See it HERE: http://www.channel4.com/4talent/feature.jsp?id=14587

DON'T BREAK THEIR HEARTS

Amber and Nisha are the girliest, quirkiest presenters around. Lynn Bird finds out how their Broken Hearts Mystery Hour infiltrated the blokey preserve of Q Magazine's new radio station.

Taking inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood and Weimar Berlin, Amber and Nisha evoke the spectacular in all that they do. With no previous broadcast experience but a fierce reputation for highly entertaining DJ/performance sets, the duo attracted the attention of Q Radio director, Rick Blaxill at a Christmas party.

Amber reminisces, "Rick really liked our dynamic and the idea for a show on Q Radio developed over a coffee. He offered us a couple of pilot shows pre-launch. This gave us a chance to translate the spectacle of our live performances into an audio format."

"We had a very definite plan for the feel and structure of the show. We decided on a theme each week to create a playlist. We really wanted to create a radio show that we would want to listen to."

This multi-genre, music format has won The Broken Hearts a Sunday 9-10pm primetime slot on Q and yes the girl's always dress up for work in appropriately themed complementary outfits, turning heads in a good way wherever they go.

The show takes you on a thoroughly enjoyable journey into an alternative musical world where anything goes. Like listening to a trusted friend's mix tape, this innovative approach to broadcasting is unashamedly inspired by the past. There sweet talk includes related stories and historical background info around the tracks.

The duo's track choices makes the contemporary seem jaded in comparison to their retro gems. This is a magical treat for all our ears. The fact that you can check out what the girls are wearing in the studio only adds to the experience.

Amber and Nisha first met five years ago when Nisha started working with Amber at the vintage clothing shop, Beyond Retro. They soon realised that they were on the same wavelength and The Broken Hearts were formed.

They both admit that their early family life and especially their father's musical tastes influenced their passion for vintage. With themes like New York, Saturday Night and Convicts to play with, their playlists eclectic content ranges from the Ramones through to early Shirley Temple. Along with the familiar the girls always endeavour to bring something rarely heard to the airwaves.

Nisha admits, "We were both very nervous about the first broadcast. Even though we have experience as performers, we are still learning when it comes to live radio."

"Our approach to broadcasting was to be very clear on the idea. We had already sourced a lot of music prior to the show through our work as DJ's and then we were given an unusual amount of creative control that allowed us to play what we want."

Both Amber and Nisha have a background in art/design history and this keystone informs their visual/audio references from the clothes they wear to the genuine evocation of a truly glamorous spectacle in their shows. They are the kind of DJ's that spend as much time in front of the decks as behind them.

"It sound's kind of cheesy but my advice to anyone trying break into radio is to be passionate about what you play," says Amber. "If you have enough passion for the music then you can really make your ideas work and communicate this to others.

The Broken Hearts, now in demand around the globe, are just back from Manhattan's Coney Island Carnival (where they dressed as mermaids) and have recently played at the Latitude Festival. They have also released a classy double 'A' sided single Black Cat/Blanco in collaboration with Whitey.

Amber says, "We like to keep an open mind about how far we can take this. The feedback so far has been very good and we really enjoy listeners sending stuff in. Hopefully the show will reach more people. We basically love what we do and think that's why it works so well."

Check out the Broken Hearts Mystery Hour online or on Q Radio: Sundays 9-10pm. Amber and Nisha's live performances are ongoing and a new single is about to be released. Their special brand of method DJing raises the glamour bar to new heights. The beardies at Q Radio better watch out!

By Lynn Bird