The legacy of a talented young DJ who died in a crash on the A420 has been kept alive by his music label.
Chippenham musician Calum Leighton, 18, was killed in the accident near Faringdon, in August 2022, just a day after launching his own music label, Run Da Riddim.
His friends, 18-year-old Joseph Shape and 20-year-old Lawrence Bruce, also died in the crash.
Calum’s legacy has been kept alive by the music label he co-founded with childhood friend Olly Ley, who attended Sheldon School with him.
Run Da Riddim, now co-managed by Calum’s dad Andrew and boasting nine DJs, recently launched their debut album Sounds of the Jungle.
Andrew said: “Calum always loved music growing up… I’m extremely proud and proud of everyone that has kept the label going in his memory.
“Music carries on forever so it’s a great way to keep his legacy and what he had planned going.”
Calum was interested in music as early as primary school and “was always singing”, according to his dad.
He started as a vocalist, before learning the drums and guitar, and became interested in DJing shortly before lockdown.
Calum began his career as a DJ and producer regularly performing at Revelations in Bath, and studied music production at Bristol’s dBs Sound and Music Institute.
He secured his first professional DJ set in 2021 and launched Run Da Riddim the following year in a bid to “make jungle massive again.”
Following his death, Calum’s single Masterpiece was released to critical acclaim.
“He was a fun-loving person and was very caring as well”, said Andrew. “His friends said he would always take time to help them and encourage them, so he was faithful and loyal.
“He had so many friends and always put them first, he would always bring them together, so they noticed it was quiet after the accident.
“He loved life and was always laughing and making jokes.”
Calum’s 16-year-old sister Darcey has now begun DJing to follow in her brother’s footsteps.
A tribute event will be held for the three boys at the Clock Factory in Bristol, on August 19, to mark a year since their deaths, with 50 per cent of profits going to charities Brake and Wiltshire Treehouse.
Money will also be raised through a sponsored cycle ride that day, as Calum was a keen cyclist.
Sounds of the Jungle features artists Euphonique and Scuffed, and was released on Beatport on June 2.
It will be available on all other streaming sites from June 16.
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