Explore every episode of the podcast Dexter Jones

DJ Rap joins the Dexter Jones Podcast for a journey back to the 1990s, when rave culture, pirate radio and a new underground sound were changing British music forever.

Long before jungle and drum & bass became global movements, Rap was living and breathing the rave scene. She talks about discovering acid house, spending everything she had on records, living in squats, learning to DJ and breaking through on pirate stations including Rave FM and Fantasy FM.

Rap also opens up about the much deeper role music played in her life. After an incredibly difficult childhood, she found freedom, friendship and a new family through rave culture.

We hear how she became one of the first women to break onto the main stages of the UK rave scene, demanded the same money as the men, and then lost every London booking following an extraordinary and tragic coincidence at Telepathy involving “Mr Kirk, Your Son Is Dead.”

Rap eventually headed north, before discovering AWOL and a new sound that would completely change her direction as a producer: jungle.

She remembers studying DJs including Kenny Ken and the late Randall, watching the emerging generation around her, including Andy C, and taking that inspiration back into the studio. That journey ultimately helped produce records including Spiritual Aura and launched another chapter of her career.

This is the story of DJ Rap, pirate radio, rave culture and the birth of jungle, told by someone who was right there in the middle of it.

🎧 DJ Rap: From Raves and Pirate Radio to the Birth of Jungle

If you lived through the 1990s rave scene, let me know in the comments: where did you rave, and which DJ defined that era for you?

Subscribe to the Dexter Jones Podcast for more conversations with the DJs, producers, promoters and characters who helped shape dance music culture.

Chapters:

00:00 The Story That Nearly Ended DJ Rap’s Career 01:32 DJ Rap: The Early Rave Years 03:12 Growing Up Around the World 05:36 A Difficult Childhood & Finding Freedom 08:51 The First Club That Changed Everything 10:55 Squats, Raving & Living for Records 14:00 Before DJing: Dancing at Raves 18:03 The Moment DJ Rap Knew Her Future 20:53 Learning to DJ on One Turntable 22:28 Making Her First Record 23:10 Pirate Radio, Rave FM & Fantasy FM 25:33 DJ Rap’s First Ever DJ Set 27:38 Producing Records & Breaking Through 28:12 The Telepathy Incident: “My Career Just Ended” 29:24 Becoming the First Woman on the Main Stage 32:55 Breaking Barriers as a Female DJ 35:51 Losing London & Starting Again 37:35 AWOL & Discovering Jungle 40:01 Studying the Masters: Randall, Kenny Ken & Andy C 41:34 Spiritual Aura & Breaking Through as a Producer 41:47 From Jungle to a Sony Record Deal 42:31 When Music Became a Business 43:27 Losing the Record Deal & Learning the Hard Way

This week on the Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with one of the defining DJs of the golden era of UK and Ibiza clubbing, Lottie.

From discovering acid house and finding her people at The Haçienda, to learning her craft behind a pair of Technics, becoming a resident at The Gallery at Turnmills, recording her breakthrough BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix, and eventually playing some of the greatest clubs in the world.

We go deep into Lottie’s incredible years in Ibiza, including playing Space, DC10, Circoloco, Pacha, Amnesia and Manumission, closing Space and the unforgettable moment Pepe Roselló introduced her to the crowd.

We also revisit her famous appearance on Channel 4’s Faking It, where Lottie was given the seemingly impossible task of turning a classical cellist into a convincing club DJ. She reveals what really happened behind the scenes and how the programme suddenly made her recognisable far beyond the dancefloor.

Lottie also talks candidly about motherhood, stepping away from the relentless touring lifestyle, the incredibly difficult circumstances that changed her family life, and why returning to DJing and discovering new music has become so important to her again.

There’s also plenty of discussion about how DJ culture has changed, the lost art of the warm-up DJ, learning your craft through residencies, phones on dancefloors, modern Ibiza and why Space remains her favourite club of all time.

This is a proper journey through more than three decades of house music, club culture and Ibiza with someone who was right there in the middle of it.

If you lived through this era, I think you’re going to absolutely love this one. And if you didn’t, here’s your chance to find out what all the fuss was about.

🎙️ Lottie: Turnmills, Space Ibiza, ‘Faking It’ & the Golden Age of Clubbing

Chapters:

00:00 Coming Up 02:54 Discovering The Haçienda & Acid House 08:14 "Faking It" & Turning a Cellist Into a DJ 16:10 Buying Her First Technics 1210s 20:00 Moving to London & Becoming Lottie 22:41 The Gallery, Turnmills & Learning to Warm Up 25:25 The Essential Mix That Changed Everything 31:58 Going Global & the Golden Age of Radio 1 35:00 Ibiza in Its Glory Days 37:43 Space Ibiza, Manumission & Closing Space 40:05 The Early Days of DC10 & Circoloco 45:00 Touring, Family & Stepping Away From DJing 50:00 Finding Joy in DJing Again 55:00 Is the Art of the Warm-Up DJ Disappearing? 59:20 Imposter Syndrome & Earning Your Stripes 64:46 Creamfields Memories & One More Tune

Ibiza in the 2000s was like nowhere else.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Carrie, we go deeper into what life was really like working behind the scenes during one of Ibiza’s most unforgettable eras.

From dancing in the island’s superclubs and the madness of Judgement Sundays, to worker life, nights becoming days, barely seeing the beach and the characters who made Ibiza what it was, this is the side of the island most holidaymakers never got to see.

Carrie also tells the story behind the incredible underwater Judge Jules photoshoot, recalls some of the situations that got completely out of control, and explains what it was really like being part of the Ibiza worker generation.

No smartphones. No social media documenting every moment. Just a completely different way of living, working and partying.

If you worked in Ibiza during the 2000s, I’d love to hear your memories in the comments.

Was Ibiza in the 2000s the greatest era the island has ever seen?

🎧 Subscribe to the Dexter Jones Podcast for more untold stories from Ibiza, club culture and the people who lived it.

What was it really like to live, work and dance in Ibiza in 2001?

Carrie Stevens was right in the middle of it.

After arriving on the island, she became a club dancer at Es Paradis, before being poached by Eden and eventually becoming Head Dancer. This was an Ibiza of packed dancefloors, podium dancers, workers crammed into apartments, club parades through San Antonio, morning bars and after-hours sessions that could disappear well into the next day.

In this episode, Carrie takes us back inside that world. We talk about the reality of being an Ibiza dancer, the incredible atmosphere inside Es Paradis, life at Eden, the notorious Garden of Eden, Ibiza worker culture, Judgement Sundays, surviving the winter and why the island felt so different before social media.

Carrie also tells us about one of the happiest moments of her life: dancing above a packed Es Paradis as the shutters opened and Café Del Mar played.

If you worked, danced or partied in Ibiza during this era, tell me your memories in the comments. What was YOUR Ibiza like?

Subscribe for more conversations and stories from the people who lived through dance music and club culture.

Chapters:

00:00 What It Was Really Like Being an Ibiza Dancer 01:26 Leaving Ibiza and Coming Back 04:34 An Unforgettable Night at Es Paradis 06:44 Why Ibiza Felt So Different 08:05 Did Social Media Change Ibiza? 09:45 Surviving an Ibiza Winter 12:54 Becoming an Ibiza Club Dancer 14:04 Getting Poached by Eden 15:51 Becoming Eden's Head Dancer 17:28 The Infamous Garden of Eden 19:50 Ibiza's Drinking Culture 21:40 Es Paradis vs Eden 22:32 Ibiza Dancer Auditions 26:37 Kevin & Perry and Ibiza 28:38 Moving to Ibiza 32:05 Ibiza Worker Apartments 34:35 The Darker Side of San Antonio 36:14 Ibiza's Dangerous Dance Podiums 39:23 Dancing Above a Packed Club 41:48 Knowing When to Leave Ibiza 42:49 The Legendary Ibiza Club Parades 48:28 Part Two...

Marcella Woods is the voice behind some of the most recognisable anthems from the golden era of dance music, including Beautiful, Liberation (Fly Like An Angel) and El Niño.

In this episode of the Dexter Jones Podcast, Marcella tells the incredible stories behind those records, including how Liberation was recorded in just 20 minutes and how the vocal for Beautiful was nailed on the very first take.

Marcella also takes us back to the clubs that shaped her, from Bagley's and Strawberry Sundae to Freedom and The Fridge, and explains how a chance introduction eventually led her to Matt Darey and a string of records that would become part of dance music history.

But Marcella's story hasn't stopped there.

Now in her 50s, she's taken on an entirely new challenge: becoming a DJ. After just six hours of intensive training before her first gig, she's gone on to play festivals and events, finding herself handing over the decks to artists including Mauro Picotto, Dave Pearce and Signum.

We also talk about why dance vocalists haven't always received the recognition they deserve, Marcella's extraordinary classical musical background, the realities of balancing music with family life, and why she's still every bit as passionate about dance music today.

A brilliant conversation with one of the voices behind the soundtrack to a generation.

Subscribe to the Dexter Jones Podcast for weekly conversations celebrating the DJs, artists, clubs and stories that shaped dance music culture.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Liberation Was Recorded in 20 Minutes 00:18 Marcella Woods & The Story of Beautiful 02:35 From Vocalist to DJ 04:37 Bagley's & The Golden Era of Clubbing 07:12 Marcella's New Life Behind the Decks 09:56 Hearing Your Own Voice on a Dancefloor 10:49 Do Dance Vocalists Get Enough Recognition? 12:14 Singing vs DJing 14:09 Nine Gigs a Weekend 15:53 Could Beautiful Be a Hit Today? 17:24 Marcella's Classical Music Background 19:03 The Truth About El Niño & Beautiful 20:21 Liberation: 20 Minutes to Record a Classic 22:08 How Marcella Became a Recording Artist 25:03 Family, Touring & Music as an Escape 27:30 Classical Training Meets Dance Music 29:34 What DJing Has Taught Marcella

Tall Paul’s story is inseparable from one of the most legendary clubs in British dance music history. Long before Turnmills became an institution, it was his family’s business, and the place where a teenage Paul began learning his craft behind the decks.

From the arrival of House music and the birth of all-night clubbing to Trade, The Gallery and the extraordinary rise of Turnmills, Paul takes us inside a period when London club culture was being created in real time.

We also dive into 30 years of Rock Da House, hunting London record shops for exclusive white labels, the pressure of playing Trade, following Tony De Vit, and why DJs of that generation treated every weekend like it mattered.

This is the story of Tall Paul, Rock Da House and the family-run London club that became part of British dance music history.

#TallPaul #Turnmills #RockDaHouse

In this episode:

• The story behind Rock Da House • Why Rock Da House nearly came out on Hooj Choons • Hunting record shops for exclusive white labels • Why playing Trade felt like performing at Wembley • How Turnmills went from wine bar to legendary nightclub • The arrival of House music and all-night clubbing • Learning to DJ inside an empty Turnmills • Trade, The Gallery and the nights that defined an era • Following Tony De Vit behind the decks • What made Turnmills so special • The incredible 90s London clubbing scene • The emotional story behind the final days of Turnmills

Chapters 📖 00:00 Trade Felt Like Playing Wembley 00:19 30 Years of Rock Da House 03:15 How Rock Da House Became a Club Anthem 09:13 Reworking a Classic 30 Years Later 13:18 Tall Paul’s Obsession With Finding Records 16:48 The Pressure of Playing Trade 20:27 The Incredible Story of Turnmills 29:56 What Made Turnmills So Special? 31:47 Learning to DJ Inside Turnmills 37:52 Trade, The Gallery & Turnmills 41:43 How Trade Became an All-Day Institution 49:07 The Memories That Made Turnmills Special 52:12 Did We Know We Were Making Clubbing History? 53:10 How Trade Launched Tall Paul’s Career 55:25 The Emotional End of Turnmills 01:02:10 Why Turnmills Still Means So Much

🎙️ The Dexter Jones Podcast – Conversations with the people who shaped dance music.

How many clubbers, DJs and music lovers already have permanent hearing damage without even realising it?

In this week's episode, I sit down with Jono Heale, Director at ACS Custom, musician and one of the UK's leading voices on hearing health in the music industry.

After developing permanent hearing damage himself, Jono made it his mission to help protect musicians, DJs and clubbers from making the same mistake.

We discuss tinnitus, hearing loss, safe listening levels, why ringing ears should never be ignored, whether one loud nightclub can permanently damage your hearing, and why so many people don't discover the problem until it's too late.

If you've ever left a club, festival or gig with ringing ears, this conversation is essential listening.

In this episode:

• How tinnitus really starts • Why hearing damage is often permanent • Can one loud nightclub damage your hearing? • Safe listening levels explained • Why DJs are at greater risk • Why dance music is particularly challenging for hearing • The truth about hearing protection • How ACS Custom helps protect musicians worldwide • Practical advice every clubber should know

Chapters:

00:00 The diagnosis that changed everything 00:21 How many clubbers already have hearing damage? 02:10 Why musicians often ignore hearing loss 04:00 What is tinnitus? 05:43 Why ringing ears are a warning sign 07:57 Meet Jono Heale & ACS Custom 10:55 Why custom earplugs work better 14:12 Why hearing damage is becoming more common 18:30 Jono's own hearing loss journey 22:40 Living with tinnitus every day 25:55 How Jono joined ACS Custom 30:20 Why musicians need hearing protection 36:10 The moment ACS changed Jono's career 37:30 The Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme 38:25 Why tinnitus can't currently be cured 43:05 Can one nightclub permanently damage your hearing? 45:40 Why dance music is harder on your ears 49:00 Why some people lose hearing faster than others 53:40 Are DJs more at risk? 56:15 The biggest myths about hearing protection 59:45 The future of hearing health 01:03:30 Jono's advice to every clubber

What happens when your first-ever single becomes one of the biggest dance records of all time?

In this exclusive conversation, Darude reveals the untold story behind Sandstorm, from handing out demo CDs in Finland to becoming an international superstar within weeks. He explains why having your biggest hit first was both a blessing and a burden, why he couldn't even DJ properly when success arrived, and how he has spent the last 25 years building a career beyond one iconic record.

We also dive into the evolution of dance music, surviving overnight success, record label pressure, social media, AI, mental health, and why passion, not fame, should always come first.

Whether you're a fan of trance, dance music history or electronic music production, this is one of Darude's most open and insightful interviews.

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IN THIS EPISODE:

• How Darude got his name after repeatedly playing the same record at a party

• How handing out one demo CD changed his life forever

• Why Sandstorm was created in just a week and a half

• Becoming a global superstar before he could properly DJ

• Why having your first release become your biggest hit comes with unexpected downsides

• The pressures of following one of the biggest dance records ever made

• Why Darude says he still loves playing Sandstorm after 25 years

• The story behind the iconic Sandstorm music video and the annual Helsinki run

• How the music industry has changed from vinyl and CDs to streaming and social media

• Why record labels wanted him to copy Sandstorm, and why he refused

• Rebuilding his debut album from scratch after the original project files were lost

• How technology has transformed music production over the past two decades

• Why supporting new artists through his Vibing Out label matters so much

• Darude's honest advice for young producers starting their careers today

• Why passion, not fame, should always come first

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Chapters

00:00 Intro 00:35 How Darude got his name 02:39 Discovering electronic music 07:00 When music became more than a hobby 08:08 Meeting JS16 changed everything 09:20 Creating Sandstorm 10:16 Overnight success in weeks 10:50 Becoming famous before learning to DJ 14:25 Does he get bored of Sandstorm? 17:00 The story behind the Sandstorm video 19:20 Creating the Darude Sandstorm Run 25:35 Overnight success and its downsides 30:00 Pressure after your biggest hit 33:35 Touring the world 37:00 How the music industry has changed 40:10 Why Sandstorm still works today 43:20 Hearing Sandstorm played by an orchestra 45:00 Current projects and new music 47:05 Technology and producing music today 48:35 Rebuilding Sandstorm from scratch 52:20 Future ambitions beyond dance music 54:00 Launching the Vibing Out record label 56:45 Helping the next generation of producers 01:00:10 Advice for young producers 01:04:10 Fame, TikTok and today's DJ culture 01:08:00 Mental health in dance music 01:09:25 One More Tune: his perfect closing track 01:13:00 Final thoughts

How did a monthly Wednesday night attract 2,000 clubbers to The Haçienda?

Guy Williams experienced Manchester’s acid-house explosion before becoming a regular DJ at Flesh, one of The Haçienda’s most groundbreaking club nights. From there, his journey took him through Trade, DTPM, Queer Nation, Defected Records and the golden years of Ibiza.

In this episode, Guy takes us inside the clubs, record labels and dance floors that helped shape British club culture. He explains how Manchester changed during the early 1990s, why Flesh became such an important night and how he progressed from learning to DJ in public to playing around the world.

Guy also discusses working for Pete Waterman, becoming club promotions manager at Defected, witnessing Ibiza’s extraordinary 24-hour era and eventually creating Flash at Pikes—a party built around brilliant music, inclusivity and clubbing without prejudice.

A fascinating journey through Manchester, London and Ibiza with someone who experienced it from inside the DJ booth.

▶️ SUBSCRIBE—it’s free, and you’re on the guest list: https://www.youtube.com/@subscribetodexterjones?sub_confirmation=1

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WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Growing up surrounded by records and musicians • Being 18 in Manchester during the Second Summer of Love • Discovering The Haçienda and Manchester’s underground clubs • Learning to DJ while already playing in public • Performing as part of DJ duo Planet Janet • Becoming a regular DJ at Flesh • How Flesh attracted 2,000 clubbers on a Wednesday • Manchester’s changing club culture during the early 1990s • The connection between Strawberry Sundae and Trade • Working for Pete Waterman and Jive Records • Becoming a resident at Trade, DTPM and Queer Nation • Working behind the scenes at Defected Records • Why Guy never embraced hard house • Ibiza’s legendary 24-hour clubbing era • Creating Flash at Pikes Ibiza • Flash’s relationship with Homoelectric • Why the best dance floors welcome everybody • The final record ever played at The Haçienda

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 2,000 clubbers on a Wednesday 00:42 Guy Williams: Manchester to Ibiza 03:36 Growing up inside the music industry 06:29 Discovering Manchester clubs and The Haçienda 09:40 How Guy Williams became a DJ 12:32 Planet Janet and the first residencies 13:15 What happened to Guy’s record collection? 18:50 How Flesh transformed The Haçienda 23:39 Strawberry Sundae and its connection to Trade 26:43 Working for Pete Waterman 30:50 Moving to London 31:04 Becoming a Trade and DTPM resident 33:29 Working at Defected Records 35:51 The music Guy played at Trade 37:32 When British club culture began changing 38:42 Ibiza’s extraordinary golden years 44:30 Creating Flash at Pikes Ibiza 48:25 Flash, Homoelectric and inclusive dance floors 51:41 Guy’s life in Ibiza today 54:14 The final record played at The Haçienda

Graeme Park never planned to become a DJ. A reluctant "yes" behind the counter of a Manchester record shop led to one of the most influential careers in dance music history.

From discovering I Feel Love and the explosion of Chicago House to becoming one of the defining resident DJs at The Haçienda, Graeme shares the moments that shaped both his life and an entire generation of club culture.

We also dive into the rise of Acid House, why The Haçienda became legendary, how Haçienda Classical was born from a drunken conversation, and why, after more than 40 years behind the decks, Graeme still believes great music has no boundaries.

This is the story of a man who never intended to become a DJ... and ended up helping shape dance music forever.

🎙️ Guest: Graeme Park

In this episode:

• Growing up in Manchester • Working in record shops before Spotify • The record that changed everything – I Feel Love • Becoming a DJ by accident • The birth of House music in Britain • Life inside The Haçienda • Why The Haçienda became legendary • The rise of Haçienda Classical • DJing then vs now • Why great DJs should never stop discovering music

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Chapters 📖 00:00 I Never Wanted to Be a DJ 01:17 How a Record Shop Changed My Life 06:52 The Record That Changed Everything 09:19 Becoming a DJ By Accident 13:12 Discovering Chicago House Music 15:06 How The Haçienda Really Began 21:22 Why The Haçienda Changed Clubbing Forever 30:54 The Birth of Haçienda Classical 34:11 "The First Show Was a Disaster" 38:28 Why Every DJ Has an Orchestra Now 48:01 Has Dance Music Become Too Formulaic? 53:53 The Records That Defined The Haçienda 56:43 Why I Stopped Drinking 59:33 Cycling, Fitness & Still DJing After 40 Years 01:00:32 Final Thoughts

🎙️ The Dexter Jones Podcast – Conversations with the people who shaped dance music.

👍 If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe and leave a comment. It really helps us continue documenting the history of dance music through the people who lived it.

He thought he was absolutely smashing it...

For 45 minutes, George Kafetzis believed he was hosting one of his best Facebook Live sessions ever. The comments were flying in, people were reacting, and everything seemed perfect...

There was just one problem.

There was no sound.

In one of the funniest stories ever told on The Dexter Jones Podcast, George shares the unforgettable moment his wife walked downstairs and broke the news that thousands of people had been watching... in complete silence.

But beyond the laughter is the story of one of the UK's most respected DJs, promoters and likeable industry characters. George has spent decades helping shape club culture, promoting events, supporting artists and building a reputation as one of the genuine good guys of the dance music scene.

In this episode, we talk about:

🔴 The hilarious 45-minute silent Facebook Live 🎧 George's journey through the UK dance music scene 🎤 DJing, promoting and life behind the scenes 😂 The funniest moments from a lifetime in clubland ❤️ Why passion for music never disappears

Chapters 📖 

00:00 The Silent Facebook Live Disaster 02:31 Social Media, Comedy & Not Taking Yourself Too Seriously 02:54 Forbidden Forest, Godskitchen & Still Playing Big Gigs 03:20 Growing Up In Birmingham 04:16 Wanting To Be An Actor 05:24 Entertaining Crowds & Nearly Breaking The Decks 06:44 How George Got Into DJing 07:42 Birmingham Clubbing, Slag, Crunch & The Early Scene 09:19 Working At TGI Fridays In Its Glory Days 11:40 Playing Clubs, Promoting Nights & Building A Name 12:21 Bringing Cream Classics Back To The Q Club 13:57 Why The Q Club Was So Special 26:33 Acting, DJing & Hearing Damage 35:12 Godskitchen Birmingham & Luna Springs 40:16 DJs George Rates Today 46:45 Embracing The Viral No Sound Clip 47:13 Why Birmingham Is Such A Special Dance Music City 50:06 The Final Tune: Orbital - Belfast 50:42 Closing Thoughts

If you love dance music, Ibiza, club culture and the stories behind the people who built it, you're in the right place.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider subscribing. Every like, comment, and share genuinely helps us preserve these incredible stories from dance music history.

Subscribe for a brand new episode every Sunday.

When COVID shut down the music industry overnight, DJs across the world were left wondering what came next.

For Dale Castell, what started as a simple Facebook livestream from his son's bedroom unexpectedly became one of the biggest moments of his career. Within weeks, thousands of people were tuning in live, his audience was growing every week, and one stream would go on to reach over half a million views.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, Dale shares the incredible story behind those lockdown livestreams, growing up in Halifax, his journey from drummer to DJ, the evolution of Kevin & Perry Ibiza, HomeRave, the challenges of Facebook livestreaming, and why community has become more important than ever in dance music.

If you've ever wondered how one of the toughest periods in clubbing history created unexpected opportunities, this is a story you won't want to miss.

In this episode:

• How COVID changed Dale Castell's career forever • Every gig cancelled overnight • Building a viral Facebook livestream audience • 5,500 people watching live • Over half a million views from one show • HomeRave and surviving Facebook takedowns • Kevin & Perry Ibiza behind the scenes • Why dance music communities matter more than ever • The future of clubbing and festivals • Dale Castell's One More Tune

Chapters

00:00 COVID Changed Everything 01:00 Meet DJ Dale Castell 02:15 Why One More Time Ibiza Is So Special 05:20 How Dale Castell Got Into Dance Music 08:30 My First Nightclub Experience 12:00 Why I Quit My Band To Become A DJ 16:00 Every DJ Lost Their Gigs Overnight 19:00 Too Scared To Press LIVE 23:30 How My Livestream Went Viral 27:00 5,500 People Watching Live 30:30 Half A Million Views In One Night 34:00 Facebook Kept Taking My Streams Down 39:00 How HomeRave Changed Everything 44:30 Behind The Kevin & Perry Ibiza Terrace 49:30 How We Fixed The Kevin & Perry Terrace 54:00 Why Dance Music Festivals Have Changed 57:00 Dale Castell's One More Tune

Utah Saints join Dexter Jones for a candid, funny and insightful conversation about building one of the most recognisable names in dance music with absolutely no backup plan.

From pressing their first white labels and navigating the unpredictable world of music promotion, to surviving industry changes, technological revolutions and three decades of dance music culture, this episode explores how Utah Saints turned passion, persistence and a healthy disregard for conventional career advice into a remarkable success story.

Along the way, we discuss the realities of running events, why most people completely misunderstand what makes a great DJ, and the lessons they've learned from spending 35 years at the heart of club culture.

If you love rave history, dance music, DJ culture, festival stories and honest conversations about what it really takes to survive in the music industry, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour and nostalgia.

In this episode:

▪️ Why Utah Saints never had a Plan B ▪️ The business model that would make a bank manager laugh ▪️ How they built a career that wasn't supposed to work ▪️ Surviving 35 years in the music industry ▪️ The risks and realities of running festivals and events ▪️ Why track selection is more important than technology ▪️ The art of reading a crowd and taking people on a journey ▪️ How dance music culture has evolved over three decades ▪️ The challenges facing DJs, promoters and artists today ▪️ The stories behind the Utah Saints name ▪️ Lessons learned from a lifetime in club culture ▪️ Why they're still passionate about music after all these years

Chapters 📖

00:00:00 Why Utah Saints Had NO PLAN B 00:02:15 The Brutal Reality of Running Dance Music Events 00:08:35 Why Promoters Are Taking Huge Financial Risks Today 00:16:05 From White Labels to Worldwide Success 00:18:40 How Utah Saints Accidentally Became a Global Dance Act 00:22:20 The Surprising Story Behind the Utah Saints Name 00:27:10 Leeds, Rave Culture & The Birth of UK Dance Music 00:33:05 Why Utah Saints Walked Away from the Rave Circuit 00:37:45 The Biggest Risks That Changed Their Career Forever 00:44:50 Has Technology Made DJing Easier or Better? 00:47:15 The Most Important DJ Skill Nobody Talks About 00:49:50 Sampling Kate Bush, Metallica & Dance Music Innovation 00:55:00 The Worst Technical Disasters of Their Career 01:00:00 Are Festivals Killing Nightclubs? 01:03:40 What Utah Saints Would Do Differently Starting Today 01:04:40 The Legacy of Utah Saints & 35 Years in Dance Music

Tenacious join Dexter Jones for a nostalgic, hilarious and inspiring conversation about the rollercoaster journey from passionate clubbers and bedroom producers to hearing their own music played on the biggest stage in dance music.

From losing an irreplaceable DAT tape in the post and painstakingly rebuilding tracks from memory, to the surreal moment they discovered their music had been championed by Judge Jules on BBC Radio 1, this episode is packed with the kind of stories that remind you just how different the dance music industry used to be.

We discuss white labels, record shops, mixtapes, taking chances, near disasters, and the persistence it takes to keep going when everything seems to be working against you. Through equal parts determination, talent and a bit of chaos, Tenacious prove that sometimes the craziest setbacks lead to the biggest breakthroughs.

If you love trance, club culture, behind-the-scenes music stories and hearing how some of the most memorable dance records came to life, this episode is full of humour, honesty and nostalgia.

In this episode:

▪️ How a lost DAT tape nearly destroyed everything ▪️ Rebuilding an entire track from memory ▪️ The moment Judge Jules played their track on BBC Radio 1 ▪️ Receiving 98 missed calls after the broadcast ▪️ The power of white labels and record shop culture ▪️ Sampling, creativity and making something from almost nothing ▪️ The realities of breaking through in the pre-social media era ▪️ Why persistence mattered more than perfection ▪️ Hilarious stories from life on the dance music circuit ▪️ The highs, lows and near misses behind the scenes ▪️ What today's producers can learn from the old-school approach ▪️ Lessons from decades spent in dance music

Chapters 📖

00:00 Judge Jules, Tiësto & The DAT Tape That Vanished 01:07 Introduction: Meet Tenacious 05:50 World Dance, Seduction & The Early Rave Scene 10:00 Learning To DJ: Weddings, Mobile Discos & First Gigs 14:15 Under-18 Clubs, Jungle & Drum & Bass Beginnings 18:45 The Birth Of Tenacious & Early Studio Experiments 23:30 The First Tracks: Learning Production The Hard Way 28:15 The Trance Explosion & Falling In Love With Ibiza 33:20 Cream Ibiza, Radio 1 Weekenders & Clubland's Golden Era 38:10 The Story Behind Their Biggest Breakthrough 43:50 Judge Jules Made Our Track 'Tried & Tested' 49:20 Touring, DJ Life & How The Industry Has Changed 54:15 New Releases, Summer Plans & Ibiza 2026 59:45 Slip Back In Time, Community & Staying Grounded 01:06:40 The Ultimate Closing Track & Final Thoughts

Chris Agnelli joins Dexter Jones once again for part two of an honest, hilarious and thought-provoking conversation about the changing face of dance music, the realities of life as a DJ and producer, and the stories that never make it into the headlines.

From the staggering fact that more tracks are now released on Beatport in a single week than were released in the whole of 1999, to his candid thoughts on ghost producers and authenticity in electronic music, Chris opens up like never before.

We discuss rebuilding El Niño from memory, rediscovering forgotten remixes, surviving a surreal gig in Beirut with armed guards, and the pressures of trying to maintain a career in an increasingly crowded industry.

Chris also reflects on streaming, social media, TikTok, podcasting, and what aspiring DJs and producers really need to understand if they want to stand out in today's landscape.

If you love trance, dance music, behind-the-scenes stories and hearing the unfiltered truth from artists who have lived through multiple eras of club culture, this episode is packed with insight, humour and nostalgia.

In this episode:

▪️ More tracks released on Beatport in a week than the whole of 1999 ▪️ Chris' honest thoughts on ghost producers ▪️ Rebuilding El Niño from memory ▪️ The unbelievable Beirut gig with armed guards ▪️ Rediscovering forgotten remixes from the past ▪️ The pressures of surviving in the modern music industry ▪️ Streaming, downloads and the death of physical music ▪️ Advice for aspiring DJs and producers ▪️ TikTok, social media and building an audience today ▪️ The realities of podcast growth and content creation ▪️ Behind-the-scenes stories from decades in dance music ▪️ Lessons learned from a lifetime in the scene

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Chapters 📖  00:00 Teaser: Ghost Producers, Beirut Chaos & Dance Music Secrets 02:07 The Beatport Explosion: More Tracks Released in a Week Than 1999 02:34 The Problem With Ghost Producers 02:53 Rebuilding El Niño From Memory 03:17 The Crazy Beirut Gig With Armed Guards 08:02 Breaking Through in the Dance Music Industry 13:47 The Reality of DJ Success and Pressure 20:54 How the Music Industry Changed Forever 29:28 Streaming, Downloads and the Death of Physical Music 38:57 Advice for Aspiring Producers and DJs 46:06 Can Social Media Really Grow a Podcast? 48:25 TikTok, Spotify and Building an Audience Today 59:27 Behind-the-Scenes Stories From the Dancefloor 01:08:42 Looking Back: Lessons From a Lifetime in Music 01:15:18 Final Thoughts and What's Next

Chris Agnelli joins me for a fascinating deep dive into the story of Agnelli & Nelson, the creation of El Niño and Everyday (amongst others), the golden era of trance, and the wild reality of dance music during the 1990s and 2000s.

From growing up in Northern Ireland during the rave explosion to creating one of the most iconic trance records ever made, Chris shares the untold stories behind Agnelli & Nelson's rise, the birth of El Niño, signing to the legendary Extravaganza label, and the moment everything changed forever.

We discuss how El Niño was created, how the original file was lost and had to be rebuilt from scratch, the incredible story of the Spanish student who unknowingly became the voice of a trance anthem, and what it was like receiving support from Pete Tong, Judge Jules and Radio 1 at the height of trance culture.

Chris also reflects on Ibiza, Gatecrasher, Privilege, Eden, early DJ technology, vinyl culture, and how clubbing has evolved over the last three decades.

If you were there during the golden era of trance, Gatecrasher, Godskitchen, Cream, Radio 1 and Ibiza, this episode is packed with nostalgia, insider stories and moments you won't hear anywhere else.

In this episode:

▪️ The untold story behind El Niño ▪️ How Agnelli & Nelson exploded worldwide ▪️ Pete Tong, Judge Jules & Radio 1 support ▪️ The file corruption that nearly killed a trance classic ▪️ The Spanish student behind the famous vocal ▪️ Ibiza & the golden era of trance ▪️ Vinyl, CDJs & the evolution of DJ culture ▪️ Life inside the dance music industry

Chapters:

00:00 Intro 01:12 Ibiza, Es Paradis & The Golden Era 04:45 Why Chris Agnelli Hated Playing Privilege 08:32 The Wild Alex P Ibiza Story 11:40 Life Before Mobile Phones & Social Media 15:48 Growing Up In Northern Ireland's Rave Scene 20:35 Discovering Electronic Music & Early Production 24:58 Meeting Robbie Nelson 28:15 Creating El Niño 33:22 "The File Corrupted" 36:45 Rebuilding El Niño From Scratch 39:50 The Spanish Student Behind The Vocal 44:18 Signing To Extravaganza Records 47:05 Pete Tong, Judge Jules & Radio 1 Support 50:10 Shooting The El Niño Video In Cuba 53:05 The Rise Of Agnelli & Nelson 55:15 Part Two Preview

Mark Sherry joins me for a fascinating deep dive into the untold story behind Public Domain, Operation Blade, tech-trance, rave culture, and the realities of surviving decades in dance music.

From the explosive success of Operation Blade, chart success, and touring the world, to the harsh realities of the music industry and learning lessons the hard way, Mark opens up like never before.

We discuss how a scene-defining rave anthem was born after watching the film Blade, how Judge Jules championed the record on Radio 1, the rise of Public Domain, and what really happened behind the scenes.

Mark also reflects on his journey through club culture and how dance music has changed forever.

If you were there during the golden era of clubbing, trance, hard house, and rave culture, this episode is packed with nostalgia, insider stories, and moments you won’t hear anywhere else.

In this episode:

▪️ The true story behind Operation Blade ▪️ How Public Domain exploded worldwide ▪️ Judge Jules & Radio 1 support ▪️ Touring the world & chart success ▪️ Learning the hard way in the music industry ▪️ Ibiza, club culture & dance music evolution ▪️ The reality of surviving decades as a DJ & producer

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro 02:08 The Untold Story Behind Operation Blade 08:14 How Mark Sherry & Public Domain Exploded 13:22 Judge Jules, Radio 1 & UK Chart Success 18:47 Touring The World & Top of the Pops 24:10 “We Learned The Hard Way” – Music Industry Lessons 30:56 The Truth About Dance Music Contracts 36:18 Public Domain, Fame & Getting Ripped Off 42:35 The Evolution of Trance, Hard House & Rave Culture 49:12 Ibiza, Space & How Clubbing Changed Forever 55:26 Surviving Decades In Dance Music 1:01:18 Mark Sherry’s Advice For DJs & Producers 1:05:11 One More Tune

🎧 Nick Rafferty: The Night Clubbing Changed Forever | Godskitchen, 90s Clubbing & The Golden Era

Nick Rafferty joins Dexter Jones for a deep dive into the madness, energy and reality of 90s clubbing culture.

From Godskitchen, Sundissential, Cream tours and Space Ibiza to Tony De Vit, vinyl culture, hard house, trance and the golden era of UK nightlife, Nick shares what life was really like during one of the most iconic periods in dance music history.

We discuss:

⚡ The night clubbing changed forever ⚡ Why Millennium changed nightlife ⚡ Godskitchen, Sundissential & Birmingham club culture ⚡ Tony De Vit and the harder sound revolution ⚡ Playing 3 gigs in one night across the UK ⚡ Life as a DJ before phones & social media ⚡ Vinyl culture and exclusive records ⚡ The reality behind the DJ lifestyle ⚡ Severe anxiety, burnout & beta blockers ⚡ How clubbing culture changed forever

Chapters:

00:00 Intro 01:00 What Changed Clubbing Forever? 02:15 The Smoking Ban & The End Of An Era 04:20 Why Millennium Changed Clubbing 07:10 “Promoters & DJs Took The Piss” 09:20 Playing 3 Gigs In One Night 11:40 The Dawn Of Digital Music 14:10 Pete Tong, Essential Tunes & Vinyl Culture 17:00 “Nobody Else Had This Record” 19:30 DJs Were Clubbers Back Then 22:00 Godskitchen, Cream & Touring The UK 25:00 Severe Anxiety, Beta Blockers & Burnout 29:00 The Dark Side Of DJ Life 32:30 Hard House, Trance & The Scene Today 35:00 Tony De Vit, Passion & Legendary Last Tracks 37:20 Final Thoughts

Whether you were raving at Godskitchen, Gatecrasher, Cream, Passion, Sundissential, Bowlers, Ministry of Sound or Space Ibiza, this episode will bring back memories.

👇 Do you agree with Nick? When did clubbing change forever in your opinion?

Nick Rafferty joins Dexter Jones for a deep dive into the madness, energy and reality of 90s club culture.

From Sundissential, Godskitchen and Cream… to three gigs a night, vinyl culture, Tony De Vit, severe anxiety, beta blockers and the rise and fall of the golden era of clubbing.

Nick opens up about what life was really like behind the packed dancefloors and iconic nights that shaped a generation.

Topics include:

• Sundays Central & Birmingham club culture • Godskitchen at The Sanctuary • Tony De Vit & the harder sound revolution • Space Ibiza & Cream tours • Playing multiple gigs a night across the UK • The reality of “the chemical generation” • Severe anxiety & burnout behind the scenes • Vinyl culture & exclusive record

“You’d turn up at the club like a Cheshire cat with a bag full of records thinking… nobody else has got this little beauty.”

A raw, funny, nostalgic and honest conversation with one of the true figures from the golden era of UK clubbing.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Nick Rafferty 01:07 Podcast Introduction & How Nick Rafferty Got Into Dance Music 04:52 Early Clubbing Days, DJ Culture & Rare Vinyl Records 09:57 Collecting Music, Digging For Tracks & DJ Identity 14:58 Learning To DJ, Vinyl Mixing & Early Influences 19:36 Clubland Culture, Hard House & Packed Dancefloors 23:39 The Explosion Of UK Clubbing In The 90s 28:17 Sundissential, Promoting & Building A Club Brand 32:45 Birmingham Club Scene, Energy & Crowd Atmosphere 37:49 The Evolution Of DJs, Fame & Modern Club Culture 42:25 Legendary Nights, Residencies & Touring Stories

This week I sit down with Utah Saints, true pioneers of UK electronic music, to break down one of the most important topics in dance music history… sampling.

From making tracks in their bedrooms on Atari computers and Akai samplers, to landing on Top of the Pops six times, Utah Saints share the real story behind how sampling changed music forever.

We go deep into the early 90s rave scene, white labels, Leeds club culture, and the moment electronic music broke into the mainstream. They also open up about the pressure from the industry, the controversy around sampling, and why today’s music landscape feels completely different.

If you’re into dance music, DJ culture, music production, or the history of rave, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.ž

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction 01:45 Utah Saints on Top of the Pops (6 Times) 04:30 How Utah Saints Met (1991) 08:00 Early DJ Days & Winning the DMC 12:00 Leeds Club Scene Before the Rave Explosion 16:30 First Tracks & Breakthrough Moment 21:30 From Bedroom Music to Chart Success 26:30 The Truth About Sampling 32:30 Utah Saints Classical Event (Leeds) 34:00 How the Orchestra Works 39:00 Leeds Millennium Square Event 42:30 Authenticity in Modern Dance Music 48:00 Breaking Through in Today’s Music Industry 56:20 Let’s Do a Part 2

🎯 THINGS WE TALK ABOUT

How Utah Saints got started in 1991 Winning the DMC and early DJ culture Making music on Atari and Akai samplers The rise of sampling in dance music The truth about Top of the Pops Pressure to “fake” performances on TV White labels and underground club culture Leeds rave scene and early electronic music How tracks were made in bedrooms Why sampling was misunderstood The difference between music then vs now Why modern artists struggle to break through Authenticity in today’s music industry The return of smaller club nights and real crowds

🚀 ABOUT UTAH SAINTS

Utah Saints are one of the UK’s most influential electronic acts, known for blending sampling, house, and rave culture into mainstream success. With multiple Top of the Pops appearances and iconic releases, they helped shape the sound of 90s dance music.

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Danny Whittle joins The Dexter Jones Podcast,  the man behind the evolution of Ibiza club culture.

From serving in the Royal Navy during the Falklands War, to becoming a firefighter, to ultimately shaping the global dance music industry… Danny’s journey is unlike anything you’ve heard before.

In this episode, we go deep into the real story behind Ibiza’s transformation. From Renaissance to Pacha, the rise of superstar DJs, building one of the most iconic nightclub brands in the world, and launching IMS Ibiza — the event that changed the business of electronic music forever.

Danny breaks down how Ibiza went from a party island to a global music powerhouse, the realities of running clubs at the highest level, and why the industry today is more complex,  and more competitive, than ever.

This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, risks, and moments that helped shape modern club culture.

If you’re into Ibiza, dance music, DJ culture, or the business behind it all — this is a must-watch.

Chapters:

0:00 The Danny Whittle Story  1:30 Growing Up in Stoke – Early Life & Music Influence 5:00 Why He Joined the Royal Navy at 17 8:30 Falklands War – Life on the Front Line 13:00 From War to Firefighter – A New Chapter 17:30 Leaving the Fire Service – Forced Career Change 20:30 How He Accidentally Entered the Music Industry 25:00 Renaissance Era – Learning the Ibiza Scene 30:30 The Stress of Events – “Crisis Management” Explained 34:30 Moving to Ibiza – First Major Breakthrough 39:00 Taking Over Pacha – The Big Opportunity 44:30 Building Pacha Into a Global Brand 50:00 Booking Superstars – Guetta, Swedish House Mafia & More 55:00 How Ibiza Became the Global Dance Capital 60:00 Launching IMS Ibiza – Changing the Industry 64:30 Why the Ibiza Season Got Longer 69:00 The Reality of the Modern Music Industry 73:00 Why Booking DJs Is Harder Than Ever 76:30 Building Chinois Ibiza – Starting Again 80:00 Finding New Talent & Future DJs 83:30 Passion vs Business – The Real Balance 86:30 His Biggest Achievement in Life 89:00 The One Track That Defines Ibiza 92:00 Final Thoughts – Ibiza Then vs Now

• Growing up in Stoke and early music influences • Joining the Royal Navy and serving in the Falklands War • Life after the military and becoming a firefighter • How Danny accidentally entered the music industry • Working with Renaissance and the early Ibiza scene • Transforming Pacha into a global brand • Booking the world’s biggest DJs and building iconic residencies • The rise of David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, and superstar DJs • Why Ibiza became the centre of electronic music • Launching IMS Ibiza and extending the season • The business behind clubs, DJs, and global events • Why booking artists is harder than ever today • Building Chinois Ibiza and creating a modern club brand • Finding and developing new DJ talent • The reality of stress and pressure in the events industry • Passion vs business in nightlife • The evolution of Ibiza from underground to global

DJ CASH ONLY joins the Dexter Jones Podcast to break down the real story behind the name, and why it has absolutely nothing to do with money.

From starting out in the underground putting on small community parties, to building a multi-million pound social enterprise that empowered young people, stepping away from music completely, and then returning to play 60+ shows worldwide,  all without a manager or agent, this is a very different kind of DJ journey.

We start with the meaning behind “CASH ONLY”, inspired by art and identity rather than money, and how that idea reflects a deeper mindset around music, culture, and not chasing the obvious.

From there, we get into the early days,  raving at 16, discovering the scene, putting on local events in community centres, and building something from the ground up before things ever scaled.

#DexterJones  #clubculture  #djpodcast 

Chapters  00:00 Is "DJ CASH MONEY" really about the money? 04:30 Starting Out: UK Rave Culture & First Steps 08:45 How to build a community-led party from scratch 14:20 Mixing music with mission: Why I built a social enterprise 20:10 The Truth: Why I walked away from the music industry 24:30 The Sam Divine meeting that changed everything 28:00 Finding my purpose: The "Cash Only" comeback 32:40 60 global shows with no manager: How I did it 38:15 The Reality of the DJ Industry (What they don't tell you) 44:00 Independence & Identity: Staying true to the brand 51:10 Networking vs. Talent: How to get noticed today 57:45 Burnout, mental health, and the touring lifestyle 1:04:30 Developing your signature sound in a crowded market 1:10:15 The future of "DJ CASH ONLY" and the next chapter 1:18:50 Advice for upcoming DJs: How to play the long game 1:24:45 Why it was always about the people (Final thoughts)

We also get into:

• the reality behind the name “CASH ONLY” and why it’s misunderstood • putting on grassroots parties and building a local following • creating a social enterprise and working with young people • turning community projects into something sustainable • stepping away from music and focusing on something completely different • the role Sam Divine played in pushing him back into DJing • returning to music with a new mindset and approach • building a career without a manager or agent • playing 60+ shows worldwide and performing at major festivals • the reality of the DJ industry behind the scenes • why independence matters more than ever in dance music

This is a proper behind-the-scenes conversation with someone who’s taken a completely different path through dance music — from grassroots community work to global DJing.

If you’re into DJ culture, underground music, house music, independent artists, or real stories behind the industry, this one will land.

The Dexter Jones Podcast explores the stories, people and realities behind dance music, Ibiza culture, production, DJing and the electronic music industry.

If you enjoy the episode, drop a comment with your take: Is it better to build independently in today’s music industry, or do artists still need managers and agents to succeed?

Paul Maddox, known for his work across Tidy Trax, hard house, hard dance and studio engineering, joins me for a deep conversation about music production, ghost production, sound engineers, AI, the changing club scene, and why so many roles in electronic music are misunderstood.

We start with one of the biggest misconceptions in dance music: ghost producers and engineers are not the same thing. Paul explains where the confusion comes from, why people get defensive about it, and how professional records are often made through collaboration, technical support, and very different skill sets.

From there, we go deep into Paul’s own story. We talk about starting out as a producer before DJing, learning the craft in the late 90s, working with basic gear, discovering dance music through Radio 1, handing demo CDs to DJs, and eventually breaking through with the Tidy Boys and landing an in-house engineering role.

We also get into:

• the difference between engineering, co-production and ghost production • why some artists need technical help, not a ghost producer • how electronic music blurs the lines between artist, producer and engineer • building tracks in person versus online sessions • how Paul moved across hard house, hard dance, trance, techno and house • working with artists across different genres • AI in music production and why it can enhance creativity but not replace it • why modern music can feel more derivative • the importance of edits, streaming versions and holding attention online • the rise, fall and return of hard house and harder dance sounds • how clubbing culture, festivals, visuals and social media have changed the scene • why producers now have to do everything, from making music to building a brand

00:00 Intro: The Maddox & Glazby Connection 05:15 Producer vs DJ: What comes first? 08:42 Working with Darius Syrossian & Bryan Kearney 12:30 How COVID changed studio sessions forever 15:45 Engineering vs. Ghost Producing: The Truth 19:20 Why the Dance Industry pulls people down 24:10 Starting on a PC in 1998: The early days 32:50 That life-changing call from the Tidy Boys 40:15 The "Unbaking a Cake" AI Analogy 48:20 Is Hard House having a massive resurgence? 55:30 The decline of the "Weekly Club" and the rise of the "Show" 01:05:10 Why Social Media is killing talented artists

This is a proper behind-the-scenes conversation with someone who has lived it from the inside. If you are into hard house, dance music production, club culture, studio work, or the real mechanics of how tracks get made, this one will land.

The Dexter Jones Podcast explores the stories, people and realities behind dance music, Ibiza culture, production, DJing and the electronic music industry.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with William Daniel to break down how he got into the music industry at just 15 years old… and ended up working directly with some of the biggest DJs in the world.

From working in a record shop in Glasgow to sending promos to Judge Jules, Paul Oakenfold, and Radio 1, William shares how he built a network from scratch and earned respect in one of the most competitive industries out there.

We dive into vinyl culture, record shops, and what it was really like selling music to names like Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, and Ferry Corsten… all before most people even know what they want to do with their lives.

This is a real insight into how the dance music industry works behind the scenes — no shortcuts, no hype… just experience.

If you’re a DJ, producer, or trying to break into the music industry, this episode is packed with lessons.

🔑 THINGS WE TALK ABOUT:

* How William Daniel got into the music industry at 15 * Working in a record shop during the vinyl era * Sending promos to DJs like Judge Jules and Paul Oakenfold * Radio 1 exposure and early DJ promotion * Building a DJ network from scratch * Selling records to Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, and Ferry Corsten * How record shops shaped the dance music scene * Breaking into the electronic music industry with no connections * DJ culture in the early trance and house scene * How to get noticed as a DJ or producer * The importance of taste, track selection, and music knowledge * Behind the scenes of the DJ industry * Advice for new DJs and producers * The reality of the music business vs social media perception

00:00 AI Is Changing Music Forever… Here’s The Truth 01:16 A Surprise Guest From The Dance Music Scene 05:56 Getting Into Music From An Early Age 08:03 Discovering Record Shops & DJ Culture 15:41 Is AI Replacing Music Producers? 21:11 The Power Of Vinyl & Old School DJing 29:15 How Hard Is It To Break Through As A DJ Today? 37:12 Releasing Music On Labels (How It Really Works) 45:23 The State Of Trance Music Right Now 52:38 Ghost Producing In Dance Music Explained 59:08 Artist Fees vs Reality – The Big Disconnect 01:05:47 The Last Track Of The Night (DJ Psychology)

From raves to reality… this is what it’s really like working in the dance music industry.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Steve Arnold to break down his journey from the early rave scene through to working behind the scenes in dance music. From Godskitchen and Global Gathering to artist liaison roles, interviews, and the real grind it takes to break into the industry… this is the side of dance music most people never see.

We dive into the Midlands rave scene, UK club culture, and what it actually takes to build a career in electronic music. No hype, no filters… just real stories from inside the industry.

If you’re a DJ, producer, or just obsessed with dance music culture, this one’s for you.

🎙️ WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

In this episode, we cover the reality of working in the dance music industry, from the UK rave scene to major events like Godskitchen and Global Gathering.

• How to get into the dance music industry • The UK rave scene and Midlands club culture • Behind the scenes of DJ life and artist liaison work • The grind of becoming a DJ and building a name • Dance music events, touring and industry insights • Then vs now: how clubbing and DJ culture has evolved • Honest advice for new DJs and producers

Micky Modelle joins The Dexter Jones Podcast to share his incredible journey through 4 decades in dance music — from the early days of Belfast’s underground club scene during one of its most turbulent periods, to the rise of vinyl culture, Clubland, and the evolution of the global dance music industry.

In this episode, we dive deep into what it was really like coming up in a time with no roadmap, no social media, and no shortcuts — where DJs built careers from record shops, word of mouth, and pure passion. Micky opens up about the realities of the industry, the shift from vinyl to digital, and why success today isn’t the same as it once was.

This is a raw and honest conversation about longevity, adapting to change, and surviving in one of the most competitive industries in the world.

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🎧 In this episode, we cover: Growing up and DJing in Belfast during a turbulent era How club culture thrived despite real-world conflict The early days of vinyl and what success really looked like Selling records vs streaming culture today The truth about longevity in the music industry Why you can’t stay on top forever How technology has changed everything for DJs and producers Stories from the early underground scene Advice for the next generation of DJs

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⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Belfast Was a War Zone 03:20 – Early Club Scene Outside the City 08:45 – Winging It: No Set Path 15:10 – Vinyl Days & Record Sales 22:30 – Then vs Now: The Industry Shift 35:40 – You Can’t Stay on Top Forever 48:15 – Technology Changed Everything 58:20 – Stories from the Scene 1:10:00 – Advice for New DJs

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🎤 About Micky Modelle

Micky Modelle is a respected DJ and producer with over 40 years in the dance music industry. Known for his influence across multiple eras — from underground club culture to commercial dance — he has witnessed and adapted to every major shift in the scene.

Dirty Sanchez was one of MTV’s wildest and most controversial TV shows, reaching over 400 million viewers across 64 countries and becoming a global phenomenon in the early 2000s. 

In this episode, Pritchard from Dirty Sanchez joins the podcast to reveal what really happened behind the scenes of the MTV show, from how Dirty Sanchez started and exploded worldwide to the full-on lifestyle, Ibiza stories, and the reality of life after fame.

How did it become MTV’s wildest and most popular show?

In this episode, I sit down with Pritchard to uncover the full story behind Dirty Sanchez, from its unexpected beginnings to its rise as one of the biggest shows MTV ever produced.

What started as a group of mates filming skateboarding, pranks, and chaos quickly turned into something far bigger than anyone imagined. MTV were looking for a UK version of the Jackass movement, and within no time, Dirty Sanchez exploded onto screens around the world — reaching over 400 million people across 64 countries.

But none of that was the plan.

As Pritchard explains, they genuinely thought it would be one show, one year… just getting paid to party and have a laugh.

Instead, it became a global phenomenon.

We talk about what life was really like during that time — travelling the world, pushing boundaries, and living a lifestyle that was completely full on. The energy, the madness, and the pressure to keep going further eventually started to take its toll.

We also dive deep into Ibiza — a huge part of the journey.

From performing live at Bar M to experiencing the island at its peak, Pritchard shares how Ibiza became the place where everything escalated. The freedom, the atmosphere, and the culture made it a playground where anything felt possible — and where some of the wildest moments happened.

But this episode isn’t just about chaos.

It’s about what happens after.

We talk about the reality of that lifestyle, the impact it has over time, and how Pritchard has completely transformed his life since those days. From stepping away from alcohol to doing serious work on himself, this is a side of the story that most people never hear.

From global fame… to personal change.

If you remember Dirty Sanchez, this is the story behind it.

If you don’t — this is one you won’t expect.

⚡️ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• The origins of Dirty Sanchez and how it started from skateboarding and prank videos • How MTV discovered the crew and turned it into a global TV show • Reaching 400 million viewers across 64 countries • Why they never expected Dirty Sanchez to blow up • What life was really like behind the scenes of MTV’s wildest show • The “get paid to party” lifestyle and how it became full on • The pressure to keep pushing boundaries • How the chaos and lifestyle took its toll • Ibiza stories, Bar M residency, and wild island moments • Living in Ibiza during the peak years • Life after Dirty Sanchez • Personal transformation, sobriety, and self-work • Reflections on fame, identity, and change

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Dirty Sanchez: 400 Million Viewers Worldwide 05:32 – From Pro Skateboarder to Filming Chaos 07:15 – Ibiza Residency & Party Lifestyle Begins 12:16 – MTV Discovery: The UK’s Jackass Era 13:07 – Becoming MTV’s Biggest Show Ever 16:44 – Life After Dirty Sanchez: The Dirty Vegan Journey 23:32 – Rowing the Atlantic: The Ultimate Challenge 28:02 – Why He Turned to Veganism 37:52 – “Sleep When You’re Dead” Lifestyle 42:17 – Personal Reinvention & Life Transformation 52:16 – Dealing with Anxiety & Mental Health 58:28 – Discovering a Passion for Cooking 1:06:55 – The Importance of Exercise & Routine 1:09:03 – Favourite Life Chapters & Lessons Learned

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All About Pritchard:

https://www.mathewpritchard.com/

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with DJ and producer Denney (James Denney) to explore the journey behind a career that has taken him from the early days of UK club culture to some of the most respected underground dance floors in the world.

From his beginnings playing at Sugar Shack, through the legendary Back To Basics nights in Leeds, to releasing music on Jamie Jones’ Hot Creations, Denney shares the story of how he built a life in dance music.

This is a brilliant conversation about the evolution of the underground scene, the reality of becoming a DJ, and what it really takes to sustain a career in dance music.

In this episode, we talk about

• Denney’s early days discovering dance music • Playing at Sugar Shack and learning to DJ • Working at the legendary Back To Basics in Leeds • How underground club culture shaped his career • The journey to releasing music on Hot Creations • Touring internationally and playing in Ibiza • The realities of building a long-term DJ career • How the dance music scene has evolved over the years • Advice for DJs trying to break into the industry

Timestamps 

00:00 Introduction 02:14 Discovering dance music 07:40 The Sugar Shack years 15:10 Back To Basics and the Leeds scene 25:32 Learning the craft of DJing 38:20 The underground club culture 49:05 Releasing music on Hot Creations 58:41 Playing Ibiza and touring internationally 1:09:30 How the dance music scene has evolved 1:18:05 Advice for new DJs 1:23:40 Final thoughts

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Follow Denney:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denneymusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenneyMusic Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/denney

Subscribe

If you enjoy real stories from the dance music world, make sure you subscribe to The Dexter Jones Podcast for new episodes every week featuring DJs, producers and key figures from the global club scene.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, Paul “Madders” Madan returns for part two, sharing the raw and brutally honest story behind the rise and fall of Sundissential, one of the most iconic club brands in UK dance music history.

Madders was at the centre of the 90s rave explosion, helping build Sundissential into a phenomenon that packed superclubs across Birmingham and Leeds. But behind the scenes, addiction was taking hold.

What started with early rave culture and Class A drugs slowly spiralled into cocaine, crack addiction, and eventually losing everything.

In this powerful conversation, Madders opens up about the darkest years of his life, the collapse of Sundissential, his battle with addiction, and the long road to recovery.

This is a brutally honest story about rave culture, fame, ego, addiction and redemption.

If you were part of the UK club scene in the 90s and early 2000s, this episode will take you right back to one of the wildest eras in dance music history.

Topics covered in this episode

• The rise of Sundissential and UK hard house culture • Life behind the scenes of 90s rave promotions • How addiction slowly took control • Crack cocaine and the downward spiral • The collapse of a legendary club brand • Hitting rock bottom • Recovery and rebuilding life after addiction

Chapters

00:00 – “Crack Was My Life” 03:02 – When Did It Start Going Wrong? 04:39 – The First Time I Took a Class A Drug 06:55 – The Invisible Line Into Addiction 12:19 – Active Recovery Since 2017 27:39 – The Moment I Started Using Crack Cocaine 33:36 – The Beginning of the End for Sundissential 37:19 – Three Weeks in Birmingham Crack Houses 42:17 – When Sundissential Went Bust 1:00:03 – “If I Thought This Mug Would Change How I Felt…” 1:02:48 – The Moment of Clarity

About Paul “Madders” Madden

Paul “Madders” Madden was a co-founder of Sundissential, one of the most influential hard house club brands in the UK. During the late 90s and early 2000s, Sundissential events attracted thousands of clubbers every week and helped shape the UK dance music scene.

After years of addiction and personal struggles, Madders is now in recovery and works helping others facing similar challenges.

Subscribe for more stories from dance music culture

The Dexter Jones Podcast explores the real stories behind club culture, DJs, promoters and the people who built the dance music scene.

🎧 New episodes every week.

Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@dexterjonesibiza

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The Wellbourne Clinic

The Wellbourne Clinic is a UK-based addiction treatment centre that provides professional support for people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. The clinic offers therapy-based treatment programmes designed to help individuals understand the root causes of addiction and build the tools needed for long-term recovery.

With a focus on personalised care, The Wellbourne Clinic provides a safe and supportive environment where people can begin rebuilding their lives. Their approach combines therapeutic support, recovery guidance, and community-based recovery pathways to help individuals move forward with stability and purpose.

Paul “Madders” Madden now works within addiction recovery support and has been involved in helping others facing similar struggles.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you can learn more about their work here:

https://thewellbourneclinic.co.uk/

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Addiction & Recovery Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, there are organisations that offer confidential help and support.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Support groups for people struggling with alcohol addiction. https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Support meetings for people recovering from drug addiction. https://ukna.org

FRANK – UK Drug Advice Service Free confidential advice about drugs and addiction. 📞 0300 123 6600 https://www.talktofrank.com

Drinkline – National Alcohol Helpline Free confidential helpline for people concerned about drinking. 📞 0300 123 1110

Samaritans If you are struggling and need someone to talk to. 📞 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org

The Wellbourne Clinic Professional addiction treatment and recovery support. https://thewellbourneclinic.co.uk

Important note

Recovery is possible. If you are struggling, reaching out to one of the organisations above can be the first step toward getting help.

Paul Glazby returns to The Dexter Jones Podcast for Part 2 of this in-depth Hard House interview, diving into UK club culture, Vicious Circle Records, Tidy Trax era dance music, DJ burnout, music industry politics, management failures, and the real reason he stepped away from the UK Hard House scene. In this episode, Paul Glazby opens up about losing 75% of his DJ income, building multiple gym businesses, moving to New Zealand and Australia, starting again at 40 in real estate, and why Hard House and underground dance music have come back into his life after more than a decade away.

If you lived through the UK Hard House era, this is essential listening. If you’ve ever walked away from something you loved, this will resonate even more.

This is not just about DJing. It’s about identity, reinvention, burnout and rebuilding.

In this episode we cover:

• The collapse of his DJ career • Losing 75% of his bookings overnight • Fake gigs and music industry politics • Launching Red Management • Seven years of burnout juggling fitness and DJing • The 10-hour farewell set • Moving abroad and completely disconnecting from dance music • Losing half his gym membership overnight • Reinventing himself in real estate at 40 • The return of Hard House • The one track he would close the night with

—

🎧 CHAPTERS

00:00 The Collapse: “My DJ Career Looked Like It Was On Its Ass” 01:09 Losing 32 Kilos & Reinventing Myself Through Fitness 06:01 Drugs, DJing & The Night Everything Changed 08:12 Tidy Management, Trophy Twins & Industry Politics 12:55 Fake Gigs, Cancelled Bookings & A 75% Income Drop 19:42 Launching Red Management & Taking Back Control 20:26 Seven Years of Burnout: 5:30am Clients + Weekend Gigs 21:57 “I’m Never Gonna Do A UK Gig” – The Final Announcement 26:36 Moving Abroad & Losing Touch With Dance Music 33:00 The Gym Collapse: Losing Half My Members Overnight 34:22 Starting Again at 40: From DJ to Real Estate 40:05 “Music’s In The Blood” – Hard House Comes Back 47:13 The One Last Track: RRF – Yomamba

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About Paul Glazby

Paul Glazby is a UK Hard House DJ and producer known for Vicious Circle Records and his work during the peak of the Tidy Trax era. A key figure in underground UK club culture, he has released extensively across the Hard Dance scene and remains one of the most respected names in Hard House history.

🎧 Paul Glazby: Hard House’s Greatest Era & Why It’s Coming Back  This week on the podcast, I sit down with Paul Glazby, DJ, producer, label owner, and founder of hard house record label Vicious Circle, to unpack the rise, fall, and resurgence of Hard House.

From teaching himself to mix in secret… To clearing the dancefloor at Insomniacs before becoming a resident… To build one of the most influential Hard House labels of the early 2000s…

This is a deep dive into one of the most important eras in UK club culture.

We talk about:

• The real impact of Tony De Vit’s passing on Hard House • How Gatecrasher & trance briefly overtook the harder sound • The explosion of 2000–2002 Hard House • Building Vicious Circle from scratch • Producing classics like Kick It • The vinyl collapse & MP3 era • Why Hard House is back • The new generation pushing 150–160 BPM • And how podcasting reignited Paul’s passion for music

This is Part 1 of 2. Part 2 drops very soon.

If you were there in the early 2000s… this will hit. If you weren’t… this explains everything.

🔥 Topics Covered:

Hard House history Vicious Circle Records Insomniacs Sheffield Tony De Vit Tidy Trax BK & Hard Dance evolution Hard House comeback 2025 Vinyl era vs digital UK club culture 1998–2005 Why are harder sounds trending again

🎶 About Paul Glazby

Paul Glazby emerged from Sheffield’s underground scene in the late 90s and became one of the defining names of UK Hard House.

Founder of Vicious Circle, his productions helped shape the tougher edge of the genre during its peak years. After a long hiatus, he has returned — producing new music, relaunching labels and hosting the Hard House History podcast.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Hard House Then vs Now 03:12 Teaching Himself to Mix in Secret 07:45 The Night Half the Club Walked Out 12:30 Tony De Vit’s Death & The Scene Shift 18:40 Gatecrasher, Trance & The Hard House Takeover 24:10 The 2000–2002 Hard House Explosion 30:25 Launching Vicious Circle Records 36:50 Producing “Kick It” & Signature Sound 43:15 Vinyl Collapse & The MP3 Era 49:40 Why Hard House Is Coming Back 56:10 The New 150–160 BPM Generation 01:02:30 Podcasting, Comeback & What’s Next

New episodes every Sunday at 5pm UK. No clickbait. No bots. Just real stories from the people who built the scene.

If you’ve been enjoying the journey this past year, thank you. We’re just getting started.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason "JFK" Kinch to unpack 30 years of PaSSion and the era of weekly UK club culture before the corporate superclubs and festivals muddied the waters.

Operating alongside Gatecrasher, Cream and Godskitchen. Before huge production budgets and global DJ brands.

PaSSion was building something different.

From the early days of flyering streets and risking everything financially, to flying in unknown artists like Ferry Corsten and a young Armin van Buuren who was still at university, this is a raw and honest look at what it really took to survive in the golden era of UK clubbing.

JFK opens up about:

• The reality of losing money as a promoter • Why are you only ever as good as your last party • The integrity of Tony De Vit turning down upfront feed to remain resident • Taking risks on artists nobody knew • Growing from 750 capacity to 2,500 • And why seeing that first person run onto the dancefloor still makes it all worth it

This is not a throwback for its own sake. This is clubbing history from someone who lived it.

If you care about UK club culture, trance history, and the foundations of the scene before it went global, this episode is essential viewing.

Subscribe or follow for more club culture deeps dive with the people who built the scene.

Chapters:

00:00 30 Years of Passion - Before the Superclubs 07:35 The Emporium - Mark & Eric and the Birth of Passion 10:42 The Brutal First Six Months of Passion 16:48 Why Is He Called JFK? 21:52 Weekly Partying in the 90s Club Scene 28:26 Running The Emporium Nightclub 32:36 The Tony De Vit Residency Story 37:25 Ferry Corsten at Passion - Before the Fame 39:02 Booking a Student Armin van Buuren 43:46 Taking Passion to Ibiza 52:57 Tiësto at Cream Ibiza – The Superclub Era 1:00:14 The Generational Shift in UK Clubbing 1:06:54 The Return of Passion 1:12:00 Modern Day Clubbing Challenges 1:17:47 The Truth About Promoters Losing Money 1:20:28 Why He Can Never Walk Away 1:36:18 The Last Tune of the Night

This episode of the Dexter Jones Podcast tells the real story of Paul Madan AKA "Madders", who is one of the defining figures behind Sundissential and UK club culture.

It’s an honest, unfiltered conversation about success, addiction, collapse, and recovery. From the height of clubland to a twenty-year battle with crack cocaine, this episode goes beyond dance music into accountability, survival, and rebuilding a life.

This is one of the most important conversations we’ve ever recorded on the Dexter Jones Podcast.

This is not a nostalgia piece.

It’s a raw, human conversation about success, excess, addiction, collapse, recovery, and the long road back to finding meaning again.

From the rise of Sundissential and packed-out clubs to a twenty-year battle with crack cocaine, losing everything, finally finding recovery and his true purpose in life, this episode goes far beyond dance music.

It’s about accountability, survival, and choosing to face life head-on.

This episode is dedicated to everyone around the world living with any version of addiction, and to those in recovery who choose courage, honesty, and hope every single day.

In this episode, we cover:

📖 The real story behind Sundissential and its impact 🤯 The pressure, chaos, and reality behind the scenes 🤧 Addiction, denial, and hitting rock bottom 😢 Losing everything and starting again ▵ Recovery, responsibility, and life today 🥰 What survival actually looks like when the noise stops

--- Chapters 📖

00:00 Intro | The Real Story Begins 04:08 Why He’s Always Been Called “Madders” 06:13 The Rumour That Madders Was Dead 10:14 Addiction Tightens Its Grip 25:53 Promoting the First Events | Early Clubland Days 37:32 How His Mum Invented the Name Sundissential 44:53 Sundissential Grows to 100,000 Members 57:51 Five Thousand People Turn Up to One Club 01:05:00 Sundissential Becomes a Superclub Brand 01:27:56 Club Deaths, Media Pressure, and Everything Falling Apart

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THE WELLBOURNE CLINIC A huge thank you to Paul and the team at The WellBOURNE Clinic for the vital work they do supporting people affected by addiction and recovery. If you’d like to learn more about their approach and the support they offer, please visit their website:

 https://thewellbourneclinic.co.uk/

Live performance in electronic music is widely misunderstood. In this episode, Saytek explains what playing live actually means and why it is fundamentally different from DJing.

Saytek has never DJed. Every performance is built, arranged, and performed live in real time. Nothing is pre-arranged, nothing is duplicated, and no two sets are ever the same.

He has been part of electronic music culture for decades, from early UK rave and squat parties to international touring, Berlin clubs, Ibiza seasons, and headlining techno rooms around the world. His background in sound engineering and deep technical understanding shaped a live performance approach that prioritises creativity, risk, and connection with the crowd.

In this conversation, we break down the realities of live techno performance.

We talk honestly about gear, Ableton, hardware myths, Berlin vs UK culture, why live acts are rarer than DJs, the sacrifices involved, and how electronic musicians actually think while performing.

This is not a DJ debate. It’s an explanation.

Topics include:

• Why Saytek has never DJed • What live techno performance really involves • Hardware, Ableton, and the myth of “cheating” • Sound engineering roots and early London club culture • Squat parties, illegal raves, and DIY scenes • Berlin vs UK techno culture • What defines an electronic musician • AI, creativity, and human imperfection • Gear Acquisition Syndrome and why more gear isn’t the answer

⏱️ PODCAST CHAPTERS

00:00 – Saytek: “I’ve Never DJed” 04:27 – What Is Techno (and Why Live Matters) 10:56 – Live Techno Gear Explained 12:52 – Ableton Live: Tool or Cheat? 19:06 – How Saytek Got Into Live Performance 26:08 – London, Club Home & Sound Engineering Roots 32:19 – Squat Parties & Illegal Raves in London 35:53 – Berlin vs UK: Techno Culture Explained 45:02 – What Is an Electronic Musician (Not a DJ) 54:27 – AI, Creativity & the Future of Electronic Music 01:08:44 – Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) Explained

If you’re a DJ, live act, producer, promoter, or someone interested in how electronic music is actually performed, this episode will give you real insight.

Today, I sit down with one of the most respected and quietly influential figures in modern trance and electronic music, Stephen Kirkwood.

Stephen’s story is not the usual DJ success narrative. This is a deep, honest conversation about creativity, resilience, graft, and finding multiple ways to survive and thrive in an industry that constantly shifts beneath your feet.

If you know Stephen for his productions, his releases on major labels, or his appearances at iconic venues like Amnesia Ibiza, this episode reveals the layers behind the music. If you do not know his story yet, this is a rare opportunity to hear how a working-class kid from Scotland built a career in trance, production, education, and business by staying adaptable and relentlessly consistent.

We talk about Stephen’s journey from early DJ gigs and self-promoted club nights to working with industry heavyweights, hearing his music played by legends like Paul van Dyk, and eventually playing after them on some of the biggest stages in dance music.

One of the most surprising parts of this conversation is how Stephen built Banging Pizza, a now multi-location pizza business that became a genuine hub for the Scottish electronic music scene. What started as a lockdown pivot turned into a thriving brand, with shops run and franchised by DJs and producers from the scene itself. It is a perfect example of creative thinking outside the booth.

We go deep into music production, the reality of putting in 10,000 hours, why most tracks fail before one finally works, and how mentorship from figures like Lange, Mark Sherry and David Forbes shaped Stephen’s sound and mindset. Stephen also opens up about teaching the next generation through Escapade Studios and why education and community matter more than ever in today’s music industry.

This episode also explores: • The pressure of playing after global trance legends • Law of attraction, manifestation, and belief • Why consistency beats perfection in music careers • The truth about ghost production vs collaboration • Using AI as a creative tool in modern production • Social media, micro-communities, and the 1,000 true fans principle • Why trance is experiencing a genuine resurgence • How Ibiza performances change an artist forever

We also talk candidly about rejection, releases falling through at the last minute, managing expectations, and how to stay mentally grounded in an industry built on highs and lows.

This is not just an interview for DJs. It is a conversation for any creative, entrepreneur, or artist trying to build something meaningful while navigating pressure, comparison, and constant change.

If you love Ibiza culture, trance music, electronic production, behind-the-scenes industry stories, or real conversations about creativity and survival in music, this episode will resonate deeply.

Do not forget to subscribe for more long-form conversations with DJs, producers, promoters, and the people who built the culture from the inside out.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro – Stephen Kirkwood: Trance, Ibiza & Creative Survival 03:15 When Covid Stopped Music and Forced a Pivot 07:31 Growing Up in Scotland: Where Music First Entered His Life 09:35 Starting a Local Club Night and Promoting Parties 14:27 SKcapade Studios: Teaching Producers and Giving Back 17:32 The 10,000-Hour Truth About Music Production 22:52 Ibiza, Law of Attraction and Manifesting Big Moments 25:03 Lange, Mentorship and Real Industry Friendships 40:25 The First Time Hearing His Music Played by the Legends 45:40 Social Media, DJs and Building a Real Audience 50:28 Why 1,000 True Fans Beats Huge Follower Counts 55:44 Playing After Paul van Dyk and Going “Cloud Nine” 59:28 AI in Music Production: Tool or Threat? 01:12:15 One More Tune: The Perfect Last Track of the Night

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, Dexter Jones sits down with Habs Akram, a pioneering VJ, visual artist, and live visual mixer who has helped shape how electronic music events, clubs, and festivals look for over 35 years.

Working alongside some of the biggest names in dance music, including Carl Cox, Habs has played a key role in bringing club visuals, live video mixing, and stage visuals into global electronic music culture, from underground London parties to Ibiza superclubs, Glastonbury, and world tours.

Often mistaken for “the lighting guy”, Habs explains what a VJ actually does, why visuals matter on the dance floor, and how live visual mixing can completely change the way music is experienced in clubs and festivals.

We dive into:

🔥 The moment Carl Cox told Habs: “Best visuals I’ve ever seen” 🎥 Why VJs are still misunderstood and undervalued in club culture 🌍 Touring the world with Nine Inch Nails and creating visuals used as lighting 🎬 How Habs’ work ended up in AI: Artificial Intelligence, directed by Steven Spielberg 🎪 The infamous Glastonbury “blag” that led to running the Pyramid Stage 🧠 Mixing visuals live, in real time, not pressing play 📱 The decade-long journey to building V4M, a live visual app that fits in your pocket 🎶 Why visuals should respond to music, not overpower it 🖤 The art of restraint, blackouts, and understanding the shape of sound

This episode is not just about visuals. It’s about timing, instinct, creativity, and what it really means to bring music to life on a dance floor.

If you’ve ever wondered how iconic nights actually come together behind the scenes, this one’s for you.

Chapters:  00:00 Why I wanted Habs Akram on the podcast (VJ & visual pioneer) 02:14 VJ vs lighting engineer – what a VJ really does 03:01 How live visual mixing actually works in clubs and festivals 03:30 West London roots, early rave culture & clubbing history 04:01 Turning up to Slinky in a suit – learning the rave scene 06:53 From corporate AV to underground dance music visuals 07:51 The visual idea that was ahead of its time 10:02 Nine Inch Nails tour, Spielberg & breaking into world tours 25:38 Carl Cox’s compliment: “Best visuals I’ve ever seen” 28:40 Why Habs doesn’t rate AI visuals in dance music 50:28 V4M app explained – live visuals from your phone 1:05:15 Space Ibiza years & the golden era of club culture 1:14:00 The secret sauce: blackouts, timing & reading the drop 1:22:18 Last tune to end the night – closing moments

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Download the V4M APP  www. https://visuals4music.com/

Info: https://www.facebook.com/Habsy.Akram

The System Is Broken: Why Dance Music Is Harder Than Ever | Jason FUBAR

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Jason FUBAR, a long-time DJ, promoter, and rave scene grafter who has lived every era of dance music culture first-hand.

Jason has been part of the scene for over 35 years. From the early rave days in Blackpool to superclubs, festivals, bars, the Royal Navy, Ibiza, Mallorca, and booking future superstars before they were even known, he’s seen the industry evolve from the inside.

This conversation is a reality check on why dance music feels broken right now.

We talk honestly about rising costs and shrinking margins, exclusivity deals, micro-venues versus mega clubs, and why promoters are being squeezed harder than ever. Jason also shares stories from running bars and festivals, touring internationally, and witnessing UK rave culture being built from the ground up.

This is not nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s about the current reality, what has changed, and what still makes dance music special after 30+ years.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

We talk about:

■ Why it now costs more to make less money in dance music ■ Rising overheads, ticket pricing, and the real pressure promoters face ■ How exclusivity deals are damaging local scenes ■ Why small 200–300 capacity parties are making a comeback ■ Social media, trolling, and the abuse aimed at DJs and promoters ■ DJ culture then vs now, and why the scene feels different ■ Ibiza, BCM Mallorca, and the Balearic circuit ■ The Syndicate Blackpool and the superclub era ■ Why originality in music is disappearing ■ What still makes dance music worth fighting for

Chapters:

00:00 The System Is Broken: Why Dance Music Is Harder Than Ever 08:23 You Used to Spend a Quid to Make a Tenner 13:25 Starting Out DJing in the Early Rave Era (1991) 24:14 Joining the Royal Navy While DJing 33:29 English Drinking Culture and Festival Spending Power 38:25 Back to the Old Pool Festival: Risks, Costs and Crowd Control 51:24 Trolling on Social Media: Abuse, Misogyny and Promoter Hate 01:03:09 The Syndicate Superclub, Blackpool (5,000 Capacity Era) 01:18:37 BCM Mallorca and Breaking Into the Balearic Scene 01:29:46 How Early Facebook Changed Ibiza Forever 01:32:19 Music Production Today: Remixes, Samples and Industry Laziness 01:40:36 One More Tune: Final Track Choices and Podcast Wrap-Up

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For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter:

rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

Ian Van Dahl on the pressure, politics, and reality of making timeless dance music

Few tracks define an entire generation of club culture quite like Castles in the Sky. For many, it was a soundtrack to first nights out, Ibiza summers, and the emotional peak of late-90s and early-2000s trance.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I’m joined by Ian Van Dahl to revisit the story, sound, and legacy behind one of the most influential dance music projects of its era.

We explore the rise of euphoric trance at a time when clubs were built on emotion, release, and collective energy. From early aliases and studio pressure to record label politics and creative control, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really took to create records that still resonate decades later.

This is not nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s about understanding why this music mattered, why it connected so deeply, and why it continues to hit differently today.

If you lived through the golden era of trance, this will resonate. If you are discovering this music for the first time, this episode offers vital context into a moment when dance music felt truly timeless.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

• 🎶 The story behind Castles in the Sky

• 🌍 How Ian Van Dahl broke through globally

• 🧠 Making music before laptops and DAWs

• ⚖️ Record labels, pressure, and creative control

• 🪩 Eurodance, trance, and why the UK scene was different

• 🔮 Why modern DJs struggle with identity

00:00 Intro and meeting Ian Van Dahl 01:31 How the name Ian Van Dahl was created 03:16 Early music career and multiple aliases 10:50 Making music in the 90s before laptops and DAWs 22:02 Eurodance vs trance and why the UK was different 30:04 The Ian Van Dahl project and Castles in the Sky 39:24 Record labels, pressure, and creative control 54:35 European club culture and the rise of Eurodance 1:19:22 Why modern DJs struggle with identity 1:29:00 What’s next for Ian Van Dahl as an artist

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter:

rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

What happens after Ibiza?

For many, Ibiza is a moment in time. For others, it becomes a turning point that quietly shapes everything that follows.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I’m joined by Lisa Good, a former Manumission performer, to explore what life really looks like after the lights come up and the music fades.

We begin where it all started. The Manumission years. The madness, the freedom, and the surreal experience of living in Ibiza during one of its most iconic cultural eras.

But this conversation goes deeper than nostalgia.

Lisa shares the journey that came after Ibiza, how travel, the ocean, and a series of life-changing experiences led her away from the party world and towards a new purpose rooted in environmental action, community, and long-term legacy.

This is not a charity pitch. It’s an Ibiza story that didn’t end when the island chapter closed.

At its core, this episode is about evolution. How a place like Ibiza can change you, challenge you, and quietly influence the rest of your life in ways you don’t always recognise at the time.

If you lived through Ibiza in the late 90s and early 2000s, this will resonate. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after a life built around music, freedom, and excess, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Sit back, take your time, and enjoy this next chapter.

To find out more about Pure Sea, visit: www.puresea.co.uk

• 🪩 Life during the Manumission era in Ibiza

• 🗺️ What happens when that world ends and reality returns

• ✈️ Leaving Ibiza and searching for identity afterwards

• 🌊 How the ocean became a turning point

• 🎗️ The connection between music culture and community action

• 🎧 Ibiza DJs and creatives giving back

00:00 Ibiza, Manumission & Losing Identity 02:03 Welcome Back: Life After Manumission 05:43 When Ibiza Comes to an End 08:18 Travelling Thailand Changed Everything 10:04 Swimming With Sharks in Thailand 12:09 Australia, Diving & Marine Conservation 16:20 Cage Diving With Great White Sharks 19:29 From Ibiza to Ocean Activism 23:09 The Birth of Pure Sea 27:23 Why Registering a Charity Is So Hard 32:47 Beach Cleans With DJs & Fatboy Slim 34:00 Cleaning Up Camden Lock 40:38 Teaching Ocean Awareness in Schools 45:15 Why Helium Balloons Kill Wildlife 51:22 Why the Education System Must Change 57:04 Animal Testing, Activism & Awareness 1:01:43 Food Waste & Overconsumption 1:03:53 Why Everyone Should Watch My Octopus Teacher 1:07:21 One Last Tune From Manumission 1:09:45 A Labour of Love

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

Who documented Ibiza before everyone had a camera?

Before podcasts, before social media, and long before everyone had a camera in their pocket, Ibiza’s club culture was documented by a small group of presenters, hosts, and storytellers working quietly behind the scenes.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Katie Knight, one of the most influential yet often overlooked voices in dance music media, to explore how Ibiza’s club history was captured during its most important years.

From her early days at Amnesia Ibiza to hosting interviews for Amnesia TV, Boiler Room, Ibiza Global Radio, the International Music Summit, and live broadcasts for Amazon Music, Katie has spent over a decade documenting the artists, venues, and moments that shaped Ibiza and the global electronic music scene.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on the media side of dance music. We talk candidly about working inside Ibiza’s clubs during the 2010s, being thrown into high-pressure interviews with artists like Carl Cox, Marco Carola, and Steve Aoki with little or no preparation, and why presenters and hosts play a critical role in preserving dance music history.

We also explore career advice for aspiring presenters and podcasters, the importance of communication and public speaking, the realities of live broadcasting, radio versus filmed interviews, cultural and language fluency in Ibiza, online abuse in the modern era, and why nostalgia-driven storytelling resonates more than hype.

This is not an episode about trends or algorithms. It’s about legacy, documentation, and the responsibility to tell the story properly.

If you care about Ibiza, club culture, dance music history, or the people who built the scene behind the scenes, this episode is essential listening.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

• 🇪🇸 Life inside Ibiza clubs before social media

• 📺 How Amnesia TV documented a generation of artists

• 🎤 Being thrown into interviews with no training or prep

• 🪩 The unseen role of presenters in dance music culture

• 📻 Radio vs filmed interviews and the power of storytelling

• ❌ Misogyny, online abuse, and resilience in the industry

• 🎬 Why nostalgia content connects more deeply than hype

• ❤️ Preserving Ibiza’s cultural history properly

00:00 Introduction to Katie Knight 02:00 Wanting to be a presenter from the age of five 06:00 Growing up in Spain and becoming bilingual 10:00 Discovering Ibiza and early connections 14:30 First steps into Ibiza club culture 19:00 Life inside Amnesia: press, social media, and long days 24:00 Amnesia TV begins: thrown in the deep end 30:00 Interviewing artists every night, seven days a week 35:30 Ibiza mornings, terraces, and club culture nostalgia 40:30 Why Amnesia still feels like family 46:00 Boiler Room, press rooms, and the smell of Ibiza 51:00 From Amnesia to radio and global platforms 56:30 Radio vs filmed interviews: storytelling with the senses 1:01:30 Interviewing global stars and handling entourages 1:06:30 Misogyny, online abuse, and resilience 1:11:30 Podcasting, editing, and the unseen workload 1:16:00 Why nostalgia interviews outperform hype 1:20:00 Presenting around the world: Middle East and beyond 1:24:00 Legacy, pride, and documenting Ibiza properly 1:27:30 One More Tune

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

The world’s highest DJ set and the story behind it

In 2018, a team from Last Night A DJ Saved My Life made dance music history.

Alongside Nightmares on Wax, the LNADJ crew climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and performed what was, at the time, the highest-altitude DJ set ever recorded, all to raise money for children in need.

The challenge raised thousands of pounds, funded a new housing unit for a special-needs children’s home in Tanzania, and has since been turned into a full two-hour documentary titled Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Neil Kemp, the LNADJ filmmaker who climbed alongside the team, carried the cameras up the mountain, battled 10 per cent oxygen, freezing temperatures, and exhaustion, and ultimately brought this record-breaking moment to life on screen.

This conversation goes far beyond the headline.

We talk about the realities of filming at extreme altitude, the technical and physical challenges of DJing on a mountain, the emotional moments that unfolded during the climb, and how a charity-led idea turned into a powerful piece of dance music history.

The record itself has since been surpassed, but the purpose, impact, and legacy of this climb remain unmatched.

This is not a hype story. It’s a story about commitment, creativity, and using dance music culture to create real-world change.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

• 🎚️ How the 2018 world-record DJ set happened

• 🏔️ The technical nightmare of DJing at extreme altitude

• 🧠 Mental and physical challenges on the climb

• ❤️ Raising money and creating lasting change in Tanzania

• 🎬 Turning a near-lost project into a feature-length documentary

• 🌕 The next challenge: the world’s highest full-moon party in Nepal

00:00 DJing on Mount Kilimanjaro – World’s Highest DJ Set Intro 02:18 Last Night a DJ Saved My Life – The Moment That Sparked Everything 05:41 How a Broken Microphone Changed the Direction of the Journey 09:12 Clubaholic TV and Filming Dance Music Culture 13:04 Falling in Love With House Music and DJ Culture 16:38 Why This Kilimanjaro DJ Set Had to Be Documented 20:11 Preparing to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Training and Planning 24:07 Life on the Mountain – The Reality of High Altitude 28:19 Summit Night on Kilimanjaro – Mind Over Instinct 32:02 Sunrise at 5,895m – Above the Clouds 35:08 The DJ Set on Mount Kilimanjaro – The World’s Highest Performance 39:14 Descending Kilimanjaro – The Hardest Part of the Climb 42:03 Raising Money for Charity in Tanzania 46:08 Turning the Kilimanjaro Climb Into a Documentary Film 49:32 What Happened After the 2018 Kilimanjaro DJ Set 52:14 What’s Next for the Charity and Future Projects 54:40 Final Thoughts on the Kilimanjaro Experience

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

If you lived, worked, or partied in Ibiza during the 90s or early 2000s, you already know her name. If you didn’t, this episode offers one of the most honest insider accounts of Ibiza’s most outrageous era.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Lisa Good, one of the most creative and unforgettable characters to ever work in Ibiza nightlife.

Lisa takes us deep inside the world of Manumission, a party still regarded by many as the greatest clubbing experience of all time. From the raw creativity of the entertainers to the madness inside Privilege, Space, and the old San Antonio West End, this conversation captures Ibiza’s golden years exactly as they were lived.

We trace Lisa’s journey from being bullied as a teenager to finding escape in rave culture, Spiral Tribe festivals, Club UK, and eventually booking a Teletext ticket to Ibiza in 1994. Arriving alone, she found a family in the West End and was accidentally pulled into Manumission after walking in with painted costumes, vegetables, and no plan. Only in Ibiza.

Lisa shares vivid, never-before-heard stories about backstage chaos, the entertainers, the dressing rooms, the rubber chicken, the Coca Loco tree, Dennis Rodman, Space Tuesday carry on, Ibiza Uncovered, the end of the West End era, and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

This episode also reflects on the cultural shift from pre-social-media Ibiza to the modern VIP era, and why the freedom, creativity, and sense of belonging of that time can never truly be recreated.

If you lived through San Antonio in the mid-90s, worked a season, partied at Privilege when Manumission ruled the island, or simply want to understand why Ibiza changed so many lives, this conversation will resonate deeply.

This is not revisionist nostalgia. It is one of the most detailed interviews ever recorded about the creativity, escapism, and human energy that defined Manumission and a generation of club culture.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

• 🪩 Manumission backstage stories and entertainer secrets

• 🍸 Life in San Antonio’s West End in the 90s

• 🌈 Why Ibiza gave so many people a second childhood

• 🎶 Space, Carry On, DC10, and the rise of morning culture

• 📺 How Ibiza Uncovered changed the island forever

• 🧠 What really made Manumission the greatest party in history

• 🔚 Why today’s club scene will never feel the same

00:00 Introduction: Meeting Lisa Good 01:05 Arriving in Ibiza for the first time (1994) 03:02 Getting lost in the West End 05:14 Finding the people who changed her life 07:32 Bullying, escapism, and rave culture 09:58 Spiral Tribe, Club UK, and Teletext holidays 12:10 Returning to Ibiza alone 14:36 Life in the West End: jobs and friendships 17:04 Why Ibiza felt like home 19:28 Ibiza before social media 21:40 Ibiza Uncovered and the island’s transformation 24:15 Discovering Manumission 26:22 The legendary random audition 28:40 Becoming a Manumission entertainer 31:33 Costumes, characters, and chaos 33:56 The rubber chicken and crowd reactions 36:14 Madness at Privilege 38:58 Space Tuesday carry on 41:42 Ibiza as a second childhood 44:10 The Ibiza blues 46:18 The end of the West End era 48:40 The rise of the VIP generation 51:05 Why Manumission will never be repeated 53:33 Creativity, escapism, and identity 55:18 The lost art of fun and freedom 57:12 What Ibiza meant to a generation 59:01 Final thoughts from Lisa Good

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

This is where the Graham Gold story gets wild.

In Part Two of this conversation on The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Graham Gold to explore one of the most important chapters in UK dance music history.

We dive deep into the rise of trance, the birth of legendary club nights, and the behind-the-scenes reality of a scene that exploded across London, Ibiza, Thailand, and beyond. From breaking future global icons to shaping dancefloor culture at its peak, this episode captures the moment when UK club culture became a worldwide movement.

Graham doesn’t just talk about history. He lived it.

From booking Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and Ferry Corsten before they were household names, to building Peach into one of the most loved club nights in British dance music, this conversation is packed with insight, nostalgia, and unfiltered truth.

We talk about the evolution of trance, the reality of touring at scale, Ibiza tales, industry shifts, and what it really means to live through multiple eras of club culture without losing your identity.

If you care about UK dance music history, trance culture, legendary club nights, or the real stories behind the records, this episode delivers.

No myths. No revisionism. Just first-hand experience from someone who helped shape the scene.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

• 🎶 Early UK bookings for Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and Ferry Corsten

• 🪩 The story of Peach and how it became a defining club night

• 🔊 The evolution of trance and its impact on British nightlife

• 🌍 Touring life, Ibiza stories, and global scene shifts

• 🎛️ Breaking new talent and championing records before the hype

• 🧠 Behind-the-scenes moments from a true pioneer

00:00 Introduction 03:10 Chris Hill, the Soul Mafia, and the first UK superstar DJs 10:20 Early grind: Funky Roadshow, mobile discos, and radio apprenticeship 17:45 Discovering house music and the origin of the name 24:30 From disco to house: BPMs, Philadelphia, and four-to-the-floor 31:40 Soul roots, early UK house clubs, and missing the M25 raves 38:15 Chart shows, Malibu sponsorship, and going full house on radio 44:50 Birth of Peach at Legends and building the resident DJ team 51:20 Moving venues: Café de Paris, Leisure Lounge, and Camden Palace 57:30 Inside Peach nights: tunnels, 6am finishes, and culture change 1:03:40 First UK bookings for Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and Ferry Corsten 1:09:00 Touring 170 cities, air miles, riders, and life on the road 1:12:40 Remixing, production, engineers, and releases on Discover 1:16:10 The Brian Eno The Ending story and the white label that got away 1:18:45 Moving to Thailand and Koh Phangan life 1:20:30 Today’s gigs, new crowds, and Graham’s final tune choice

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Pete Bennett to explore the raw, unfiltered reality of his life after reality television.

Best known as the unforgettable winner of Big Brother UK, Pete opens up about what really happened once the cameras stopped rolling. From sudden fame and media pressure to anxiety, grief, and losing close friends, this is Pete as you have never heard him before.

We trace his story from growing up in South London and living with Tourette’s from a young age, through bullying, isolation, and finding escape in music. Pete talks candidly about how creativity became therapy, how meditation helped him regain control, and how hitting rock bottom ultimately led him back to his true purpose.

The conversation then turns to his unexpected second chapter. Almost by accident, Pete found himself producing hard house, reconnecting with rave culture, and eventually signing music to Tidy Trax. Blending punk vocals with hard dance energy, he is now building a new career as a DJ and producer, preparing for major UK events and a full album release.

This episode is not about reality TV nostalgia. It is about resilience, identity, and how music can genuinely save your life.

If you care about mental health, rave culture, personal reinvention, or the power of creativity, this conversation will stay with you.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

• 🧠 Growing up with Tourette’s and navigating bullying

• 📺 Life-changing fame after Big Brother

• 💔 Grief, loss, and hitting rock bottom

• 🎵 Music as therapy and creative identity

• 🔊 Discovering hard house and the UK rave scene

• 🎚️ Signing to Tidy Trax and building a new sound

• ⚡ Punk vocals meeting hard dance energy

• 🔮 Purpose, resilience, and the next chapter

00:00 Intro and birthday coincidence 02:32 Growing up in South London 05:10 80s pop culture and LGBTQ+ influences 07:45 Early music influences 10:20 Learning music production at a young age 12:45 The Big Brother audition story 15:22 Living with Tourette’s from childhood 18:00 Bullying, isolation, and identity 21:10 Music as therapy 23:42 Grief, loss, and rock bottom 26:45 Healing, meditation, and transformation 29:18 Discovering hard house 32:05 Signing to Tidy Trax 35:30 Punk energy and new artistic direction 38:12 Influences and creative inspiration 41:00 Bands, projects, and creative backlog 44:22 Anxiety, sobriety, and crowds 47:10 Managing Tourette’s 50:15 Studio process and track building 55:28 Blending punk vocals with hard dance 57:40 One More Tune selection 59:50 How Big Brother changed his life 1:02:02 Goals for 2025 and the comeback 1:05:40 Final thoughts

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

Stevie Vayne, known globally as Stevie Hulme, is one of the most influential yet quietly overlooked figures in electronic music, punk culture, and Ibiza nightlife.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Stevie to trace an extraordinary journey. From tearing up stages in UK punk bands to becoming Director of Multimedia and Music at Pacha Group, and shaping the global identity of Subliminal Records during the Erick Morillo era.

This conversation goes deep into the moments that defined modern club culture. The chaos and innovation of the late 90s and early 2000s. The reality of building global brands in nightlife. The pressure, psychology, and personal cost behind the scenes.

With Stevie’s autobiography now released, the timing could not be better. His story reads like a documentary. Raw, electric, and unfiltered. We talk candidly about punk, reinvention, New York, Ibiza, the rise of superstar DJs, and why Ibiza’s culture changed forever.

This is not a highlight reel. It’s an honest account of creativity, collapse, and legacy from someone who helped shape an entire era.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

• 🎸 Punk bands, identity, and how music saved his life

• 🔁 Reinventing from rock stages to house music culture

• 📀 Joining Subliminal Records and working alongside Erick Morillo

• 🍒 Building Pacha Ibiza’s multimedia and global brand

• 🌍 Creating superstar DJs in the 2000s

• 🧠 The psychology, pressure, and chaos of global nightlife

• 📕 Writing the autobiography and finally telling the truth

• 🔮 Lessons for DJs, creatives, and music professionals today

00:00 Introduction 02:44 First-ever podcast appearance 09:20 Punk roots, identity, and chaos 16:55 Leeds culture, violence, and early rave influence 24:10 Touring Europe and building punk success 32:40 Johnny Thunders’ death and quitting music overnight 38:55 Reinvention and events management 46:25 Creating early Leeds raves and discovering DJ culture 54:45 The Prodigy booking mistake that changed everything 1:03:10 The rise of DJ superstars 1:11:50 Multimedia, licensing, and global expansion 1:20:30 New York 1999 and joining Subliminal Records 1:30:15 Moving to Ibiza and rebuilding Pacha’s multimedia empire 1:40:40 Ibiza politics and the Pacha era 1:51:10 Writing Vainglorious and telling the truth 1:57:00 Closing reflections and One More Tune 1:58:22 End

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

In this powerful and unfiltered episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Amber D, one of the most respected voices to come out of the UK hard house scene, for a brutally honest conversation about what it really takes to survive and thrive in today’s music industry.

Amber opens up about her early days in Ibiza’s hard house scene, the highs and lows of her career, and how she rebuilt her life after burnout, personal challenges, and sustained industry pressure. From clubland to classrooms, streaming platforms to mentorship, this episode pulls no punches.

We dive deep into the realities of sexism and misogyny in dance music, the blurred line between ghost production and engineering, and why so many artists feel pressured to fake success in an era driven by filters, metrics, and vanity numbers.

Amber also shares her practical, grounded approach to mental health, motherhood, and creativity, alongside real-world strategies for dealing with online trolls, criticism, and negativity without losing focus or self-worth.

This is not a hype-driven conversation. It’s about honesty, resilience, and building a career across multiple verticals while staying authentic.

If you’re a DJ, producer, creative, or anyone navigating visibility, pressure, and identity in the modern digital landscape, this episode is essential listening.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

• 🚫 Sexism and misogyny in the modern DJ industry

• 🎛️ The truth about ghost production vs engineering

• 🧠 Mental health, burnout, and rebuilding self-worth

• 💬 Handling trolls, hate, and online negativity

• 🎥 Streaming, teaching, and community-building on Twitch

• 🎶 Authenticity in dance music and the return of hard house

• 📉 Why micro-audiences matter more than follower counts

• 💼 Pricing gigs, valuing your time, and sustainable careers

Hard house history. Goosebumps moments. And the human story behind one of the most important figures in UK club culture.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Phil from Restless Films to explore the emotional journey behind Don’t Ever Stop, the definitive documentary on Tony De Vit.

This conversation goes far beyond dancefloor nostalgia. We unpack the legacy Tony left behind, the mentorship of Fergie, the birth of The Dawn, and the personal letters that revealed a side of Tony few people ever saw.

Phil opens up about the reality of making the film. The three-plus-year process. The relentless hunt for lost 90s footage. Ownership rights, dusty tapes, missing DVDs, and the responsibility of telling this story properly.

We also talk about the unforgettable Godskitchen night at Amnesia Ibiza. Lasers, CO₂ cannons, and a crowd that understood the history, not just the music.

This is not a hype episode. It’s about recovery, friendship, love, and legacy. And the line that floored cinemas around the world: “I’ll never see who you become.”

If Tony De Vit, hard house, or the golden era of UK club culture meant something to you, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

• 🔊 The first time The Dawn destroyed the Q Club dancefloor

• ✉️ Tony De Vit mentoring a teenage Fergie and the letters that said everything

• 🎞️ The brutal reality of sourcing and clearing 90s archive footage

• 🪩 Godskitchen at Amnesia and why that night mattered

• ❤️ Recovery, friendship, and the human cost behind the music

• 🎬 Why Don’t Ever Stop took over three years to complete

• Amazon Prime (UK/US)

• Vimeo (worldwide)

• Restless Films official site

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

“I had half a pill in the dark room at Ministry of Sound… and everything changed.”

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Trace Harris, the original Smarty Party founder, percussionist, and author of Walking Through Doors, to explore a life shaped by rave culture, ego, addiction, loss, and eventual redemption.

What begins with a single night at Ministry of Sound unfolds into a three-decade journey through London’s underground scene and Ibiza’s peak years. From bodybuilding and Bagley’s to the rise of legendary parties, Trace shares how house music and MDMA transformed a generation, turning terrace violence into unity on the dancefloor.

We trace the rise of Smarty Party across London’s most influential venues, the chaos and pressure of promoting at scale, and the moment the brand landed in Ibiza at Privilege Ibiza in 2000. The conversation doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters either. Gangland run-ins, betrayal, addiction, and losing everything before rebuilding from the ground up.

Trace also opens up about recovery, spirituality, and how ayahuasca helped him reconnect with himself beyond the nightlife identity. Writing Walking Through Doors became both catharsis and legacy, a way to document the truth of a scene that shaped countless lives.

This is not a nostalgia piece. It’s a raw account of consequence, change, and what happens after the lights come up.

If you care about rave history, London club culture, Ibiza’s millennium era, or the human cost behind the music, this episode will stay with you.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

• 🌀 The half-pill moment that changed everything at Ministry of Sound

• ⚽ How MDMA helped end football violence

• 🪩 Building Smarty Party and London’s 90s club explosion

• 🎶 Bagley’s, The Cross, Turnmills, and underground culture

• 🌴 Privilege Ibiza 2000 and taking a brand to the island

• 🕳️ Addiction, betrayal, and losing it all

• 🌿 Recovery, ayahuasca, and ego reset

• 📘 Writing Walking Through Doors and leaving a legacy

Buy the Book: Walking Through Doors – Vol. 1–3

📚 https://www.amazon.com/WALKING-THROUGH-DOORS-PART-ONE/dp/B0DGXY8DGJ

00:00 Bodybuilding to the dark room at Ministry 08:30 Early sit-downs and Ministry mayhem 14:10 When ecstasy ended football violence 23:50 Building Smarty Party from scratch 33:40 London clubland: Bagley’s, The Cross, Terminals 47:20 Ibiza and Privilege 2000 1:02:00 Losing everything and rebuilding from zero 1:15:00 Spirituality, ayahuasca, and ego reset 1:25:00 Writing Walking Through Doors 1:35:00 Legacy, love, and life in Ibiza

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

In this deep-dive episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Damion Pell, founder and editor of Decoded Magazine, international DJ, and one of the longest-standing independent voices in underground electronic music.

Damion shares an unfiltered perspective shaped by three decades inside the scene. From early rave culture in Australia to building a globally respected digital magazine, we explore how dance music journalism has changed and what has been lost along the way.

This conversation goes beyond nostalgia. We talk candidly about clickbait culture, cancel culture, the pressures facing independent media, and the rapid rise of AI-generated press and content. Damion explains how these shifts are affecting artists, labels, promoters, and the integrity of underground culture itself.

We also revisit formative club experiences, illegal raves, and the moments that shaped a generation, while questioning where dance music media is heading next and what it will take to protect independent voices in an increasingly automated landscape.

This is not a promotional episode. It’s a grounded discussion about responsibility, credibility, and the future of dance culture.

If you care about electronic music history, independent journalism, or the real challenges facing the industry today, this episode is essential listening.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

To explore Decoded Magazine, visit: www.decodedmagazine.com

• 📰 Building an independent electronic music magazine

• 🌍 Early rave culture in Australia and illegal parties

• 🪩 Club culture from underground raves to global brands

• 🤖 AI-generated press and the future of music journalism

• ❌ Clickbait, cancel culture, and media responsibility

• 🎶 The evolving relationship between artists, labels, and media

• 🔮 Where underground culture goes next

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

What if house music was almost called bungalow?

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Graham Gold to unpack the real origins of the word “house” and how a chain of cultural moments shaped dance music as we know it.

We trace the story back to late-70s disco, soul, and jazz-funk, through the Chicago Warehouse era, and into the rise of pirate radio and UK club culture. Graham explains how the name stuck, why many DJs misunderstand their own history, and how radio, clubs, and communities worked together long before algorithms existed.

The conversation also dives into Graham’s journey from early DJ crews and pirate stations to Kiss FM, alongside a candid debate about social media, talent, and bookings in 2025. From radio war stories to practical advice for DJs trying to break through today, this episode is a masterclass in context and credibility.

This is not a history lecture. It’s a lived account of how scenes are built, records are broken, and culture moves forward.

If you care about dance music history, radio culture, or understanding why house music became house music, this episode delivers.

🎧 Take your time with this one.

• 🏠 Where the term “house music” actually came from

• 🕺 How disco, soul, and jazz-funk evolved into house

• 📻 The role of pirate radio and early UK stations

• 🎙️ Life at Gulliver’s and the birth of Kiss FM

• 🎛️ Why crowds want great nights, not music education

• 📱 Social media vs talent in 2025

• 🧠 Graham’s blueprint for great radio shows

00:00 The true origin of house music 05:22 Why most DJs don’t know their own history 07:40 The garage vs house connection 09:10 The Funky Roadshow: Graham’s first DJ crew 11:45 Pirate radio changed everything 14:12 Life at Gulliver’s Club 20:25 The birth of Kiss FM 27:30 Friday Night Kiss goes national 35:10 Social media vs talent 47:25 DJ Mag Top 100 controversy 55:30 Funniest radio moments 1:00:55 “People don’t go clubbing to be educated” 1:06:20 The Lisa era: Loud, Lashes, Pin-Up, and Unique 1:09:10 Peach, trance, and discovering future stars

For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com