have so many questions. Carl’s been there and done it all, never losing sight of what he loves playing music, breaking new tunes, and just celebrating life. Inspiring! And true legend in the scene.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Probably the ability to teleport wherever I wanted, at any time. I absolutely love travelling and would love to be able to get to places quickly, especially Japan, which is so far my favourite place ever. It’d also be amazing for getting to gigs, taking away the trains, planes, taxis and driving!
Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?
I wouldn't really know where to start with this!
Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?
In terms of broadcasting and DJing, it has to be Annie Mac. She inspired me to pursue my career in music, broadcast DJing, and production. Watching how she connected with audiences and shaped the dance music scene as it moved into the mainstream was so inspiring. She was the first woman I heard sharing dance music on the radio and the first woman I ever saw live in a club. Her passion for championing new music and giving emerging artists a national platform was actually how I discovered dance music in the first place, which made me want to do the same.
Plus, I've always loved her taste when playing live. She truly paved the way for, not just me, but many women in this industry. I was always passionate about music, but I’d never even imagined it could be a career path until watching Annie do it!
Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?
My journey has always been driven by a deep passion for music and sharing it with others. From as early as I can remember, I was determined to turn that love into a career and I worked relentlessly to make it happen. Working for free, working 3 jobs at a time, late nights, graveyard shifts, trying again and again after some hard no’s. There was never really a Plan B for me!
Growing up in a rural area with no clubs or music scene, radio became my gateway to music. It was through radio that I discovered dance music, and that spark set everything in motion. From those early influences, I found my path through broadcast, DJing and making music and I feel incredibly fortunate to now call it my job!
Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?
I think this is something a lot of people in creative industries experience, there’s constant pressure to keep working, and then you’re left with an overwhelming sense of guilt when you aren't on it 24/7. With social media, it’s even harder not to compare yourself to your peers. But I’ve recently learned that finding balance is the best way to keep those downs at bay. Taking time out for yourself allows you to recharge and come back with more energy, creativity, and focus. It also helps you avoid burnout. My advice is simple: don’t overdo it. Balance really is everything.
Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?
It was actually quite recently at Rise Festival in Les Deux Alpes (it's SUCH a good Ski festival). Gorgon City have been one of my biggest influences ever since their release of Real in 2013, so getting the chance to open the main stage for them and Azzecca was surreal. I honestly expected no one to show up for my set, but it was surprisingly busy. A proper pinch-me moment for sure.
Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?
In the clubs, I cover all corners of house, with a splash of Speedy G/faster stuff when I can get away with it! I spent years as a warm-up DJ, which was such a valuable experience. It wasn’t always about what I wanted to play but about setting the right vibe for the night. I learned how to read a crowd, respect the headliner, and understand what works and what doesn’t. That journey really shaped me and helped me grow as an artist.
These days, I’ve reached a place where I can fully lean into my own style: high-energy, driving house and tech house, with plenty of 90s influences and some sassy soulful vocals. I love blending different sub-genres of house too, so you can always expect the unexpected. As long as it makes you feel good, I’m happy!!
Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?
Probably jazz. I absolutely love it. It’s such a complex genre and just so beautiful. I used to play drums as a kid and would always drum to jazz, so it’s been part of my life for a long time. There’s something timeless and soulful about it that just hits differently.
Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?
Inner City - Good Life,
A genre defining track! It was a game-changer for the house scene at the time of release and played a huge role in shaping the genre. My dad owned it on vinyl, and I’d endlessly spin it when I was a kid. I’d heard nothing else like it back then it made me feel something completely new. It made me feel something that music hadn’t before.
Xpasions - Move Your Body,
I’m a sucker for a fast, driving, house beat, and I think it stands among the best dance records of all time. The energy is unmatched with hypnotic synths and a bassline that commands you to move. Every time I hear it, I get goosebumps. It’s one of those timeless tracks that makes you wish you could hop in a time machine back to the 90s and experience its first play again.
Double 99 - Ripgroove,
One of the defining tracks of the speed garage sound, this track brought the genre into the mainstream. I think this one made me pull my first ever bass face! Still play it a lot in my sets now. Proper banger.
Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?
Brighton Beach is my go-to recommendation. I love watching the videos of Fatboy Slim at the Big Beach Boutique II event in 2002. It was free and initially planned for 60,000 people, but over 250,000 turned up, just incredible. The atmosphere looked like nothing else. Brighton itself is such a wonderful, inclusive, and fun place, and the energy there is wicked. Definitely the place for a rave!!!
Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?
I've got lots of exciting things lined up for this year! More music is on the way. I'm working really hard in the studio at the moment with some really talented people, and I can't wait to unleash it all. I've also got more gigs coming up, including some shows with the Toolroom family and a couple of dates in Ibiza. There are some exciting festivals on the horizon as well. And, of course I'll be waking you up every morning with big dance bangers on Capital Dance Breakfast!
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?
I only use one of my eyes at a time, but they both work perfectly :D
Act A Fool - Charlie Powell [Toolroom]