Paths of Rhythm (Formerly Once A DJ)

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

Amo/Tidy Trax links:

1. https://www.instagram.com/tidytrax/ (label)
2. https://www.instagram.com/tidyamo/ (Amo)
3. https://www.youtube.com/@tidytrax

In part one of this two-part conversation, we sit down with Amadeus Mozart (Lee Marlow), one half of The Tidy Boys and the architect of the Tidy Empire that defined UK hard house.

Born in Kettering in 1965 into a working-class family, Amadeus traces his musical journey from his audiophile father's obsession with the Moog synthesizer to becoming a disco devotee in the punk rock era. We explore his formative years being bullied at school for loving Village People while his classmates embraced The Clash, his discovery of London's underground gay club scene in the 1980s, and navigating the AIDS crisis while waving the flag for gay rights.

This episode covers the crucial early years: his friendship with Darren Kennedy, the influence of classical music through his gay housemate Norman, and the loss of his father in 1996 just before his breakthrough success. It's a story of passion, persistence, and staying true to your musical vision against the odds.

Key Topics:

1. Growing up with Spotlight on the Moog (1968) - the pre-Kraftwerk electronic revolution
2. Being into disco during the punk rock movement (1977-79)
3. The UK's reaction to the "Disco Sucks" movement
4. Discovering London's gay club scene in the 1980s
5. Living through the AIDS crisis and fighting for gay rights
6. The influence of classical music on electronic music
7. Working-class roots and the journey to music industry success

Guest: Amadeus Mozart (The Tidy Boys, Handbaggers) Recorded at: Tileyard North, Wakefield

Part two coming soon, covering the Hit the Decks era, the birth of Tidy, and 30+ years of UK dance music history.

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

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

In this special episode, we sit down with mixtape legend J.Period for an in-depth conversation about his journey from LA to New York, the craft of storytelling through music, and what it takes to sustain a prolific creative career in the ever-changing music industry.

J.Period shares intimate insights into his creative process, from his early days discovering hip hop through Beat Street to becoming one of the most respected mixtape curators in the game. We explore his collaborations with icons like The Roots, Lauryn Hill, Nas, and Q-Tip, and discuss how he's adapted his craft in the streaming era while maintaining artistic integrity.

This conversation goes deep into the philosophy of curation, the importance of resilience in creative work, and how to balance prolific output with quality and family life. Whether you're a DJ, producer, or creative professional, there's invaluable wisdom here about staying authentic and building a sustainable career in music.

J.Period - Legendary mixtape DJ, curator, and storyteller known for his innovative blends and narrative-driven projects. Creator of iconic mixtapes including The Best of Lauryn Hill, collaborations with The Roots, Nas, Q-Tip, and many more.

1. Early influences: Growing up in LA and discovering hip hop through Beat Street
2. The move to New York in 1999 and starting the DJ journey
3. The craft of mixtape curation and storytelling through music
4. Building relationships with artists like The Roots, Lauryn Hill, and Nas
5. The evolution from physical mixtapes to streaming platforms
6. Apple Music's DJ program and finally getting DJs compensated
7. The philosophy of resilience: handling rejection and failure
8. Balancing prolific creative output with family and personal life
9. The importance of authenticity and gratitude in the music industry
10. Upcoming projects and live performances

"Failure is an essential part of success. I would not have been able to do any of these things unless I tried and failed eight, nine, ten times on the road to figuring it out."

"The only thing they've ever been able to do is pay the copyright holders. No one has ever figured out how to pay the DJs until Apple Music."

"If you tell me no, I'm just going to figure out another way to do it. That's why I'm where I'm at."

"What you bring to a thing is what you will get from it. The amount of arrogance and ego and expectation you bring will be matched. But if you're grateful and humble, that will affect the outcome too."

1. Instagram: @jperiodbk
2. Twitter: @jperiodbk
3. Facebook: J Period BK
4. YouTube: J Period BK

Big thanks to Dan Lish for connecting us for this conversation.

Live Podcast Recording with Dan Lish

1. Date: January 30th, 2026
2. Location: Canopy Menswear, Derby
3. Contact the show for details

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

Aidy West, owner of Vinyl Underground for over 30 years, shares his journey from breakdancing kid to underground record dealer. From attending Fresh '86 at age 14 to shipping directly from Detroit, surviving vinyl's dark days, and witnessing the Record Store Day boom - this is the story of passion over profit in the record game.

Part 1: Musical Origins (00:02:03 - 00:17:45)

• 00:02:03 - Introduction
• 00:02:41 - Growing up with Madness and two-tone
• 00:04:16 - First records: Buggles and WH Smith Saturdays
• 00:05:09 - The Jam's "Going Underground" changes everything
• 00:06:36 - Breakdancing and electro: "Oral sex spelled A-U-R-L"
• 00:09:33 - Fresh '86: Afrika Bambaataa and the Wembley pilgrimage
• 00:13:21 - The legendary Hammersmith Public Enemy gig at 14
• 00:15:24 - Record shop culture and getting ignored in London

Part 2: Hip Hop & Early House (00:17:45 - 00:30:26)

• 00:17:45 - Northampton's healthy hip hop scene
• 00:19:23 - Hip house and Doug Lazy's "Let It Roll" obsession
• 00:21:12 - First DJ experience at college parties
• 00:22:13 - A-level results and joining the family business
• 00:24:54 - Buying Technics with summer warehouse job money
• 00:26:17 - Meeting Alton and discovering Chicago/Detroit
• 00:26:51 - Yorkshire Bleep: The origins of UK bass music

Part 3: Building Vinyl Underground (00:30:26 - 00:48:13)

• 00:30:26 - ESP/Dreamscape and early rave scene
• 00:33:12 - Moving to Brighton and the scene there
• 00:38:09 - The Orbital "Chime" hunt across London
• 00:40:44 - Adam Naked: "Talk about giving up food for funk"
• 00:42:33 - The NEC record fair that started everything
• 00:46:10 - "I'm gonna start a shop" - birth of 80s Vinyl Underground
• 00:47:11 - First advert in Echoes magazine
• 00:48:13 - The first customer: Stevie from Birmingham

Part 4: Going Direct to America (00:48:13 - 00:59:12)

• 00:48:58 - First Underground Resistance record and Submerge
• 00:50:56 - Calling Detroit on expensive international rates
• 00:53:04 - Why London couldn't get the records Aidy wanted
• 00:56:28 - Passion first, business second
• 00:57:14 - Eddie Richards buying records in Aidy's parents' bedroom
• 00:59:01 - Specializing in what others ignored

Part 5: The American Dream (00:59:12 - 01:13:11)

• 01:00:16 - The 1997 American buying trip
• 01:01:50 - £5,000 cash in a bum bag
• 01:04:05 - Walking into Guidance Records Chicago
• 01:06:35 - Meeting Mike Banks at Underground Resistance
• 01:07:48 - The Detroit tour that never happened
• 01:09:11 - Getting tracked down in Kalamazoo

Part 6: Growth & Technology (01:13:11 - 01:29:25)

• 01:13:11 - Early website in 1998
• 01:15:22 - The rush to get new releases online first
• 01:20:46 - Tech house boom and expanding the shop
• 01:22:57 - The Moody Man effect: Bridging hip hop and house
• 01:25:11 - Mathematics and "coming full circle" in 2009
• 01:28:34 - Dark days: Moving to London during the crash
• 01:29:25 - The Saturday pilgrimage when he came back

Part 7: Vinyl's Death & Resurrection (01:29:25 - 01:37:36)

• 01:31:06 - Limited 300-copy pressings save the scene
• 01:33:02 - When did vinyl come back?
• 01:33:28 - Record Store Day: Love it or hate it
• 01:34:55 - Too many record shops now?
• 01:36:42 - 30 years to learn the DJ craft
• 01:37:36 - Working with NRK and Dimitri from Paris
• 01:39:20 - Driving American house legends
• 01:40:59 - Angel Moralez and the Paradise Garage

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

• DJ Design on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/djdesign
• DJ Design on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djdesign

In our second sit down with DJ Design, we cover his experiences with his group, running a label Look Records, and when it all falls down.

Get the lowdown on why he had such a good run producing, what led to Foreign Legion getting management, and what went wrong with the Beastie Boys remix. And what happens when everything you loved disappears and you have to start again. 

This is an honest and revealing insight into one artist’s experiences for the good, and for the bad, respect to Design for sharing so much.

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

DJ Design's links:

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/djdesign
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djdesign/

DJ Design, a pivotal figure in the Bay Area's vibrant music landscape, takes center stage in this compelling discourse, wherein we delve into his formative years and the profound influences that shaped his illustrious career. Having been deeply entrenched in the early days of Stones Throw Records, he shares with us insights into his artistic genesis, elucidating how the unique local scene and his familial ties to music laid the groundwork for his remarkable journey. From his early encounters with renowned artists to the serendipitous moments that led him to collaborate closely with Peanut Butter Wolf, DJ Design's narrative is one of camaraderie and creativity that resonates with the essence of hip-hop culture. We explore the nuances of DJing and music production, touching on the inspirations drawn from iconic figures and the collective spirit of the Bay Area artists who contributed to a rich tapestry of sound. With wit and candor, DJ Design reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his career, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into the world of a true musical innovator.

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

Mojaxx's Links:

• https://www.instagram.com/mojaxx/
• https://www.youtube.com/djcitytv

This week I sat with trusted reviewer, gear head and open format Dj Mojaxx to discuss his journey through DJing, the good and the bad of open format, and naturally, we get into some pretty nerdy bits around effects chains, turntables and more.

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

DJ Angelo's links:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJAngeloUK
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/djangelouk
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@djangelouk

This week, we delve into the remarkable journey of DJ Angelo, a luminary in the realm of turntablism, whose ascent from a modest beginning to becoming a highly respected figure in the DJ community serves as an inspiration to many. Having cultivated a friendship spanning two decades, I have had the privilege to witness Angelo's evolution not only as a turntablist but also as a creative director, shaping the landscape of DJing itself. Throughout our conversation, we traverse the tapestry of his early influences, the pivotal moments that ignited his passion for music, and the profound impact of community on his artistic development. Angelo's narrative is replete with insights into the relentless pursuit of excellence and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. Join us as we explore the multifaceted dimensions of his career, punctuated by anecdotes that illuminate the challenges and triumphs that have defined his path.

This week I’m honoured to be joined by one of my oldest friends in DJing, DJ Angelo. 

Very poignant that this comes out straight after DMC Weekend, given that he’s probably played a significant role in a lot of competitors learning their craft. Before terms like influencer existed, Angelo gained mass exposure through his YouTube tutorial videos, and has continued to contribute a lot to the scene as a performer, ambassador, competitor, tech advisor and more.

In this episode we go right back to his roots, looking at the many different ways Angelo’s developed artistically and professionally, and we find out what keeps him growing, and how he feels about 25 years in the game.

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

Embarking on a profound exploration of the multifaceted artistry of Brian Cross, also known as B+, this episode delves into his pivotal contributions to the realms of hip hop and DJ photography. As we dissect his significant works, we illuminate the intricate interplay between music and visual narrative, particularly focusing on his celebrated projects such as the Keeping Time and Brazilian Time documentaries. We will traverse the vibrant landscape of hip hop culture, examining notable moments like the Beat Battle between Will I Am and Thess One, while also paying homage to a luminary like J Dilla through the Sweet for My Dukes project, an endeavor that transcends mere tribute to achieve a resonant eulogy. Our discourse invites DJs and enthusiasts alike to engage with the sonic and visual tapestry that B+ has masterfully woven, promising insights that are as enlightening as they are entertaining. Prepare to immerse yourself in a conversation that is not only a celebration of artistry but also a testament to the enduring impact of hip hop culture on visual storytelling.

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

Brian Cross, known colloquially as B Plus, presents a compelling narrative as he delves into his remarkable odyssey from Limerick, Ireland, to the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles, where he has cultivated a multifaceted career as both a revered photographer and an integral figure within the hip-hop community. This episode encapsulates the essence of B Plus's journey, highlighting his deep-rooted connection to DJing and the transformative power of music in his life. Through a fascinating discourse, we explore how music has served as both a refuge and a catalyst for community, shaping his identity and artistic vision amidst the evolving cultural tapestry of America. With wit and insight, B Plus elucidates the intricacies of his craft, recounting the pivotal moments that have defined his trajectory, including collaborations with renowned artists and the nuanced dynamics of cultural representation in the visual arts. Join us as we traverse the intersections of music, photography, and community, gaining a profound appreciation for the artistry that transcends geographical boundaries and resonates universally.