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Dexter Jones

Dexter Jones

Dexter Jones Podcast is a long-form interview series documenting the people, stories, and moments that shaped dance music culture, from the early rave years to the global club movement.

Hosted by Dexter Jones, the podcast features in-depth conversations with DJs, producers, promoters, journalists, and industry figures who lived through the rise of rave culture, clubbing, and Ibiza as a worldwide dance music epicentre.

Each episode goes beyond nostalgia to explore what really happened behind the scenes, covering creativity, success, failure, excess, reinvention, and the realities of building a life and career in electronic music.

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

rave@onemoretimeibiza.com

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  • 33 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 59 min
  • English

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  • #100
    November 2 · 37 min

    Rue Jay on Overcoming Self-Doubt, Beatport No.1s & Selling Out His Own Show in 48 Hours!

    🎧 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A DJ WITH DECADES OF EXPERIENCE TAKES THE GAMBLE OF PUTTING ON HIS OWN EVENT? In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, Birmingham DJ and producer Rue Jay returns for another fascinating conversation about the realities of the DJ industry, overcoming self-doubt, knowing your worth and rediscovering your passion for music. Despite years of experience behind the decks, Rue Jay admits he was absolutely terrified when his agent encouraged him to launch his own event, RUE'D, at the legendary Rainbow in Birmingham. Would anyone actually turn up? With only around 50 initial sign-ups, his confidence wasn't exactly flying. But what happened next took him completely by surprise. 🔥 THE EVENT SOLD OUT IN JUST 48 HOURS, WITHOUT EVEN REACHING GENERAL SALE! Rue Jay opens up about the emotions behind that incredible achievement, the importance of believing in yourself and why putting on your own events can completely change how promoters and agents value you. We also get into some of the less glamorous realities of the electronic music industry, including booking fees, industry politics, egos, social media negativity and the challenges of building a sustainable career. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: It's So F***ing Scary! 02:00 DJ Egos, Jealousy & Social Media Trolls 06:15 Rue Jay's Return to Music Production 08:15 Beatport Number Ones & Finding His Passion Again 10:30 Finding an Agent & Knowing Your Worth 12:45 Why Rue Jay Was Terrified to Promote His Own Show 14:00 SOLD OUT in Just 48 Hours! 16:00 The Rainbow: An Emotional Birmingham Homecoming 18:00 What's Next for RUDE in 2027? 22:00 Taking RUDE to London 24:15 Thailand Tour & International DJ Ambitions 26:30 Tattoo Studios, Restaurants & Business Lessons 29:00 Are DJ Booking Fees Getting Out of Control? 32:00 Why Promoters Need DJs Who Sell Tickets 34:00 Family, Happiness & Rediscovering His Love of Music 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • The fear of launching his own event and why he nearly talked himself out of it • How his first RUE'D sold out in just 48 hours • The emotional Birmingham homecoming at The Rainbow • Why some DJs struggle to negotiate better booking fees • The problem with accepting £150 gigs and then trying to increase your value • The importance of good agents and management • DJ egos, jealousy and negativity on social media • Rediscovering his passion for music production • Working with established artists and achieving Beatport success • Balancing DJing, family life and running three tattoo studios • Plans for more RUDE events, including Birmingham and potentially London • Why proving you can sell tickets can be a game changer for your career 💬 It's an honest, entertaining conversation about the highs and lows of working in dance music, and a reminder that even the most experienced artists can struggle with confidence and self-belief. Rue Jay's previous appearance, featuring the incredible story of Carl Cox playing his music at UNVRS Ibiza, is also available on the channel. 🎧 WATCH PART 1: https://youtu.be/Tu9uf6GAt3g If you enjoy conversations about Ibiza, house music, UK club culture, DJ careers and the people behind electronic music, please subscribe to The Dexter Jones Podcast. 👇 And as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Would YOU have the confidence to put on an event under your own name?

  • #99
    October 27 · 47 min

    Rue Jay on Carl Cox closing UNVRS Grand Opening Night With His Track. He Didn't Even Send It to Him!

    Carl Cox closed the historic opening of UNVRS Ibiza with Rue Jay's track, and Rue had absolutely no idea it was going to happen! This wasn't just another night in Ibiza. It was the very first night of UNVRS, the spectacular new superclub created following the takeover and transformation of the legendary Privilege Ibiza, once the world's largest nightclub. And as Carl Cox brought his extended opening set to a close, with the sun rising over Ibiza, he chose to finish with a track by Birmingham DJ and producer Rue Jay. The incredible part? Rue hadn't even sent Carl Cox the track! In Part 1 of the Dexter Jones Podcast, Rue tells me the extraordinary story of how he discovered what had happened, and why that moment meant so much after years away from the music industry. We also travel back through Birmingham's legendary clubbing history, from Godskitchen and Sundissential to The Steering Wheel, the Rainbow and RocknRolla. Rue shares his journey from carrying boxes of vinyl around Birmingham hoping for a DJing opportunity to promoting hugely successful club nights, taking RocknRolla to Ibiza and eventually stepping away from music to build his Vivid Ink tattoo business. We discuss the changing music industry, working with Premier League footballers, the pressures of running events and the moment Rue rediscovered his love of DJing. It's a fascinating journey through British dance music history, entrepreneurship, Ibiza and the extraordinary moments that remind us why we fell in love with this music in the first place. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Carl Cox, UNVRS and Rue Jay's Comeback 00:57 Welcome to the Dexter Jones Podcast 01:14 Carl Cox Closes UNVRS with Rue Jay's Track 03:21 The Phone Call That Changed Everything 04:09 Discovering Carl Cox Really Played His Track 06:40 Rue Jay's Early Musical Influences 07:42 The Prodigy Experience and Electronic Music 08:28 Birmingham's Early Clubbing Scene 09:37 Godskitchen, Trance and The Steering Wheel 11:00 Learning to DJ with Paul Thomas 12:52 What Made Birmingham Clubbing So Special? 13:25 Clubavision and Lost Clubbing Archives 15:43 From DJ to Promoter: Club DNA 17:38 The DJ Opportunity That Changed Everything 18:33 Advice for Aspiring DJs 21:08 The Legendary Steering Wheel Residency 22:40 Hard House and Speed Garage 26:00 Building Birmingham's Club Nights 29:33 Mud Club and the Rise of Afterparties 30:45 Creating RocknRolla at The Rainbow 32:14 Taking RocknRolla to Ibiza 36:04 Life Beyond Music: Building Vivid Ink 38:15 Tattooing Premier League Footballers 39:43 Why Rue Jay Stepped Away from DJing 40:44 The Gig That Reignited His Passion 42:05 Charity Raves and Roller Jam 44:02 The Reality of Owning a Venue 45:00 The Risks and Pressures of Promoting Events 45:53 How COVID Devastated the Events Industry This is Part 1 of my conversation with Rue Jay. Part 2 is coming next week! If you enjoy genuine conversations about Ibiza, dance music, clubbing history and the people behind the scene, please subscribe to the Dexter Jones Podcast. Question for the comments: Were you at Privilege Ibiza back in the day, or have you experienced the new UNVRS? I'd love to hear your memories! Thanks for watching! Dexter 💛

  • #98
    October 19 · 33 min

    Dave Beer on Space Ibiza, Manumission & the Art of Clubbing

    What really happened the day the legendary Space Ibiza terrace came to life? And what made the great clubs of the 1990s and 2000s so extraordinary? In the third and final part of my conversation with Dave Beer, the legendary founder of Back to Basics, we explore some fascinating stories from the history of British and Ibiza clubbing. Dave shares an incredible first-hand account of being at Space Ibiza when Brandon, Alex, Mitch and the team decided to carry the club's only set of DJ decks outside, one at a time, and set them up on the terrace bar. A simple decision that helped create one of the most iconic dancefloors in clubbing history. We also revisit the extraordinary world of Manumission, where music, theatre, lighting and outrageous performances combined to create something completely different from anything else on the island. But this conversation goes much further than Ibiza. Dave talks about the evolution of Back to Basics, his initial reluctance to embrace daytime clubbing, and the incredible response when people returned to the dancefloor after 10, 15 or even 20 years away. We explore his approach to nightclub design, the influence of New York's legendary Sound Factory, the importance of sound and lighting, and why creating the perfect atmosphere involves far more than simply booking a great DJ. There's also a fascinating conversation about Dave's music production, his album released through Steve Mac's label, his connection with Irvine Welsh, and how his experiences with Buddhism, spirituality and travelling in the Amazon have shaped his outlook on life. From the madness of Manumission to the magic of the Space terrace, this is a conversation about music, creativity, friendship, personal growth and a lifetime spent bringing people together. Chapters: 00:00 The Birth of the Legendary Space Ibiza Terrace 01:17 Dave Beer, Banksy and His Love of Art 02:15 Back to Basics: Taking the Leeds Club to Ibiza 04:29 How Back to Basics Changed After Lockdown 05:19 The Rise of Daytime Clubbing and Day Parties 08:02 Dave Beer's Music, Steve Mac and Irvine Welsh 10:41 Robert Owens, For the Beloved and Buddhism 11:53 Serendipity, Synchronicity and Life's Lessons 14:00 DMT, Psychedelics and Consciousness 17:40 Dave Beer's Ayahuasca Experiences in the Amazon 18:43 Owning Nightclubs and the Business of Clubbing 20:20 Creating the Perfect Club: Sound, Lighting and Visuals 23:06 New York's Sound Factory and the Art of Clubbing 23:32 Manumission Ibiza: Theatre, Music and Madness 25:33 Dave Beer as a Space Ibiza and Manumission DJ 26:45 We Love Sundays at Space Ibiza 27:14 How the Space Ibiza Terrace Really Began 29:10 Dave Beer's Philosophy on Music, Life and Clubbing 31:44 One More Tune: Dave Beer's Final Record Choice In this episode: - The incredible story behind the beginnings of the Space Ibiza terrace - Dave's experiences at Manumission and We Love Sundays - Back to Basics and the rise of daytime clubbing - Why the best nightclubs were about much more than music - The influence of New York's Sound Factory - Working with Steve Mac and the story behind Dave's album - Buddhism, spirituality and Dave's experiences in the Amazon - Why Dave still believes in creating unforgettable experiences A huge thank you to Dave for sharing his stories so openly across this three-part series. It's been an absolute pleasure.

  • #97
    October 12 · 43 min

    Dave Beer on Not Caring if I Lived or Died. My Life After Losing My Best Friend

    DAVE BEER | BACK TO BASICS | Episode 2 What happens when the party becomes bigger than anyone ever imagined? And what happens when the man behind it all finds himself facing some of life's darkest moments? In Part 2 of my conversation with legendary Back to Basics founder Dave Beer, we explore the extraordinary highs, devastating lows and unforgettable characters behind one of Britain's most influential club nights. Dave speaks openly and emotionally about losing his close friend and business partner Ali, the difficult years that followed, and how grief led him down a path of reckless behaviour and self-destruction. But this is also a story of resilience, friendship and the incredible community that grew around Back to Basics. From three generations sharing the same dance floor to couples meeting, falling in love and starting families, Dave reflects on how a nightclub became something far greater than just a place to dance. We also discuss the philosophy that made Back to Basics different, its uncompromising attitude and why Dave still believes they did things better than anybody else. Chapters: 00:00 Coming Up 02:01 The Back to Basics Community 03:33 Discovering and Developing DJ Talent 04:27 Two Steps Further Than Anybody Else 05:06 Why Dave Beer Is Always Searching for New Music 07:14 Remembering Alli and Andrew Weatherall 08:31 Keeping Back to Basics Alive After Tragedy 10:37 Why Clubbing Communities Matter 11:11 Why Back to Basics Rejected the Superclub Label 11:58 The Music Industry and Major Record Labels 14:49 Has Clubbing Really Changed? 15:57 Remembering the Early Days of DC10 Ibiza 17:44 Dave Beer's Unfinished Podcast and Rare Footage 19:46 Ralph Lawson and the First Back to Basics Record 20:31 The DJs Who Built Back to Basics 22:50 Imposter Syndrome and DJing at Space Ibiza 24:55 The Rise of the Superstar DJ 25:17 Pre-Recorded DJ Sets and Million-Dollar Fees 26:29 Why Superstar DJs Should Support New Talent 28:45 The Truth About Ghost Production 32:40 Is Dance Music Losing Its Soul? 35:17 The Power of Music and Frequencies 36:18 Lisa Lashes and Music for Relaxation 41:10 Dave Beer's Recovery and the Support He Received 42:30 Changing Your Lifestyle After Cancer

  • #96
    October 5 · 55 min

    Dave Beer on The Extraordinary Story of Back to Basics

    Welcome to Part One of my special mini-series with Dave Beer, the legendary co-founder of Back to Basics and one of the most recognisable characters in UK club culture. In this opening episode, Dave takes us right back to the beginning. We talk about discovering house music in America, walking through those famous plastic sheets at The Haçienda, and the inspiration that eventually led to the birth of Back to Basics. What started with around 80 people grew week after week, becoming one of Europe’s longest-running weekly club nights, with Dave at the helm every Saturday for 20 years. Dave also tells the brilliant story of how, before business cards and booking agents, he would write his phone number on a $50 bill, pass it across the DJ booth and tell the DJ: “That’s your deposit.” But this conversation goes much deeper than clubbing. Dave opens up about the four-and-a-half centimetre tumour that came frighteningly close to his spine, as well as the horrific road accident in which he says he died before being brought back. This is the story of Dave Beer and Back to Basics, but it’s also the story of an extraordinary life lived well outside the ordinary. And this is only Part One. Part Two coming soon. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe to the Dexter Jones Podcast, drop a comment below and let me know your memories of Back to Basics. Chapters: 00:00 Coming Up 01:53 Dave Beer on Surviving Cancer 04:00 From Roadie to Club Culture 05:14 Discovering House Music in America 06:38 The Hacienda Changed Everything 08:32 The UK Rave Explosion 11:17 Charlie Chester & the Early Days 13:15 The Birth of Back to Basics 15:30 Building a Legendary Club 18:01 The Music of Back to Basics 20:39 Two Steps Further Than Any Other Fucker 21:42 The Iconic Back to Basics Artwork 24:46 Bringing American DJs to the UK 26:01 The $50 DJ Booking Trick 27:02 Dave Beer’s Unfinished Book 30:28 Finding Buddhism 34:28 How Buddhism Helped Dave Through Cancer 36:27 Given a 5% Chance of Survival 40:15 Finding Strength in Other People 42:11 “This Isn’t the First Time I’ve Died” 42:53 The Car Crash That Changed Everything 44:24 Two Weeks in a Coma 46:00 The Strange World Inside a Coma 48:08 Dyslexia, Knowledge & Altered States 50:12 20 Years of Back to Basics 52:25 What Made Back to Basics So Special? 55:36 How Club Culture Has Changed 57:48 Synchronicity, Spirituality & Life

  • #95
    September 28 · 36 min

    DJ Rap on 22 Years in America, House Music & Life Beyond Jungle

    DJ Rap is synonymous with jungle and drum & bass, but that’s only part of her story. In Part 2 of our conversation, we go beyond jungle and uncover the other side of DJ Rap’s extraordinary career. She talks openly about signing to a major label, the backlash she received for stepping outside the boundaries of jungle, and how her career suddenly exploded in America. From Coachella and performing alongside David Bowie and Green Day, to New York Fashion Week and landing a huge Calvin Klein campaign, this was a completely different world. But behind the success were some difficult lessons. DJ Rap explains why she believes she had the wrong management around her, why Sony wanted to turn her into a pop artist, and how an electronic album she wanted to release was rejected. We also dive deep into something many UK clubbers may not realise: DJ RAP PLAYS HOUSE. She spent years playing house across America, held a residency at Crowbar Miami, played marathon sets including eight hours at Burning Man, and has been producing and releasing house music for decades. DJ Rap explains why she’d love to return to the house circuit, her passion for classic house and the Toolroom era, and why being booked for the right crowd in the right room makes all the difference. Plus, we talk about her 22 years in America, returning to the UK, rebuilding her career, creating her online community, the story behind the name DJ Rap, promoters, social media and the records she’d choose to close the perfect night. This is DJ Rap: Beyond Jungle. 00:00 They Wanted Me to Go Pop 03:20 Major Label Backlash & Leaving Jungle Behind 06:45 Coachella, David Bowie & Green Day 10:15 Sony, America & the Calvin Klein Campaign 14:30 22 Years in America 18:10 Coming Back to the UK 21:15 Where the Name DJ Rap Came From 24:00 Beyond Jungle: DJ Rap Plays House 28:00 Crowbar Miami & Burning Man 32:15 DJs, Promoters & Playing to the Right Crowd 35:10 The Last Record of the Night

  • #94
    September 21 · 58 min

    Jon X Crosse on The Secret Sasha & Digweed Tapes That Changed Everything

    In this episode of the Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Jon X Crosse for a journey back into the golden age of 90s trance and electronic music. Jon’s story is absolutely fascinating. From working with some of the earliest MIDI technology and experimenting with synthesizers in the 1980s, to creating Crescendo – Are You Out There? and becoming part of The Morrighan, this episode takes us right inside the making of some truly special records. We get into the remarkable story behind Crescendo, a track whose musical foundations Jon says began when he was just 12 or 13 years old and were partly inspired by Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. Jon also tells the incredible story of booking Sasha & John Digweed at Heaven in the early 90s, recording their sets onto DAT and studying the way they built their musical journeys. Those recordings would go on to have a major influence on the way he approached the production of Crescendo. Then we get into Lange featuring The Morrighan – Follow Me, how Cecily wrote those unforgettable lyrics, how the record came together with Lange, and why more than two decades later it can still create incredibly emotional moments on the dancefloor at Amnesia Ibiza. We also talk Judge Jules, Pete Tong, Paul Oakenfold, Guru Josh, Radio 1, Heaven, the early days of music production and plenty more stories from an extraordinary period in British dance music. If you lived through this era, there are some serious memories in this one. And if you didn’t, this is a brilliant insight into how some of the records that helped define it were actually made. Jon X Crosse: Inside the Golden Age of 90s Trance Anthems. 00:00 Intro 01:18 Jon X Crosse: An Extraordinary Career 02:04 The Birth of MIDI & Electronic Music 06:23 Jon’s Disastrous First TV Appearance 08:45 The Story of Crescendo 12:24 The Emotion Behind Crescendo 13:21 How Sasha & Digweed Influenced Crescendo 14:54 Crescendo, Beethoven & Moonlight Sonata 17:01 Making Crescendo 19:53 Guru Josh, Kirk Field & The Prodigy 23:21 The Morrighan 25:09 The Story of Follow Me with Lange 28:23 How Follow Me Was Written 29:42 Why the Lyrics of Follow Me Endured 32:29 Follow Me & Kevin and Perry 33:12 Why Crescendo Was So Different 37:39 The Bizarre Story Behind the JD-800 42:08 How Jon Booked Sasha & Digweed for £350 45:21 The Secret Sasha & Digweed DAT Recordings 46:53 John Digweed Plays Crescendo on Radio 1 49:54 What Happened After Crescendo? 51:47 80,000 Records Sold in One Week 52:54 The Return of Crescendo 55:02 Why These Records Still Mean So Much 56:02 Part Two: Prince William, the SAS & More 56:39 Judge Jules & His Radio 1 Debut 58:16 Part 2 incoming. Contact Jon: www.morrighan.com @jon_x_crosse

  • #93
    September 14 · 44 min

    DJ Rap on Raves, Pirate Radio and the Birth of Jungle

    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

  • #92
    September 7 · 1 hr 8 min

    Lottie on Turnmills, Space Ibiza, "Faking It" & the Early Days of DC10 Ibiza

    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

  • #91
    August 31 · 1 hr 8 min

    Carrie Stevens on Living in Ibiza in the 2000s

    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.

  • #90
    August 24 · 48 min

    Carrie Stevens on How Ibiza was in 2001

    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...

  • #89
    August 17 · 31 min

    Marcella Woods on The Voice Behind a Generation of Dance Anthems

    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

  • #88
    August 13 · 1 hr 2 min

    Tall Paul on Turnmills and 30 Years of "Rock Da House"

    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.

  • #87
    August 3 · 1 hr 11 min

    Jono Heale on Why Clubbers Are Losing Their Hearing and Don't Know It

    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

  • #86
    July 27 · 1 hr 16 min

    Darude on The Reality of Starting With a Global Hit

    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. --- 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 --- 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

  • #85
    July 20 · 56 min

    Guy Williams on How a WEDNESDAY Night Filled The Haçienda

    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 --- 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 --- 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

  • #84
    July 13 · 1 hr 1 min

    Graeme Park on ACCIDENTALLY Becoming a DJ

    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 --- 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.

  • #83
    July 5 · 53 min

    George Kafetzis on "Absolutely Smashing It"... Without Any Sound!

    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.

  • #82
    June 28 · 59 min

    Dale Castell on How COVID Changed Everything

    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

  • #80
    June 21 · 1 hr 9 min

    Utah Saints on Not Having a Plan B

    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

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