Once A DJ

Remote CTRL
  • 4.4 (7)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. "What sets you apart is your records" - Supreme La Rock talks authenticity and developing your own sound

    1D AGO

    "What sets you apart is your records" - Supreme La Rock talks authenticity and developing your own sound

    Once A DJ is brought to you by: https://www.vinylunderground.co.uk - 10% off your next order using code onceadjhttps://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 https://www.instagram.com/supremelarock https://linktr.ee/supremelarock In this episode of Once A DJ, Adam Gow sits down with the "newly crowned king of the Drum Break", Supreme La Rock. What begins as a nostalgic look at a four-year-old mesmerised by a Christmas turntable evolves into a masterclass on the evolution of hip hop and the relentless pursuit of the perfect record. Supreme recounts his pivotal teenage summers in New York, where witnessing block parties and B-boys first-hand sparked a mission to bring that burgeoning culture back to a then-untouched Seattle. The conversation captures the emotional weight of a life built on "real hip hop," moving from DIY mixers fashioned with toothpicks to international tours and deep-seated friendships with legends like Biz Markie. Supreme reflects on the transition from an "outcast" teen to a world-renowned digger, detailing the shift from 99-cent gambles to chasing rare acetates. It is a reflective journey through the philosophy of selection, the importance of community, and the simple, enduring power of soul music that makes you want to move.

    1h 39m
  2. "We had a machine behind us" - Amadeus Mozart Pt. 2 - on the story of Tidy Trax

    JAN 29

    "We had a machine behind us" - Amadeus Mozart Pt. 2 - on the story of Tidy Trax

    Once A DJ is brought to you by: https://www.vinylunderground.co.uk - 10% off your next order using code onceadjhttps://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 This one picks up where we left off - right at the moment when a mobile DJ dressed as Dr. Stiff meets a pop star called Andy Pickles and accidentally builds one of the biggest hard house labels in the country. Amadeus takes us through the Tidy Trax origin story properly this time: the Hit the Decks albums, the handshake deal that launched everything, and why sometimes the best business moves happen when you're just trying to help a mate out.There's a proper detour into wedding DJing (Amadeus has got opinions), stories about turning up to gigs dressed as a doctor with his wife as a nurse, and the moment he realized he'd gone from making tracks in his bedroom to running a business with 40-odd staff. The conversation wanders through sampling culture, remixing everything, and why nothing's truly original - from disco to hip hop to hard house to the ATV logo. It's not a linear career journey; it's more like watching someone accidentally stumble into their life's work and then double down on it.By the end, we're talking AI, Paul McCartney getting paid for robot Rihanna tracks, and why you can't build a wall to stop a train.

    1h 45m
  3. "You Think It's Sh*t Then You Realise You Like It" - Amadeus Mozart on Discovering House Music

    JAN 15

    "You Think It's Sh*t Then You Realise You Like It" - Amadeus Mozart on Discovering House Music

    Once A DJ is brought to you by: https://www.vinylunderground.co.uk - 10% off your next order using code onceadjhttps://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 Amo/Tidy Trax links: https://www.instagram.com/tidytrax/ (label)https://www.instagram.com/tidyamo/ (Amo)https://www.youtube.com/@tidytrax In part one of this two-part conversation, we sit down with Amadeus Mozart (Lee Marlow), one half of The Tidy Boys and the architect of the Tidy Empire that defined UK hard house. Born in Kettering in 1965 into a working-class family, Amadeus traces his musical journey from his audiophile father's obsession with the Moog synthesizer to becoming a disco devotee in the punk rock era. We explore his formative years being bullied at school for loving Village People while his classmates embraced The Clash, his discovery of London's underground gay club scene in the 1980s, and navigating the AIDS crisis while waving the flag for gay rights. This episode covers the crucial early years: his friendship with Darren Kennedy, the influence of classical music through his gay housemate Norman, and the loss of his father in 1996 just before his breakthrough success. It's a story of passion, persistence, and staying true to your musical vision against the odds. Key Topics: Growing up with Spotlight on the Moog (1968) - the pre-Kraftwerk electronic revolutionBeing into disco during the punk rock movement (1977-79)The UK's reaction to the "Disco Sucks" movementspan class="ql-ui"...

    1h 52m

  4. JAN 8 · BONUS

    Once A DJ's going live! A couple of updates

    Just wanted to share a couple of thoughts in lieu of new episodes for 2026!

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

    12/22/2025

    "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 your next order using code onceadjhttps://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 Nasli...

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

    12/11/2025

    "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 your next order using code onceadjhttps://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...

    1h 45m
  7. "I was lucky until I wasn’t" - DJ Design Pt 2, the ups and downs of the music business

    11/28/2025

    "I was lucky until I wasn’t" - DJ Design Pt 2, the ups and downs of the music business

    Once A DJ is brought to you by: https://www.vinylunderground.co.uk - 10% off your next order using code onceadjhttps://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 on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/djdesignDJ Design on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djdesign In our second sit down with DJ Design, we cover his experiences with his group, running a label Look Records, and when it all falls down. Get the lowdown on why he had such a good run producing, what led to Foreign Legion getting management, and what went wrong with the Beastie Boys remix. And what happens when everything you loved disappears and you have to start again.  This is an honest and revealing insight into one artist’s experiences for the good, and for the bad, respect to Design for sharing so much.

    1h 30m
  8. Beats from the Bay - DJ Design on DJing, Beatmaking, Visual Identity and the origins of Stones Throw

    11/13/2025

    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 your next order using code onceadjhttps://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
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

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

Information

  • Creator
    Remote CTRL
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Remote CTRL
  • Show Website
    Once A DJ

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