"I saw a sea of masks of my face" - Steve Davis on his unexpected journey into Djing

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.Other ways to support the showFollow the show on Spotify or Apple PodcastsAny feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/6-time snooker champ and lifelong record collector Steve Davis took the mainstream by surprise when he started DJing...his career blossomed quickly, but he'd been paying his dues with digging and collecting for decades previous...In this interview we get into the day job and also the new hustle, and how they complement each other, and also how they're very different.In this fascinating episode, we sit down with one of Britain's most famous sporting icons - six-time world snooker champion Steve Davis - to explore his journey into electronic music, DJing, and his band The Utopia Strong.Steve shares incredible stories about the golden age of snooker in the 1980s, including the legendary 1985 World Championship final against Dennis Taylor that 18.5 million people watched until the early hours of the morning. But more importantly, we dive deep into his lifelong love of music, from discovering prog rock and psychedelic music as a teenager, to becoming a respected DJ on the alternative electronic music scene, to creating experimental instrumental music with The Utopia Strong.This conversation explores the parallels between elite sport and creative pursuits, the importance of obsession and dedication, dealing with success and failure, the power of humor and perspective, and why at 68, Steve feels like Peter Pan with no intention of retiring.Whether you're interested in snooker history, electronic music, or the mindset of elite performers, this episode offers unique insights from someone who's mastered multiple crafts.GuestSteve Davis OBE - Six-time world snooker champion (1981, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1989), BBC snooker commentator, DJ, and member of electronic music trio The Utopia Strong.Known as the "Romford Terminator" during his dominance of snooker in the 1980s, Steve has become equally respected in the alternative electronic music scene.Key Topics CoveredThe golden age of snooker in 1980s BritainThe 1985 World Championship final - 18.5 million viewersFinding your obsession early in life (snooker at age 14)Parallel journey with music from teenage yearsDiscovering prog rock, psychedelic music, and krautrockThe transition from sport to musicDealing with success, failure, and being replaced (Stephen Hendry era)The importance of humor and not taking yourself too seriouslyDJing philosophy and track selectionThe Utopia Strong - experimental electronic musicModular synthesis and improvisationWorking for the BBC on snooker coverageLife at 68 - feeling like Peter PanUpcoming gig: DJing in a sauna