South London has contributed a lot to modern music. UKG, Dubstep and UK Hip-Hop are just a few of the things that stand out. Over at Planet Wax, the legacy of world and sound building is continuing. A New Cross-based record store and dubplate cutting house – also known as 1-800-Dubplate – it’s a small physical space doing big things.
Not only can you step foot into the shop and pick up records spanning Hardcore, Jungle, Footwork and Acid Techno, but you can also check out a live DJ set thanks to its weekly Open Decks sessions. Here, Planet Wax invites DJs of all disciplines to spin tunes while onlookers cut a rug. Everyone from Tim Reaper to Promo Zo have graced the decks at the store and wowed crowds. On top of that, Planet Wax has a regular radio show on Rinse FM and Kool FM, where members of staff play the very best dance music going right now. Not to mention its ‘ON AIR’ series, available to stream on Mixcloud.
We caught up with Chris Dexta, one of the key figures behind Planet Wax, about what the store represents and the future direction of DJ culture.
How did Planet Wax come about?
Chris Dexta: The record shop came off the back of needing a physical space to run our dubplate studio for our growing dubplate cutting service called 1-800-Dubplate. We were making too much noise, and I’d just been let go from my old job. There was no money floating about, so we decided to run a crowdfunding campaign which secured us some start up to rent a small premises in South London where we could lay foundations for today.
What are some of the creeds that you and the store hold closely?
For me, genuine expression is very important. Forget the pixel ratio and audio bitrate for a moment, and remember why we’re here. Authenticity is what keeps the fire burning. This is a labour of love, so whatever we are making with Planet Wax needs to be pure.
Record shops hold such a special place in the music community generally but what do you think helps Planet Wax stand out?
I strongly believe that the energy that each one of us brings behind the scenes and in front of the house is what gives us our spark. We all have our own taste in music which will be reflective in the diverse sounds curated around the shop. As well as energy, ideas and topics of chat around the room.
How do you engage with your local community?
In so many ways. The most obvious things are first and foremost the Open Decks sessions which we run every Wednesday evening. A house to come in and just get involved, all you need is a few tunes, some headphones and a bit of practice. You’ll meet other people from various walks of life and skillsets, which are the fundamental ingredients to create a spark in the arts world. Secondly, we’re open all hours and ready to chat, inspire and be inspired. So pop in, say hello and let’s make some history!
What have you enjoyed most about building your community?
Seeing so many regular faces coming back, starting their own collaborations, whether it’s DJing back-to-back, making music, starting record labels or events of their own. It feels this is one of the reasons we are here and love to see the fruit. There’s so much potential and positive energy around and we’re only just warming up. Never forget that united we stand, divided we fall.
What do you think is needed for platforms like Planet Wax to build a community?
I mentioned before, but authenticity, a real desire to make change, and not doing things like this because ’that’s a cool idea bro.’ We’re here to stay. No pop-up culture. We’re trying to celebrate, cultivate and preserve underground music culture because it flows in our blood and we feel a need to, not a gap in the market.
Whatever we are making with Planet Wax needs to be pure.
What do you want to see more or less from DJ culture?
I’d love to see DJs actually mixing tracks, rather than throwing them in for 20 seconds before bringing in the next one. I strongly believe that this is a product of the technology being too easy to use. Paired with an epidemic of short attention spans from both the performer and the end user. I miss the long drawn out mixes where an almost impossible blend is created – it takes your soul places!
Planet Wax has achieved a lot so far but what would you say are some of the proudest achievements?
I’m proud of absolutely everything. But the most rewarding has to be the fact we’re able to hire so many people and get them paid on time every month. This is creativity on a different level. It allows people to earn money to live while holding space for other people to come and let loose or learn. Or simply immerse themselves.
What have you got planned for the rest of 2025?
We’re raising some well needed cash to make the space a bit nicer on the eye and less grubby. We’re still living out of our suitcase since moving from our inaugural phase and money is too tight to mention. Some equipment upgrades, essential repairs and furniture improvements are on the cards. Just to make the place even nicer and comfortable for everyone. The music quality levels are always set very high, with no fear of that changing, so onwards and upwards!
Check out Planet Wax’s regular ‘ON AIR’ live streams on Mixcloud.