Once A DJ

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

  1. "Failure is an essential part of success" - J Period on becoming a master of the mixtape

    22/12/2025

    "Failure is an essential part of success" - J Period on becoming a master of the mixtape

    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 production Other ways to support the show Follow 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 clamps In this special episode, we sit down with mixtape legend J.Period for an in-depth conversation about his journey from LA to New York, the craft of storytelling through music, and what it takes to sustain a prolific creative career in the ever-changing music industry. J.Period shares intimate insights into his creative process, from his early days discovering hip hop through Beat Street to becoming one of the most respected mixtape curators in the game. We explore his collaborations with icons like The Roots, Lauryn Hill, Nas, and Q-Tip, and discuss how he's adapted his craft in the streaming era while maintaining artistic integrity. This conversation goes deep into the philosophy of curation, the importance of resilience in creative work, and how to balance prolific output with quality and family life. Whether you're a DJ, producer, or creative professional, there's invaluable wisdom here about staying authentic and building a sustainable career in music. GuestJ.Period - Legendary mixtape DJ, curator, and storyteller known for his innovative blends and narrative-driven projects. Creator of iconic mixtapes including The Best of Lauryn Hill, collaborations with The Roots, Nas, Q-Tip, and many more. Key Topics CoveredEarly influences: Growing up in LA and discovering hip hop through Beat StreetThe move to New York in 1999 and starting the DJ journeyThe craft of mixtape curation and storytelling through musicBuilding relationships with artists like The Roots, Lauryn Hill, and NasThe evolution from physical mixtapes to streaming platformsApple Music's DJ program and finally getting DJs compensatedThe philosophy of resilience: handling rejection and failureBalancing prolific creative output with family and personal lifespan class="ql-ui"

    1h 31m
  2. "What am I gonna do with all these records?" - Aidy West on Vinyl Underground and 30 Years of Chicago, Detroit, and Underground House

    11/12/2025

    "What am I gonna do with all these records?" - Aidy West on Vinyl Underground and 30 Years of Chicago, Detroit, and Underground House

    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 production Other ways to support the show Follow 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 clamps Aidy 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 London Part 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 music Part 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 Birmingham Part 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...

    1h 45m
  3. Beats from the Bay - DJ Design on DJing, Beatmaking, Visual Identity and the origins of Stones Throw

    13/11/2025

    Beats from the Bay - DJ Design on DJing, Beatmaking, Visual Identity and the origins of Stones Throw

    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 production Other ways to support the show Follow 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 clamps DJ Design's links: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/djdesignInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/djdesign/ DJ Design, a pivotal figure in the Bay Area's vibrant music landscape, takes center stage in this compelling discourse, wherein we delve into his formative years and the profound influences that shaped his illustrious career. Having been deeply entrenched in the early days of Stones Throw Records, he shares with us insights into his artistic genesis, elucidating how the unique local scene and his familial ties to music laid the groundwork for his remarkable journey. From his early encounters with renowned artists to the serendipitous moments that led him to collaborate closely with Peanut Butter Wolf, DJ Design's narrative is one of camaraderie and creativity that resonates with the essence of hip-hop culture. We explore the nuances of DJing and music production, touching on the inspirations drawn from iconic figures and the collective spirit of the Bay Area artists who contributed to a rich tapestry of sound. With wit and candor, DJ Design reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his career, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into the world of a true musical innovator.

    1h 13m
  4. DJ Angelo - Spin cycles

    16/10/2025

    DJ Angelo - Spin cycles

    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 production Other ways to support the show Follow 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 clamps DJ Angelo's links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJAngeloUKInstagram: http://instagram.com/djangeloukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@djangelouk This week, we delve into the remarkable journey of DJ Angelo, a luminary in the realm of turntablism, whose ascent from a modest beginning to becoming a highly respected figure in the DJ community serves as an inspiration to many. Having cultivated a friendship spanning two decades, I have had the privilege to witness Angelo's evolution not only as a turntablist but also as a creative director, shaping the landscape of DJing itself. Throughout our conversation, we traverse the tapestry of his early influences, the pivotal moments that ignited his passion for music, and the profound impact of community on his artistic development. Angelo's narrative is replete with insights into the relentless pursuit of excellence and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. Join us as we explore the multifaceted dimensions of his career, punctuated by anecdotes that illuminate the challenges and triumphs that have defined his path. This week I’m honoured to be joined by one of my oldest friends in DJing, DJ Angelo.  Very poignant that this comes out straight after DMC Weekend, given that he’s probably played a significant role in a lot of competitors learning their craft. Before terms like influencer existed, Angelo gained mass exposure through his YouTube tutorial videos, and has continued to contribute a lot to the scene as a performer, ambassador, competitor, tech advisor and more. In this episode we go right back to his roots, looking at the many different ways Angelo’s developed artistically and professionally, and we find out what keeps him growing, and how he feels about 25 years in the game.

    55 min
  5. B+ Part 2: Capturing Hip Hop's Essence

    02/10/2025

    B+ Part 2: Capturing Hip Hop's Essence

    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 production Other ways to support the show Follow 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 clamps Embarking on a profound exploration of the multifaceted artistry of Brian Cross, also known as B+, this episode delves into his pivotal contributions to the realms of hip hop and DJ photography. As we dissect his significant works, we illuminate the intricate interplay between music and visual narrative, particularly focusing on his celebrated projects such as the Keeping Time and Brazilian Time documentaries. We will traverse the vibrant landscape of hip hop culture, examining notable moments like the Beat Battle between Will I Am and Thess One, while also paying homage to a luminary like J Dilla through the Sweet for My Dukes project, an endeavor that transcends mere tribute to achieve a resonant eulogy. Our discourse invites DJs and enthusiasts alike to engage with the sonic and visual tapestry that B+ has masterfully woven, promising insights that are as enlightening as they are entertaining. Prepare to immerse yourself in a conversation that is not only a celebration of artistry but also a testament to the enduring impact of hip hop culture on visual storytelling.

    1h 25m
  6. B Plus Pt 1: Limerick, Rhymes & Life

    17/09/2025

    B Plus Pt 1: Limerick, Rhymes & Life

    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 production Other ways to support the show Follow 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 clamps Brian Cross, known colloquially as B Plus, presents a compelling narrative as he delves into his remarkable odyssey from Limerick, Ireland, to the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles, where he has cultivated a multifaceted career as both a revered photographer and an integral figure within the hip-hop community. This episode encapsulates the essence of B Plus's journey, highlighting his deep-rooted connection to DJing and the transformative power of music in his life. Through a fascinating discourse, we explore how music has served as both a refuge and a catalyst for community, shaping his identity and artistic vision amidst the evolving cultural tapestry of America. With wit and insight, B Plus elucidates the intricacies of his craft, recounting the pivotal moments that have defined his trajectory, including collaborations with renowned artists and the nuanced dynamics of cultural representation in the visual arts. Join us as we traverse the intersections of music, photography, and community, gaining a profound appreciation for the artistry that transcends geographical boundaries and resonates universally.

    1h 24m

About

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

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