The beat drops and everything changes.
While London Records dominates the pop charts, a new underground movement is erupting across the UK. Acid house. Rave. Electronic music. This isn’t just a trend: it’s a cultural shift.
At the centre is Pete Tong, on a mission to find something more than hits. He’s searching for legacy.
From imported records to illegal warehouse parties, we trace the birth of a scene that would redefine music forever. Early tracks like ‘Jack Your Body’ hint at what’s coming, but it’s only the beginning.
Through voices like Paul Hartnoll of Orbital and Utah Saints’ Jez Willis, we hear how bedroom producers and underground DJs became pioneers of a new sound.
London Records, through its ffrr imprint, tries to bridge two worlds: pop accessibility and dancefloor authenticity. It’s not always easy. There are tensions between art and commerce, pressure to add vocals, to chase radio play, but some artists refuse to compromise.
Meanwhile, collectives like Boys Own Productions push boundaries even further, while acts like Cookie Crew fight to establish UK Hip Hop in a resistant industry.
And then comes Goldie. With his groundbreaking work in drum ‘n’ bass, Goldie becomes the artist Pete Tong had been searching for. Complex, uncompromising, and visionary, he represents a new kind of success: not just hits, but cultural impact.
As rave transforms Britain, Episode 3 captures a moment when music wasn’t just heard: it was felt, lived, and fought for. This is the sound of a revolution.
Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Produced by Robin Leeburn. A Podmasters production for London Records.
Guests featured in this episode: Pete Tong, Julia Marcus, Sean Rowley, Paul Hartnoll (Orbital), Jez Willis (Utah Saints), Tim Garbutt (Utah Saints), Steve Hall, Susie Q (Cookie Crew), Debbie Remedy (Cookie Crew), Goldie
Songs featured in this episode:
Bronski Beat - Hit That Perfect Beat
Orbital - Chime
Happy Mondays - Hallelujah
Utah Saints - Something Good
Orbital - Halcyon
Goldie - Timeless
Goldie - Kemistry (Doc Scott Mix)
Goldie - State Of Mind
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‘Hit That Perfect Beat - The London Records Story’ compilation is released on 2CD / Digital on June 12, 2026 and available to pre-order now