BEHIND THE DECKS: WITH DJ CASH ONLY
House music thrives on strong identities – and few embody that better than DJ Cash Only. As a UK‑based DJ and producer, he moves confidently across the house spectrum, shaping his sets with bass‑driven grooves and influences from UK Garage. In our interview series “Behind the Decks,” he talks about his path, his roots, and the sound that defines him today.
In the Interview: DJ Cash Only
INHALTSVERZEICHNIS
About DJ Cash Only
beyerdynamic Blog: How did you become a DJ, and which moment particularly influenced your decision?
DJ Cash Only: The sounds of the late nineties in London with the emergence of Jungle and UK Garage inspired me to become a DJ, visiting record shops every weekend collecting flyers and vinyl’s led me to be totally obsessed with wanting to be part of that movement.
beyerdynamic Blog: That sounds truly passionate. Is there a sound that has shaped your musical identity to this day?
DJ Cash Only: Definitely. I’ll always Love UK Garage but not the stuff that people are making nowadays, the more underground sound that was driven by pioneers including Tuff Jam, Jason Kaye and others who used US House records sped up as their inspiration to create a whole new scene that gripped London from 1996 to around 2000.
Quick Fire Section
Favorite opening track: “The Cure and the Cause (Atmos Blaq Remix)”
Go-to track for the peak: “Notion – The Days” or “Tim Reaper – Pull Up (ODF Remix)”
Headphones: On-Ear or Over-Ear? On-Ear – and never In-Ear
Analog or digital? Digital
Dream back-to-back partner: Interplanetary Criminal
Three words that describe you as a DJ: Diverse, Energy and Selector
Quick Fire Section
Favorite opening track: “The Cure and the Cause (Atmos Blaq Remix)”
Go-to-track for the peak: “Notion – The Days” or “Tim Reaper – Pull Up (ODF Remix)”
Headphones: On-Ear or Over-Ear? On-Ear – and never In-Ear
Analog or digital? Digital
Dream back-to-back partner: Interplanetary Criminal
Three words that describe you as a DJ: Diverse, Energy and Selector
Musical Identity
beyerdynamic Blog: How would you describe your sound? What makes it unique?
DJ Cash Only: I’ve spent the last few years since I returned to the Studio experimenting and released all sorts of records from Afro House all the way through to Tech House which I think has probably been confusing to my listeners. In 2026 I’ve finally found a sound that I think represents me and excited to share a strong release schedule this year which I think will help people recognize the sound that I’m now pushing. I’d describe it at its core as House Music but with influences from my childhood embracing the garage and jungle baselines and groove in the drums.
beyerdynamic Blog: Interesting. Which genres, artists, or scenes inspire you the most right now?
DJ Cash Only: I think people like Gorgan City are really cool and I love what Interplanetary Criminal has done to push this new garage sound.
Club vs. Studio: from workflow to the dancefloor
beyerdynamic Blog: What does your workflow in the studio look like, and what do you focus on most when producing or preparing?
DJ Cash Only: Most of my releases this year are in collaboration with my studio partner Syncia. We are very inspired by tracks that we hear daily and try and pick out the pieces we like from each other as inspiration to creating our own. Referencing and reinterpreting other people’s music is a key part of the process and the focus is always on creator something that we can play on the dance floor during our sets.
beyerdynamic Blog: What role do good headphones play for you?
DJ Cash Only: They are extremely important. I’ve tried many brands, but I need something loud, robust, and with good sound quality. The beyerdynamic DJ headphones meet those needs perfectly for me.
beyerdynamic Blog: How do you manage to translate studio ideas authentically onto the dance floor?
DJ Cash Only: That’s actually quite simple. When we create a vibe in the studio, ill often be dancing around trying to visualise and imagine how that might feel when I get to play it out, where and when I might play it and if it will connect with a crowd. Then its down to actually having the confidence to play it out and road testing to check if what I imagined in the studio does indeed translate to energy on the dance floor!
Equipment: Setup and Gear Talk
beyerdynamic Blog: How has your setup changed over the years?
DJ Cash Only: I had a break from producing for over 10 years and when I came back to it i moved from an analogue set up to totally digital one. My first set up included lots of outboard equipment including a Korg MS2000 and lots of E-MU synths in a rack, nowadays I literally have a Keyboard and Ableton push and use everything digitally. Outboard equipment might look cool but technology has advanced so much I really dont think there’s any need for what I do. I go to lots of studios and see some amazing racks and synths but when I ask the engineers will often say they are not even plugged in.
beyerdynamic Blog: Which tools are essential in your setup?
DJ Cash Only: A great set of Monitors, My laptop and a variety of plug ins and samples that I use to build each sound palette.
Special Events
beyerdynamic Blog:What has been your most unforgettable gig – and why?
DJ Cash Only: Probably my last show at Glastonbury where I played on the opening night at the Shangri-La Luna Stage back-to-back with Sam Divine. Obviously, Glastonbury is an iconic place for any DJ to play and being part of the opening with thousands of festival goers on their first night full of energy was incredible!
beyerdynamic Blog: That sound great! Do you remember the most unusual event you’ve ever played at?
DJ Cash Only: Last year I played at Wasteland in Amsterdam which is probably one of the World’s biggest fetish events, the crowd were wild, but what happens in Wasteland stays in Wasteland!
Tips and Inspiration
beyerdynamic Blog: How do you maintain your creative flow in everyday DJ life, and which routines help you?
DJ Cash Only: I constantly listen to other DJs mixes and listen to playlists on Spotify trying to always find tracks that fit within my sets, there’s no better feeling than finding something new to play even if it’s been out for years. I think House Music is timeless so just because a track is maybe 10 years old and slipped through my net before I don’t think it matters!
beyerdynamic Blog: What defines a good DJ set for you — and what three concrete tips would you give to an aspiring DJ to noticeably improve their set?
DJ Cash Only: Good question. From my experience, there are three factors that can sustainably improve a set – whether you’re a beginner or a pro:
- Connect with the crowd: A great DJ set starts with building a real connection with the audience. This is often easier in smaller rooms, where you’re standing right next to the ravers on the dance floor and building energy together.
- Use your stage presence: Stage presence is more important than ever today – especially because so many cameras and phones are filming. How you present yourself behind the decks strongly influences how people perceive your set.
- Be prepared for challenging moments: Always have a few reliable “get‑out‑of‑jail” tracks ready in case the crowd is harder to read than usual. Being well prepared can often make all the difference.
beyerdynamic Blog: Thanks for the great tips! In your experience, which skills or habits distinguish DJs who remain successful long-term from those who disappear after a short time?
DJ Cash Only: I think House music has evolved and changed so much over the past 20 years and artists have to evolve to stay relevant. There’s lot of producers who are hot for a small space of time and you have to move with the times or be left with the Dinosaurs. Being a great reader of crowds and a great selector will overcome technical ability every time, I think.
Future and Trends
beyerdynamic Blog: Which technical developments or trends do you observe in the DJ world?
DJ Cash Only:I think most DJs now are using their time on socials and creative content rather than actually in the studio, I tend to get all my music done for the year in the winter when things slow down slightly as its very stressful and tiring to keep that momentum going once the tour schedule kicks in.
Obviously, everyone is talking about AI at the moment, for me I’m not interested in that. I’m sure there are some benefits, but I’d rather not get involved in it and keep music as something fun and creative in my life that takes me away from everyday life admin!
beyerdynamic Blog:Which track best describes your current state of mind?
DJ Cash Only: The track that currently describes my current state of mind is Marc Gonen – Wrong… its been on repeat for me ever since I heard it on a Keinemusik radio show by Andrea Oliver (An incredible DJ) it encapsulates everything I love about House Music and full of emotion.
beyerdynamic Blog: Thank you for the interesting interview, your time, and your answers!
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