#338. UK’s Most Successful Rave Promoters ‘Slammin Vinyl‘- Grant Smith & Paul Rooney

The episode features a detailed conversation with Paul and his partner about their extensive experience in the events industry, starting from their early days in music promotion at 19 years old. They reflect on the rapid rise of Acid House and rave culture, discussing how they first earned money through creating their own record label and promoting events. Specific stories about the risks of event promotion, like the substantial financial losses they've faced, add to the narrative of their entrepreneurial journey. They also touch on the evolution of the nightclub scene and how venues have changed over the years due to gentrification and licensing laws. The conversation leads to memorable events they've hosted, including large festivals and the emotional impact of bringing people together post-pandemic. They acknowledge the shift from fun, carefree promoting to a more spreadsheet-driven industry, highlighting the challenges new promoters face today. Ultimately, they celebrate the joy of putting on events and the connections forged through music.