Dean Rudland – Acid Jazz Records

In this episode, Acid Jazz records co-owner, Dean Rudland shares his lifelong musical journey and personal relationship with the world of Paul Weller. From being pulled into music by The Beatles and The Jam, through finding his own identity in Mod, to eventually working with and around the Weller orbit, Dean gives an insider’s perspective on cultural movements – and Paul Weller’s unique gift for making fans feel part of something bigger.

Discovering Weller: Dean’s first musical obsessions, being drawn in by The Jam and the signals of the sixties, and snapping his ‘A Town Called Malice’ 7″ from over-listening at school.

Style Council Inspiration: How the launch of The Style Council opened up new worlds of influences – Blue Note records, European cinema, style – and made young fans feel included, never patronized.

Mod, Soul, and Acid Jazz: Dean’s experiences at early Mod club nights, the search for ever-better records, and distinguishing between fan devotion and healthy snobbery.

Clubs, Community & Weller’s Scene: How late ‘80s/early ‘90s London club life brought Paul and Dean into the same creative circles. Stories from the Acid Jazz office and legendary Dingwalls and Town & Country Club gigs.

Paul Weller Movement & Comeback: Dean on witnessing the electric intimacy and excitement of Weller’s return, why the music industry doubted his future – and how Paul Weller proved them wrong.

The Self-Titled Album: Memories of the demo tapes, the buzz around songs like ‘Kosmos,’ and the thrill of hearing ‘Bullrush’ straight from the studio.

Modernism and Philosophy: How Paul Weller’s evolving vision of style, music, and attitude has formed Dean’s own approach to life and music – why Mod isn’t just nostalgia, but an ongoing pursuit of what’s best, new, and authentic.

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Dancing Through the Fire

Dean Rudland is one of over 250 contributors to my Sunday Times Bestselling book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire, which is available now.
Click on the image below to grab your copy…