PLANET wax

Back in April we teamed up with Soho Radio for a five-day takeover in the heart of London to bring fans the best in global independent music. To celebrate the event, we also launched two grants for emerging independent radio stations and record stores to fund projects which open up their space in music culture to be more diverse and inclusive. Planet Wax are one of those winning recipients.

Planet Wax was started by two passionate DJs and vinyl enthusiasts, Chris Dexta and Lewis Joyce. They share a deep love for the underground sounds of dance music, particularly genres like Hardcore, Jungle, UK Garage, and everything in between.

Their journey began in Chris’ spare room, where they set up a studio to cut music onto vinyl records for DJs and record labels. These vinyl releases were produced in small batches for their dedicated fan base. As their business grew, they expanded into a small record shop in Deptford. Their goal was not just to sell records but to build a community and preserve the cultural roots of music that had thrived in the city 30 years ago.

However, just as they opened their doors, the global lockdown hit. This setback forced them to focus on their online presence and community-building efforts. When they finally reopened, their shop quickly became a gathering place for music enthusiasts from all over, attracting visitors and becoming a hub for London’s music scene. Over time, Planet Wax relocated to New Cross, expanded their services to include late-night events, and hosted intimate music gatherings that brought together DJs, artists, and music lovers from diverse backgrounds.

Their mission has remained unchanged throughout their journey: to spread music culture, create job opportunities, and provide a safe and welcoming space for people to immerse themselves in the world of music and self-discovery.