ShakeDown Radio Podcast
By Chris Caggs - Sydney, Australia
For nearly three decades, Chris Carragher, known professionally as Chris Caggs, has been one of Australia’s most enduring and influential voices in dance, hip hop, RnB, and electronic radio culture. With 30 years on air, 18 radio stations, and national syndication across 200+ community stations via the Community Radio Network (CBAA/ComRad Satellite), Chris has built a legacy defined by passion, resilience, and an unmistakable sound.
His radio journey began in July 1998 on Pump FM 99.3FM Sydney, Australia’s first Hip Hop & RnB community station. Co‑hosting with Mista‑C, he introduced late‑night audiences to slow jams and RnB classics. Pump FM later relaunched as Dance Radio 99.3FM, promoted by Sky Entertainment, before evolving into Dance FM 94.5FM in August 2000—an era that helped shape Sydney’s underground dance movement.
In late 1998, Chris joined DJ‑FM 87.6FM, a 24/7 dance station broadcasting across the Sydney CBD and inner suburbs. Operated by the Roberts Media Group, DJ‑FM featured a powerhouse roster including Frank Chiment, Antonio Avati, Joe Avati, Susie Stapleton, Dave Einfield, Andre Waitsman, Joe Corte, and Rob Brizzi. Supported by major sponsors—Telstra, Central Station Records, SBA Music, Pulse Music, Carlton & United Breweries, Noizenet, and more—the station later transitioned into Rhythm FM 87.6, owned by Kiss FM Dance Music Australia. A proposed joint venture with Central Station Records and Roberts Media Group aimed to launch Central FM.
From 1999 to 2001, Chris became a key voice on Groove FM 96.9 & 94.5FM Sydney, broadcasting from the iconic Wild FM studios at Railway Square. He hosted the breakfast show, weekend mornings, and contributed to music programming. In August–September 2000, he expanded to Queensland, hosting the breakfast show on Groove FM 97.3 Brisbane from the Pulse FM studios in Coorparoo.
Chris continued his journey on 2RDJ‑FM 88.1, hosting Saturday Shakedown, Tuesday Shakedown, and Tuesday Overdrive, with national syndication through the Community Radio Network. He also hosted Thursday Flavours on 2NSB FM 99.3, bringing Hip Hop & RnB to Sydney’s North Shore.
Across his career, Chris has appeared on 16 permanent stations and 18 total, including:
Pump FM 99.3FM, Dance Radio 99.3FM, Dance FM 94.5FM, DJ‑FM 87.6FM, Rhythm FM 87.6FM, Groove FM 94.5FM, Groove FM 96.9FM, Groove FM 97.3FM Brisbane, 2RDJ‑FM 88.1, 2NSB FM 99.3, Ozz Mixx Radio, 4PLAY.fm, Kool FM 98.3FM Innisfail, and more.
His work has been featured in Request Magazine, Radio Info, The Music Network, and community newspapers across Australia.
Today, Chris brings his lifelong passion to ShakeDown Radio, a globally syndicated mixshow blending EDM, Dance, House, Hip Hop, and RnB. With listeners across Australia and around the world, ShakeDown Radio continues the legacy of a broadcaster dedicated to the music that moves people.
His radio journey began in July 1998 on Pump FM 99.3FM Sydney, Australia’s first Hip Hop & RnB community station. Co‑hosting with Mista‑C, he introduced late‑night audiences to slow jams and RnB classics. Pump FM later relaunched as Dance Radio 99.3FM, promoted by Sky Entertainment, before evolving into Dance FM 94.5FM in August 2000—an era that helped shape Sydney’s underground dance movement.
In late 1998, Chris joined DJ‑FM 87.6FM, a 24/7 dance station broadcasting across the Sydney CBD and inner suburbs. Operated by the Roberts Media Group, DJ‑FM featured a powerhouse roster including Frank Chiment, Antonio Avati, Joe Avati, Susie Stapleton, Dave Einfield, Andre Waitsman, Joe Corte, and Rob Brizzi. Supported by major sponsors—Telstra, Central Station Records, SBA Music, Pulse Music, Carlton & United Breweries, Noizenet, and more—the station later transitioned into Rhythm FM 87.6, owned by Kiss FM Dance Music Australia. A proposed joint venture with Central Station Records and Roberts Media Group aimed to launch Central FM.
From 1999 to 2001, Chris became a key voice on Groove FM 96.9 & 94.5FM Sydney, broadcasting from the iconic Wild FM studios at Railway Square. He hosted the breakfast show, weekend mornings, and contributed to music programming. In August–September 2000, he expanded to Queensland, hosting the breakfast show on Groove FM 97.3 Brisbane from the Pulse FM studios in Coorparoo.
Chris continued his journey on 2RDJ‑FM 88.1, hosting Saturday Shakedown, Tuesday Shakedown, and Tuesday Overdrive, with national syndication through the Community Radio Network. He also hosted Thursday Flavours on 2NSB FM 99.3, bringing Hip Hop & RnB to Sydney’s North Shore.
Across his career, Chris has appeared on 16 permanent stations and 18 total, including:
Pump FM 99.3FM, Dance Radio 99.3FM, Dance FM 94.5FM, DJ‑FM 87.6FM, Rhythm FM 87.6FM, Groove FM 94.5FM, Groove FM 96.9FM, Groove FM 97.3FM Brisbane, 2RDJ‑FM 88.1, 2NSB FM 99.3, Ozz Mixx Radio, 4PLAY.fm, Kool FM 98.3FM Innisfail, and more.
His work has been featured in Request Magazine, Radio Info, The Music Network, and community newspapers across Australia.
Today, Chris brings his lifelong passion to ShakeDown Radio, a globally syndicated mixshow blending EDM, Dance, House, Hip Hop, and RnB. With listeners across Australia and around the world, ShakeDown Radio continues the legacy of a broadcaster dedicated to the music that moves people.