Dexter Jones

Utah Saints join Dexter Jones for a candid, funny and insightful conversation about building one of the most recognisable names in dance music with absolutely no backup plan. From pressing their first white labels and navigating the unpredictable world of music promotion, to surviving industry changes, technological revolutions and three decades of dance music culture, this episode explores how Utah Saints turned passion, persistence and a healthy disregard for conventional career advice into a remarkable success story. Along the way, we discuss the realities of running events, why most people completely misunderstand what makes a great DJ, and the lessons they've learned from spending 35 years at the heart of club culture. If you love rave history, dance music, DJ culture, festival stories and honest conversations about what it really takes to survive in the music industry, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour and nostalgia. In this episode: ▪️ Why Utah Saints never had a Plan B▪️ The business model that would make a bank manager laugh▪️ How they built a career that wasn't supposed to work▪️ Surviving 35 years in the music industry▪️ The risks and realities of running festivals and events▪️ Why track selection is more important than technology▪️ The art of reading a crowd and taking people on a journey▪️ How dance music culture has evolved over three decades▪️ The challenges facing DJs, promoters and artists today▪️ The stories behind the Utah Saints name▪️ Lessons learned from a lifetime in club culture▪️ Why they're still passionate about music after all these years Chapters 📖 00:00:00 Why Utah Saints Had NO PLAN B00:02:15 The Brutal Reality of Running Dance Music Events00:08:35 Why Promoters Are Taking Huge Financial Risks Today00:16:05 From White Labels to Worldwide Success00:18:40 How Utah Saints Accidentally Became a Global Dance Act00:22:20 The Surprising Story Behind the Utah Saints Name00:27:10 Leeds, Rave Culture & The Birth of UK Dance Music00:33:05 Why Utah Saints Walked Away from the Rave Circuit00:37:45 The Biggest Risks That Changed Their Career Forever00:44:50 Has Technology Made DJing Easier or Better?00:47:15 The Most Important DJ Skill Nobody Talks About00:49:50 Sampling Kate Bush, Metallica & Dance Music Innovation00:55:00 The Worst Technical Disasters of Their Career01:00:00 Are Festivals Killing Nightclubs?01:03:40 What Utah Saints Would Do Differently Starting Today01:04:40 The Legacy of Utah Saints & 35 Years in Dance Music

Chris Agnelli joins Dexter Jones once again for part two of an honest, hilarious and thought-provoking conversation about the changing face of dance music, the realities of life as a DJ and producer, and the stories that never make it into the headlines. From the staggering fact that more tracks are now released on Beatport in a single week than were released in the whole of 1999, to his candid thoughts on ghost producers and authenticity in electronic music, Chris opens up like never before. We discuss rebuilding El Niño from memory, rediscovering forgotten remixes, surviving a surreal gig in Beirut with armed guards, and the pressures of trying to maintain a career in an increasingly crowded industry. Chris also reflects on streaming, social media, TikTok, podcasting, and what aspiring DJs and producers really need to understand if they want to stand out in today's landscape. If you love trance, dance music, behind-the-scenes stories and hearing the unfiltered truth from artists who have lived through multiple eras of club culture, this episode is packed with insight, humour and nostalgia. In this episode: ▪️ More tracks released on Beatport in a week than the whole of 1999▪️ Chris' honest thoughts on ghost producers▪️ Rebuilding El Niño from memory▪️ The unbelievable Beirut gig with armed guards▪️ Rediscovering forgotten remixes from the past▪️ The pressures of surviving in the modern music industry▪️ Streaming, downloads and the death of physical music▪️ Advice for aspiring DJs and producers▪️ TikTok, social media and building an audience today▪️ The realities of podcast growth and content creation▪️ Behind-the-scenes stories from decades in dance music▪️ Lessons learned from a lifetime in the scene --- Chapters 📖 00:00 Teaser: Ghost Producers, Beirut Chaos & Dance Music Secrets02:07 The Beatport Explosion: More Tracks Released in a Week Than 199902:34 The Problem With Ghost Producers02:53 Rebuilding El Niño From Memory03:17 The Crazy Beirut Gig With Armed Guards08:02 Breaking Through in the Dance Music Industry13:47 The Reality of DJ Success and Pressure20:54 How the Music Industry Changed Forever29:28 Streaming, Downloads and the Death of Physical Music38:57 Advice for Aspiring Producers and DJs46:06 Can Social Media Really Grow a Podcast?48:25 TikTok, Spotify and Building an Audience Today59:27 Behind-the-Scenes Stories From the Dancefloor01:08:42 Looking Back: Lessons From a Lifetime in Music01:15:18 Final Thoughts and What's Next

Mark Sherry joins me for a fascinating deep dive into the untold story behind Public Domain, Operation Blade, tech-trance, rave culture, and the realities of surviving decades in dance music. From the explosive success of Operation Blade, chart success, and touring the world, to the harsh realities of the music industry and learning lessons the hard way, Mark opens up like never before. We discuss how a scene-defining rave anthem was born after watching the film Blade, how Judge Jules championed the record on Radio 1, the rise of Public Domain, and what really happened behind the scenes. Mark also reflects on his journey through club culture and how dance music has changed forever. If you were there during the golden era of clubbing, trance, hard house, and rave culture, this episode is packed with nostalgia, insider stories, and moments you won’t hear anywhere else. In this episode: ▪️ The true story behind Operation Blade▪️ How Public Domain exploded worldwide▪️ Judge Jules & Radio 1 support▪️ Touring the world & chart success▪️ Learning the hard way in the music industry▪️ Ibiza, club culture & dance music evolution▪️ The reality of surviving decades as a DJ & producer --- Chapters: 00:00 Intro02:08 The Untold Story Behind Operation Blade08:14 How Mark Sherry & Public Domain Exploded13:22 Judge Jules, Radio 1 & UK Chart Success18:47 Touring The World & Top of the Pops24:10 “We Learned The Hard Way” – Music Industry Lessons30:56 The Truth About Dance Music Contracts36:18 Public Domain, Fame & Getting Ripped Off42:35 The Evolution of Trance, Hard House & Rave Culture49:12 Ibiza, Space & How Clubbing Changed Forever55:26 Surviving Decades In Dance Music1:01:18 Mark Sherry’s Advice For DJs & Producers1:05:11 One More Tune

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 Rafferty01:07 Podcast Introduction & How Nick Rafferty Got Into Dance Music04:52 Early Clubbing Days, DJ Culture & Rare Vinyl Records09:57 Collecting Music, Digging For Tracks & DJ Identity14:58 Learning To DJ, Vinyl Mixing & Early Influences19:36 Clubland Culture, Hard House & Packed Dancefloors23:39 The Explosion Of UK Clubbing In The 90s28:17 Sundissential, Promoting & Building A Club Brand32:45 Birmingham Club Scene, Energy & Crowd Atmosphere37:49 The Evolution Of DJs, Fame & Modern Club Culture42:25 Legendary Nights, Residencies & Touring Stories

Danny Whittle joins The Dexter Jones Podcast, the man behind the evolution of Ibiza club culture. From serving in the Royal Navy during the Falklands War, to becoming a firefighter, to ultimately shaping the global dance music industry… Danny’s journey is unlike anything you’ve heard before. In this episode, we go deep into the real story behind Ibiza’s transformation. From Renaissance to Pacha, the rise of superstar DJs, building one of the most iconic nightclub brands in the world, and launching IMS Ibiza — the event that changed the business of electronic music forever. Danny breaks down how Ibiza went from a party island to a global music powerhouse, the realities of running clubs at the highest level, and why the industry today is more complex, and more competitive, than ever. This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, risks, and moments that helped shape modern club culture. If you’re into Ibiza, dance music, DJ culture, or the business behind it all — this is a must-watch. Chapters: 0:00 The Danny Whittle Story 1:30 Growing Up in Stoke – Early Life & Music Influence5:00 Why He Joined the Royal Navy at 178:30 Falklands War – Life on the Front Line13:00 From War to Firefighter – A New Chapter17:30 Leaving the Fire Service – Forced Career Change20:30 How He Accidentally Entered the Music Industry25:00 Renaissance Era – Learning the Ibiza Scene30:30 The Stress of Events – “Crisis Management” Explained34:30 Moving to Ibiza – First Major Breakthrough39:00 Taking Over Pacha – The Big Opportunity44:30 Building Pacha Into a Global Brand50:00 Booking Superstars – Guetta, Swedish House Mafia & More55:00 How Ibiza Became the Global Dance Capital60:00 Launching IMS Ibiza – Changing the Industry64:30 Why the Ibiza Season Got Longer69:00 The Reality of the Modern Music Industry73:00 Why Booking DJs Is Harder Than Ever76:30 Building Chinois Ibiza – Starting Again80:00 Finding New Talent & Future DJs83:30 Passion vs Business – The Real Balance86:30 His Biggest Achievement in Life89:00 The One Track That Defines Ibiza92:00 Final Thoughts – Ibiza Then vs Now 🔥 Things we talk about: • Growing up in Stoke and early music influences• Joining the Royal Navy and serving in the Falklands War• Life after the military and becoming a firefighter• How Danny accidentally entered the music industry• Working with Renaissance and the early Ibiza scene• Transforming Pacha into a global brand• Booking the world’s biggest DJs and building iconic residencies• The rise of David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, and superstar DJs• Why Ibiza became the centre of electronic music• Launching IMS Ibiza and extending the season• The business behind clubs, DJs, and global events• Why booking artists is harder than ever today• Building Chinois Ibiza and creating a modern club brand• Finding and developing new DJ talent• The reality of stress and pressure in the events industry• Passion vs business in nightlife• The evolution of Ibiza from underground to global

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 Connection05:15 Producer vs DJ: What comes first?08:42 Working with Darius Syrossian & Bryan Kearney12:30 How COVID changed studio sessions forever15:45 Engineering vs. Ghost Producing: The Truth19:20 Why the Dance Industry pulls people down24:10 Starting on a PC in 1998: The early days32:50 That life-changing call from the Tidy Boys40:15 The "Unbaking a Cake" AI Analogy48:20 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.

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

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 Worldwide05:32 – From Pro Skateboarder to Filming Chaos07:15 – Ibiza Residency & Party Lifestyle Begins12:16 – MTV Discovery: The UK’s Jackass Era13:07 – Becoming MTV’s Biggest Show Ever16:44 – Life After Dirty Sanchez: The Dirty Vegan Journey23:32 – Rowing the Atlantic: The Ultimate Challenge28:02 – Why He Turned to Veganism37:52 – “Sleep When You’re Dead” Lifestyle42:17 – Personal Reinvention & Life Transformation52:16 – Dealing with Anxiety & Mental Health58:28 – Discovering a Passion for Cooking1:06:55 – The Importance of Exercise & Routine1:09:03 – Favourite Life Chapters & Lessons Learned --- All About Pritchard: https://www.mathewpritchard.com/

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 Drug06:55 – The Invisible Line Into Addiction12:19 – Active Recovery Since 201727:39 – The Moment I Started Using Crack Cocaine33:36 – The Beginning of the End for Sundissential37:19 – Three Weeks in Birmingham Crack Houses42:17 – When Sundissential Went Bust1:00:03 – “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 ServiceFree confidential advice about drugs and addiction.📞 0300 123 6600https://www.talktofrank.com Drinkline – National Alcohol HelplineFree confidential helpline for people con

🎧 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 historyVicious Circle RecordsInsomniacs SheffieldTony De VitTidy TraxBK & Hard Dance evolutionHard House comeback 2025Vinyl era vs digitalUK club culture 1998–2005Why 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 Now03:12 Teaching Himself to Mix in Secret07:45 The Night Half the Club Walked Out12:30 Tony De Vit’s Death & The Scene Shift18:40 Gatecrasher, Trance & The Hard House Takeover24:10 The 2000–2002 Hard House Explosion30:25 Launching Vicious Circle Records36:50 Producing “Kick It” & Signature Sound43:15 Vinyl Collapse & The MP3 Era49:40 Why Hard House Is Coming Back56:10 The New 150–160 BPM Generation01:02:30 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.

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 Begins04:08 Why He’s Always Been Called “Madders”06:13 The Rumour That Madders Was Dead10:14 Addiction Tightens Its Grip25:53 Promoting the First Events | Early Clubland Days37:32 How His Mum Invented the Name Sundissential44:53 Sundissential Grows to 100,000 Members57:51 Five Thousand People Turn Up to One Club01:05:00 Sundissential Becomes a Superclub Brand01:27:56 Club Deaths, Media Pressure, and Everything Falling Apart --- THE WELLBOURNE CLINICA 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/

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 Survival03:15 When Covid Stopped Music and Forced a Pivot07:31 Growing Up in Scotland: Where Music First Entered His Life09:35 Starting a Local Club Night and Promoting Parties14:27 SKcapade Studios: Teaching Producers and Giving Back17:32 The 10,000-Hour Truth About Music Production22:52 Ibiza, Law of Attraction and Manifesting Big Moments25:03 Lange, Mentorship and Real Industry Friendships40:25 The First Time Hearing His Music Played by the Legends45:40 Social Media, DJs and Building a Real Audience50:28 Why 1,000 True Fans Beats Huge Follower Counts55:44 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

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 Ever08:23 You Used to Spend a Quid to Make a Tenner13:25 Starting Out DJing in the Early Rave Era (1991)24:14 Joining the Royal Navy While DJing33:29 English Drinking Culture and Festival Spending Power38:25 Back to the Old Pool Festival: Risks, Costs and Crowd Control51:24 Trolling on Social Media: Abuse, Misogyny and Promoter Hate01:03:09 The Syndicate Superclub, Blackpool (5,000 Capacity Era)01:18:37 BCM Mallorca and Breaking Into the Balearic Scene01:29:46 How Early Facebook Changed Ibiza Forever01:32:19 Music Production Today: Remixes, Samples and Industry Laziness01:40:36 One More Tune: Final Track Choices and Podcast Wrap-Up ----more---- For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: rave@onemoretimeibiza.com