Charlie Dark Interview

This was an exploration into the evolution of Charlie Dark, the DJ, Poet, Founder of Run Dem Crew in London, Influencer, leader and yogi.  We sat down for an intimate conversation in his home surrounded by thousands of 12inch and 45 records a collection which he amassed over the decades.  When he's not rescuing dance hall records you'll probably find him running with his crew or teaching Yoga to beginners.  "Running has had a tremendous impact on my life but yoga has had a bigger impact".   I was curious to find out why, so invited him on the show to share his story.  After signed to a major record label with Sony under the moniker Attica Blues and then being dropped Charlie became disillusioned with the music industry and fell into a deep depression.  Running helped Charlie escape from that dark period in his life.   Run Dem Crew was born out a simple desire and mission to keep his friends alive.  Watching from afar over the years I realized there were many layers  to the man.  Charlie had no idea that his small selfless gesture would travel around the world.  Decades early Hip Hop had traveled to London and other parts of the world, now the idea of running crews were popping up around the world.  I grew up in an era when Hip Hop was in its infancy stages, I'm talking about when DJ's would hook up their sound systems to the light poles for power.  I was curios about the rise in popularity of running crews and Charlies is a legend in the game.  But, I was more fascinated with his ability to adapt to the change in the market.    Change is the only constant in life and we refuse to change we cease growing; "I always feel disappointment is the best thing that can happen because it jolts you back to reality".  It is this snap back to reality after being dropped that keeps him humble with a servant attitude.  Before being an influencer was even a thing Charlie was creating relationships with brands so his kids would have a safe warm place to meet.   After tuning in it would me so much to me if you'd rate and write a review on iTunes  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/derek-oxley/support