What's the BPM?

How does a backyard party turn into one of London’s biggest dance music festivals? This week on What’s The BPM? I’m joined by Damian Gelle, the man behind Heat UK, SW4 Festival, Electric Gardens and Electric Island. We go back to where it all started, from Australia’s dance music scene to the legendary nights at Brixton Academy, working alongside The Gallery and building SW4 into a major fixture on the UK festival calendar. We also get into the stories, the DJs, the madness and the unforgettable moments that helped shape UK clubbing throughout the 2000s. If you remember Heat UK, SW4, Brixton Academy or the golden era of UK clubbing, this one’s for you! Hit follow and share the episode with someone who was there! #WhatsTheBPM #SW4Festival #UKClubbing #DanceMusicHistory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when someone who spent years at the heart of Ibiza’s party scene decides to change their life? In this episode of What’s The BPM?, Steve Woolley sits down with Dexter Jones—dance music promoter, co-founder of One More Time Ibiza, and a man who’s experienced both the highs of the global club scene and the personal challenges that came with it. Dexter shares incredible stories from decades in dance music, what it was like helping build events in Ibiza, the wild years that shaped him, and the decision to embrace sobriety while remaining passionate about the music and community he loves. This is an honest conversation about dance music, Ibiza, club culture, addiction, recovery, personal growth, and finding a new purpose without leaving the scene behind. If you love electronic music, rave culture, behind-the-scenes stories, or inspiring conversations, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Make sure you follow us on Instagram here > https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ Please Subscribe to our YouTube channel here > https://www.youtube.com/@WHATSTHEBPM Dexter Jones, One More Time Ibiza, Ibiza, dance music, electronic music, Ibiza nightlife, club culture, sobriety, addiction recovery, rave culture, dance music promoter, electronic music podcast, Ibiza events, What’s The BPM podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 32 | Tha Apex | Hardcore, Rawstyle, Music Production & The Story Behind The Mask | What’s The BPM? Description: In Episode 32 of What’s The BPM?, we sit down with Australian hardcore producer and DJ Tha Apex for an in-depth conversation about his journey through the harder styles scene. We discuss how Tha Apex got started, the evolution of his sound, music production, DJing, live performances, the story behind the mask, and the passion required to build a name in one of electronic music’s most dedicated underground communities. Whether you’re a hardcore fanatic, a producer looking for inspiration, or simply curious about the people behind the music, this episode offers an honest look into the life of an artist committed to his craft. Listen now and discover the person behind Tha Apex. Follow What’s The BPM? Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@WHATSTHEBPM Follow Tha Apex: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thaapexofficial/ #Hardcore #Rawstyle #HardDance #EDM #DJPodcast #MusicProduction #WhatsTheBPM hardcore music, australian hardcore, rawstyle, hard dance, harder styles, hardcore dj, hardcore producer, australian dj, music production, electronic music podcast, edm podcast, hardstyle, raw hardstyle, rave culture, underground music, festival dj, dj life, producer interview, dance music, australian electronic music, tha apex, what’s the bpm podcast, hardcore scene, hard dance music, music industry, dj culture, rave music, podcast interview, electronic dance music, hardcore producer australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on What’s the BPM? we sit down with UK DJ and social media expert Paul Hutchinson. Paul works behind the scenes managing content and social media for some huge names in dance music, and in this episode we dive deep into how DJs can actually use social media properly to grow their brand, build an audience, and land more gigs. We also chat about Paul’s own DJ journey, the changes in the scene over the years, and the biggest mistakes artists make online. Whether you’re an up and coming DJ, already playing gigs, or just interested in the music industry, there’s a heap of value in this one. Please subscribe to our Youtube Channel here > https://www.youtube.com/@WHATSTHEBPM Please follow us on Instagram here > https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the What’s The BPM podcast, we’re joined by UK rave pioneer Mark Archer, best known as one half of Altern-8 and a key figure in the early hardcore and breakbeat scene. We dive into the birth of UK rave culture, the explosion of the 90s underground, and how the Altern-8 sound helped shape an entire generation of dance music. Mark shares stories from the early days of warehouse raves, producing iconic tracks, and the evolution of hardcore, breakbeat and acid house into what we hear on dance floors today. If you’re into rave history, old school hardcore, UK dance music or electronic music culture, this episode is a must listen. Topics include: • The origins of Altern-8 • Early UK rave and warehouse parties • Hardcore and breakbeat evolution • Producing music in the 90s • The impact of rave culture on modern electronic music Please Subscribe to the YouTube channel for loads more extra content here > https://www.youtube.com/@WHATSTHEBPM Please Follow The Instagram page here > https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was featured on the legendary 4ZZZ Radio’s Electric Crush to talk with Nam Shub (Phil) about the journey behind What’s The BPM? — the dance music podcast exploring underground culture, producers, DJs and the stories behind the scene. We talk about: • Why I started the podcast • The state of underground electronic music in Australia • Rave culture past vs present • Brisbane’s scene and community radio • The artists and conversations that matter Massive thanks to 4ZZZ and Nam Shub for the platform and the conversation. If you’re into house music, techno, rave history, electronic music culture, DJ life, and independent music media — this one’s for you. 👇 Drop a comment: Should more underground artists be supported by community radio? 🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with DJs, producers & scene legends. 🏃 Please Follow The Instagram Page here - https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm #WhatsTheBPM #4ZZZ #ElectricCrush #NamShub #BrisbaneMusic #UndergroundDanceMusic #ElectronicMusicPodcast #RaveCulture #HouseMusic #Techno #DJLife #AustralianMusic #MusicPodcast #DanceMusicCulture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suddi Raval from UK duo Together joins What’s The BPM? to break down the story behind Hardcore Uproar, UK rave culture, and how timeless underground dance music is made. If you’ve ever danced to Hardcore Uproar, this is the story you’ve never heard. In this episode, Suddi shares insights into the UK underground scene, the evolution of rave culture, his production process, and advice for upcoming electronic music producers and DJs. Topics covered: • The origin of Hardcore Uproar • UK rave scene history and culture • Together’s impact on underground dance music • Music production workflow and creative process • Advice for new electronic music producers Please Subscribe to our Youtube Channel here - https://www.youtube.com/@WHATSTHEBPM Please Follow our Instagram Page here - https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ Hardcore Uproar, Suddi Raval, Together UK, UK rave, underground dance music, electronic music podcast, dance music history, UK producers, rave culture, What’s The BPM podcast #ElectronicMusic #DanceMusic #RaveMusic #TechnoPodcast #HouseMusicPodcast #UKDanceScene #MusicProductionPodcast #DJPodcast #ProducerPodcast #ClubCulture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What’s the BPM?, we sit down with Ed Jenkins — better known as Ed Real — a name deeply woven into the fabric of UK hard dance culture. From his early days behind the decks to working with Nukleuz Records, co-founding one of the most influential digital music platforms Trackitdown.net, and now stepping into artist management, Ed’s journey mirrors the evolution of electronic music itself. We talk about: •The raw energy of the UK rave and hard dance scenes •What it was really like building Trackitdown during dance music’s digital boom •The realities of longevity in the music industry •Reinventing yourself when the rave ends •And his latest chapter — Ravers to Runners, a movement helping ravers channel that same drive into running and community This is an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about culture, identity, burnout, reinvention, and staying connected to what you love — long after the peak years. If you’ve ever lived for the weekend, the warehouse, or the bassline — this one’s for you. Please support our YouTube Channel by subscribing here - https://www.youtube.com/@WHATSTHEBPM Please follow us on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 27 of What’s The BPM?, Steve Woolley is joined by UK hard dance legend Paul Maddox for a deep dive into his journey through electronic music. From the golden era of UK rave and Tidy Trax, to the evolution of his Spektre project, Paul breaks down how his sound has changed over the years, his approach to studio engineering, and what it takes to stay relevant in electronic music decades into a career. We also explore the crossover between the UK and Australian dance music scenes, the records and moments that shaped a generation, and how underground culture continues to influence modern club music. This episode is a must-listen for fans of hard dance, techno, trance, rave culture, and anyone interested in the real stories behind electronic music history. What’s The BPM? — a podcast documenting the past, present, and future of dance music. For the video version of the podcast please subscribe to our YouTube Channel here - https://www.youtube.com/@WHATSTHEBPM Please follow the podcast socials here - https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Course is one of the true architects of Australian dance music. In Episode 26 of What’s The BPM, John takes us through his journey from the early club days to shaping global dance culture — including the rise of Vicious Records, the chart-topping success of Madison Avenue, and the moments that proved Australian artists could compete on the world stage. We also dive into his years touring internationally to promote the iconic Ministry of Sound CDs, and how he’s still connecting generations today through the heritage house festivals he’s playing across Australia. This is a must-listen episode for DJs, producers, and anyone interested in the history — and future — of Australian electronic music. please follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ please subscribe to the Youtube channel here - https://www.youtube.com/@WHATSTHEBPM #JohnCourse #WhatsTheBPM #AustralianDanceMusic #ViciousRecords #MadisonAvenue #MinistryOfSound #HouseMusic #ElectronicMusicPodcast #DJPodcast #DanceMusicHistory #AustralianDJs #ClubCulture #DanceMusic #HouseDJ #ElectronicMusic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brisbane dance music history — straight from the source. In this episode of What’s the BPM?, we sit down with Brisbane legend DJ Peter Mogg for a deep dive into the 1990s rave scene, early underground parties, and how Brisbane’s electronic culture was built from the ground up. We talk Arena raves, Creation, Adventjah, and the nights that defined a generation — when flyers ruled, bass bins shook the walls, and the scene was powered by community, not clicks. Peter reflects on his iconic 20-year radio show Crucial Cutz on 4ZZZ, its influence on local DJs, producers, and club culture, and what it was like broadcasting underground dance music long before streaming, social media, or algorithms existed. If you lived through the rave era — or wish you had — this is a rare, first-hand account of a scene that shaped Brisbane’s electronic music identity. Essential listening for DJs, ravers, radio heads, and anyone who cares about proper dance music culture. Follow What’s the BPM? on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ Full archive of Crucial Cutz shows: http://www.gwserve.net/cc If you enjoy the episode, please follow, rate, and share — it helps keep these stories alive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 2 with Hard House legend Paul Glazby is here — and this one goes DEEP. We dive into the early 00s scene, wild club stories, iconic sets, the tunes that shaped an era, and the moments Paul has never shared publicly before. We are Joined by my good friend and dj/producer JFrantik. He really knows his hard dance history, so it was great to have him join me for this podcast. If you’re into hard house, hard dance, UK club culture, or early rave history, this episode is a MUST-WATCH. Paul brings raw honesty, killer insights, and ridiculous memories from the road. 🎧 Full Episode on WHAT’S THE BPM? Hosted at Prohibition Nightclub, Brisbane. 👇 Drop a comment on your favourite Glazby era or tune! #PaulGlazby #HardHouse #HardDance #UKHardHouse #WhatstheBPM #HardHouseHistory #DJInterview #ElectronicMusicPodcast #RaveCulture #BrisbaneNights #ProhibitionBrisbane #00sDanceMusic #HardDanceLegends #ClubCulture #DJLife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Ivan Gough Interview | TV Rock & Aussie House Music History | What’s The BPM Podcast In this episode of What’s The BPM?, host Steve Woolley sits down with Ivan Gough — the Aussie dance music legend, producer, and DJ best known as one half of TV Rock. We dive deep into the early days of Melbourne’s club scene, the story behind Flaunt It, how TV Rock took over the charts, collaborations with Grant Smillie, and Ivan’s evolution as a producer and solo artist. If you’re into Aussie house music history, electronic music culture, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of Australia’s true pioneers, you’ll love this chat. 🎙️ Hosted by: Steve Woolley 📍 Podcast: What’s The BPM — exploring the history of Australian dance music, one legend at a time. 👇 Follow What’s The BPM: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/whatsthebpm YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@whatsthebpm 💬 Comment below your favourite TV Rock track or festival memory! 👍 Like, subscribe & hit the bell to catch more episodes with Australia’s biggest DJs and producers. ⸻ 🎵 Hashtags: #WhatsTheBPM #IvanGough #TVRock #AustralianDanceMusic #AussieDJ #HouseMusic #ProgressiveHouse #EDMPodcast #DanceMusicHistory #MelbourneDJ #AussieMusic #ElectronicMusic #DJInterview #MusicPodcast #WhatstheBPMPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What’s the BPM, we sit down with the one and only Paul Glazby – a true icon of the UK hard house scene. We dive deep into: • His journey from the underground clubs of the UK to the sunny shores of the Gold Coast, Australia • The full story of his legendary DJ career • Behind the scenes of running his influential record label, Vicious Circle Recordings • The evolution of dance music and what’s next for Glazby Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his music, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and untold moments from one of the most respected names in the game. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode of https://www.youtube.com/@WHATSTHEBPM Check out Paul's own Podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5j86t_lsULQBRkpMP656Dw #PaulGlazby #WhatsTheBPM #HardHouse #UKHardHouse #GoldCoastDJ #DJInterview #ViciousCircleRecordings #ElectronicMusic #DanceMusicHistory #TechnoPodcast #HardDance #DJLife #MusicPodcast #EDMCommunity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the What’s The BPM Podcast, we sit down with none other than Uncle Dugs — a true UK jungle legend, broadcaster, and touring DJ. From the raw energy of pirate radio to the mainstream airwaves of Rinse FM, Uncle Dugs shares his journey through the golden era of jungle, the evolution of rave culture, and what it’s like to go from underground selector to a global touring DJ. We talk: •The rise and fall (and rise again) of pirate radio •How jungle, drum & bass, and rave culture shaped the UK •The transition to legal radio •Touring with celebrity acts & taking jungle worldwide •His passion for preserving jungle culture and pushing it forward Whether you’re a raver from back in the day or just discovering jungle music, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and proper history. 💥 🔊 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with legends of the scene. —— 📲 Follow Uncle Dugs: Instagram: @uncledugs Twitter/X: @uncledugs Rinse FM: https://rinse.fm 🎧 Listen to the podcast on all platforms: https://open.spotify.com/show/27MVN0WYjcWPYJ7RddkiFp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ #UncleDugs #WhatsTheBPM #UKJungle #JungleMusic #PirateRadio #DrumAndBass #DnB #RaveCulture #OldSkoolJungle #RinseFM #DJPodcast #JungleLegend #ElectronicMusicPodcast #TouringDJ #MusicInterview #UKRaveScene #JungleHistory #RaveLegends #UKBass #BassMusic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 WHAT’S THE BPM PODCAST | DJ THIEF (Brisbane OG) Welcome to a very special episode of the What’s The BPM Podcast! In this one, we sit down with Brisbane legend DJ Thief — a pioneer of the city’s underground music scene and a foundational figure in Australian DJ culture. We dive deep into his career, early influences, and the evolution of the DJ scene in Brisbane and beyond. From pirate radio days to vinyl culture, raves, and record stores — this is a rich slice of music history straight from someone who lived and shaped it. Thief is not only a walking archive of the culture — he’s also a funny guy and a great sport, and this convo is full of laughs, honest moments, and rare insights. Whether you’re a seasoned selector, crate digger, or just curious about the roots of the scene, this episode is packed with stories, knowledge, and inspiration. 🔊 Topics Covered: • DJ Thief’s early days & influences • The golden era of Brisbane’s rave scene • The evolution of DJ culture in Australia • His contributions to community, music, and radio • The state of the scene today 📲 Connect with DJ Thief: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579899208587&sk=photos • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thief_has_arrived/ • SoundCloud / MixCloud: DJ Thief on SoundCloud • MixCloud: DJ Thief – System Shutdown / Live sets Give the podcast page some love here > https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ #DJThief #WhatsTheBPM #BrisbaneMusic #DJCulture #AustralianHipHop #Turntablism #VinylCulture #ElectronicMusicHistory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kid Kenobi joins us on What’s the BPM? to talk about his journey through the evolution of DJ culture, breakbeat’s golden era, and how he’s stayed relevant in the ever-changing music scene. From vinyl beginnings to festival stages, this one’s for the heads. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the world’s most iconic DJs. PLUR 🎶 Listen to Kid Kenobi’s Music: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/xxxxxxxx SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/kidkenobi Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/kid-kenobi/xxxxxxxx 📲 Follow Kid Kenobi: Instagram: https://instagram.com/kidkenobi Facebook: https://facebook.com/kidkenobi YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kidkenobi Follow the Podcast page here: https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ #KidKenobi #WhatsTheBPM #DJPodcast #Breakbeat #ElectronicMusic #DJLife #AussieDJ #MusicPodcast #VinylToDigital Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What’s the BPM , we explore: - Pee Wee’s early beginnings in a musical family - The underground rave scene in the '90s - Iconic festival sets and global tours - His work in music production, film, and Olympic ceremonies - The evolution of DJ culture and where it’s headed Whether you're a die-hard fan, aspiring DJ, or dance music historian — this episode is packed with untold stories and golden insights from a true pioneer. Check out the socials here > Instagram: [@peeweeferris]( https://www.instagram.com/peeweeferris ) Website: [peeweeferris.com]( http://peeweeferris.com ) Instagram: [@whatsthebpm]( https://www.instagram.com/whatsthebpm ) TikTok: [@whatsthebpm]( https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthebpm ) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one was so much fun! Jonny Sonic from the Potbellez, Multiple award winning artist, multiple platinum and gold records. A great talker, a great story teller, so many anthems, so much history. Legend! Check out > Link iconPlatinumMusicMentorwww.platinummusicmentor.com/optin Check out > Link iconJONNY SONIC EPKwww.jonnysonic.club Check out > Link iconThe Music DNA Foundationwww.themusicdnafoundation.org Check out Jonny's Instagram here > https://www.instagram.com/jonnysonicmusic/ Thanks so much for all the support, give the podcast instagram page a follow here > https://www.instagram.com/whats_the_bpm/ Also please Subscribe to the YouTube channel here > https://www.youtube.com/@WHATSTHEBPM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 16 features the Brisbane female icon, Dj Jen-e. Jenny has played at almost every major rave, club and festival in Aus from the early 90s to the present day. She has a distinct bouncy pumping sound that is recognisable regardless of the genre or tempo she is playing. She is a true local favourite, so it was a pleasure to sit and chat about her music career. Thanks for listening PLUR Check out her instagram page here > https://www.instagram.com/djjen_e__/ Check out her Soundcloud mixes here > https://soundcloud.com/djjen_e?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Check out this cool documentary that we spoke about on the podcast, sneaky little clip of Jen e in action here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfwOKccOIkA Please throw the official What's The BPM YouTube channel a subscribe here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9RirxK2kRM&t=1866s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.