Once Upon A Time In Cornwall with Si Spex

Once A DJ

This week we get into it with Si Spex of UKHH pioneers The Creators, about growing up in Cornwall and getting into hip hop, early DJing experiences, college and university, meeting Julian and Johnny F, and exposure to library music. Si Spex discusses his journey in music production and DJing, including his time with High Wicking, equipment acquisition, DJing in High Wycombe and London, working with MCM and The Rats, signing with Blindside Records and releasing the Master Plan EP, signing with Wall of Sound and collaborating with American artists, and the mix with Plus One and DJing. In this conversation, Si Spex discusses his transition to the internet age, selling records in America, his day job and DJing, adapting to commercial DJing, enjoyment and feedback in DJing, balancing DJing and a day job, working at a music distribution company, recreating the sound of old records, motivation and belief in his musical potential, advancements in music technology, and investing time and efficiency.

Takeaways

Growing up in Cornwall presented challenges in getting into hip hop, but the passion remained strong.

Early DJing experiences helped shape the DJ's skills and confidence.

College and university provided opportunities to study graphic design and illustration.

Meeting Julian and Johnny F led to a deep friendship and shared love for music.

Exposure to library music opened up new possibilities for sampling and production. Si Spex started his music production journey with High Wicking and acquired equipment such as samplers and sequencers.

He DJed in High Wycombe and London, including at The Attic, and formed connections with local music people.

Si Spex and Julian formed The Rats and released a few 12-inch records.

They signed with Blindside Records and released the Master Plan EP, which received positive reception.

Si Spex and Julian signed with Wall of Sound and collaborated with American artists, expanding their reach.

Si Spex continued DJing during this time, playing at various venues and events. The internet revolutionized the music industry, making it easier to communicate and sell records.

Si Spex transitioned from selling records in America to working a day job and DJing.

He adapted to commercial DJing and focused on playing music that pleased the crowd.

Si Spex enjoys DJing and values feedback from the audience.

He balances his DJing career with his day job at a music distribution company.

Si Spex is passionate about recreating the sound of old records and using advancements in music technology.

He stays motivated by believing in his musical potential and investing his time efficiently.

Chapters

04:33

Growing Up in Cornwall and Getting into Hip Hop

08:04

Early DJing Experiences

21:22

College and University

29:59

Meeting Julian and Johnny F

36:38

Exposure to Library Music

40:34

Formation of High Wicking and Equipment Acquisition

48:32

DJing in High Wycombe and London

52:23

Working with MCM and The Rats

56:45

Signing with Blindside Records and Releasing the Master Plan EP

01:05:09

Signing with Wall of Sound and Collaborating with American Artists

01:14:37

The Mix with Plus One and DJing

01:19:59

Transition to the Internet Age

01:20:52

Selling Records in America

01:21:36

Transition to Day Job and DJing

01:24:17

Adapting to Commercial DJing

01:26:34

Enjoyment and Feedback in DJing

01:29:37

Balancing DJing and Day Job

01:30:42

Working at a Music Distribution Company

01:34:17

Recreating the Sound of Old Records

01:37:42

Motivation and Belief in Musical Potential

01:41:31

Advancements in Music Technology

01:43:19

Investing Time and Efficiency