Dexter Jones

Utah Saints on How Sampling Changed Music Forever

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 Introduction01:45 Utah Saints on Top of the Pops (6 Times)04:30 How Utah Saints Met (1991)08:00 Early DJ Days & Winning the DMC12:00 Leeds Club Scene Before the Rave Explosion16:30 First Tracks & Breakthrough Moment21:30 From Bedroom Music to Chart Success26:30 The Truth About Sampling32:30 Utah Saints Classical Event (Leeds)34:00 How the Orchestra Works39:00 Leeds Millennium Square Event42:30 Authenticity in Modern Dance Music48:00 Breaking Through in Today’s Music Industry56:20 Let’s Do a Part 2
🎯 THINGS WE TALK ABOUT
How Utah Saints got started in 1991Winning the DMC and early DJ cultureMaking music on Atari and Akai samplersThe rise of sampling in dance musicThe truth about Top of the PopsPressure to “fake” performances on TVWhite labels and underground club cultureLeeds rave scene and early electronic musicHow tracks were made in bedroomsWhy sampling was misunderstoodThe difference between music then vs nowWhy modern artists struggle to break throughAuthenticity in today’s music industryThe 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.
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Danny Whittle on IMS, Pacha & the Evolution of Ibiza

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

DJ CASH ONLY on Walking Away From Music… And Coming Back Stronger

DJ CASH ONLY joins the Dexter Jones Podcast to break down the real story behind the name, and why it has absolutely nothing to do with money.
From starting out in the underground putting on small community parties, to building a multi-million pound social enterprise that empowered young people, stepping away from music completely, and then returning to play 60+ shows worldwide,  all without a manager or agent, this is a very different kind of DJ journey.
We start with the meaning behind “CASH ONLY”, inspired by art and identity rather than money, and how that idea reflects a deeper mindset around music, culture, and not chasing the obvious.
From there, we get into the early days,  raving at 16, discovering the scene, putting on local events in community centres, and building something from the ground up before things ever scaled.
#DexterJones  #clubculture  #djpodcast 
Chapters 00:00 Is "DJ CASH MONEY" really about the money?04:30 Starting Out: UK Rave Culture & First Steps08:45 How to build a community-led party from scratch14:20 Mixing music with mission: Why I built a social enterprise20:10 The Truth: Why I walked away from the music industry24:30 The Sam Divine meeting that changed everything28:00 Finding my purpose: The "Cash Only" comeback32:40 60 global shows with no manager: How I did it38:15 The Reality of the DJ Industry (What they don't tell you)44:00 Independence & Identity: Staying true to the brand51:10 Networking vs. Talent: How to get noticed today57:45 Burnout, mental health, and the touring lifestyle1:04:30 Developing your signature sound in a crowded market1:10:15 The future of "DJ CASH ONLY" and the next chapter1:18:50 Advice for upcoming DJs: How to play the long game1:24:45 Why it was always about the people (Final thoughts)
We also get into:
• the reality behind the name “CASH ONLY” and why it’s misunderstood• putting on grassroots parties and building a local following• creating a social enterprise and working with young people• turning community projects into something sustainable• stepping away from music and focusing on something completely different• the role Sam Divine played in pushing him back into DJing• returning to music with a new mindset and approach• building a career without a manager or agent• playing 60+ shows worldwide and performing at major festivals• the reality of the DJ industry behind the scenes• why independence matters more than ever in dance music
This is a proper behind-the-scenes conversation with someone who’s taken a completely different path through dance music — from grassroots community work to global DJing.
If you’re into DJ culture, underground music, house music, independent artists, or real stories behind the industry, 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.
If you enjoy the episode, drop a comment with your take:Is it better to build independently in today’s music industry, or do artists still need managers and agents to succeed?

Paul Maddox on Ghosts Producers vs Engineers.

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.

William Daniel on Being 15 and Selling Records To The Biggest DJs In The World

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 Truth01:16 A Surprise Guest From The Dance Music Scene05:56 Getting Into Music From An Early Age08:03 Discovering Record Shops & DJ Culture15:41 Is AI Replacing Music Producers?21:11 The Power Of Vinyl & Old School DJing29:15 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 Now52:38 Ghost Producing In Dance Music Explained59:08 Artist Fees vs Reality – The Big Disconnect01:05:47 The Last Track Of The Night (DJ Psychology)

Steve Arnold on Working in the Dance 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

Micky Modelle on 4 Decades in Dance Music

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.
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🎧 In this episode, we cover:Growing up and DJing in Belfast during a turbulent eraHow club culture thrived despite real-world conflictThe early days of vinyl and what success really looked likeSelling records vs streaming culture todayThe truth about longevity in the music industryWhy you can’t stay on top foreverHow technology has changed everything for DJs and producersStories from the early underground sceneAdvice for the next generation of DJs
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⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 – Belfast Was a War Zone03:20 – Early Club Scene Outside the City08:45 – Winging It: No Set Path15:10 – Vinyl Days & Record Sales22:30 – Then vs Now: The Industry Shift35:40 – You Can’t Stay on Top Forever48:15 – Technology Changed Everything58:20 – Stories from the Scene1:10:00 – Advice for New DJs
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🎤 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.

Pritchard on Dirty Sanchez: Inside MTV’s Wildest Show, Ibiza and Reinvention

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
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All About Pritchard:
https://www.mathewpritchard.com/

Denney on Back To Basics, Hot Creations & Ibiza's Underground Scene

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 Introduction02:14 Discovering dance music07:40 The Sugar Shack years15:10 Back To Basics and the Leeds scene25:32 Learning the craft of DJing38:20 The underground club culture49:05 Releasing music on Hot Creations58:41 Playing Ibiza and touring internationally1:09:30 How the dance music scene has evolved1:18:05 Advice for new DJs1:23:40 Final thoughts
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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.
 

Sundissential Founder Madders: From Crack Addiction to Recovery

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
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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/
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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 concerned about drinking.📞 0300 123 1110
SamaritansIf you are struggling and need someone to talk to.📞 116 123https://www.samaritans.org
The Wellbourne ClinicProfessional 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.