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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76 episodes
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Episodes76

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Nov 2, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Phil (Restless Films) on Tony De Vit, hard house history, and the making of Don’t Ever Stop
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. We talk about: 🔊 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 Watch Don’t Ever Stop: Amazon Prime (UK/US) Vimeo (worldwide) Restless Films official site For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Oct 26, 2025 · 1 hr 44 min
Trace Harris on rave culture and being a 90s promoter
“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. We talk about: 🌀 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 Chapters: 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
Oct 20, 2025 · 1 hr 24 min
Damion Pell on music journalism, underground culture, and the future of dance media
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 We talk about: 📰 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
Oct 16, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Graham Gold on why House music is called House and the culture that built it (Part 1)
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. We talk about: 🏠 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 Chapters: 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
Oct 13, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Gary Dedman on vinyl, Hoxton Whores, and surviving 30 years in dance music
From vinyl crates to global club culture, this is the story of one of the most quietly influential figures in UK dance music. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Gary Dedman to unpack three decades inside the industry. From running one of the UK’s largest vinyl distribution warehouses to producing anthem after anthem as Hoxton Whores, and eventually reinventing himself as Hutch, this conversation traces the full arc of a modern dance music career. Gary takes us back to the heart of London’s vinyl era, life inside distribution warehouses, and how records were broken long before algorithms and streaming platforms existed. We explore how Hoxton Whores became one of the most in-demand remix names in clubland, the pressure and burnout that came with success, and the difficult decisions required to evolve creatively. The conversation also covers the shift from vinyl to digital, music piracy, producer credit, and the realities of longevity in an industry driven by hype cycles, ego, and constant reinvention. From underground roots to global stages, this is an honest account of what it really takes to last. This is not a success story dressed up for promotion. It’s a grounded reflection on craft, adaptation, and staying relevant without losing yourself. If you care about house music history, vinyl culture, the mechanics of the industry, or how artists survive long-term, this episode delivers. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 💿 Life inside London’s vinyl distribution scene 🏭 Building one of the UK’s biggest distribution operations 🎶 The rise of Hoxton Whores as a remix brand 🔥 Touring, chaos, and burnout at the peak 🔄 Reinventing creatively as Hutch 📀 Surviving the shift from vinyl to digital 📉 Piracy, producer credit, and protecting music 🧠 Longevity, ego culture, and the modern dance landscape Chapters: 00:00 The sit-down party at DC10 03:00 Mods, northern soul, and family influence 05:30 First DJ gigs and hip-house beginnings 08:10 Becoming the UK’s first “YTS DJ” 10:00 From lifeguard courses to club nights 12:30 Early house and hip hop scene 15:00 First turntables and DJ gear 17:20 After-parties, noise complaints, and eviction 20:00 Building sound systems that shook the street 23:00 Moving to London and launching Empire Vinyl Distribution 25:00 Brick Lane and the underground music hub 27:30 From DJing to the Hoxton Whores project 30:00 Building the Hoxton Whores brand 33:00 Touring life and Ibiza madness 36:00 When vinyl ruled the clubs 39:00 Piracy and the digital shift 42:00 Why producers deserve more protection 44:30 How distribution changed the game 47:00 Studio process and remix culture 50:00 Defining tracks and Ministry of Sound releases 53:00 Transitioning from Hoxton Whores to Hutch 55:30 Founding Strategic DJs and artist management 58:00 Social media and DJ culture 1:00:00 The rise of the pop-star DJ 1:03:00 Finding new music in an oversaturated scene 1:06:00 Breaking tracks through promo distribution 1:08:00 Hutch and the next chapter 1:10:00 Festivals vs underground culture 1:13:00 Favourite gigs and Ibiza memories 1:14:00 What “One More Tune” means Links: Labels: Beatport catalogues (Galactica, Automata, Revoke) Agency: www.strategicdjs.com Promo Club: www.pro-mo.club Bookings and info: www.iamhutch.com For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Oct 6, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Edele Andaya on vinyl, Peach London, and the moment that sparked her DJ journey
One friend’s passing changed everything. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Edele Andaya for a raw, honest conversation about the journey from first vinyl mixes to becoming a resident at Peach London. Edele takes us back to learning on belt-driven Sound Labs, upgrading to Technics, and the all-vinyl set at KoKo (Camden) that locked her reputation. We talk about navigating the jump to CDJs, near-disaster technical moments including a Sri Lanka beach festival where the decks died on the first track, and why the harder sound is surging again. The conversation also dives into London’s 90s and 00s club culture, the unique energy of the Peach family, authenticity versus vanity metrics on social media, and early steps into production. Along the way, Edele shares the track that still gives her goosebumps and has become her ritual closer: Tony De Vit – The Dawn. This is not a highlight reel. It’s a grounded account of grief, graft, and finding purpose through music. If you care about vinyl culture, Peach London, classic trance and hard house, or the real stories behind the booth, this episode will resonate. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎧 The friend who sparked Edele’s love for vinyl 💿 Learning on belt-driven decks and upgrading to Technics 🪩 London clubs that shaped her early years 🚀 Cracking CDJs after fear and frustration 🔥 Peach Goes Hard and the tougher edge returning 👩‍🎤 Women in dance music and pushing for genuine 50/50 line-ups 📱 Authentic growth vs bought followers 🎛️ First steps into production and creative process 🌅 Why The Dawn is her ritual final track Chapters: 00:00 Welcome – why Edele’s story matters now 02:05 The friend who sparked it all and first time on vinyl 05:12 The record-shop challenge and first decks 07:40 Learning on belt-driven Sound Labs 10:18 Upgrading to Technics and ear training 12:46 First London clubs: Sound Shaft, 414, The Fridge, Cloud 9 16:03 First gig in Brixton 18:55 Falling for vinyl culture 21:30 The jump to CDJs 24:42 Sri Lanka beach festival – decks die on the first track 28:17 KoKo Camden – the all-vinyl set 31:05 Becoming a Peach resident 33:40 Peach crowd energy 36:12 Peach Goes Hard 39:05 The harder sound comeback 42:28 Women in dance music 45:31 Social media and authenticity 48:00 Production steps and studio process 51:14 Technical nightmares DJs don’t talk about 54:02 Manifestation and staying grounded 56:40 Tony De Vit – The Dawn 59:20 Dream stages and what’s next 1:02:10 Final words and where to find Edele For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Oct 3, 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
Rob Tissera on prison, rave culture, Ibiza, and three decades at the top (Part Two)
In Part Two of this extended conversation on The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down again with Rob Tissera to dive deep into his life and career after 1991, one of the most versatile and enduring journeys in UK dance music history. From the lawless warehouse raves of late-80s Blackburn to becoming a global name in Ibiza superclubs, Rob shares the full, unfiltered story. This episode is packed with raw honesty, wild memories, and career-defining moments that helped shape rave culture, clubland, and the evolution of UK dance music. Rob opens up about the infamous acid house party that landed him in prison and became a test case connected to the Criminal Justice Bill, a moment that helped change the course of UK rave culture forever. We relive the rise of rave through convoy scenes, motorway shutdowns, and thousands of ravers flooding abandoned warehouses during the golden era. The conversation then moves to Ibiza. Rob reflects on residencies and long summers at Eden, Amnesia, Pacha, Kanya, and El Divino, and how he helped shape the island’s sound across house, trance, and hard house through the 90s and 2000s. We also explore superclub culture and iconic brands, from Godskitchen and Judgement Sundays to Tidy Trax, Garlands, Clockwork Orange, and Kissdafunk, alongside international bookings across Australia, Singapore, Dubai, and beyond. Rob breaks down the music that defined his career, including the stories behind Kick Up The Volume, Quake – The Day Will Come, York – The Awakening, Armin van Buuren – Communication, and placements on the Human Traffic soundtrack. He explains how adapting across genres, from rave and breakbeat to funky house, hard house, and trance, was key to staying relevant for more than three decades. We also revisit the Ibiza workers’ era: the Ship Inn, Shipwrecked boat parties, Dirty Rotten Slut nights, and the culture that made the island feel like a second home to an entire generation. This is not nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s a first-hand account of evolution, survival, and why versatility still matters. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🔒 Prison, acid house, and the Criminal Justice Bill 🚚 Convoys, warehouses, and the rise of UK rave culture 🏝️ Ibiza residencies and shaping the island’s sound 🪩 Superclubs, iconic brands, and global touring 🎶 Career-defining productions and remixes 🔄 Adapting across genres to survive long-term ⚡ Workers’ culture, boat parties, and Ibiza folklore 🔮 The future of dance music and genre versatility For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Sep 17, 2025 · 30 min
Paul van Dyk on electronic music, 528 Ibiza, and the spirit of Ibiza
In this Ibiza special of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with one of the true pioneers of electronic music, Paul van Dyk, for an intimate conversation about music, freedom, and the enduring power of trance. Paul takes us back to his early life in East Berlin, secretly listening to West Berlin radio, discovering artists like The Smiths, and developing a deep emotional connection to music long before the Berlin Wall fell. From there, we trace his journey into electronic music, his first performances in post-Wall Berlin, and playing at the legendary Tresor during a defining moment in club history. The conversation then moves to Ibiza. Paul opens up about the origins and philosophy behind Shine Ibiza. Why it started, what it represents, and how it aims to preserve the true essence of Ibiza clubbing. We discuss the move to 528 Ibiza and the magic of day-into-night sessions with sunset energy, as well as how Shine differs in Ibiza compared to its global editions at major festivals and international destinations. Paul also reflects on his long relationship with Cream at Amnesia, why Ibiza still holds a unique place in dance music culture, and how he curates Shine line-ups by prioritising artistry, musical depth, and connection over social media hype. We talk about Ibiza Trance Week, Godskitchen, the island’s evolving club landscape, and his long-standing friendship with John 00 Fleming, including stories of going back-to-back on stage. Paul also reflects on the role of timeless tracks like For An Angel and why certain records become woven into Ibiza’s musical DNA. This is not a surface-level interview. It’s a thoughtful exploration of trance culture, Ibiza nightlife, and what it truly means to create an experience that stays with people for life. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 📻 Growing up in East Berlin and discovering music through West Berlin radio 🎸 Early influences and emotional connection to music 🧱 Discovering electronic music after the Berlin Wall fell 🪩 Playing at Tresor and the birth of Berlin club culture ✨ The origins and philosophy of Shine Ibiza 🌅 Moving Shine to 528 Ibiza and the magic of day-to-night sessions 🌍 How Shine Ibiza differs from global editions 🍒 Cream at Amnesia and Ibiza’s unique energy 🎧 Curating line-ups based on artistry, not hype 🔊 Ibiza Trance Week, Godskitchen, and the island’s evolution 🤝 Going back-to-back with John 00 Fleming 🎶 Timeless tracks and Ibiza’s musical legacy For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Sep 10, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
John 00 Fleming on trance, underground culture, and four decades behind the decks
In this rare episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with John 00 Fleming, one of the most respected and influential figures in electronic dance music history. Known for his deep, progressive sound and uncompromising underground ethos, John has been a pioneer of trance, progressive house, and club culture for more than four decades. From the golden years of Godskitchen and Gatecrasher to unforgettable Ibiza residencies at Space Ibiza, Amnesia Ibiza, and Privilege Ibiza, John has witnessed and helped shape some of the most iconic moments in global dance music. This conversation goes far beyond nostalgia. John reflects on his early inspirations, his breakthrough in the UK scene, and the behind-the-scenes reality of superclub culture. We explore how the industry evolved from vinyl to CDJs to digital, why he chose to stay true to an underground progressive sound, and what was lost as the era of marathon sets and warm-up DJs disappeared. We also look forward. John shares thoughtful insights on the future of trance, the role of AI in music, and what it really takes to survive creatively, mentally, and emotionally across decades in the industry. This is not a hype-driven interview. It’s a reflective, honest conversation about longevity, integrity, and the culture that built dance music. If you care about trance history, underground club culture, Ibiza’s golden era, or the realities of a life in music, this episode delivers. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎧 Early inspirations and falling in love with music 🔊 Breaking through in the UK trance and progressive house scene 🪩 Godskitchen and Gatecrasher behind the scenes 🏝️ Ibiza residencies and life on the island 💿 The shift from vinyl to CDJs to digital 🏗️ The rise and fall of UK superclubs 🔥 Staying underground and true to sound ⏱️ The lost art of warm-up DJs and marathon sets 🤖 AI, technology, and the future of electronic music 🧠 Longevity, mental health, and surviving the industry Official website and bookings: www.john00fleming.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and name origins 05:00 First steps into DJing 10:00 South Coast and early raves 15:00 Discovering psytrance and sound evolution 20:00 First Ibiza experiences 25:00 Amnesia and Godskitchen memories 30:00 Club culture in the 90s 35:00 Life as a touring DJ 40:00 Staying underground and true to roots 45:00 Industry changes and superclubs 50:00 Reflections on longevity 55:00 Production, labels, and releases 1:00:00 Modern scene and technology 1:05:00 Final thoughts and One More Tune For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Sep 4, 2025 · 1 hr
Lange on trance, timeless anthems, and a 25-year legacy
Lange is one of trance music’s true pioneers. In this exclusive episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Lange to uncover the untold stories behind a career that helped shape the global trance movement. From producing timeless anthems like Follow Me and Drifting Away, to playing clubs and festivals around the world, Lange’s influence spans more than 25 years of dance music history. But this conversation goes beyond the records. Lange opens up about the unlikely moments that defined his path. From vinyl theft that pushed him towards Ibiza, to remixing the Braveheart theme while stacking supermarket shelves, to becoming a central figure in trance during its most influential era. We talk about the golden years of Ibiza, memories of Amnesia Ibiza, the cultural crossover between trance and techno, and the realities of navigating today’s music industry. Lange also shares honest advice for new producers and explains why, for him, trance is not just a genre, but something far deeper. This is not a hype interview. It’s a reflective conversation about craft, perseverance, and a sound that never really leaves you. If you love trance and want to understand the people who built it, this episode is essential listening. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎶 From producer to world-renowned DJ 📀 The real story behind Follow Me and its link to Kevin & Perry Go Large 🏝️ Ibiza memories and the golden years at Amnesia 🔊 Trance, techno, and the evolution of sound 🧠 Surviving the modern music industry 🔮 Advice for new producers ❤️ Why “trance is in the blood” For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Aug 28, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
Lisa Lashes on 30 years at the top of dance music
Lisa Lashes is one of the most iconic and influential DJs in the history of UK dance music. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Lisa Lashes to trace an extraordinary 30-year journey through club culture, from working at Marks & Spencer to breaking into DJ Mag Top 100, headlining superclubs, producing era-defining records, and founding the Lisa Lashes School of Music. Lisa takes us back to her earliest nights at Miss Moneypenny’s and the Birmingham club scene, the moment her career began to accelerate, and what it really took to earn global recognition in a male-dominated industry. We talk about the Euphoria compilation era, joining the Tidy Girls, and playing festivals and clubs across the world, from Global Gathering to South Africa. The conversation also moves beyond the booth. Lisa opens up about life behind the scenes, working alongside Carl Cox, unforgettable Ibiza moments, managing long-term health challenges, and why giving back through music education has become such a central part of her mission. This is not a victory lap. It’s an honest reflection on resilience, reinvention, and what it takes to stay relevant while building something that lasts. If you care about hard house, trance, techno, Ibiza culture, or the real stories behind the golden era of UK clubbing, this episode delivers. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎶 Early nights at Miss Moneypenny’s and Birmingham club culture 💿 Breaking into the DJ Mag Top 100 and global recognition 📀 The Euphoria compilation era and joining the Tidy Girls 🌍 Touring worldwide and major festivals 🎧 Ibiza memories and surreal backstage moments 🧠 Balancing health, life, and a long career in music 🏫 Founding the Lisa Lashes School of Music 🚨 Reducing youth violence through creativity and education 📱 Social media, modern DJ life, and today’s challenges Chapters: 00:00 Breaking the DJ Mag Top 100 03:43 First night at Miss Moneypenny’s 07:37 First gig: boat party 11:41 Early clubbing stories and inspiration 15:31 From Marks & Spencer to DJ 19:53 The Euphoria album era 23:55 Joining the Tidy Girls 28:38 Carl Cox playing her tracks 32:52 Surreal backstage moments 36:00 The festival boom and Global Gathering 40:43 Ibiza memories and Café del Mar 43:58 Producing vs DJing 47:39 Living with Type 1 diabetes 52:25 Founding the Lisa Lashes School of Music 55:38 Reducing youth violence through music 01:00:02 Funding challenges and government support 01:04:12 Social media and DJ life today 01:08:56 One More Tune For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Aug 23, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
Paul Thomas on Godskitchen, Global Gathering, and breaking through in the golden era
In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Paul Thomas to explore the passion, obsession, and sheer graft behind one of the most recognisable journeys to come out of the UK trance and superclub era. Paul takes us back to his first real spark with dance music during the Trainspotting era, running record shops, discovering vinyl culture, and developing the all-consuming obsession that shaped his career. We talk about the moment that changed everything: sending a demo mix to Godskitchen, landing his breakthrough residency, and the now-legendary night when he quite literally set a speaker on fire. From there, the conversation opens up into the reality of sudden success. Touring the world alongside Tall Paul and Marco V, life inside Global Gathering, and what really went on behind the scenes at the UK’s biggest club brands. Paul also reflects on production, running his own label, the changing music industry, and how AI is beginning to affect creativity today. Alongside the highs, he speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, luck, pressure, and the relentless work required to build a long-term career in electronic music. This is not a hype story. It’s an honest account of timing, talent, and persistence. If you ever wondered what it really took to break through during the Godskitchen and Global Gathering era — or what DJs coming up in 2025 need to understand now — this episode is essential listening. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎶 Discovering dance music during the Trainspotting era 💿 Record shops, vinyl culture, and musical obsession 🔥 Sending a demo to Godskitchen and landing a residency 🌍 Touring globally and the reality of sudden fame 🎪 Life behind the scenes at Global Gathering 🎵 Production, running a label, and creative evolution 🤖 AI in music and the future of production 💡 Advice for DJs and producers in 2025 🧠 Passion, luck, imposter syndrome, and longevity Track mentioned: Are You Out There – Crescendo Released in 1995 on FFRR Records, produced by Jon X Crosse, this dark, euphoric progressive trance anthem became the first dance track ever broadcast from Ibiza on BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix and topped the UK club charts for weeks. For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Aug 14, 2025 · 1 hr 31 min
Jason Herd on the ambulance service, Ibiza anthems, and mentoring the next generation
Jason Herd’s career is anything but ordinary. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Jason Herd to unpack an extraordinary journey from working as a UK paramedic to becoming a globally respected house music producer, mix engineer, and mentor. Jason opens up about the leap from saving lives on the front line to taking a risk on music, the mindset shift required to walk away from a stable career, and how discipline, pressure, and resilience carried over into the studio and the DJ booth. We dive into the story behind I Just Can’t Get Enough, the Ibiza summers it soundtracked, and wild memories from clubs and parties across the island, including Godskitchen, Babooshka, Bora Bora Ibiza, and Space Ibiza. The conversation also goes deep inside the studio. Jason talks honestly about his work as a mix engineer, the realities of production at a professional level, and why mentorship has become such an important part of his mission. Through teaching and guiding new producers, he’s helping shape the next generation of house music talent in a rapidly changing industry. This is not a story about overnight success. It’s about risk, craft, and building a sustainable career with purpose. If you’re a DJ, producer, Ibiza lover, or someone fascinated by the realities behind the scenes, this episode delivers inspiration and real-world insight. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🚑 Life as a UK paramedic and the decision to change careers 🎵 Producing I Just Can’t Get Enough and defining Ibiza summers 🪩 Stories from Godskitchen, Babooshka, Bora Bora, and Space Ibiza 🎚 Working as a mix engineer and producer 📈 Mentorship and developing new talent 🧠 Discipline, pressure, and mindset from emergency services to music 🔮 Building longevity in today’s dance music industry Links: Jason Herd music: https://www.subtonemusicacademy.com For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Aug 7, 2025 · 58 min
Steve Mac on Rhythm Masters, studio craft, and 30+ years in electronic music
In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Steve Mac — producer, DJ, remixer, and one half of Rhythm Masters — for a deep dive into an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades. Recorded inside Steve’s now-famous Brighton studio bunker, this conversation traces his journey from DJing at just 11 years old to becoming one of the most trusted names in house music production. We explore his work remixing and collaborating with artists including Michael Jackson, INXS, Marshall Jefferson, Robert Owens, and Todd Terry. Steve opens up about his early years in Luton, the evolution of studio gear from Akai samplers to modern AI-assisted tools, and why he still prefers hardware, tape, and hands-on process over shortcuts. We also talk candidly about the Rhythm Masters era, the realities of long-term relevance, and how a devastating studio fire nearly wiped out everything — and what it took to rebuild from scratch. The conversation moves into current projects too, including his work with Irvine Welsh on the upcoming Trainspotting: The Musical, reflections on the saturation of modern music, and why musicality sometimes gets lost in today’s house and techno landscape. This is not a nostalgia piece. It’s a masterclass in craft, resilience, and staying creatively honest across generations. If you’re a producer, DJ, engineer, or simply someone who loves dance music at its deepest level, this episode delivers rare insight from someone who has truly seen it all — and is still pushing forward. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎶 DJing at 11 and early studio experiments 🎛️ From Akai samplers to AI-assisted production 👑 Working with house and pop music legends 🔥 The Rhythm Masters era and defining records 🚒 A studio fire and rebuilding everything from scratch 🚝 Trainspotting: The Musical with Irvine Welsh 📼 Why Steve still mixes down to tape and favours hardware 🕺🏻 Music saturation and the loss of musicality 🎙 Staying relevant in a fast-changing industry 📦 Studio stories, lost vinyl, Strawberry Sundaes, and advice for new producers Chapters: 00:00 Intro and Brighton bunker banter 03:20 DJing at 11 and early studio days 10:45 Working with house legends and remix royalty 18:00 The Rhythm Masters era 24:15 AI, music saturation, and the future of production 32:00 Studio fire and rebuilding from scratch 40:50 Trainspotting: The Musical 47:10 Vinyl, nostalgia, and rave memories 55:00 Final thoughts, legacy, and One More Tune For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Jul 31, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Love To Be… on building a legendary UK club brand and surviving 30+ years of rave culture
Love To Be… is one of the most iconic and long-running club brands to come out of the UK. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with the people behind the brand, Tony Walker and Marc Dennis, to unpack the untold story of Love To Be… from its roots in Sheffield to global dancefloors and a brand that has stood the test of time. We go right back to how Love To Be… started, the early nights, the culture that shaped it, and the golden era of UK house music that helped define a generation. Tony and Marc share behind-the-scenes stories from legendary nights, the realities of promoting through different eras, and how club culture has changed from the 90s to today. The conversation also looks forward. We talk about keeping the original rave spirit alive in a phone-obsessed world, the importance of community over hype, and how Love To Be… has adapted without losing its identity. From intimate club nights to the launch of the Love To Be Festival, this is a rare insight into longevity in dance music. This is not a nostalgia exercise. It’s a practical, honest conversation about evolution, resilience, and why some club brands endure while others disappear. If you care about classic house, UK rave culture, and the people who actually built the scene, this episode is essential listening. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 💃 How Love To Be… started in Sheffield 🪩 Behind-the-scenes stories from legendary club nights 🎶 The evolution of clubbing from the 90s to now 📲 Preserving rave culture in a phone-first era ⏳ Lessons from more than three decades of promoting 🎏 The launch and vision behind Love To Be Festival Find Love To Be… Instagram: @lovetobeevents Instagram: @trimtonemusic For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Jul 25, 2025 · 1 hr
Peach London: the legacy of one of UK clubbing’s most iconic nights
Welcome to the ultimate throwback to Peach London, one of the most legendary and influential club brands in UK dance music history. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, we dive deep into the golden era of UK clubbing, when Peach set the standard for uplifting trance, euphoric anthems, and dancefloors built on community, energy, and pure joy. If you ever raved at Camden Palace, felt that unmistakable Peach atmosphere, or grew up on the sound of late-90s and early-2000s trance, this episode will take you straight back. And if you’re discovering it for the first time, this is essential context for understanding what made UK club culture so special. We explore the rise, evolution, and legacy of Peach, how it shaped a generation of clubbers, and why the brand still carries real meaning today. Through stories and reflections from Graham Gold, Chris Bayne, and Edele Andaya, we unpack what Peach represented on and off the dancefloor. This is not just a nostalgia trip. It’s a cultural snapshot of a time when clubbing was about togetherness, music-led programming, and nights that stayed with you long after the lights came up. If you care about UK clubbing history, trance culture, or the brands that genuinely shaped the scene, this episode delivers. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🍑 The rise of Peach London and its unique identity 🪩 Camden Palace and the energy of classic Peach nights 🎶 How Peach shaped uplifting trance and club culture 🧠 Community, togetherness, and music-first programming 🔥 Why the Peach brand still matters today ⚡ The lasting legacy of one of the UK’s most loved club nights For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Jul 17, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Marc de Groot on photographing Ibiza and documenting club culture
n this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Marc de Groot, one of Ibiza’s most respected photographers and visual storytellers. For more than two decades, Marc has been behind the lens documenting Ibiza’s nightlife at its most iconic. From superclubs like Amnesia Ibiza, Cream, and Clockwork Orange, to countless events including Kevin & Perry Amnesia Ibiza, his work has quietly shaped how the world remembers the island. Marc shares what it’s really like capturing Ibiza nightlife while remaining completely sober since 1994, how he transitioned from DJing into photography and videography, and the responsibility that comes with documenting culture rather than just marketing it. We talk about the rise of phones on the dancefloor, the difference between art and promotion, and how Ibiza itself has changed through the years. The conversation also explores the role of platforms like DontStayIn.com, the realities of creative work in a party-driven industry, and Marc’s advice for anyone hoping to build a sustainable creative career on the island. This is not a surface-level chat. It’s an honest look at memory, integrity, and the people behind the images that defined Ibiza. If you care about Ibiza history, club culture, photography, or the unseen work that documents a scene, this episode delivers. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎧 Starting out as a DJ before moving behind the camera 📸 Photographing Ibiza’s most iconic clubs and events 🎥 Videography, storytelling, and visual legacy 🍺 Being sober in a party-fuelled industry 🧠 Art versus marketing in club photography 📱 Phones on the dancefloor and cultural impact 🎨 Advice for creatives working in Ibiza Find Marc de Groot: Website: https://www.marcdegroot.co.uk/ Ibiza Wedding Photography: https://www.ibizaweddingphotography.net/ For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Jul 14, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min
Emmalena Nesmith on addiction, Ibiza, and finding purpose through recovery
In this raw, emotional, and deeply honest episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with my longtime friend Emmalena for what is, without doubt, one of the most important conversations I have ever recorded. Once a familiar face within Ibiza’s community during the 2000s, Emmalina is now a senior nurse prescriber working in addiction recovery within the UK prison system. She has been sober for 15 years. We have both walked similar paths, and this conversation comes from a place of shared experience, trust, and deep respect. We talk openly about the madness and magic of Ibiza between 2000 and 2010, the drinking culture that blurred invisible lines, and the moments when control quietly slipped away. Emmalena shares the turning points that led to rock bottom, including the morning she woke up with sick in her hair and a tongue swollen “like a tennis ball”, and the events that eventually led her to sobriety in Sweden. This episode also focuses on what came after. Life beyond addiction. Parenting, purpose, rebuilding identity, and dedicating a career to helping others recover. Emmalina speaks candidly about recovery, the role of Alcoholics Anonymous, and why the 12 steps are not a cult, but a framework that can genuinely change lives. This is not an episode about shame. It’s about healing, forgiveness, love, and how recovery can become your greatest strength. If you have ever struggled with alcohol, questioned your relationship with drinking, or loved someone who has, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🌴 Ibiza life between 2000 and 2010 🍺 Drinking culture, blackouts, and crossing invisible lines 🤒 Losing control and hitting rock bottom 🇸🇪 Finding sobriety and recovery in Sweden 🩺 Life after addiction: parenting and professional purpose 🙏 Why AA isn’t a cult and how the 12 steps work ❤️ Healing, forgiveness, and long-term recovery ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of addiction, seizures, and alcohol-related trauma. For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Jul 3, 2025 · 55 min
Judge Jules on UK raves, Ibiza, and reinvention across decades
In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Judge Jules, one of the most influential and enduring figures in dance music culture, to unpack a career defined by reinvention. Before becoming a household name, Jules was promoting unlicensed warehouse raves during the raw, formative years of the UK rave scene. What followed was a decades-long journey through global DJ residencies, BBC Radio 1, and the creation of Judgement Sundays, Ibiza’s longest-running weekly party. We talk candidly about rising through the ranks with Gatecrasher and Cream, shaping the sound and identity of San Antonio, and what it really takes to stay relevant as scenes, audiences, and technology change. Jules also opens up about retraining as a music lawyer while still DJing at the highest level, and why adaptability has been the key to his longevity. This is not a nostalgia interview. It’s a grounded conversation about evolution, resilience, and building a career that can survive multiple eras of electronic music. If you care about UK rave history, Ibiza club culture, or how artists adapt and endure, this episode delivers real insight. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🏭 Promoting unlicensed warehouse raves in early UK dance culture 🎧 Rising through Gatecrasher, Cream, and global DJ residencies 🏝️ Building Judgement Sundays into Ibiza’s longest-running weekly night 📻 Life behind the scenes at BBC Radio 1 ⚖️ Retraining as a music lawyer alongside a DJ career 🔄 Staying relevant across decades in electronic music For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com
Jun 25, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
Dean “Shminky DJ” on Shipwrecked, Dirty Rotten DJs, and Ibiza’s wild underground era
In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with my Ibiza mentor Dean (Shminky DJ), one of the key figures behind Shipwrecked, the Dirty Rotten DJs, and the infamous Slut Party that defined San Antonio’s underground worker-led scene in the 2000s. This is a raw, hilarious, and often outrageous conversation that captures a side of Ibiza that simply could not exist today. From pirate radio roots and early garage scenes to DJ booths in Manumission’s ladies’ toilets, Dean shares the unfiltered truth behind the parties that shaped a generation. We relive the rise of Shipwrecked boat parties, the moment “we need a bigger boat” became a movement, and the worker culture that kept Ibiza alive long after the clubs closed. There are stories of lock-ins, winter Ibiza survival, and nights that blurred into mornings, all before social media and corporate control changed the island forever. This episode is not revisionist nostalgia. It’s a first-hand account of a time when community, chaos, and creativity ruled. If you lived it, missed it, or want to understand the madness that was pre-social media Ibiza, this one delivers. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🥾 Getting kicked out of Space Ibiza with mum in tow 🎧 Pirate radio, garage roots, and going digital 🏴‍☠️ The birth of Shipwrecked and the rise of Ibiza boat parties 👯 Worker-led parties that could never happen today 🚺 DJ booths inside Manumission’s ladies’ toilets 🎉 The Dirty Rotten Slut Party and inclusive club culture 🏝️ Winter Ibiza, lock-ins, and community survival 🔮 Why some parties and eras cannot come back Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:45 Highlights 04:30 Early music days 07:20 The origins of “Start Getting Naked” 10:05 First time in Ibiza 13:00 Rock bands to pirate radio 15:45 Early garage scene and going digital 19:30 The CDJ revolution and influences 22:15 Moving to Ibiza 24:00 Winter Ibiza and island life 27:00 Worker culture and daytime raving 29:10 How Shipwrecked started at the Ship Inn 32:00 From pub night to movement 34:50 From lock-ins to boat parties 38:00 Dirty Rotten DJs beginnings 41:10 Playing in Manumission’s ladies’ toilets 44:20 Backroom deals and scene politics 48:00 Birth of the Dirty Rotten Slut Party 51:30 Workers, inclusivity, and culture 55:20 The decline of the wild West End 58:10 Ibiza after Covid and corporate shifts 01:01:00 Why some parties can’t return 01:03:20 Legendary nights and bars 01:06:10 Bar M memories 01:08:10 Dream line-ups and community 01:10:00 Cream Terrace workers’ nights 01:12:15 Final tune 01:13:00 Outro 📍 Subscribe for more stories from Ibiza legends, DJs, promoters, and the characters who built the island’s culture. For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com