Once A DJ is brought to you by:https://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 productionGreg on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dj_greg_wilson/ Greg on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DJGregWilson Record Mirror Disco Chart Podcast - https://shows.acast.com/record-mirror-disco-charts This week, we had the absolute pleasure of diving into the fascinating journey of the legendary Greg Wilson! He took us way back to his childhood in Merseyside, where the magic of the 60s and the ever-present soundtrack of The Beatles became deeply ingrained. It wasn't a distraction from anything, but more of an exploration of that incredible era's creativity and optimistic spirit. Imagine growing up a stone's throw from the Tower Ballroom where The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were tearing it up!Greg shared how his deep dives into artists like Bowie and Dylan fueled his passion for understanding the evolution of music. This meticulous approach would later come into play in unexpected ways.Then, we took a turn into the vibrant world of early UK street dance with Broken Glass. Greg recounted how a chance encounter with Kermit (later of the Rap Assassins and Black Grape) led to managing this groundbreaking breakdancing crew. Their "street tour" of the Northwest sounds legendary, breaking down barriers and even sparking connections across racial lines in a time when such interactions were less common in some areas. He fondly remembers seeing young white and black kids connecting over the music and dance – a real moment of positive social impact.The conversation then shifted to the emergence of the Ruthless Rap Assassins. Greg vividly described the raw energy and unique attitude of their early tapes, particularly the track "We Don't Care." Their originality and unexpected humor immediately grabbed him, leading to him taking on management and production duties. He walked us through their journey, from getting studio time to eventually signing with EMI – a "mad" move for such an uncompromising act.The story of their time with EMI is a rollercoaster, from creative freedom with their first album ("Sample City" with its insane sample layering – think Hendrix, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ringo Starr, Happy Mondays, and even Sergeant Pepper!) to the clash with the main marketing department who, fresh off the success of MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice, didn't quite grasp the Rap Assassins' hardcore, socially conscious, and often satirical vibe. The near miss with Simon Bates playing the wrong side of their single perfectly illustrates the challenges they faced with radio play, which ultimately hampered their commercial success despite critical acclaim.Greg also touched on the early days of re-editing for radio, including a surprising stint doing edits for none other than Timmy Mallett! These "turntable edits" using basic gear laid the groundwork for his later influential work in the re-edit scene.It's a fantastic episode packed with anecdotes about musical discovery, the early UK hip-hop scene, and the challenges of navigating the music industry. You won't want to miss Greg's insights into the creative process and the...
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1:55:15
Bonus beats - Greg Wilson on The Beatles
Recorded as part of the second half of Greg's Once A DJ Interview, this became a deep dive which I felt needed it's own space - as per, Greg drops some crazy knowledge on the fab four stemming from the mid 80s when he went down a massive Beatles rabbit hole at the start of his hiatus from the decks.
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41:47
Greg Wilson pt 1
Once A DJ is brought to you by:https://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 productionGreg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_greg_wilson/Website and archives: https://gregwilson.co.uk/Record Mirror Disco Charts Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/record-mirror-disco-chartsThis week we sat with UK mix pioneer Greg Wilson to learn about his early days, key influences, and his rise to becoming one of the UK's most well respected DJs. We hear how his exposure to djing through living in the pub trade inspired him to take up DJing at 15, quickly earning 4 night a week residencies, and some of the hottest crowds in the North West.If you like what you hear, be sure to rate, review and share!Mentioned in this episode:Reissued classics from Be With RecordsGet 10% off at bewithrecords.com using the code ONCEADJ
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1:34:15
Mark Rae pt 2: The Next Episode
Once A DJ is brought to you by:https://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 productionMark's web store: https://mark-rae.com/Mark on Bandcamp: https://markrae.bandcamp.com/Mark on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marktraeIn this episode, we sit with Mark as he shares the tough times brought on by having to fold Grand Central and the need to distance himself from everything he held so close, before finding a new and cathartic path in literature.He shares stories from his time in Los Angeles, a return to the UK, and the journey that writing took him on, culminating in his latest project New Town Ghosts, which sees him again pairing an album of original music with a novel.We go deep on the devices and constructs required in storytelling, their parallels with songwriting, and much more, so strap in and get ready!Mentioned in this episode:Reissued classics from Be With RecordsGet 10% off at bewithrecords.com using the code ONCEADJ
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1:45:53
Mark Rae pt 1: Right Places, Right Times
Once A DJ is brought to you by:https://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 productionIn this podcast episode, we delve into the extensive journey of Mark Rae, a multifaceted individual who has worn many hats in the music industry, including producer, songwriter, and label owner. We explore the genesis of his profound passion for music, tracing its roots back to his childhood in Newcastle, where the emotive power of music first resonated within him. Mark recounts his formative experiences, revealing how his early exposure to various genres shaped his artistic sensibilities and ultimately led him to pursue a career in DJing and production. The conversation further unveils the intricate dynamics of the music scene in Manchester, highlighting the collaborative spirit that characterized the era and the challenges faced in establishing a record label amidst the evolving landscape of music. As we traverse through Mark's narrative, we gain insight into the intersection of creativity and commerce, and the enduring significance of music as a form of expression and connection.Mentioned in this episode:Reissued classics from Be With RecordsGet 10% off at bewithrecords.com using the code ONCEADJ
Join me, Adam Gow, as I interview guests who once were DJs, looking at how they got into it, how they grew, and how it plays a part in their lives now they're a bit older and might have other responsibilities...
A https://remote-ctrl.co.uk podcast
Ireland