Dexter Jones

Nick Rafferty joins Dexter Jones for a deep dive into the madness, energy and reality of 90s club culture. From Sundissential, Godskitchen and Cream… to three gigs a night, vinyl culture, Tony De Vit, severe anxiety, beta blockers and the rise and fall of the golden era of clubbing. Nick opens up about what life was really like behind the packed dancefloors and iconic nights that shaped a generation. Topics include: • Sundays Central & Birmingham club culture • Godskitchen at The Sanctuary • Tony De Vit & the harder sound revolution • Space Ibiza & Cream tours • Playing multiple gigs a night across the UK • The reality of “the chemical generation” • Severe anxiety & burnout behind the scenes • Vinyl culture & exclusive record “You’d turn up at the club like a Cheshire cat with a bag full of records thinking… nobody else has got this little beauty.” A raw, funny, nostalgic and honest conversation with one of the true figures from the golden era of UK clubbing. Chapters:   00:00 Introduction to Nick Rafferty 01:07 Podcast Introduction & How Nick Rafferty Got Into Dance Music 04:52 Early Clubbing Days, DJ Culture & Rare Vinyl Records 09:57 Collecting Music, Digging For Tracks & DJ Identity 14:58 Learning To DJ, Vinyl Mixing & Early Influences 19:36 Clubland Culture, Hard House & Packed Dancefloors 23:39 The Explosion Of UK Clubbing In The 90s 28:17 Sundissential, Promoting & Building A Club Brand 32:45 Birmingham Club Scene, Energy & Crowd Atmosphere 37:49 The Evolution Of DJs, Fame & Modern Club Culture 42:25 Legendary Nights, Residencies & Touring Stories

This week I sit down with Utah Saints, true pioneers of UK electronic music, to break down one of the most important topics in dance music history… sampling. From making tracks in their bedrooms on Atari computers and Akai samplers, to landing on Top of the Pops six times, Utah Saints share the real story behind how sampling changed music forever. We go deep into the early 90s rave scene, white labels, Leeds club culture, and the moment electronic music broke into the mainstream. They also open up about the pressure from the industry, the controversy around sampling, and why today’s music landscape feels completely different. If you’re into dance music, DJ culture, music production, or the history of rave, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.ž Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Utah Saints on Top of the Pops (6 Times) 04:30 How Utah Saints Met (1991) 08:00 Early DJ Days & Winning the DMC 12:00 Leeds Club Scene Before the Rave Explosion 16:30 First Tracks & Breakthrough Moment 21:30 From Bedroom Music to Chart Success 26:30 The Truth About Sampling 32:30 Utah Saints Classical Event (Leeds) 34:00 How the Orchestra Works 39:00 Leeds Millennium Square Event 42:30 Authenticity in Modern Dance Music 48:00 Breaking Through in Today’s Music Industry 56:20 Let’s Do a Part 2 🎯 THINGS WE TALK ABOUT How Utah Saints got started in 1991 Winning the DMC and early DJ culture Making music on Atari and Akai samplers The rise of sampling in dance music The truth about Top of the Pops Pressure to “fake” performances on TV White labels and underground club culture Leeds rave scene and early electronic music How tracks were made in bedrooms Why sampling was misunderstood The difference between music then vs now Why modern artists struggle to break through Authenticity in today’s music industry The return of smaller club nights and real crowds 🚀 ABOUT UTAH SAINTS Utah Saints are one of the UK’s most influential electronic acts, known for blending sampling, house, and rave culture into mainstream success. With multiple Top of the Pops appearances and iconic releases, they helped shape the sound of 90s dance music. 👊 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean a lot if you: 👉 Follow me 👉 Drop a review with your thoughts Podcasts are one of the hardest formats to grow, and your support genuinely makes a difference.

Paul Maddox, known for his work across Tidy Trax, hard house, hard dance and studio engineering, joins me for a deep conversation about music production, ghost production, sound engineers, AI, the changing club scene, and why so many roles in electronic music are misunderstood. We start with one of the biggest misconceptions in dance music: ghost producers and engineers are not the same thing. Paul explains where the confusion comes from, why people get defensive about it, and how professional records are often made through collaboration, technical support, and very different skill sets. From there, we go deep into Paul’s own story. We talk about starting out as a producer before DJing, learning the craft in the late 90s, working with basic gear, discovering dance music through Radio 1, handing demo CDs to DJs, and eventually breaking through with the Tidy Boys and landing an in-house engineering role. We also get into: • the difference between engineering, co-production and ghost production • why some artists need technical help, not a ghost producer • how electronic music blurs the lines between artist, producer and engineer • building tracks in person versus online sessions • how Paul moved across hard house, hard dance, trance, techno and house • working with artists across different genres • AI in music production and why it can enhance creativity but not replace it • why modern music can feel more derivative • the importance of edits, streaming versions and holding attention online • the rise, fall and return of hard house and harder dance sounds • how clubbing culture, festivals, visuals and social media have changed the scene • why producers now have to do everything, from making music to building a brand 00:00 Intro: The Maddox & Glazby Connection 05:15 Producer vs DJ: What comes first? 08:42 Working with Darius Syrossian & Bryan Kearney 12:30 How COVID changed studio sessions forever 15:45 Engineering vs. Ghost Producing: The Truth 19:20 Why the Dance Industry pulls people down 24:10 Starting on a PC in 1998: The early days 32:50 That life-changing call from the Tidy Boys 40:15 The "Unbaking a Cake" AI Analogy 48:20 Is Hard House having a massive resurgence? 55:30 The decline of the "Weekly Club" and the rise of the "Show" 01:05:10 Why Social Media is killing talented artists This is a proper behind-the-scenes conversation with someone who has lived it from the inside. If you are into hard house, dance music production, club culture, studio work, or the real mechanics of how tracks get made, this one will land. The Dexter Jones Podcast explores the stories, people and realities behind dance music, Ibiza culture, production, DJing and the electronic music industry.

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with William Daniel to break down how he got into the music industry at just 15 years old… and ended up working directly with some of the biggest DJs in the world. From working in a record shop in Glasgow to sending promos to Judge Jules, Paul Oakenfold, and Radio 1, William shares how he built a network from scratch and earned respect in one of the most competitive industries out there. We dive into vinyl culture, record shops, and what it was really like selling music to names like Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, and Ferry Corsten… all before most people even know what they want to do with their lives. This is a real insight into how the dance music industry works behind the scenes — no shortcuts, no hype… just experience. If you’re a DJ, producer, or trying to break into the music industry, this episode is packed with lessons. 🔑 THINGS WE TALK ABOUT: * How William Daniel got into the music industry at 15 * Working in a record shop during the vinyl era * Sending promos to DJs like Judge Jules and Paul Oakenfold * Radio 1 exposure and early DJ promotion * Building a DJ network from scratch * Selling records to Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, and Ferry Corsten * How record shops shaped the dance music scene * Breaking into the electronic music industry with no connections * DJ culture in the early trance and house scene * How to get noticed as a DJ or producer * The importance of taste, track selection, and music knowledge * Behind the scenes of the DJ industry * Advice for new DJs and producers * The reality of the music business vs social media perception 00:00 AI Is Changing Music Forever… Here’s The Truth 01:16 A Surprise Guest From The Dance Music Scene 05:56 Getting Into Music From An Early Age 08:03 Discovering Record Shops & DJ Culture 15:41 Is AI Replacing Music Producers? 21:11 The Power Of Vinyl & Old School DJing 29:15 How Hard Is It To Break Through As A DJ Today? 37:12 Releasing Music On Labels (How It Really Works) 45:23 The State Of Trance Music Right Now 52:38 Ghost Producing In Dance Music Explained 59:08 Artist Fees vs Reality – The Big Disconnect 01:05:47 The Last Track Of The Night (DJ Psychology)

From raves to reality… this is what it’s really like working in the dance music industry. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Steve Arnold to break down his journey from the early rave scene through to working behind the scenes in dance music. From Godskitchen and Global Gathering to artist liaison roles, interviews, and the real grind it takes to break into the industry… this is the side of dance music most people never see. We dive into the Midlands rave scene, UK club culture, and what it actually takes to build a career in electronic music. No hype, no filters… just real stories from inside the industry. If you’re a DJ, producer, or just obsessed with dance music culture, this one’s for you. 🎙️ WHAT WE TALK ABOUT In this episode, we cover the reality of working in the dance music industry, from the UK rave scene to major events like Godskitchen and Global Gathering. • How to get into the dance music industry • The UK rave scene and Midlands club culture • Behind the scenes of DJ life and artist liaison work • The grind of becoming a DJ and building a name • Dance music events, touring and industry insights • Then vs now: how clubbing and DJ culture has evolved • Honest advice for new DJs and producers

Micky Modelle joins The Dexter Jones Podcast to share his incredible journey through 4 decades in dance music — from the early days of Belfast’s underground club scene during one of its most turbulent periods, to the rise of vinyl culture, Clubland, and the evolution of the global dance music industry. In this episode, we dive deep into what it was really like coming up in a time with no roadmap, no social media, and no shortcuts — where DJs built careers from record shops, word of mouth, and pure passion. Micky opens up about the realities of the industry, the shift from vinyl to digital, and why success today isn’t the same as it once was. This is a raw and honest conversation about longevity, adapting to change, and surviving in one of the most competitive industries in the world. --- 🎧 In this episode, we cover: Growing up and DJing in Belfast during a turbulent era How club culture thrived despite real-world conflict The early days of vinyl and what success really looked like Selling records vs streaming culture today The truth about longevity in the music industry Why you can’t stay on top forever How technology has changed everything for DJs and producers Stories from the early underground scene Advice for the next generation of DJs --- ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Belfast Was a War Zone 03:20 – Early Club Scene Outside the City 08:45 – Winging It: No Set Path 15:10 – Vinyl Days & Record Sales 22:30 – Then vs Now: The Industry Shift 35:40 – You Can’t Stay on Top Forever 48:15 – Technology Changed Everything 58:20 – Stories from the Scene 1:10:00 – Advice for New DJs --- 🎤 About Micky Modelle Micky Modelle is a respected DJ and producer with over 40 years in the dance music industry. Known for his influence across multiple eras — from underground club culture to commercial dance — he has witnessed and adapted to every major shift in the scene.

Dirty Sanchez was one of MTV’s wildest and most controversial TV shows, reaching over 400 million viewers across 64 countries and becoming a global phenomenon in the early 2000s.  In this episode, Pritchard from Dirty Sanchez joins the podcast to reveal what really happened behind the scenes of the MTV show, from how Dirty Sanchez started and exploded worldwide to the full-on lifestyle, Ibiza stories, and the reality of life after fame. How did it become MTV’s wildest and most popular show? In this episode, I sit down with Pritchard to uncover the full story behind Dirty Sanchez, from its unexpected beginnings to its rise as one of the biggest shows MTV ever produced. What started as a group of mates filming skateboarding, pranks, and chaos quickly turned into something far bigger than anyone imagined. MTV were looking for a UK version of the Jackass movement, and within no time, Dirty Sanchez exploded onto screens around the world — reaching over 400 million people across 64 countries. But none of that was the plan. As Pritchard explains, they genuinely thought it would be one show, one year… just getting paid to party and have a laugh. Instead, it became a global phenomenon. We talk about what life was really like during that time — travelling the world, pushing boundaries, and living a lifestyle that was completely full on. The energy, the madness, and the pressure to keep going further eventually started to take its toll. We also dive deep into Ibiza — a huge part of the journey. From performing live at Bar M to experiencing the island at its peak, Pritchard shares how Ibiza became the place where everything escalated. The freedom, the atmosphere, and the culture made it a playground where anything felt possible — and where some of the wildest moments happened. But this episode isn’t just about chaos. It’s about what happens after. We talk about the reality of that lifestyle, the impact it has over time, and how Pritchard has completely transformed his life since those days. From stepping away from alcohol to doing serious work on himself, this is a side of the story that most people never hear. From global fame… to personal change. If you remember Dirty Sanchez, this is the story behind it. If you don’t — this is one you won’t expect. ⚡️ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE: • The origins of Dirty Sanchez and how it started from skateboarding and prank videos • How MTV discovered the crew and turned it into a global TV show • Reaching 400 million viewers across 64 countries • Why they never expected Dirty Sanchez to blow up • What life was really like behind the scenes of MTV’s wildest show • The “get paid to party” lifestyle and how it became full on • The pressure to keep pushing boundaries • How the chaos and lifestyle took its toll • Ibiza stories, Bar M residency, and wild island moments • Living in Ibiza during the peak years • Life after Dirty Sanchez • Personal transformation, sobriety, and self-work • Reflections on fame, identity, and change ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Dirty Sanchez: 400 Million Viewers Worldwide 05:32 – From Pro Skateboarder to Filming Chaos 07:15 – Ibiza Residency & Party Lifestyle Begins 12:16 – MTV Discovery: The UK’s Jackass Era 13:07 – Becoming MTV’s Biggest Show Ever 16:44 – Life After Dirty Sanchez: The Dirty Vegan Journey 23:32 – Rowing the Atlantic: The Ultimate Challenge 28:02 – Why He Turned to Veganism 37:52 – “Sleep When You’re Dead” Lifestyle 42:17 – Personal Reinvention & Life Transformation 52:16 – Dealing with Anxiety & Mental Health 58:28 – Discovering a Passion for Cooking 1:06:55 – The Importance of Exercise & Routine 1:09:03 – Favourite Life Chapters & Lessons Learned --- All About Pritchard: https://www.mathewpritchard.com/

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with DJ and producer Denney (James Denney) to explore the journey behind a career that has taken him from the early days of UK club culture to some of the most respected underground dance floors in the world. From his beginnings playing at Sugar Shack, through the legendary Back To Basics nights in Leeds, to releasing music on Jamie Jones’ Hot Creations, Denney shares the story of how he built a life in dance music. This is a brilliant conversation about the evolution of the underground scene, the reality of becoming a DJ, and what it really takes to sustain a career in dance music. In this episode, we talk about • Denney’s early days discovering dance music • Playing at Sugar Shack and learning to DJ • Working at the legendary Back To Basics in Leeds • How underground club culture shaped his career • The journey to releasing music on Hot Creations • Touring internationally and playing in Ibiza • The realities of building a long-term DJ career • How the dance music scene has evolved over the years • Advice for DJs trying to break into the industry Timestamps  00:00 Introduction 02:14 Discovering dance music 07:40 The Sugar Shack years 15:10 Back To Basics and the Leeds scene 25:32 Learning the craft of DJing 38:20 The underground club culture 49:05 Releasing music on Hot Creations 58:41 Playing Ibiza and touring internationally 1:09:30 How the dance music scene has evolved 1:18:05 Advice for new DJs 1:23:40 Final thoughts --- Follow Denney: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denneymusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenneyMusic Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/denney Subscribe If you enjoy real stories from the dance music world, make sure you subscribe to The Dexter Jones Podcast for new episodes every week featuring DJs, producers and key figures from the global club scene.  

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, Paul “Madders” Madan returns for part two, sharing the raw and brutally honest story behind the rise and fall of Sundissential, one of the most iconic club brands in UK dance music history. Madders was at the centre of the 90s rave explosion, helping build Sundissential into a phenomenon that packed superclubs across Birmingham and Leeds. But behind the scenes, addiction was taking hold. What started with early rave culture and Class A drugs slowly spiralled into cocaine, crack addiction, and eventually losing everything. In this powerful conversation, Madders opens up about the darkest years of his life, the collapse of Sundissential, his battle with addiction, and the long road to recovery. This is a brutally honest story about rave culture, fame, ego, addiction and redemption. If you were part of the UK club scene in the 90s and early 2000s, this episode will take you right back to one of the wildest eras in dance music history. Topics covered in this episode • The rise of Sundissential and UK hard house culture • Life behind the scenes of 90s rave promotions • How addiction slowly took control • Crack cocaine and the downward spiral • The collapse of a legendary club brand • Hitting rock bottom • Recovery and rebuilding life after addiction Chapters 00:00 – “Crack Was My Life” 03:02 – When Did It Start Going Wrong? 04:39 – The First Time I Took a Class A Drug 06:55 – The Invisible Line Into Addiction 12:19 – Active Recovery Since 2017 27:39 – The Moment I Started Using Crack Cocaine 33:36 – The Beginning of the End for Sundissential 37:19 – Three Weeks in Birmingham Crack Houses 42:17 – When Sundissential Went Bust 1:00:03 – “If I Thought This Mug Would Change How I Felt…” 1:02:48 – The Moment of Clarity About Paul “Madders” Madden Paul “Madders” Madden was a co-founder of Sundissential, one of the most influential hard house club brands in the UK. During the late 90s and early 2000s, Sundissential events attracted thousands of clubbers every week and helped shape the UK dance music scene. After years of addiction and personal struggles, Madders is now in recovery and works helping others facing similar challenges. Subscribe for more stories from dance music culture The Dexter Jones Podcast explores the real stories behind club culture, DJs, promoters and the people who built the dance music scene. 🎧 New episodes every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@dexterjonesibiza --- The Wellbourne Clinic The Wellbourne Clinic is a UK-based addiction treatment centre that provides professional support for people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. The clinic offers therapy-based treatment programmes designed to help individuals understand the root causes of addiction and build the tools needed for long-term recovery. With a focus on personalised care, The Wellbourne Clinic provides a safe and supportive environment where people can begin rebuilding their lives. Their approach combines therapeutic support, recovery guidance, and community-based recovery pathways to help individuals move forward with stability and purpose. Paul “Madders” Madden now works within addiction recovery support and has been involved in helping others facing similar struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you can learn more about their work here: https://thewellbourneclinic.co.uk/ --- Addiction & Recovery Support If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, there are organisations that offer confidential help and support. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Support groups for people struggling with alcohol addiction. https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Support meetings for people recovering from drug addiction. https://ukna.org FRANK – UK Drug Advice Service Free confidential advice about drugs and addiction. 📞 0300 123 6600 https://www.talktofrank.com Drinkline – National Alcohol Helpline Free confidential helpline for people concerned about drinking. 📞 0300 123 1110 Samaritans If you are struggling and need someone to talk to. 📞 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org The Wellbourne Clinic Professional addiction treatment and recovery support. https://thewellbourneclinic.co.uk Important note Recovery is possible. If you are struggling, reaching out to one of the organisations above can be the first step toward getting help.

Paul Glazby returns to The Dexter Jones Podcast for Part 2 of this in-depth Hard House interview, diving into UK club culture, Vicious Circle Records, Tidy Trax era dance music, DJ burnout, music industry politics, management failures, and the real reason he stepped away from the UK Hard House scene. In this episode, Paul Glazby opens up about losing 75% of his DJ income, building multiple gym businesses, moving to New Zealand and Australia, starting again at 40 in real estate, and why Hard House and underground dance music have come back into his life after more than a decade away. If you lived through the UK Hard House era, this is essential listening. If you’ve ever walked away from something you loved, this will resonate even more. This is not just about DJing. It’s about identity, reinvention, burnout and rebuilding. In this episode we cover: • The collapse of his DJ career • Losing 75% of his bookings overnight • Fake gigs and music industry politics • Launching Red Management • Seven years of burnout juggling fitness and DJing • The 10-hour farewell set • Moving abroad and completely disconnecting from dance music • Losing half his gym membership overnight • Reinventing himself in real estate at 40 • The return of Hard House • The one track he would close the night with — 🎧 CHAPTERS 00:00 The Collapse: “My DJ Career Looked Like It Was On Its Ass” 01:09 Losing 32 Kilos & Reinventing Myself Through Fitness 06:01 Drugs, DJing & The Night Everything Changed 08:12 Tidy Management, Trophy Twins & Industry Politics 12:55 Fake Gigs, Cancelled Bookings & A 75% Income Drop 19:42 Launching Red Management & Taking Back Control 20:26 Seven Years of Burnout: 5:30am Clients + Weekend Gigs 21:57 “I’m Never Gonna Do A UK Gig” – The Final Announcement 26:36 Moving Abroad & Losing Touch With Dance Music 33:00 The Gym Collapse: Losing Half My Members Overnight 34:22 Starting Again at 40: From DJ to Real Estate 40:05 “Music’s In The Blood” – Hard House Comes Back 47:13 The One Last Track: RRF – Yomamba — About Paul Glazby Paul Glazby is a UK Hard House DJ and producer known for Vicious Circle Records and his work during the peak of the Tidy Trax era. A key figure in underground UK club culture, he has released extensively across the Hard Dance scene and remains one of the most respected names in Hard House history.

🎧 Paul Glazby: Hard House’s Greatest Era & Why It’s Coming Back  This week on the podcast, I sit down with Paul Glazby, DJ, producer, label owner, and founder of hard house record label Vicious Circle, to unpack the rise, fall, and resurgence of Hard House. From teaching himself to mix in secret… To clearing the dancefloor at Insomniacs before becoming a resident… To build one of the most influential Hard House labels of the early 2000s… This is a deep dive into one of the most important eras in UK club culture. We talk about: • The real impact of Tony De Vit’s passing on Hard House • How Gatecrasher & trance briefly overtook the harder sound • The explosion of 2000–2002 Hard House • Building Vicious Circle from scratch • Producing classics like Kick It • The vinyl collapse & MP3 era • Why Hard House is back • The new generation pushing 150–160 BPM • And how podcasting reignited Paul’s passion for music This is Part 1 of 2. Part 2 drops very soon. If you were there in the early 2000s… this will hit. If you weren’t… this explains everything. 🔥 Topics Covered: Hard House history Vicious Circle Records Insomniacs Sheffield Tony De Vit Tidy Trax BK & Hard Dance evolution Hard House comeback 2025 Vinyl era vs digital UK club culture 1998–2005 Why are harder sounds trending again 🎶 About Paul Glazby Paul Glazby emerged from Sheffield’s underground scene in the late 90s and became one of the defining names of UK Hard House. Founder of Vicious Circle, his productions helped shape the tougher edge of the genre during its peak years. After a long hiatus, he has returned — producing new music, relaunching labels and hosting the Hard House History podcast. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Hard House Then vs Now 03:12 Teaching Himself to Mix in Secret 07:45 The Night Half the Club Walked Out 12:30 Tony De Vit’s Death & The Scene Shift 18:40 Gatecrasher, Trance & The Hard House Takeover 24:10 The 2000–2002 Hard House Explosion 30:25 Launching Vicious Circle Records 36:50 Producing “Kick It” & Signature Sound 43:15 Vinyl Collapse & The MP3 Era 49:40 Why Hard House Is Coming Back 56:10 The New 150–160 BPM Generation 01:02:30 Podcasting, Comeback & What’s Next New episodes every Sunday at 5pm UK. No clickbait. No bots. Just real stories from the people who built the scene. If you’ve been enjoying the journey this past year, thank you. We’re just getting started.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason "JFK" Kinch to unpack 30 years of PaSSion and the era of weekly UK club culture before the corporate superclubs and festivals muddied the waters. Operating alongside Gatecrasher, Cream and Godskitchen. Before huge production budgets and global DJ brands. PaSSion was building something different. From the early days of flyering streets and risking everything financially, to flying in unknown artists like Ferry Corsten and a young Armin van Buuren who was still at university, this is a raw and honest look at what it really took to survive in the golden era of UK clubbing. JFK opens up about: • The reality of losing money as a promoter • Why are you only ever as good as your last party • The integrity of Tony De Vit turning down upfront feed to remain resident • Taking risks on artists nobody knew • Growing from 750 capacity to 2,500 • And why seeing that first person run onto the dancefloor still makes it all worth it This is not a throwback for its own sake. This is clubbing history from someone who lived it. If you care about UK club culture, trance history, and the foundations of the scene before it went global, this episode is essential viewing. Subscribe or follow for more club culture deeps dive with the people who built the scene. Chapters: 00:00 30 Years of Passion - Before the Superclubs 07:35 The Emporium - Mark & Eric and the Birth of Passion 10:42 The Brutal First Six Months of Passion 16:48 Why Is He Called JFK? 21:52 Weekly Partying in the 90s Club Scene 28:26 Running The Emporium Nightclub 32:36 The Tony De Vit Residency Story 37:25 Ferry Corsten at Passion - Before the Fame 39:02 Booking a Student Armin van Buuren 43:46 Taking Passion to Ibiza 52:57 Tiësto at Cream Ibiza – The Superclub Era 1:00:14 The Generational Shift in UK Clubbing 1:06:54 The Return of Passion 1:12:00 Modern Day Clubbing Challenges 1:17:47 The Truth About Promoters Losing Money 1:20:28 Why He Can Never Walk Away 1:36:18 The Last Tune of the Night

This episode of the Dexter Jones Podcast tells the real story of Paul Madan AKA "Madders", who is one of the defining figures behind Sundissential and UK club culture. It’s an honest, unfiltered conversation about success, addiction, collapse, and recovery. From the height of clubland to a twenty-year battle with crack cocaine, this episode goes beyond dance music into accountability, survival, and rebuilding a life. This is one of the most important conversations we’ve ever recorded on the Dexter Jones Podcast. This is not a nostalgia piece. It’s a raw, human conversation about success, excess, addiction, collapse, recovery, and the long road back to finding meaning again. From the rise of Sundissential and packed-out clubs to a twenty-year battle with crack cocaine, losing everything, finally finding recovery and his true purpose in life, this episode goes far beyond dance music. It’s about accountability, survival, and choosing to face life head-on. This episode is dedicated to everyone around the world living with any version of addiction, and to those in recovery who choose courage, honesty, and hope every single day. In this episode, we cover: 📖 The real story behind Sundissential and its impact 🤯 The pressure, chaos, and reality behind the scenes 🤧 Addiction, denial, and hitting rock bottom 😢 Losing everything and starting again ▵ Recovery, responsibility, and life today 🥰 What survival actually looks like when the noise stops --- Chapters 📖 00:00 Intro | The Real Story Begins 04:08 Why He’s Always Been Called “Madders” 06:13 The Rumour That Madders Was Dead 10:14 Addiction Tightens Its Grip 25:53 Promoting the First Events | Early Clubland Days 37:32 How His Mum Invented the Name Sundissential 44:53 Sundissential Grows to 100,000 Members 57:51 Five Thousand People Turn Up to One Club 01:05:00 Sundissential Becomes a Superclub Brand 01:27:56 Club Deaths, Media Pressure, and Everything Falling Apart --- THE WELLBOURNE CLINIC A huge thank you to Paul and the team at The WellBOURNE Clinic for the vital work they do supporting people affected by addiction and recovery. If you’d like to learn more about their approach and the support they offer, please visit their website:  https://thewellbourneclinic.co.uk/

Live performance in electronic music is widely misunderstood. In this episode, Saytek explains what playing live actually means and why it is fundamentally different from DJing. Saytek has never DJed. Every performance is built, arranged, and performed live in real time. Nothing is pre-arranged, nothing is duplicated, and no two sets are ever the same. He has been part of electronic music culture for decades, from early UK rave and squat parties to international touring, Berlin clubs, Ibiza seasons, and headlining techno rooms around the world. His background in sound engineering and deep technical understanding shaped a live performance approach that prioritises creativity, risk, and connection with the crowd. In this conversation, we break down the realities of live techno performance. We talk honestly about gear, Ableton, hardware myths, Berlin vs UK culture, why live acts are rarer than DJs, the sacrifices involved, and how electronic musicians actually think while performing. This is not a DJ debate. It’s an explanation. Topics include: • Why Saytek has never DJed • What live techno performance really involves • Hardware, Ableton, and the myth of “cheating” • Sound engineering roots and early London club culture • Squat parties, illegal raves, and DIY scenes • Berlin vs UK techno culture • What defines an electronic musician • AI, creativity, and human imperfection • Gear Acquisition Syndrome and why more gear isn’t the answer ⏱️ PODCAST CHAPTERS 00:00 – Saytek: “I’ve Never DJed” 04:27 – What Is Techno (and Why Live Matters) 10:56 – Live Techno Gear Explained 12:52 – Ableton Live: Tool or Cheat? 19:06 – How Saytek Got Into Live Performance 26:08 – London, Club Home & Sound Engineering Roots 32:19 – Squat Parties & Illegal Raves in London 35:53 – Berlin vs UK: Techno Culture Explained 45:02 – What Is an Electronic Musician (Not a DJ) 54:27 – AI, Creativity & the Future of Electronic Music 01:08:44 – Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) Explained If you’re a DJ, live act, producer, promoter, or someone interested in how electronic music is actually performed, this episode will give you real insight.

Today, I sit down with one of the most respected and quietly influential figures in modern trance and electronic music, Stephen Kirkwood. Stephen’s story is not the usual DJ success narrative. This is a deep, honest conversation about creativity, resilience, graft, and finding multiple ways to survive and thrive in an industry that constantly shifts beneath your feet. If you know Stephen for his productions, his releases on major labels, or his appearances at iconic venues like Amnesia Ibiza, this episode reveals the layers behind the music. If you do not know his story yet, this is a rare opportunity to hear how a working-class kid from Scotland built a career in trance, production, education, and business by staying adaptable and relentlessly consistent. We talk about Stephen’s journey from early DJ gigs and self-promoted club nights to working with industry heavyweights, hearing his music played by legends like Paul van Dyk, and eventually playing after them on some of the biggest stages in dance music. One of the most surprising parts of this conversation is how Stephen built Banging Pizza, a now multi-location pizza business that became a genuine hub for the Scottish electronic music scene. What started as a lockdown pivot turned into a thriving brand, with shops run and franchised by DJs and producers from the scene itself. It is a perfect example of creative thinking outside the booth. We go deep into music production, the reality of putting in 10,000 hours, why most tracks fail before one finally works, and how mentorship from figures like Lange, Mark Sherry and David Forbes shaped Stephen’s sound and mindset. Stephen also opens up about teaching the next generation through Escapade Studios and why education and community matter more than ever in today’s music industry. This episode also explores: • The pressure of playing after global trance legends • Law of attraction, manifestation, and belief • Why consistency beats perfection in music careers • The truth about ghost production vs collaboration • Using AI as a creative tool in modern production • Social media, micro-communities, and the 1,000 true fans principle • Why trance is experiencing a genuine resurgence • How Ibiza performances change an artist forever We also talk candidly about rejection, releases falling through at the last minute, managing expectations, and how to stay mentally grounded in an industry built on highs and lows. This is not just an interview for DJs. It is a conversation for any creative, entrepreneur, or artist trying to build something meaningful while navigating pressure, comparison, and constant change. If you love Ibiza culture, trance music, electronic production, behind-the-scenes industry stories, or real conversations about creativity and survival in music, this episode will resonate deeply. Do not forget to subscribe for more long-form conversations with DJs, producers, promoters, and the people who built the culture from the inside out. Chapters: 00:00 Intro – Stephen Kirkwood: Trance, Ibiza & Creative Survival 03:15 When Covid Stopped Music and Forced a Pivot 07:31 Growing Up in Scotland: Where Music First Entered His Life 09:35 Starting a Local Club Night and Promoting Parties 14:27 SKcapade Studios: Teaching Producers and Giving Back 17:32 The 10,000-Hour Truth About Music Production 22:52 Ibiza, Law of Attraction and Manifesting Big Moments 25:03 Lange, Mentorship and Real Industry Friendships 40:25 The First Time Hearing His Music Played by the Legends 45:40 Social Media, DJs and Building a Real Audience 50:28 Why 1,000 True Fans Beats Huge Follower Counts 55:44 Playing After Paul van Dyk and Going “Cloud Nine” 59:28 AI in Music Production: Tool or Threat? 01:12:15 One More Tune: The Perfect Last Track of the Night

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, Dexter Jones sits down with Habs Akram, a pioneering VJ, visual artist, and live visual mixer who has helped shape how electronic music events, clubs, and festivals look for over 35 years. Working alongside some of the biggest names in dance music, including Carl Cox, Habs has played a key role in bringing club visuals, live video mixing, and stage visuals into global electronic music culture, from underground London parties to Ibiza superclubs, Glastonbury, and world tours. Often mistaken for “the lighting guy”, Habs explains what a VJ actually does, why visuals matter on the dance floor, and how live visual mixing can completely change the way music is experienced in clubs and festivals. We dive into: 🔥 The moment Carl Cox told Habs: “Best visuals I’ve ever seen” 🎥 Why VJs are still misunderstood and undervalued in club culture 🌍 Touring the world with Nine Inch Nails and creating visuals used as lighting 🎬 How Habs’ work ended up in AI: Artificial Intelligence, directed by Steven Spielberg 🎪 The infamous Glastonbury “blag” that led to running the Pyramid Stage 🧠 Mixing visuals live, in real time, not pressing play 📱 The decade-long journey to building V4M, a live visual app that fits in your pocket 🎶 Why visuals should respond to music, not overpower it 🖤 The art of restraint, blackouts, and understanding the shape of sound This episode is not just about visuals. It’s about timing, instinct, creativity, and what it really means to bring music to life on a dance floor. If you’ve ever wondered how iconic nights actually come together behind the scenes, this one’s for you. Chapters:  00:00 Why I wanted Habs Akram on the podcast (VJ & visual pioneer) 02:14 VJ vs lighting engineer – what a VJ really does 03:01 How live visual mixing actually works in clubs and festivals 03:30 West London roots, early rave culture & clubbing history 04:01 Turning up to Slinky in a suit – learning the rave scene 06:53 From corporate AV to underground dance music visuals 07:51 The visual idea that was ahead of its time 10:02 Nine Inch Nails tour, Spielberg & breaking into world tours 25:38 Carl Cox’s compliment: “Best visuals I’ve ever seen” 28:40 Why Habs doesn’t rate AI visuals in dance music 50:28 V4M app explained – live visuals from your phone 1:05:15 Space Ibiza years & the golden era of club culture 1:14:00 The secret sauce: blackouts, timing & reading the drop 1:22:18 Last tune to end the night – closing moments --- Download the V4M APP  www. https://visuals4music.com/ Info: https://www.facebook.com/Habsy.Akram

The System Is Broken: Why Dance Music Is Harder Than Ever | Jason FUBAR In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Jason FUBAR, a long-time DJ, promoter, and rave scene grafter who has lived every era of dance music culture first-hand. Jason has been part of the scene for over 35 years. From the early rave days in Blackpool to superclubs, festivals, bars, the Royal Navy, Ibiza, Mallorca, and booking future superstars before they were even known, he’s seen the industry evolve from the inside. This conversation is a reality check on why dance music feels broken right now. We talk honestly about rising costs and shrinking margins, exclusivity deals, micro-venues versus mega clubs, and why promoters are being squeezed harder than ever. Jason also shares stories from running bars and festivals, touring internationally, and witnessing UK rave culture being built from the ground up. This is not nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s about the current reality, what has changed, and what still makes dance music special after 30+ years. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: ■ Why it now costs more to make less money in dance music ■ Rising overheads, ticket pricing, and the real pressure promoters face ■ How exclusivity deals are damaging local scenes ■ Why small 200–300 capacity parties are making a comeback ■ Social media, trolling, and the abuse aimed at DJs and promoters ■ DJ culture then vs now, and why the scene feels different ■ Ibiza, BCM Mallorca, and the Balearic circuit ■ The Syndicate Blackpool and the superclub era ■ Why originality in music is disappearing ■ What still makes dance music worth fighting for Chapters: 00:00 The System Is Broken: Why Dance Music Is Harder Than Ever 08:23 You Used to Spend a Quid to Make a Tenner 13:25 Starting Out DJing in the Early Rave Era (1991) 24:14 Joining the Royal Navy While DJing 33:29 English Drinking Culture and Festival Spending Power 38:25 Back to the Old Pool Festival: Risks, Costs and Crowd Control 51:24 Trolling on Social Media: Abuse, Misogyny and Promoter Hate 01:03:09 The Syndicate Superclub, Blackpool (5,000 Capacity Era) 01:18:37 BCM Mallorca and Breaking Into the Balearic Scene 01:29:46 How Early Facebook Changed Ibiza Forever 01:32:19 Music Production Today: Remixes, Samples and Industry Laziness 01:40:36 One More Tune: Final Track Choices and Podcast Wrap-Up ----more---- For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

Ian Van Dahl on the pressure, politics, and reality of making timeless dance music Few tracks define an entire generation of club culture quite like Castles in the Sky. For many, it was a soundtrack to first nights out, Ibiza summers, and the emotional peak of late-90s and early-2000s trance. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I’m joined by Ian Van Dahl to revisit the story, sound, and legacy behind one of the most influential dance music projects of its era. We explore the rise of euphoric trance at a time when clubs were built on emotion, release, and collective energy. From early aliases and studio pressure to record label politics and creative control, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really took to create records that still resonate decades later. This is not nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s about understanding why this music mattered, why it connected so deeply, and why it continues to hit differently today. If you lived through the golden era of trance, this will resonate. If you are discovering this music for the first time, this episode offers vital context into a moment when dance music felt truly timeless. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎶 The story behind Castles in the Sky 🌍 How Ian Van Dahl broke through globally 🧠 Making music before laptops and DAWs ⚖️ Record labels, pressure, and creative control 🪩 Eurodance, trance, and why the UK scene was different 🔮 Why modern DJs struggle with identity Chapters: 00:00 Intro and meeting Ian Van Dahl 01:31 How the name Ian Van Dahl was created 03:16 Early music career and multiple aliases 10:50 Making music in the 90s before laptops and DAWs 22:02 Eurodance vs trance and why the UK was different 30:04 The Ian Van Dahl project and Castles in the Sky 39:24 Record labels, pressure, and creative control 54:35 European club culture and the rise of Eurodance 1:19:22 Why modern DJs struggle with identity 1:29:00 What’s next for Ian Van Dahl as an artist For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

What happens after Ibiza? For many, Ibiza is a moment in time. For others, it becomes a turning point that quietly shapes everything that follows. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I’m joined by Lisa Good, a former Manumission performer, to explore what life really looks like after the lights come up and the music fades. We begin where it all started. The Manumission years. The madness, the freedom, and the surreal experience of living in Ibiza during one of its most iconic cultural eras. But this conversation goes deeper than nostalgia. Lisa shares the journey that came after Ibiza, how travel, the ocean, and a series of life-changing experiences led her away from the party world and towards a new purpose rooted in environmental action, community, and long-term legacy. This is not a charity pitch. It’s an Ibiza story that didn’t end when the island chapter closed. At its core, this episode is about evolution. How a place like Ibiza can change you, challenge you, and quietly influence the rest of your life in ways you don’t always recognise at the time. If you lived through Ibiza in the late 90s and early 2000s, this will resonate. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after a life built around music, freedom, and excess, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Sit back, take your time, and enjoy this next chapter. To find out more about Pure Sea, visit: www.puresea.co.uk We talk about: 🪩 Life during the Manumission era in Ibiza 🗺️ What happens when that world ends and reality returns ✈️ Leaving Ibiza and searching for identity afterwards 🌊 How the ocean became a turning point 🎗️ The connection between music culture and community action 🎧 Ibiza DJs and creatives giving back Chapters: 00:00 Ibiza, Manumission & Losing Identity 02:03 Welcome Back: Life After Manumission 05:43 When Ibiza Comes to an End 08:18 Travelling Thailand Changed Everything 10:04 Swimming With Sharks in Thailand 12:09 Australia, Diving & Marine Conservation 16:20 Cage Diving With Great White Sharks 19:29 From Ibiza to Ocean Activism 23:09 The Birth of Pure Sea 27:23 Why Registering a Charity Is So Hard 32:47 Beach Cleans With DJs & Fatboy Slim 34:00 Cleaning Up Camden Lock 40:38 Teaching Ocean Awareness in Schools 45:15 Why Helium Balloons Kill Wildlife 51:22 Why the Education System Must Change 57:04 Animal Testing, Activism & Awareness 1:01:43 Food Waste & Overconsumption 1:03:53 Why Everyone Should Watch My Octopus Teacher 1:07:21 One Last Tune From Manumission 1:09:45 A Labour of Love For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

Who documented Ibiza before everyone had a camera? Before podcasts, before social media, and long before everyone had a camera in their pocket, Ibiza’s club culture was documented by a small group of presenters, hosts, and storytellers working quietly behind the scenes. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Katie Knight, one of the most influential yet often overlooked voices in dance music media, to explore how Ibiza’s club history was captured during its most important years. From her early days at Amnesia Ibiza to hosting interviews for Amnesia TV, Boiler Room, Ibiza Global Radio, the International Music Summit, and live broadcasts for Amazon Music, Katie has spent over a decade documenting the artists, venues, and moments that shaped Ibiza and the global electronic music scene. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the media side of dance music. We talk candidly about working inside Ibiza’s clubs during the 2010s, being thrown into high-pressure interviews with artists like Carl Cox, Marco Carola, and Steve Aoki with little or no preparation, and why presenters and hosts play a critical role in preserving dance music history. We also explore career advice for aspiring presenters and podcasters, the importance of communication and public speaking, the realities of live broadcasting, radio versus filmed interviews, cultural and language fluency in Ibiza, online abuse in the modern era, and why nostalgia-driven storytelling resonates more than hype. This is not an episode about trends or algorithms. It’s about legacy, documentation, and the responsibility to tell the story properly. If you care about Ibiza, club culture, dance music history, or the people who built the scene behind the scenes, this episode is essential listening. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🇪🇸 Life inside Ibiza clubs before social media 📺 How Amnesia TV documented a generation of artists 🎤 Being thrown into interviews with no training or prep 🪩 The unseen role of presenters in dance music culture 📻 Radio vs filmed interviews and the power of storytelling ❌ Misogyny, online abuse, and resilience in the industry 🎬 Why nostalgia content connects more deeply than hype ❤️ Preserving Ibiza’s cultural history properly Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Katie Knight 02:00 Wanting to be a presenter from the age of five 06:00 Growing up in Spain and becoming bilingual 10:00 Discovering Ibiza and early connections 14:30 First steps into Ibiza club culture 19:00 Life inside Amnesia: press, social media, and long days 24:00 Amnesia TV begins: thrown in the deep end 30:00 Interviewing artists every night, seven days a week 35:30 Ibiza mornings, terraces, and club culture nostalgia 40:30 Why Amnesia still feels like family 46:00 Boiler Room, press rooms, and the smell of Ibiza 51:00 From Amnesia to radio and global platforms 56:30 Radio vs filmed interviews: storytelling with the senses 1:01:30 Interviewing global stars and handling entourages 1:06:30 Misogyny, online abuse, and resilience 1:11:30 Podcasting, editing, and the unseen workload 1:16:00 Why nostalgia interviews outperform hype 1:20:00 Presenting around the world: Middle East and beyond 1:24:00 Legacy, pride, and documenting Ibiza properly 1:27:30 One More Tune For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

The world’s highest DJ set and the story behind it In 2018, a team from Last Night A DJ Saved My Life made dance music history. Alongside Nightmares on Wax, the LNADJ crew climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and performed what was, at the time, the highest-altitude DJ set ever recorded, all to raise money for children in need. The challenge raised thousands of pounds, funded a new housing unit for a special-needs children’s home in Tanzania, and has since been turned into a full two-hour documentary titled Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Neil Kemp, the LNADJ filmmaker who climbed alongside the team, carried the cameras up the mountain, battled 10 per cent oxygen, freezing temperatures, and exhaustion, and ultimately brought this record-breaking moment to life on screen. This conversation goes far beyond the headline. We talk about the realities of filming at extreme altitude, the technical and physical challenges of DJing on a mountain, the emotional moments that unfolded during the climb, and how a charity-led idea turned into a powerful piece of dance music history. The record itself has since been surpassed, but the purpose, impact, and legacy of this climb remain unmatched. This is not a hype story. It’s a story about commitment, creativity, and using dance music culture to create real-world change. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎚️ How the 2018 world-record DJ set happened 🏔️ The technical nightmare of DJing at extreme altitude 🧠 Mental and physical challenges on the climb ❤️ Raising money and creating lasting change in Tanzania 🎬 Turning a near-lost project into a feature-length documentary 🌕 The next challenge: the world’s highest full-moon party in Nepal Chapters: 00:00 DJing on Mount Kilimanjaro – World’s Highest DJ Set Intro 02:18 Last Night a DJ Saved My Life – The Moment That Sparked Everything 05:41 How a Broken Microphone Changed the Direction of the Journey 09:12 Clubaholic TV and Filming Dance Music Culture 13:04 Falling in Love With House Music and DJ Culture 16:38 Why This Kilimanjaro DJ Set Had to Be Documented 20:11 Preparing to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Training and Planning 24:07 Life on the Mountain – The Reality of High Altitude 28:19 Summit Night on Kilimanjaro – Mind Over Instinct 32:02 Sunrise at 5,895m – Above the Clouds 35:08 The DJ Set on Mount Kilimanjaro – The World’s Highest Performance 39:14 Descending Kilimanjaro – The Hardest Part of the Climb 42:03 Raising Money for Charity in Tanzania 46:08 Turning the Kilimanjaro Climb Into a Documentary Film 49:32 What Happened After the 2018 Kilimanjaro DJ Set 52:14 What’s Next for the Charity and Future Projects 54:40 Final Thoughts on the Kilimanjaro Experience For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

If you lived, worked, or partied in Ibiza during the 90s or early 2000s, you already know her name. If you didn’t, this episode offers one of the most honest insider accounts of Ibiza’s most outrageous era. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Lisa Good, one of the most creative and unforgettable characters to ever work in Ibiza nightlife. Lisa takes us deep inside the world of Manumission, a party still regarded by many as the greatest clubbing experience of all time. From the raw creativity of the entertainers to the madness inside Privilege, Space, and the old San Antonio West End, this conversation captures Ibiza’s golden years exactly as they were lived. We trace Lisa’s journey from being bullied as a teenager to finding escape in rave culture, Spiral Tribe festivals, Club UK, and eventually booking a Teletext ticket to Ibiza in 1994. Arriving alone, she found a family in the West End and was accidentally pulled into Manumission after walking in with painted costumes, vegetables, and no plan. Only in Ibiza. Lisa shares vivid, never-before-heard stories about backstage chaos, the entertainers, the dressing rooms, the rubber chicken, the Coca Loco tree, Dennis Rodman, Space Tuesday carry on, Ibiza Uncovered, the end of the West End era, and friendships that lasted a lifetime. This episode also reflects on the cultural shift from pre-social-media Ibiza to the modern VIP era, and why the freedom, creativity, and sense of belonging of that time can never truly be recreated. If you lived through San Antonio in the mid-90s, worked a season, partied at Privilege when Manumission ruled the island, or simply want to understand why Ibiza changed so many lives, this conversation will resonate deeply. This is not revisionist nostalgia. It is one of the most detailed interviews ever recorded about the creativity, escapism, and human energy that defined Manumission and a generation of club culture. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🪩 Manumission backstage stories and entertainer secrets 🍸 Life in San Antonio’s West End in the 90s 🌈 Why Ibiza gave so many people a second childhood 🎶 Space, Carry On, DC10, and the rise of morning culture 📺 How Ibiza Uncovered changed the island forever 🧠 What really made Manumission the greatest party in history 🔚 Why today’s club scene will never feel the same Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Meeting Lisa Good 01:05 Arriving in Ibiza for the first time (1994) 03:02 Getting lost in the West End 05:14 Finding the people who changed her life 07:32 Bullying, escapism, and rave culture 09:58 Spiral Tribe, Club UK, and Teletext holidays 12:10 Returning to Ibiza alone 14:36 Life in the West End: jobs and friendships 17:04 Why Ibiza felt like home 19:28 Ibiza before social media 21:40 Ibiza Uncovered and the island’s transformation 24:15 Discovering Manumission 26:22 The legendary random audition 28:40 Becoming a Manumission entertainer 31:33 Costumes, characters, and chaos 33:56 The rubber chicken and crowd reactions 36:14 Madness at Privilege 38:58 Space Tuesday carry on 41:42 Ibiza as a second childhood 44:10 The Ibiza blues 46:18 The end of the West End era 48:40 The rise of the VIP generation 51:05 Why Manumission will never be repeated 53:33 Creativity, escapism, and identity 55:18 The lost art of fun and freedom 57:12 What Ibiza meant to a generation 59:01 Final thoughts from Lisa Good For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

This is where the Graham Gold story gets wild. In Part Two of this conversation on The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Graham Gold to explore one of the most important chapters in UK dance music history. We dive deep into the rise of trance, the birth of legendary club nights, and the behind-the-scenes reality of a scene that exploded across London, Ibiza, Thailand, and beyond. From breaking future global icons to shaping dancefloor culture at its peak, this episode captures the moment when UK club culture became a worldwide movement. Graham doesn’t just talk about history. He lived it. From booking Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and Ferry Corsten before they were household names, to building Peach into one of the most loved club nights in British dance music, this conversation is packed with insight, nostalgia, and unfiltered truth. We talk about the evolution of trance, the reality of touring at scale, Ibiza tales, industry shifts, and what it really means to live through multiple eras of club culture without losing your identity. If you care about UK dance music history, trance culture, legendary club nights, or the real stories behind the records, this episode delivers. No myths. No revisionism. Just first-hand experience from someone who helped shape the scene. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎶 Early UK bookings for Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and Ferry Corsten 🪩 The story of Peach and how it became a defining club night 🔊 The evolution of trance and its impact on British nightlife 🌍 Touring life, Ibiza stories, and global scene shifts 🎛️ Breaking new talent and championing records before the hype 🧠 Behind-the-scenes moments from a true pioneer Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:10 Chris Hill, the Soul Mafia, and the first UK superstar DJs 10:20 Early grind: Funky Roadshow, mobile discos, and radio apprenticeship 17:45 Discovering house music and the origin of the name 24:30 From disco to house: BPMs, Philadelphia, and four-to-the-floor 31:40 Soul roots, early UK house clubs, and missing the M25 raves 38:15 Chart shows, Malibu sponsorship, and going full house on radio 44:50 Birth of Peach at Legends and building the resident DJ team 51:20 Moving venues: Café de Paris, Leisure Lounge, and Camden Palace 57:30 Inside Peach nights: tunnels, 6am finishes, and culture change 1:03:40 First UK bookings for Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and Ferry Corsten 1:09:00 Touring 170 cities, air miles, riders, and life on the road 1:12:40 Remixing, production, engineers, and releases on Discover 1:16:10 The Brian Eno The Ending story and the white label that got away 1:18:45 Moving to Thailand and Koh Phangan life 1:20:30 Today’s gigs, new crowds, and Graham’s final tune choice For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Pete Bennett to explore the raw, unfiltered reality of his life after reality television. Best known as the unforgettable winner of Big Brother UK, Pete opens up about what really happened once the cameras stopped rolling. From sudden fame and media pressure to anxiety, grief, and losing close friends, this is Pete as you have never heard him before. We trace his story from growing up in South London and living with Tourette’s from a young age, through bullying, isolation, and finding escape in music. Pete talks candidly about how creativity became therapy, how meditation helped him regain control, and how hitting rock bottom ultimately led him back to his true purpose. The conversation then turns to his unexpected second chapter. Almost by accident, Pete found himself producing hard house, reconnecting with rave culture, and eventually signing music to Tidy Trax. Blending punk vocals with hard dance energy, he is now building a new career as a DJ and producer, preparing for major UK events and a full album release. This episode is not about reality TV nostalgia. It is about resilience, identity, and how music can genuinely save your life. If you care about mental health, rave culture, personal reinvention, or the power of creativity, this conversation will stay with you. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🧠 Growing up with Tourette’s and navigating bullying 📺 Life-changing fame after Big Brother 💔 Grief, loss, and hitting rock bottom 🎵 Music as therapy and creative identity 🔊 Discovering hard house and the UK rave scene 🎚️ Signing to Tidy Trax and building a new sound ⚡ Punk vocals meeting hard dance energy 🔮 Purpose, resilience, and the next chapter Chapters: 00:00 Intro and birthday coincidence 02:32 Growing up in South London 05:10 80s pop culture and LGBTQ+ influences 07:45 Early music influences 10:20 Learning music production at a young age 12:45 The Big Brother audition story 15:22 Living with Tourette’s from childhood 18:00 Bullying, isolation, and identity 21:10 Music as therapy 23:42 Grief, loss, and rock bottom 26:45 Healing, meditation, and transformation 29:18 Discovering hard house 32:05 Signing to Tidy Trax 35:30 Punk energy and new artistic direction 38:12 Influences and creative inspiration 41:00 Bands, projects, and creative backlog 44:22 Anxiety, sobriety, and crowds 47:10 Managing Tourette’s 50:15 Studio process and track building 55:28 Blending punk vocals with hard dance 57:40 One More Tune selection 59:50 How Big Brother changed his life 1:02:02 Goals for 2025 and the comeback 1:05:40 Final thoughts For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

Stevie Vayne, known globally as Stevie Hulme, is one of the most influential yet quietly overlooked figures in electronic music, punk culture, and Ibiza nightlife. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Stevie to trace an extraordinary journey. From tearing up stages in UK punk bands to becoming Director of Multimedia and Music at Pacha Group, and shaping the global identity of Subliminal Records during the Erick Morillo era. This conversation goes deep into the moments that defined modern club culture. The chaos and innovation of the late 90s and early 2000s. The reality of building global brands in nightlife. The pressure, psychology, and personal cost behind the scenes. With Stevie’s autobiography now released, the timing could not be better. His story reads like a documentary. Raw, electric, and unfiltered. We talk candidly about punk, reinvention, New York, Ibiza, the rise of superstar DJs, and why Ibiza’s culture changed forever. This is not a highlight reel. It’s an honest account of creativity, collapse, and legacy from someone who helped shape an entire era. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎸 Punk bands, identity, and how music saved his life 🔁 Reinventing from rock stages to house music culture 📀 Joining Subliminal Records and working alongside Erick Morillo 🍒 Building Pacha Ibiza’s multimedia and global brand 🌍 Creating superstar DJs in the 2000s 🧠 The psychology, pressure, and chaos of global nightlife 📕 Writing the autobiography and finally telling the truth 🔮 Lessons for DJs, creatives, and music professionals today Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:44 First-ever podcast appearance 09:20 Punk roots, identity, and chaos 16:55 Leeds culture, violence, and early rave influence 24:10 Touring Europe and building punk success 32:40 Johnny Thunders’ death and quitting music overnight 38:55 Reinvention and events management 46:25 Creating early Leeds raves and discovering DJ culture 54:45 The Prodigy booking mistake that changed everything 1:03:10 The rise of DJ superstars 1:11:50 Multimedia, licensing, and global expansion 1:20:30 New York 1999 and joining Subliminal Records 1:30:15 Moving to Ibiza and rebuilding Pacha’s multimedia empire 1:40:40 Ibiza politics and the Pacha era 1:51:10 Writing Vainglorious and telling the truth 1:57:00 Closing reflections and One More Tune 1:58:22 End For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

In this powerful and unfiltered episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Amber D, one of the most respected voices to come out of the UK hard house scene, for a brutally honest conversation about what it really takes to survive and thrive in today’s music industry. Amber opens up about her early days in Ibiza’s hard house scene, the highs and lows of her career, and how she rebuilt her life after burnout, personal challenges, and sustained industry pressure. From clubland to classrooms, streaming platforms to mentorship, this episode pulls no punches. We dive deep into the realities of sexism and misogyny in dance music, the blurred line between ghost production and engineering, and why so many artists feel pressured to fake success in an era driven by filters, metrics, and vanity numbers. Amber also shares her practical, grounded approach to mental health, motherhood, and creativity, alongside real-world strategies for dealing with online trolls, criticism, and negativity without losing focus or self-worth. This is not a hype-driven conversation. It’s about honesty, resilience, and building a career across multiple verticals while staying authentic. If you’re a DJ, producer, creative, or anyone navigating visibility, pressure, and identity in the modern digital landscape, this episode is essential listening. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🚫 Sexism and misogyny in the modern DJ industry 🎛️ The truth about ghost production vs engineering 🧠 Mental health, burnout, and rebuilding self-worth 💬 Handling trolls, hate, and online negativity 🎥 Streaming, teaching, and community-building on Twitch 🎶 Authenticity in dance music and the return of hard house 📉 Why micro-audiences matter more than follower counts 💼 Pricing gigs, valuing your time, and sustainable careers

Hard house history. Goosebumps moments. And the human story behind one of the most important figures in UK club culture. In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Phil from Restless Films to explore the emotional journey behind Don’t Ever Stop, the definitive documentary on Tony De Vit. This conversation goes far beyond dancefloor nostalgia. We unpack the legacy Tony left behind, the mentorship of Fergie, the birth of The Dawn, and the personal letters that revealed a side of Tony few people ever saw. Phil opens up about the reality of making the film. The three-plus-year process. The relentless hunt for lost 90s footage. Ownership rights, dusty tapes, missing DVDs, and the responsibility of telling this story properly. We also talk about the unforgettable Godskitchen night at Amnesia Ibiza. Lasers, CO₂ cannons, and a crowd that understood the history, not just the music. This is not a hype episode. It’s about recovery, friendship, love, and legacy. And the line that floored cinemas around the world: “I’ll never see who you become.” If Tony De Vit, hard house, or the golden era of UK club culture meant something to you, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. 🎧 Take your time with this one. 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: [email protected]

“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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]  

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]  

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

In this Ibiza Worker Special of The Dexter Jones Podcast, we sit down with Ed Lynam to talk about Ibiza, trance music, and the wild, formative days of San Antonio’s West End. From his first season working on the island in 2004 to becoming a regular name on the European trance circuit, Ed shares a candid, funny, and deeply nostalgic account of Ibiza life before it changed forever. From Curry Club shifts to early DJ sets, this is a story many Ibiza workers will instantly recognise. We talk about worker culture pre-Brexit, Shipwrecked boat parties, Es Paradis nights, and the friendships that defined entire summers. The conversation also moves forward into the evolution of trance, the realities of building a DJ career in the digital era, and what the future holds for the scene. Ed also reflects on working alongside and being influenced by artists such as Lange, Armin van Buuren, and Scot Project, as well as the enduring legacy of Robert Miles and why Children still hits decades later. This is not a polished highlight reel. It’s a real conversation about graft, community, music, and the Ibiza experience that shaped a generation. If you’ve ever worked a season, loved trance, or still feel the pull of the island, this episode will resonate. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🌴 Working in Ibiza before Brexit 🍛 Curry Club days and worker life 🏴‍☠️ Shipwrecked boat parties 🎧 First Ibiza DJ sets and building confidence 🪩 Es Paradis and San Antonio memories 🔊 The evolution of trance music 📱 Social media and DJ growth today 🎶 Collaborating with Lange 🌌 Trance legends and lasting influences ❤️ Robert Miles’ legacy and Children Chapters: 00:00 Intro, birthday chat, and Aquarius link 02:30 First season in Ibiza 06:15 West End culture and changes post-Brexit 10:00 Working at Curry Club 13:00 DJ journey begins 16:00 Es Paradis memories and iconic parties 20:15 Trance passion and early influences 24:30 One More Time shows and future plans 28:15 Staying connected after the season 30:45 Dublin events, Lange collaboration, and bookings 36:00 Shipwrecked boat parties 38:15 Trance scene evolution 42:00 New producers to watch 45:15 Social media and DJ growth 48:00 DJ identity and production challenges 51:00 Favourite club, track, and advice 52:45 Robert Miles tribute For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Mark Doyle, the creator and founder of Hed Kandi, to tell the full story of one of dance music’s most influential global brands. Hed Kandi was more than a record label. It became a cultural movement that soundtracked a generation, from instantly recognisable artwork to packed dancefloors across the world. For the first time, Mark shares a first-hand, unfiltered account of how the brand was built, the ambition behind its expansion, the realities of corporate pressure, and the legal battles that ultimately changed everything. We go right back to Mark’s early career at Jazz FM, the creation of New Cool, and the moment Jason Brooks’ artwork helped define a visual identity that became iconic. From there, we follow Hed Kandi’s rapid rise, international success, and its move to Ibiza, including the defining years at El Divino. This is not a highlight reel. It’s an honest conversation about creativity, control, ownership, mistakes, and legacy — and why the Hed Kandi story is not finished yet. If you lived through the era, danced to the compilations, or want to understand how a music brand really scales and fractures, this episode matters. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🎙️ Early career at Jazz FM 🎨 New Cool and the first Jason Brooks artwork 🎶 The birth of Hed Kandi 🌍 Global expansion and international success 📻 Radio promotion and early Hed Kandi parties 🏝️ Moving the brand to Ibiza 🪩 El Divino and the Hed Kandi Ibiza era 🏢 Corporate acquisition and internal conflict ⚖️ Legal battles and their aftermath 🔮 The future of Hed Kandi Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and early career at Jazz FM 15:00 Creating New Cool and the first Jason Brooks image 25:00 The birth of Hed Kandi 35:00 Global expansion 45:00 Early parties and radio promotion 55:00 Moving the brand to Ibiza 01:05 El Divino and Ibiza focus 01:10 Jazz FM acquisition and internal conflict 01:15 Legal struggles 01:18 The future of Hed Kandi Hed Kandi today Mark Doyle and Hed Kandi now present a weekly two-hour radio show across Mixcloud, DAB, and podcast platforms. ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/hedkandi 📲 Instagram & Facebook: @hedkandi For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Rob Tissera, one of the most important and authentic voices to emerge from UK rave and club culture. Rob sits right at the heart of the story. From the first wave of acid house to illegal warehouse parties, early club residencies, and moments that would change his life forever, this is one of the rawest, funniest, and most original accounts of the UK underground you’ll hear. We go deep into the illegal rave era. Rob shares uncensored stories from playing at The Haçienda, raving at Sunrise, DJing Blackburn warehouse parties that ended in riots, and the night that ultimately landed him in prison. We talk sound systems built inside abandoned spaces, dodging the police, and the thin line between freedom and consequences during the wild west years of rave culture. This is not nostalgia dressed up for clicks. It’s an honest, first-hand account of chaos, creativity, and how the underground shaped everything that followed in modern dance music. If you care about acid house, rave history, warehouse culture, or the roots of UK club music, this episode is essential. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🔊 Discovering acid house and UK rave culture 🏭 The life-changing first trip to The Haçienda 🎧 Playing alongside DJs before they became household names 🚓 Illegal warehouse parties and dodging the police 🔧 Building sound systems inside abandoned spaces 🔒 The night that led to prison 🚗 Surviving a serious car crash ⚡ How the underground shaped modern dance music For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]

In this Ibiza Worker Special of The Dexter Jones Podcast, we sit down with Adam Wilson, a DJ, promoter, and nightlife veteran whose life was permanently shaped by Ibiza during the mid-2000s. From the chaos and creativity of the Garlands era to wild nights at DC10, West End madness, and working across some of the island’s most intense nightlife environments, this is a first-hand account of what Ibiza worker life really looked like between 2005 and 2007. We trace Adam’s journey from clubber to DJ, PR, and entrepreneur, including working at Eden Ibiza, running boat parties, and eventually founding the Acid 87 clothing label. Along the way, we talk sobriety, family life, and how Ibiza can both break you and help you build something meaningful. This is not a highlight reel.It’s an honest, nostalgic, and grounded look at passion, perseverance, and why the island remains so magnetic long after the season ends. If you worked a season, lived the West End years, or still feel pulled back to Ibiza, this episode will resonate. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: ⚡ Ibiza worker life between 2005–2007 🕺 From clubber to DJ and promoter 🙌 Wild West End stories and Eden nights 👟 Fancy dress culture and lost-and-found Ibiza chaos 🎧 Garlands and the community it created 🏴‍☠️ Boat parties and street-level nightlife graft 👕 Launching Acid 87 and turning party culture into fashion 🧠 Sobriety, balance, and building a family life in Ibiza 🧲 Why Ibiza keeps pulling people back Chapters: 00:00 Garlands made him do it 01:30 First summer in Ibiza and West End madness 04:10 From getting sacked to finding direction 06:00 First DJ set at Orange Corner 07:45 First wild trip to Ibiza 09:40 Life in Santa Eulalia 12:00 Garlands: the brand, chaos, and community 14:40 Fancy dress, Bart Simpson, and DC10 stories 17:10 Becoming PR manager and running boat parties 19:50 Taking over Ushuaïa street PR 22:00 What makes a DJ stand out today 24:20 How Ibiza shapes club culture 26:40 Tech, lasers, and the modern club experience 29:10 From clubber to entrepreneur: Acid 87 32:00 Seeing the brand worn in clubs 33:30 Balancing nightlife and family life 35:15 Ibiza’s sober scene and lifestyle shift 37:00 West End shenanigans 39:20 One More Tune 41:00 Outro and reflections 🔗 Acid 87 clothing brand: www.acid87.co.uk For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]