Dave Onetone is a music-focused program hosted by the veteran disc jockey of the same name, broadcasting primarily through Soul Central Radio. The show specializes in a curated selection of soul, jazz-funk, disco, and boogie, often emphasizing high-energy "bangers" and extended 12-inch vinyl versions. As a veteran of the club scene with a career beginning in 1979, Onetone incorporates decades of industry experience into his sets, drawing from a professional history that includes the South London circuit and the Canary Islands' dance scene of the late 1980s.
The podcast serves as an archive for Onetone’s live radio sessions, which follow a consistent weekly schedule. These include weekend broadcasts on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, as well as mid-week afternoon slots on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 3:00 PM. The programming is characterized by a "both barrels" approach—a term the host uses to describe a high-intensity delivery of classic dance-floor anthems and rare grooves.
A defining aspect of the show is its adherence to traditional DJ culture. Onetone is a noted vinyl enthusiast, frequently performing sets using Stanton ST150 turntables and Ortofon styli. This commitment to analog media provides a specific acoustic quality and authenticity to the jazz-funk and soul recordings featured. The show also serves as a digital extension of his live work, including his involvement with the London Soul Train Cruise and various international soul-music events.
Listeners tune in for a mix of mainstream hits and deeper catalog cuts that span across R&B, house, and classic disco. The format is largely non-commercial, focusing on musical transitions and the preservation of soul music history rather than contemporary pop trends. Each episode typically offers a two-hour immersive experience, designed to recreate the atmosphere of a classic soul and funk club environment.