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: [email protected]