Tales From A Disappearing City

Send us a textIn the second part of our chat, we continue our conversation with Chris (aka Dexta), following his journey from aspiring DJ to co-founder of Planet Wax, the New Cross institution that has become a cornerstone of London's underground dance music scene."Record shops aren't just about selling vinyl—they're about creating a space where the culture can breathe," Dexta explains.In this episode, we discuss how Dexta founded Diffrent Music in 2010 with his friend Jamie. This experimental bass label deliberately countered mainstream trends and quickly became a cult favorite with over 100 releases.Dexta's career evolved through various roles in graphic design at DJ Mag and Hospital Records, where he blended his talents in A&R, broadcasting, and event management. He notably helped organize the popular DJ Mag Bunker nights and co-founded Clashmouth, a vibrant drum & bass vinyl marketplace that strengthened community bonds.His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish 1-800-Dubplate with Lewis (aka Sicknote), a specialized dubplate-cutting service, before they both successfully crowdfunded Discworld (later rebranded as Planet Wax). After relocating to New Cross and expanding with a bar, the record shop and venue evolved into a cultural hub for vinyl enthusiasts, artists, and DIY culture.As Dexta reflects, while it's "not a fortune-making business," the true reward lies in preserving authentic music culture for future generations.

Send us a textIn the first of a two-part conversation, we sit down with Chris (aka Dexta), co-founder of Planet Wax, a legendary record shop, bar, venue, and radio station in New Cross dedicated to underground dance music and its surrounding culture and community. This episode explores Dexta's journey through the UK music scene from the late 1990s to early 2010s. Growing up in North London, his musical passion began with compilation albums and cassette tapes, with a particular affinity for The Prodigy and UK garage. Dexta recalls his first production experiments using basic software that came free in a cereal box, before transitioning to DJing after acquiring a pair of belt-drive turntables. The conversation traces his evolution through various music scenes—from UK garage to grime, and eventually to drum and bass. He shares his experiences with pirate radio, first as a listener of Y2K Radio, then as a presenter hosting his own shows on stations like Rush FM, Elite Radio, and UK Bass Radio. These platforms allowed him to connect with fellow DJs and build an audience while honing his skills both as a DJ and presenter.Dexta recounts his early club experiences, including his first gig at age 16 where he played a 15-minute set as part of "Solid Jam Cartel" (SJC). He discusses frequenting iconic London venues like Fabric, The End, and Bar Rumba, where he discovered various subgenres of drum and bass. His musical tastes gradually shifted from "jump up" drum and bass to darker, more underground sounds.Throughout the episode, Dexta reflects on technological changes in music production and distribution—from early software like Mixman and Fruity Loops to the transition of record shops moving online. He also touches on his brief relocation to Bournemouth, where he discovered even darker drum and bass sounds, before returning to London with ambitions to launch his own record label.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

Send us a textIn part two of our conversation, Ian St. Paul shares his remarkable journey through some of the most influential moments in dance music history. Beginning with his first trip to Ibiza in 1984, Ian recounts how what started as a holiday transformed into a life-changing adventure that would shape club culture for decades to come.The conversation traces Ian's evolution from running bars in Ibiza to becoming a pivotal figure in London's acid house scene, where he founded legendary clubs like Future, Spectrum, and Land of Oz. Ian provides an insider's perspective on the emergence of ecstasy culture, the development of the Balearic sound, and how he helped bring these experiences back to the UK, kickstarting the acid house movement. Beyond the acid house era, Ian discusses his ventures into trance music with Dragonfly Records and TIP, his seven years in Japan building the scene there, and later adventures in Goa, Nepal, and back to Ibiza. Throughout the episode, Ian offers candid insights about the personalities, music, and cultural shifts that defined these revolutionary moments in dance music history, providing a rare first-hand account from someone who was not only present but instrumental in creating these movements.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

Send us a textIn this captivating first installment of our two-part conversation, Ian shares his remarkable coming-of-age story: from his teenage years in South London's vibrant soul scene of the 1970s to living in New York from 1980 to 1983, concluding as he departs for Ibiza in 1984.Ian St Paul stands as a genuine pioneer of London's underground music scene. Raised on the Roundshaw Estate in South London, he discovered soul records at age 13, igniting a lifelong passion for music. He quickly became a fixture at iconic London soul venues like Crackers and the Lacy Lady, absorbing the vibrant club culture of the era. At just 15, Ian embarked on an extraordinary journey to New York City with friend Paul Oakenfold, immersing himself in the legendary club scene that would later profoundly influence UK dance music. Upon returning to London, he founded "Candy Box," a youth club that hosted early performances by then-unknown DJs including Giles Peterson and Oakenfold. Ian's influence expanded when he moved to Ibiza in 1984, diving deep into the island's emerging club culture alongside his DJ cousin Trevor Fung. His pivotal moment came in 1987 when Oakenfold visited him in Ibiza with fellow DJs; Ian introduced them to the island's revolutionary party scene, taking them to Amnesia and exposing them to the nascent ecstasy culture.In 1988, Ian returned to London where he promoted the legendary Acid House nights Future and Spectrum—events that kickstarted the UK's acid house revolution. His journey continued into the 90s when he relocated to Goa, India, where he managed trance music pioneers Juno Reactor.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

In part two of my conversation with DJ/producer Warlock, we explore his fascinating musical evolution and contributions to UK electronic music. The episode traces his journey from playing UK hardcore in the early 90s to embracing the harder European techno scene as well as a multitude of other underground genres and styles over the years.Jason shares his experiences working at Kickin Records alongside Peter Harris, where he handled A&R and compilation licensing. He then discusses co-founding Rag & Bone Records with Stacey (NoYeahNo). Throughout his career, Jason has produced music under various aliases including Warlock, Lorenz Attractor, Han Do Jin, and Hooverian Blur.The conversation offers an intimate look at the golden era of UK club culture, featuring stories from legendary parties such as Knowledge at SW1 in Victoria and the influential FWD nights at Plastic People. Beyond nostalgic reminiscence, Jason provides insightful perspectives on contemporary electronic music, discussing the current jungle revival and how a new generation of producers is breaking down traditional genre boundaries. He emphasises the importance of maintaining musical open-mindedness rather than becoming confined to a single genre.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

Join me for part one of my two-part conversation with Warlock. A raw, unfiltered journey through the golden age of pirate radio, and the birth of jungle.  In this episode, Jason takes us deep into the underground scene of early 90s London. From running pirate radio in student halls to getting caught by the DTI live on air. This episode is a raw slice of UK dance music history.Some of the many topics discussed include:His journey from Watford to Stafford and eventually down to LondonInvolvement in pirate radio (Mental FM, Pulse FM) in the early 90sStories about De Underground record shop in Forest Gate and its importance to the jungle sceneGetting busted by the DTI while broadcasting live on Pirate RadioMemories of early hardcore and jungle production techniquesInsights into the evolution from hip-hop to hardcore and junglePart two coming soon.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

This is the second part of my two-part conversation with Jerome Hill, a DJ and producer renowned for his exceptional skills behind the turntables. Since his first gig in 1990, Jerome has been mixing and scratching a wide variety of sounds, always bringing a selection guaranteed to energize any party.In this episode, we discuss several key topics, including:Club UK: A nightclub in Wandsworth, London, active in the early to mid-1990s, where Jerome was introduced to the harder sounds of techno through DJs like Jeff Mills, Laurent Garnier, and Carl Cox.Jerome's early days as a DJ at squat parties in the 1990s, performing for sound systems such as Jiba and Chiba City.Dragon Disc, a record shop in Camden, where Jerome worked as manager and buyer.The so-called "wonky techno" sound, which was showcased both in the shop and at parties like Ugly Funk.Collaborating with Rob Stowe as Groove Asylum, creating music and performing live sets at techno parties.Launching a diverse range of record labels spanning multiple genres, including:Don't for unconventional party techno.Super Rhythm Trax for acid, bleeps, and house grooves.Hornsey Hardcore for rave-infused beats.Fat Hop for cut-up, hip-hop-inspired mash-ups.We also touch on Jerome's philosophy of championing music that some DJs might shy away from. Throughout the conversation, Jerome reflects on his journey in the music scene, from the early rave days to his current roles as a label owner and DJ.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

Join me for part one of my two-part conversation with Jerome Hill, a DJ and producer renowned for his top-notch skills behind the turntables. Since his first gig back in 1990, Jerome has been mixing and scratching up an eclectic storm, always armed with a selection guaranteed to rock any party. Jerome also runs a diverse range of record labels across multiple genres and styles. These include:Don't for fucked up party technoSuper Rhythm Trax for acid, bleeps, and house groovesHornsey Hardcore for raved up beatsFat Hop for cut-up hip-hop inspired mash-upsIn this first episode, we talk about our shared love for the underground electronic and hip-hop music scenes in the UK in the late 80s and early 90s, sharing stories and reminiscing about formative musical experiences from that era. Some topics discussed are:Jerome's roots in West London, exploring how skateboarding and graffiti culture shaped his early yearsThe musical legacy passed down by his father, a session musician who introduced Jerome to the foundations of rock and roll and R&BThe late 1980s pirate radio scene, with Jerome sharing his experiences listening to stations like CLR and Fantasy FM and legendary DJs like Hype who were blending house, techno, and early breakbeatThe diverse early 90s UK electronic music scene, including discussion of some classic tunes and record shopsEarly UK hip-hop crews such as Criminal Minds, Hijack, Hardnoise, and Gunshot and how they influenced rave culturePart Two coming soon.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

Join me for the second part of my conversation with Gizelle, a key figure in London's 1990s underground acid techno scene. Starting in 1990, we explore the evolution of acid house and the emergence of multiple new genres in the UK music landscape. In this episode, Gizelle shares her experiences on:Her involvement with the Zero Gravity collective and underground party organisationProtests against the Criminal Justice BillEarly music production, collaborating with Henry (Dave the Drummer) and Guy McGaffer (Geezer)Releasing music as Rebel Yelle on labels like Stay Up Forever and Bag RecordsPlaying with Immersion sound system at London squat parties in the 1990sThe global spread of acid techno and international gigsIconic venues such as Club 414 in BrixtonHer diverse roles in the music industry, from record shops to distributionRadio shows and youth music charity work in DeptfordThe 30th anniversary celebration of Stay Up ForeverThroughout the episode, Gizelle reflects on her musical journey, highlighting the importance of community, connections, and the growing presence of women in the scene. Her ongoing passion for music and continued involvement in the industry shine through as she recounts her experiences.Support the Show.https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

Join us for the first part of our captivating conversation with Gizelle, a pioneering female DJ who witnessed the birth of London's acid house scene. From her roots in Lovers Rock to becoming a trailblazing DJ, Gizelle takes us on a nostalgic trip through late 80s and early 90s club culture. In this episode some of the many topics we discuss are:Gizelle's musical beginnings with Charisma, a Lovers Rock groupHer first DJ gig at Winston's Bar in Deptford (1987)Discovering and incorporating acid house music into her DJ sets (1988)Memorable nights at Asylum, Shaboo, Coozz and Clink StreetChallenges of being a female DJ in a male-dominated sceneAn eye-opening encounter with the Mutoid Waste CompanyGizelle's story offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in UK music history. Whether you lived through the acid house revolution or wish you had, this episode is essential listening for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Part 2 coming next episode.Support the Show.https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

In this second instalment of our two-part conversation, we discuss Rachel's expanding career as a DJ, playing at more venues in London, including the influential Movement at Rumba and Herbal in Shoreditch. We talk about her job at the legendary Soho record shop Black Market and how she immersed herself in various scenes across multiple genres and subcultures. This includes helping to set up the London Underground venue at the Glastonbury Festival, playing in clubs and warehouses, and performing at 10-day beach parties in Italy with the Unsound sound system.We finish with an update on what she is doing now: living in Devon and being an accomplished stained glass artist in high demand. Check the link to her Instagram below to view or order her work and to hear about her occasional forays back behind the decks.Rachel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artnglassram/Support the Show.https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

Welcome to Episode 18, where I sit down for a lively chat with Rachel, better known as Miss Pink. Our connection dates back to the mid-1990s, a time when I frequented record stores like Ambient Soho on Berwick Street and Black Market Records on D'Arbly Street, places where Rachel's passion for music shone brightly. Throughout the 90s, she made her mark as a revered jungle DJ, spinning tunes at underground warehouse raves and mainstream venues alike.In this first instalment of our two-part conversation, we explore her early affinity for the Goth and Grebo subcultures, tracing her path from the north to the heart of London. Along the way, we explore her immersion in the diverse tapestry of alternative fashion and underground music scenes that flourished during that electrifying era.Rachel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artnglassram/Support the Show.https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

In Episode 17, I speak again with my old friend and fellow rave war veteran, Phil Klein, also known as Bass Junkie. Phil is a highly respected UK music producer, having crafted tunes since the late 1980s, and is known for his deep love of Electro and Miami Bass. In this second of our two part discussion, we delve into his experiences with underground parties in the 1990s, his ventures to Miami for production collaborations with his Electro heroes Dynamix II, the establishment of his record label Battle Trax, and the release of his music under various aliases. Additionally, we touch upon the London Electro scene of the early 2000s, centred around parties from Haywire and the Foundry bar in Shoreditch, as well as delve into the intricacies of his ongoing music and podcasting endeavours. As ever if you appreciate the podcast then please subscribe to the channel and like the videos. This really helps spread the tales and stories to new audiences and will help us grow and expand.Links to Phil's music, mixes and new podcasthttps://soundcloud.com/pak-jamzhttps://www.mixcloud.com/PAKJAMZ/https://www.facebook.com/groups/116076871761989/Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

In Episode 16, I speak with my old friend and fellow rave war veteran, Phil Klein, also known as Bass Junkie. Phil is a highly respected UK music producer, having crafted tunes since the late 1980s, and is known for his deep love of Electro and Miami Bass. In this first of our two part discussion, we delve into his early music recollections, highlighting the pivotal moment when his cousin introduced him to the Street Sounds Electro series in 1983, an encounter that significantly altered the trajectory of his life. After reflecting on his memories of the iconic hip-hop event, UK Fresh, held at Wembley Arena in 1986, we then explore Phil's journey of delving into imported twelve-inch records from Groove Records in Soho, alongside his relentless pursuit of rare tunes. Subsequently, we explore his foray into mastering scratching techniques and crafting beats. Finishing this episode, we explore Phil's initiation into free parties, alongside members of the local Fear Teacher's sound system. In the next episode, we will delve into his experiences with underground parties in the 1990s, his ventures to Miami for production collaborations with Dynamix II, the establishment of his record label Battle Trax, and the release of music under various aliases. Additionally, we'll touch upon the London Electro scene of the early 2000s, centred around parties from Haywire and the Foundry bar in Shoreditch, as well as delve into the intricacies of his ongoing music and podcasting endeavours. Stay tuned for that and as ever if you appreciate the podcast then please subscribe to the channel and like the videos. This really helps spread the tales and stories to new audiences and will help us grow and expand.Links to Phil's music, mixes and new podcasthttps://soundcloud.com/pak-jamzhttps://www.mixcloud.com/PAKJAMZ/https://www.facebook.com/groups/116076871761989/Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

In Episode 15, I speak with Uncle G, also known as Urban Intelligence. Godfrey has been deeply embedded in South London's music culture since his family relocated to South East London from the tumultuous and politically unstable climate of Chile in the 1970s. Growing up on the Morris Walk estate in Woolwich, he was exposed to music from various angles, starting with all-night Caribbean-influenced blues parties in his local community. These were DIY events where a sound system and a bar were set up in a flat, and reggae, soul, boogie, and funk reverberated until the early hours.In 1982, Malcolm McLaren's B-boy classic "Buffalo Girls" video aired on Top of the Pops, introducing kids across the UK to scratching, popping, and graffiti. Godfrey delved into breakdancing and, by connecting with several Woolwich crews, became involved in the emerging hip-hop culture. As house music made its way to the UK, a friend secured him a role helping mail out membership cards for his brother's party called Biology. These were legendary early acid house raves, and G started attending these, along with other iconic events like RIP at Clink Street and Rave in the Cave, an all-night acid party in an arch next to Elephant and Castle train station. Memorable nights also took place at the Tunnel Club, a notoriously rough and ready venue right next to the entrance to the BlackWall Tunnel.Initially, Godfrey started as a DJ at local house parties in the 80s. As the rave scene gained momentum, he began DJing at larger events and playing on pirate radio stations such as Shockin FM and Wax FM. Radio and the quest for new music to share with people have been his passion ever since. Uncle G now hosts a show every Friday from 6-8 pm, streamed live from Planet Wax record shop in New Cross. We conclude our conversation by delving into the significance of record shops like Planet Wax, which not only sell music but also serve as spaces for vibrant and diverse South London communities to come together, forge friendships, and make connections through their shared love of music.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

In Episode 14, the second part of my conversation with Brandon Spivey, an old friend and cultural provocateur, we delve into his experiences traveling to Europe in the mid-1980s. During this time, he actively participated in several riots in Berlin as a member of the Black Bloc—an anarchist organization committed to confronting governments and the banking system through direct action. Our discussion extends to his discovery of Dada art, particularly his appreciation for the works of George Grosz. Returning to London, we explore Brandon's visits to the 121 Centre in Brixton, along with various squatted venues and spaces. Throughout these encounters, he shares stories of culturally and politically significant individuals who left a lasting impact on him. Wrapping up our conversation, we touch upon his introduction to the harder techno scene in the 1990s. We also delve into the parties and clubs that influenced his early foray into music production, ultimately leading to his releases on underground techno labels.  I asked Brandon to write a short description to describe himself and it is reproduced below"Brandon Spivey is 56. Has a love of life, music , art and rebellion.He has lived in a number of countries. Enjoyed many riots.Hospitalised a number of authoritarian undesirables.Written 'No Comment, The Defendants Guide to Arrest' .He gave up drink and drugs in 1989 to focus on being a c#nt. He has interest in all aspects of working class art, music and culture.In summary:Electronic music producer, Film Maker, Building worker and Trouble maker. Interested in Musicology and Dadaist art. A proud advocate of free speech and a supporter of  peoples right to attack their oppressors.He mocks identity politics bullshit and is proudly anarchist and a born anti authoritarian."Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

In episode 13, I am joined by my old mate and cultural hooligan, Brandon Spivey. We delve into his initiation into radical music and subculture, recounting his upbringing in 1970s Macclesfield and subsequent relocation to Manchester in the 80s. As a class-conscious anarchist and anti-authoritarian, he actively opposed the system and confronted fascists on the streets, participating in protests and riots across the UK and wider Europe. Our conversation explores the impact of punk rock, Northern working-class dance culture, and Brandon's close association with Dave Godin, the man credited with coining the term "Northern Soul" and contributing to Motown's success in this country. We also touch upon his friendship with the founders of Eastern Bloc in Manchester, his first encounter with early Detroit techno, and the significance of working-class Northern culture in the realms of art and music. Brandon has been prolific in releasing a diverse array of hard, uncompromising, and weird electronic records since 1993, drawing inspiration from his deep appreciation for acid house and Detroit techno. I asked Brandon to write a short description to describe himself and it is reproduced below."Brandon Spivey is 56. Has a love of life, music , art and rebellion.He has lived in a number of countries. Enjoyed many riots.Hospitalised a number of authoritarian undesirables.Written 'No Comment, The Defendants Guide to Arrest' .He gave up drink and drugs in 1989 to focus on being a c#nt. He has interest in all aspects of working class art, music and culture.In summary:Electronic music producer, Film Maker, Building worker and Trouble maker. Interested in Musicology and Dadaist art. A proud advocate of free speech and a supporter of  peoples right to attack their oppressors.He mocks identity politics bullshit and is proudly anarchist and a born anti authoritarian."Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

Episode 12 contains the second part of my conversation with Christoph Fringeli. We discuss his move to South London from Basel at the start of the 90's and how he started a new record label called Praxis in order to release some of the harder electronic music he was making and hearing at parties and on the radio airwaves in the city. We also chat about Dead by Dawn, the legendary monthly party, held at the 121 Centre in Railton Road, Brixton during the mid 90's that combined all night techno mayhem with talks and writing from the subcultural and political underground. We finish our talk by recalling some early internet explorations and how Christoph started Datacide magazine to as he describes "release articles and cover experimental electronic music, from the avant-garde to hard dance music, its intersections with radical politics and counterculture, in-depth political and historical analysis and critique as well as experimental fiction, poetry and visual works".Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

80's Countercultural Explorations in Basel and LondonFor the eleventh episode of "Tales From A Disappearing City," I am joined by my long-time friend, Christoph Fringeli, who runs Praxis Records and produces Datacide magazine. Christoph started Praxis in 1992, and since then, he has released a constant stream of cutting-edge experimental music that spans across all genres of electronica. The tunes he creates and releases can be described as harsh and abrasive but are designed to be played loudly on sound systems and in various reclaimed spaces. He describes Datacide as "a magazine that covers experimental electronic music, from the avant-garde to hard dance music, radical politics and counterculture, in-depth political and historical analysis and critique, as well as experimental fiction, poetry, and visual work."In part one of our conversation, we discuss Christoph's upbringing in Basel, Switzerland, and how he became involved in post-punk as well as the emerging experimental tape swapping scene that was developing in the 1980s. We also delve into topics such as how he got into radical politics and the wide range of subcultural influences that began to shape his work. These discoveries were made in Basel and during his regular trips to London. We touch upon his Vision label, which preceded Praxis and released a series of fanzines, tapes, and vinyl records. Additionally, we explore his work at a distributor in Switzerland, which provided him with unparalleled access to the latest underground tunes. Episode 12 will feature Part 2 of this interview where we will chat about his move to London, starting Praxis records as well as a subject we have covered in previous podcasts, the influence of the monthly Dead by Dawn parties that he was involved in and were held in the 121 squatted arts centre in Brixton, South London in the mid 1990's.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

For the tenth episode of "Tales From A Disappearing City," I am once again joined by Ben McCusker, a member of the Dead Silence Syndicate and co-founder of Audio Illusion Recordings. In the second part of our conversation, we delve into the discussion of how, following several parties in the woods and commons of Surrey, and with winter approaching, the Fear Teachers sound system transitioned indoors, initiating a series of notorious and musically eclectic all-night events at various illegal and unlicensed venues across London. The topics encompass the quest for the perfect venue and the fragmentation of the scene into different genres. We conclude with Ben's explanation of how he and Brett Youngs established a new record label named Audio Illusion. After their distributor goes out of business, they collaborate with Spiral Tribe. Through a new project called Subnet, Spiral Tribe effectively sells their records and those of other labels from the electronic underground scene throughout Europe and beyond, thus establishing a fresh network for independent distribution of music for musicians, producers, and label owners alike.This episode is dedicated to Brett Youngs.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

For the ninth episode of Tales From A Disappearing City I am joined by Ben McCusker, member of the Dead Silence Syndicate and co founder of  Audio Illusion Recordings. We first met in the 90's at an illegal warehouse party  and have been good friends ever since. In this episode we discuss Ben's early music influences including attending with his brother and his mum, the legendary UK Fresh event at Wembley Arena in 1986. This was a showcase for all the underground Electro and rap music that was being played from the Streetsounds compilations by the UK's youth at the time and was an inspiring breakdance Woodstock for the emerging UK hip hop generation. We also delve into Ben listening to Mike Allen's rap show on Capital as well as early Pirate Radio from stations such as Smart Boys FM and Green Apple. We finish this first part of our chat with Ben discovering the local renegade party crew, The Fear Teachers and getting the first taste of rave with all night parties featuring strobes and weird bleeps and tones in the Surrey countryside.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

For the eighth episode of Tales From A Disappearing City I am joined by my old mate Simon Brown aka The Dexorcist. We first met at an illegal rave in the mid 90's and instantly bonded over our love of old school electro, acid house and rave culture. In this episode we discuss Simon's formative music years, growing up in Shepperton, listening to jazz funk before discovering electro and the importance of Our Price Records in his musical journey. We take in some Surrey balearic nights and also take a trip, literally to early acid house parties in what were then rundown parts of London by the river.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

For the seventh episode of Tales From A Disappearing City I am joined again byNeil who produces a couple of respected  blogs that have consistently documented all aspects of what we cover on TFADC. "Transpontine" features all things subcultural from the South side of the river whilst "History is Made at Night" turns it's attention to the after hours. In this episode we discuss Neil's move from Luton to the London squat scene in 1987, his subsequent experiences dancing all night during the 80's and 90's, the attempted revenge of the hippies in rave culture,  Reclaim the Streets and sandpits in Brixton, sending anarchists into space with the Association of Autonomous Astronauts and sneaking radical history into happy hardcore dance magazines.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

For the sixth episode of Tales From A Disappearing City I am joined by Neil who produces a couple of highly respected and long running blogs that have consistently documented all aspects of what we cover on TFADC and so it was essential to touch base and hear some stories and history. "Transpontine" covers all things subcultural from the South side of the river whilst "History is Made at Night" turns it's attention to the after hours. I first met Neil at the Dead by Dawn night in the 90's in Brixton and it was a real pleasure to chat and discover some of his formative experiences in the scene. In this episode we discuss his early record and gig experiences growing up in the late 1970's in Luton as well as how post punk and radical politics helped him start his lifelong fight against right wing governments and racism on the streets. Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

For the fifth episode of Tales From A Disappearing City I am joined once again by my good friend Howard Slater aka Flint Michigan. I first met Howard in the mid 90's at Dead by Dawn which was a legendary monthly party that took place at the 121 squatted art and community Centre in Railton Road, Brixton. In this episode we discuss TechNet,  his collaboration with Jason Skeet that produced a series of essential written communiques from the frontline of 90's subculture. We then talk about his involvement in Dead by Dawn as well as his magazine Break/Flow that in 1998 released an acclaimed vinyl issue with tracks from underground electronic labels and associates such as Praxis, Crossfade Entertainment, Adverse, Ambush and Unearthly.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

For the fourth episode of Tales From A Disappearing City I am joined by my good friend Howard Slater aka Flint Michigan. I first met Howard in the mid 90's at Dead by Dawn which was a legendary monthly party that took place at the 121 squatted art and community Centre in Railton Road, Brixton. Howard has written extensively about his experiences within various strands of subculture in a wide variety of underground magazines. This journey began with his early love of  independent labels such as Fast Product and Factory  and progressed through the post punk and free improv scene in the 80's. He then started to hear and become involved with the emerging underground sounds of off kilter techno and electro as the 90's began. We discuss all these strands of alternative culture including the squatted landscape of London when he first arrived from Preston in 1984. Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

For the third episode of Tales From A Disappearing City I am joined once more by my good friend Ian aka Blackmass Plastics. This is the final part of our recent chat. We talk about how free parties and festivals joined with the emerging rave movement in the 90's in the UK as well as the rise of a wide variety of autonomous sound systems. We also discuss how a network of events across Europe and beyond allowed the promotion of underground music through a DIY scene reminiscent of punk in the 1970's. Ian finishes by discussing his move into music production and how he became Blackmass Plastics. Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

For this second episode of Tales From A Disappearing City I am joined again by my good friend Ian aka Blackmass Plastics to discuss our memories of 90's record shops as well as key parties and raves. This is part two of our chat and we start in the early 1990's and finish as free parties and alternative underground ways of distributing music start to become more important. We discuss influential clubs such as Pyramid, Club Dog, Knowledge and AWOL as well legendary DJ's such as Colin Favor and Colin Dale who helped spread weird electronic music over the airwaves of London. Next episode we head into the warehouses and fields to go to free parties and play and dance at underground sound systems. Stay tuned.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...

For this first episode of Tales From A Disappearing City I am joined by my good friend Ian aka Blackmass Plastics to discuss our early memories of buying vinyl and visiting record shops. This is part one  of our chat and we start in the 1970's and finish as the 1990's begin. We discuss the importance of Woolworths and WH Smiths  as well as topics such as did Metal Mickey invent techno and electro.  We also discuss the early electro and jazz funk scene in South London and the importance of cool staff in record stores getting you into tunes or new genres.  Fact check, Sid Owen was not actually in Metal Mickey  as I claim on the podcast but he should have been.  Next episode we head into the 90's. Stay tuned.Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdnesshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOIhttps://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streetshttps://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffuktHosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80's when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90's. He still DJ's in the UK and throu...