Independent As F*** - Ben Pedroche's love letter to a decade of indie rap
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 productionOther ways to support the showFollow 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 clampsBen (GrownUpRap on instagram)Buy Independant As F***Ben Pedroche's new book, *Independent as F****, serves as a poignant exploration of the independent hip hop scene from 1995 to 2005. In our conversation, we delve into Pedroche's personal journey through hip hop, examining the cultural influences that shaped his perspective. He articulates the significance of this era, emphasizing the creative authenticity found in independent artists as they navigated a landscape increasingly dominated by commercial interests and formulaic productions. Throughout our discussion, we uncover the intricacies of the hip hop industry during this time, while also reflecting on the lasting impact of artists who have since become pillars of the genre. Ultimately, Pedroche's insights not only celebrate the richness of independent hip hop but also challenge us to reconsider the narratives surrounding mainstream success and artistic integrity.Mentioned in this episode:Reissued classics from Be With RecordsGet 10% off at bewithrecords.com using the code ONCEADJ
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1:02:09
Diggin' Deeper With Double Peas
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 productionOther ways to support the showFollow 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 clampsDouble Peas on InstagramSitting in the park Archive as mentioned on the showThis week we talk to Double Peas, a DJ with a SERIOUS collection, based in Las Vegas, NV, to understand the difference between diggers and DIGGERS.We discuss her roots and exile from Chile, the rave scene in LA, chicano/lowrider soul, record fairs, life in Vegas, and much more. Mentioned in this episode:Reissued classics from Be With RecordsGet 10% off at bewithrecords.com using the code ONCEADJ
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1:39:48
Greg Wilson Pt 2
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 productionOther ways to support the showFollow 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 clampsGreg 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...
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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
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