Growing up in the 70/80's was a blessed time, so much innovation and creativity, with the beginnings of Hip Hop & House music.
Me and my mates were regulars at Queens, The Wag, Dance Wicked, Playground, Talkin Loud, Dingwalls, Bagleys, and many more amazing nights in that wonderful time. We were also always at Carnival, going from Westwood to Good Times.
We shopped for records all over the place, at Martin Lewin's record store in Slough where we met Joe Davis and bought records from him direct, Honest Jons, Mr Bongo, Groove, Soul Jazz, Release the Groove, Crazy Beat in Upminster to name a few among all the second hand & charity stores. Like I said Blessed times.
Gilles Peterson has been a big influence on me, sending me in different musical directions through his radio shows and club nights.
Goldie's Metalhead Sunday afternoon at the blue note. Robert Luis is a more recent influence as I live in Brighton.

I could go on, but listen to the mixes and you will hear all you need to know.