Dexter Jones

Utah Saints on Not Having a Plan B

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

Tenacious on Judge Jules Picking Our First-Ever Track

Tenacious join Dexter Jones for a nostalgic, hilarious and inspiring conversation about the rollercoaster journey from passionate clubbers and bedroom producers to hearing their own music played on the biggest stage in dance music.
From losing an irreplaceable DAT tape in the post and painstakingly rebuilding tracks from memory, to the surreal moment they discovered their music had been championed by Judge Jules on BBC Radio 1, this episode is packed with the kind of stories that remind you just how different the dance music industry used to be.
We discuss white labels, record shops, mixtapes, taking chances, near disasters, and the persistence it takes to keep going when everything seems to be working against you. Through equal parts determination, talent and a bit of chaos, Tenacious prove that sometimes the craziest setbacks lead to the biggest breakthroughs.
If you love trance, club culture, behind-the-scenes music stories and hearing how some of the most memorable dance records came to life, this episode is full of humour, honesty and nostalgia.
In this episode:
▪️ How a lost DAT tape nearly destroyed everything▪️ Rebuilding an entire track from memory▪️ The moment Judge Jules played their track on BBC Radio 1▪️ Receiving 98 missed calls after the broadcast▪️ The power of white labels and record shop culture▪️ Sampling, creativity and making something from almost nothing▪️ The realities of breaking through in the pre-social media era▪️ Why persistence mattered more than perfection▪️ Hilarious stories from life on the dance music circuit▪️ The highs, lows and near misses behind the scenes▪️ What today's producers can learn from the old-school approach▪️ Lessons from decades spent in dance music
Chapters 📖
00:00 Judge Jules, Tiësto & The DAT Tape That Vanished01:07 Introduction: Meet Tenacious05:50 World Dance, Seduction & The Early Rave Scene10:00 Learning To DJ: Weddings, Mobile Discos & First Gigs14:15 Under-18 Clubs, Jungle & Drum & Bass Beginnings18:45 The Birth Of Tenacious & Early Studio Experiments23:30 The First Tracks: Learning Production The Hard Way28:15 The Trance Explosion & Falling In Love With Ibiza33:20 Cream Ibiza, Radio 1 Weekenders & Clubland's Golden Era38:10 The Story Behind Their Biggest Breakthrough43:50 Judge Jules Made Our Track 'Tried & Tested'49:20 Touring, DJ Life & How The Industry Has Changed54:15 New Releases, Summer Plans & Ibiza 202659:45 Slip Back In Time, Community & Staying Grounded01:06:40 The Ultimate Closing Track & Final Thoughts

Chris Agnelli on Is Too Much Choice KILLING 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
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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

Chris Agnelli on Creating Classics and Rebuilding an Anthem after Losing it!

Chris Agnelli joins me for a fascinating deep dive into the story of Agnelli & Nelson, the creation of El Niño and Everyday (amongst others), the golden era of trance, and the wild reality of dance music during the 1990s and 2000s.
From growing up in Northern Ireland during the rave explosion to creating one of the most iconic trance records ever made, Chris shares the untold stories behind Agnelli & Nelson's rise, the birth of El Niño, signing to the legendary Extravaganza label, and the moment everything changed forever.
We discuss how El Niño was created, how the original file was lost and had to be rebuilt from scratch, the incredible story of the Spanish student who unknowingly became the voice of a trance anthem, and what it was like receiving support from Pete Tong, Judge Jules and Radio 1 at the height of trance culture.
Chris also reflects on Ibiza, Gatecrasher, Privilege, Eden, early DJ technology, vinyl culture, and how clubbing has evolved over the last three decades.
If you were there during the golden era of trance, Gatecrasher, Godskitchen, Cream, Radio 1 and Ibiza, this episode is packed with nostalgia, insider stories and moments you won't hear anywhere else.
In this episode:
▪️ The untold story behind El Niño▪️ How Agnelli & Nelson exploded worldwide▪️ Pete Tong, Judge Jules & Radio 1 support▪️ The file corruption that nearly killed a trance classic▪️ The Spanish student behind the famous vocal▪️ Ibiza & the golden era of trance▪️ Vinyl, CDJs & the evolution of DJ culture▪️ Life inside the dance music industry
Chapters:
00:00 Intro01:12 Ibiza, Es Paradis & The Golden Era04:45 Why Chris Agnelli Hated Playing Privilege08:32 The Wild Alex P Ibiza Story11:40 Life Before Mobile Phones & Social Media15:48 Growing Up In Northern Ireland's Rave Scene20:35 Discovering Electronic Music & Early Production24:58 Meeting Robbie Nelson28:15 Creating El Niño33:22 "The File Corrupted"36:45 Rebuilding El Niño From Scratch39:50 The Spanish Student Behind The Vocal44:18 Signing To Extravaganza Records47:05 Pete Tong, Judge Jules & Radio 1 Support50:10 Shooting The El Niño Video In Cuba53:05 The Rise Of Agnelli & Nelson55:15 Part Two Preview

Mark Sherry on Making Anthems, World Tours & 30 Years In Dance Music

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
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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 on Night Clubbing Changed Forever

🎧 Nick Rafferty: The Night Clubbing Changed Forever | Godskitchen, 90s Clubbing & The Golden Era
Nick Rafferty joins Dexter Jones for a deep dive into the madness, energy and reality of 90s clubbing culture.
From Godskitchen, Sundissential, Cream tours and Space Ibiza to Tony De Vit, vinyl culture, hard house, trance and the golden era of UK nightlife, Nick shares what life was really like during one of the most iconic periods in dance music history.
We discuss:
⚡ The night clubbing changed forever⚡ Why Millennium changed nightlife⚡ Godskitchen, Sundissential & Birmingham club culture⚡ Tony De Vit and the harder sound revolution⚡ Playing 3 gigs in one night across the UK⚡ Life as a DJ before phones & social media⚡ Vinyl culture and exclusive records⚡ The reality behind the DJ lifestyle⚡ Severe anxiety, burnout & beta blockers⚡ How clubbing culture changed forever
Chapters:
00:00 Intro01:00 What Changed Clubbing Forever?02:15 The Smoking Ban & The End Of An Era04:20 Why Millennium Changed Clubbing07:10 “Promoters & DJs Took The Piss”09:20 Playing 3 Gigs In One Night11:40 The Dawn Of Digital Music14:10 Pete Tong, Essential Tunes & Vinyl Culture17:00 “Nobody Else Had This Record”19:30 DJs Were Clubbers Back Then22:00 Godskitchen, Cream & Touring The UK25:00 Severe Anxiety, Beta Blockers & Burnout29:00 The Dark Side Of DJ Life32:30 Hard House, Trance & The Scene Today35:00 Tony De Vit, Passion & Legendary Last Tracks37:20 Final Thoughts
Whether you were raving at Godskitchen, Gatecrasher, Cream, Passion, Sundissential, Bowlers, Ministry of Sound or Space Ibiza, this episode will bring back memories.
👇 Do you agree with Nick? When did clubbing change forever in your opinion?

Nick Rafferty on The Madness of 90s Clubbing

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

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?