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Once A DJA journey from the genesis to the afterlife of a working DJ Author: Remote CTRL
Welcome to "Once a DJ," the captivating podcast hosted by Adam Gow, better known as DJ Wax On. For two decades, DJ Wax On has immersed himself in the world of DJing, exploring the art form alongside his other professional pursuits. In this show, he speaks to legends of the DJ game and contributors to the culture, about where their passion for the art has taken them. With a genuine interest in personal growth and a deep appreciation for the unique skills acquired through DJing, he invites you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. A https://remote-ctrl.co.uk podcast Language: en Genres: Music, Music History, Music Interviews Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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"What am I gonna do with all these records?" - Aidy West on Vinyl Underground and 30 Years of Chicago, Detroit, and Underground House
Episode 74
Thursday, 11 December, 2025
Once A DJ is brought to you by:https://www.vinylunderground.co.uk - 10% off using code onceadj10https://www.sureshotshop.com/ - Record adapters (including customs) & accessorieshttps://myslipmats.com/ - Custom and off the shelf Slipmats, dividers and more.Once A DJ is a https://remote-ctrl.co.uk productionOther ways to support the showFollow the show on Spotify or Apple PodcastsAny feedback or questions? Hit up the Once A DJ Instagram PageSubscribe to the Once A DJ PatreonBuy your Once A DJ Sureshot 45 adapter clampsAidy West, owner of Vinyl Underground for over 30 years, shares his journey from breakdancing kid to underground record dealer. From attending Fresh '86 at age 14 to shipping directly from Detroit, surviving vinyl's dark days, and witnessing the Record Store Day boom - this is the story of passion over profit in the record game.Chapter MarkersPart 1: Musical Origins (00:02:03 - 00:17:45)00:02:03 - Introduction00:02:41 - Growing up with Madness and two-tone00:04:16 - First records: Buggles and WH Smith Saturdays00:05:09 - The Jam's "Going Underground" changes everything00:06:36 - Breakdancing and electro: "Oral sex spelled A-U-R-L"00:09:33 - Fresh '86: Afrika Bambaataa and the Wembley pilgrimage00:13:21 - The legendary Hammersmith Public Enemy gig at 1400:15:24 - Record shop culture and getting ignored in LondonPart 2: Hip Hop & Early House (00:17:45 - 00:30:26)00:17:45 - Northampton's healthy hip hop scene00:19:23 - Hip house and Doug Lazy's "Let It Roll" obsession00:21:12 - First DJ experience at college parties00:22:13 - A-level results and joining the family business00:24:54 - Buying Technics with summer warehouse job money00:26:17 - Meeting Alton and discovering Chicago/Detroit00:26:51 - Yorkshire Bleep: The origins of UK bass musicPart 3: Building Vinyl Underground (00:30:26 - 00:48:13)00:30:26 - ESP/Dreamscape and early rave scene00:33:12 - Moving to Brighton and the scene there00:38:09 - The Orbital "Chime" hunt across London00:40:44 - Adam Naked: "Talk about giving up food for funk"00:42:33 - The NEC record fair that started everything00:46:10 - "I'm gonna start a shop" - birth of 80s Vinyl Underground00:47:11 - First advert in Echoes magazine00:48:13 - The first customer: Stevie from BirminghamPart 4: Going Direct to America (00:48:13 - 00:59:12)00:48:58 - First Underground Resistance record and Submerge00:50:56 - Calling Detroit on expensive international rates00:53:04 - Why London couldn't get the records Aidy wanted00:56:28 - Passion first, business second00:57:14 - Eddie Richards buying records in Aidy's parents' bedroom00:59:01 - Specializing in what others...
