Hardstyle Lovers

Step In My Mind

2012-01-31T03:14:00.000-08:00

Cape Towns biggest Hard Dance Export, Psycho Keaton, brings you the follow up to his chart topping track "Hell Night" called "Step In My Mind" it's a Hard Fusion of Electro, Tech, Dubstep and Energetic Hard Trance guaranteed to get your hands reaching for the lasers!

If you want this tune, visit Trackitdown here: http://www.trackitdown.net/track/psycho-keaton/step-in-my-mind-original-mix/hard_dance/3994427.html

On the Flip side we have Trance Supermind Vaughan Phillips doing his part on the hit track "Hell Night" which contains one of the most epic buildups of the year!

Cinematic Samples and Sound Library

2012-01-30T23:56:00.000-08:00

Bluezone Corporation has released a new pack. Dark Cinematic Textures and Sound Effects might be what you need to perfect that tune you've been thinking about.

If you're a producer and looking to add dark eerie cinematic elements to your music., then this is the perfect pack for you. This pack can be used for a few genres, hardcore and hardstyle being two of them!

Check it out: http://www.bluezone-corporation.com/catalogue/details/91/6/products/dark-cinematic-textures-&-sound-effects.html

Psycho Keaton - Birthday Freakstyle Mix

2012-01-26T23:59:00.000-08:00

Once again Psycho Keaton, the founder of Freakstyle, has blown me away with another one of his mixes... Love it! He turned 27 early this month and thought a birthday mix would be awesome... Pure Freakstyle sound! - HARD!

In addition along with Jerry Badd Ass, they will also be launching their own Radio show on Mutha FM next month. More details later, so watch this space!

You can download the hardstyle/freakstyle mix here: http://www.mediafire.com/?m9r1cckv5u9xhzk

DJ Asha

2012-01-25T02:33:00.000-08:00

Asha is an International DJ from London who has played at the biggest nightclubs all over the world and now has 2 residencies in LA.

Alizé, daughter of the legendary reggae artist Barrington Levy is a singer/songwriter, contemporary jazz dancer, model and actress.

You can listen to once of her mixes here: http://soundcloud.com/djasha/alize-smile-dj-asha-mix

Sound Effects

2011-12-21T04:52:00.000-08:00

As you know I do a lot of promoting for Bluezone Corporation. So for all those DJ's and producers out there, here's another package that could rock your world!

Those for genres such as dubstep, drum and bass and none other than HARDSTYLE! Check it out here: http://www.bluezone-corporation.com/catalogue/details/89/6/products/xen-world---sci-fi-sound-effects-&-soundscapes.html

HSK 4 Concluded

2011-12-11T23:09:00.000-08:00

So I haven't yet posted anything about how Hardstlye Kombat 4 was, which is disappointing. But I've found some time now to tell you what it was like for me.

The night before the party, the venue was changed due to the club owner of Gallery/Liquid having some issues. This was initially disappointing for all... until the night began.

CrazyBoy Productions did a fantastic job with the look and feel of the venue - perfect for the party! With the brilliant DJ's playing fantastic sets, awesome sound, awesome lighting, a friendly crowd feeling the hard beats - the party was surely one to remember.

Throughout the night many DJ's gave me CD's of their mixes for me to share with you guys. I still need to upload a few of them, but here's one of them from Elemental: http://soundcloud.com/elemental-south-africa/elemental-closer-the-hmsa

Here are some photos from the night:

The Ticket

DJ F3nucci

DJ F3nucci and Psycho Keaton

The Joker

Jerry Badd Ass

Eddy Virgo and Jerry Badd Ass

Elemental DJ

Hardstyle Kombat IV

2011-11-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

It's been more than 3 years since Crazyboy Productions established thee biggest hardstyle event (Saga) that Cape Town has ever witnessed... HARDSTYLE KOMBAT.

From previous posts of mine you'll understand what a massive event Hardstyle Kombat is for Cape Town. From HSK1, HSK2 and HSK3, Crazyboy Productions have never disappointed. This time they've decided to turn back the clocks to where it all began... CLUB GALLERY! Only Cape Town hardstylers will truly understand the significance of this venue... memories.

This year they've put together a KILLER of a line-up - and the beauty of it is that they're all local South African DJ's. These names are the biggest in the country! With the likes of Psycho Keaton, Eddy Virgo, Ben Kay and Elemental... it could even be IN THE WORLD! SA's got talent!

This is what the line-up looks like:

BEG & BURGER (CLASSIC REUNION SET)
ELEMENTAL (JHB) vs BENKAY DEJAY (JHB)
F3NUCCI VS PSYCHO KEATON (CRAZYBOY PRODUCTIONS)
EDDY VIRGO (JHB) vs JERRY BADD ASS (CPT)
CHEMICAL NOIZE (EX DBN) vs DRUM DISASTER (EX JHB)
STEVIE B (SB PRODUCTIONS) vs GARETH ED3N
ASH M (LIQUID) vs SAMIER (UP N COMING DJ WINNER)

The theme of this event is MASKS! With everyone wearing cool, freaky and scary masks... it's sure to be one crazeeeee event! For more details on this event you can check out the Facebook event page at: http://www.facebook.com/events/134757089964032/

Psycho Keaton (one of the Crazyboy Production founders) has also released a new hardstyle mix for this event, entitled HARDSTYLE KOMBAT 4 PROMO MIX. You can download it for free here: http://www.mediafire.com/?jp4atfki4ue7edp

Hardstyle and Hardcore kicks

2011-11-10T22:53:00.000-08:00

Bluezone Corporation now has a new package called: Nu Hardstyle & Hardcore Kicks

I'm sure all you hardstyle and hardcore upcoming producers and DJ's would love it. The package has a new sample pack including distorted and filtered kicks. The sounds can be used for any of these genres: Hardstyle, Hardcore, Gabber, Hardtek, Techno, Rave and Drum n Bass.

For more information on this product visit http://www.bluezone-corporation.com/catalogue/details/87/6/products/nu-hardstyle-&-hardcore-kicks.html

New mix by DJ D Project

2011-11-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if you guys remember a couple of my posts about DJ D Project. I posted links to his mixes. Those who had the chance to listen would know that his hardstyle mixes are awesome!

So here's a link to a new mix of his. I most certainly enjoyed it - I'm sure you would too!

http://soundcloud.com/dproject/dj-d-project-hard-with-style-8

Tomorrowland - Q Dance 2011

2011-10-18T03:10:00.000-07:00

Check out the Q Dance video which our fellow hardstyle attended. If you were there, share you experience!

The Vision

2011-10-03T04:21:00.001-07:00

Sorry all for the lack of blogposts. Life gets busier and busier the older your get - sigh!

Another mix available from one of South Africa's best hardstyle DJ's... Elemental! As always, Elemental NEVER disappoints! So to all my hardstyle peeps - you're sure to love it! Click on the picture below to listen/download. Enjoy...

Hardstyle Movement South Africa

2011-09-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

HMSA Vision: BROADEN, EDUCATE AND EXPOSE A NU-AGE HARDSTYLE MOVEMENT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA!

It's been a long time coming where the Hard Dance Scene in South Africa needed a platform to showcase a hidden talent. Something fresh lurks and needs to be exposed.

This platform serves a basis for other promoters and individuals to gain serious interest and respect among the hardstyle artists and their followers. The rest of the world has adapted the nu-age hardstyle scene with open arms. It is time South Africa gives it a real chance and offers this option to the uneducated clubber.

HMSA will form the driving push and platform to expose this modern era of Hard Dance music offering outlets for DJ's, producers and fellow supporters the opportunity to have their voices heard!

Visit http://www.hardstylemovement.co.za/ for more!

Hardcore Heaven

2011-09-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

A bumper package filled with awesome tracks and remixes of upfront hardcore served up by the biggest hardcore DJs around: Dougal & Gammer, Sy & Unknown and Joey Riot & Kurt. It also features exclusive remixes of current Radio 1 play-listed records.

This Harcore Heaven CD takes us on an up-to-the-minute ride of Hardcore anthems from scenes ace faces Hixxy, Brisk & Ham, Darren Styles, Scott Brown and Andy Whitby.

They are one of the longest running hardcore brand from the old skool Slammin’ Vinyl team, and will also be hosting the 2011 Official Hardcore Awards.

It's a compliation of 64 exclusive tracks across three discs which was relarease last week. Here's the pre-order link: http://bit.ly/hardcoreheaven.

TRACKLIST:

CD01 Dougal & Gammer Mix
01 Dougal & Gammer – Monster
02 Dougal & Gammer – Trust In Me
03 Darren Styles & Gammer – You & I
04 Dougal & Gammer - Orbit
05 Dougal & Gammer ft. Niki Mak - Back Home
06 Gammer & Whizzkid – Jump
07 Dougal, Gammer & JB-C ft. Jenna - Show Me The Way
08 Gammer & Klubfiller - Future Fuzz
09 Dougal, Gammer & JB-C ft. Jerome - No Way Back
10 Dougal & Gammer ft. Jerome - There For You
11 Gammer & JB-C - Bigger and Bolder
12 Dougal & Gammer - Your One
13 Dougal & Gammer ft. Jenna - All The Tears I’ve Cried (JB-C Remix)
14 Chris Fear vs Ajay - Catch The Light
15 Drumsound and Bassline Smith - Close (Dougal & Gammer Remix)
16 Andy Whitby & Klubfiller – Blam
17 Gammer & Cally Gage - Breakneck Bastard
18 Dougal & Gammer vs Klubfiller - Do What You Wanna Do
19 Chris Fear - Cameras Ready
20 Dougal & Gammer - Lifting Me Higher (Back to 97 Mix)

CD02 Sy & Unknown Mix
01 Sureal - You Take My Breath Away (Sy & Unknown Remix)
02 Sy & Unknown ft. Lou Lou - Love Can't Wait
03 Dance Assassins - Sail Away (Darren Styles Remix)
04 Sy & Re-Con - Meatfeast
05 Sy & Joey Riot - F*cking Sh*t Music
06 Sy & Unknown - My Forever Love
07 Sy & Unknown ft. Kirsten Joy - Superstar
08 Supreme & Mob – Cameo
09 Darren Styles – Burning Up
10 Sy & Technikore – Places Please
11 Sy & Unknown - The Steel Finger Part 2
12 Black & White – Get Ya Hands Up! (Original Mix)
13 Sy & Gammer - (I Think I'm Goin') Outta My Head
14 The Collective - Kick It (Sy & Unknown's 2011 Update)
15 Sy & Unknown - Psychopath 2011
16 Breeze & Technikore – Moments
17 Hixxy, Sy & Unknown - The Clit Commander 2011
18 Sy & Al Storm - Do You Love Your Hardcore? (Hardcore Heaven VIP Mix)
19 Al Storm vs Hardfroze – Don’t Go Breakin My Heart (Mike Modulate Remix)
20 Chris Unknown & Re-Con - Ganja Man
21 Sy & Unknown - Pictures Of You
22 Brisk & Ham – Get On The Floor

CD03 Joey Riot & Kurt Mix
01 Kurt ft. Sara – Sit & Wait (Exclusive Album Mix)
02 Gammer & Whizzkid - We Are The Vampires (Joey Riot Remix)
03 Q-Tex - Like An Angel (Kurt Remix)
04 Joey Riot & Seduction ft. James Warren - Time To Move On
05 Kurt & Boyle – Electro Stomp
06 Sy & Joey Riot - Wa-Ja-Mi-Call-It
07 Ricky Skull Crusher – Kinky Slinky
08 Raw Theory – Solarise
09 Joey Riot & Technikore - Broken
10 Al Storm – Werewolf (Joey Riot Remix)
11 Scott Brown - Don't You Worry (Joey Riot & Kurt Remix)
12 Prospect & Pinnacle - Zombie Nightclub
13 Joey Riot - You’ll Never Know (HH Anthem 2011)
14 Himbo & Enemy - Everywhere I Turn (Kurt Remix)
15 Kurt & Marc Smith - Throw Ya Hands Up
16 Darren Styles & Re-Con - Like A Bitch (Joey Riot & Kurt Remix)
17 Kurt ft. Sara - Bang Banger (Exclusive Album Mix)
18 Endymion & The Viper – Smash
19 Destructive Tendencies - Smack My Pitch Up
20 Endymion & Nosferatu – Drunk With A Gun (Evil Activities Remix)
21 Kurt & Joey Riot – Rock Ya Hardcore (Kurt & Joey Riot 2011 Remix)
22 Gammer & Joey Riot - This Is The Reckoning

Andy Whitby - Strike 3

2011-08-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

The legendary hard trance DJ, Andy Whitby, returns to Cape Town for a third time in two years! Clearly Andy Whitby loves Cape Town, and Cape Town loves Andy Whitby.

Mr. Whitby certainly doesn't need any introduction on my blog. You can check out old posts about him. About Andy Whitby, my interview with Andy Whitby, a Cape Town visit by Andy Whitby.

All info about Andy Whitby's third visit to Cape Town can be found at the Facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=233529546657380

Insomniacz "Rocks" Tidy Boys

2011-08-11T04:40:00.000-07:00

On the 28th of August the Tidy Boyz return to Sheffield with Insomniacz. A whole fourteen aweseome gigs ready to storm the Corporation Nightclub. To kick it off - the Hard House Legends, Tidy Boyz, will be performing!

If you're looking for tickets you can catch them here: http://www.insomniacz.com/tickets/

The Facebook events page can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=184910158230813

Hard Dance Drum Sample

2011-07-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

Yo Mr. DJ... Looking for some cool samples? Bluezone Corporation is offering some awesome sound for you to download.

This sample is for those DJ's/Producers of the hard dance music. From Hard Trance, Hardcore, Techno and none other than HARDSTYLE! The pack contains 92 WAV Hard Dance drum samples ready to be uploaded in your system.

For more details, check out http://www.bluezone-corporation.com/catalogue/details/83/6/products/overflow---hard-dance-drums.html

Hard 4 Truth

2011-07-25T04:36:00.000-07:00

Music has been evolving for a long time, and will continue to do so. I've heard some awesome hardstyle mixes that include rock sounds, and more recently, dubstep.

One of South Africa's best hardstyle DJ's, Elemental, has a new mix for you to download for free. The mix is titled 'Hard 4 Truth'. Here it is (enjoy)... http://soundcloud.com/elemental-south-africa/elemental-hard4truth-we-coming

Loopseekers trance pack

2011-07-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

If you're into mixing and an upcoming DJ or producer, this might interest you.

Loopseekers are offering cool WAV electro progressive trance samples and much more. This pack is just under €15 and might come in handy when you're producing that awesome track!

For more information check out https://www.loopseekers.com/download/genres/trance-samples-and-sample-packs/electro-progressive-trance.html

Hardstraxx Survey

2011-07-15T02:54:00.000-07:00

Hardtraxx.nl has done a really nice hardstyle survey.

It has opinions on what people think of the different styles, sub genres, early hardstyle and much more. It's really good to see/hear what our hardstyle family has to say about our music.

Check out this awesome survey here: http://www.hardtraxx.nl/forum/algemeen/enquete-hardstyle-scene-t13656-175.html

Wobble Reflections

2011-07-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Headlining "Wobble Reflections" on Saturday 10th September 2011 will be leading award winning DJ/producer "Leon B" coming to our shores for the first time but really kicking up a storm in the UK club scene. He producers for the Awsum-Tidy Trax-Traffic-Riot and Impact Labels; including his own Noize Artist Label!

His Hits Include:

In My Mind (with Guyver)
Disco Love
God Is My DJ
Voodoo Hoover
Alone (with Ben Benett)

Still in his 20's he has become one of the top selling artists in the UK at the moment and he is coming to Cape Town to blow us away with a full 2 hour set supported by "DJ Dizzy" from The Hardy Boyz and the matrix Mother City'S own "Basil" - With some of the best of the best DJ's Cape Town has to offer.

All under a cloud of 5 super full colour lazers and smoke cannons doing a fantastic international lazer show (as last seen at the Trevor Mclachlan event). 3D big screen projections of a different kind; with the event being recorded "Live" with all the other fun extra's that will add to the elation of the night - such as the Playstations, jumping castles, dance podiums with sexy dancing girls, arcade games, super cyber bikes and an outside chill area with the DJ's performing house, progressive house and electro house. 15 hours of party madness!!!

Hard Techno Core

2011-06-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

A WAV / AIF sample collection has been made available by Bluezone Corporation. It's called HARD TECHNO CORE!

It has a wide variety of loops all created from scratch. If you're looking to download awesome sounds, be sure to visit Bluezone Corporation.

For more information check out: http://www.bluezone-corporation.com/catalogue/details/80/6/products/hard-techno-core.html

Sy and Unknown - Interview

2011-06-03T03:01:00.000-07:00

1) For those who are not familiar with who you are, give a brief description of yourself and where you come from.
My name is Chris Unknown and I live near London.

2) What genre of music do you play and produce?
Hardcore music.

3) Have you experimented with other genres of music?
I also produce/DJ Breaks UK Garage.

4) At what age did you first realise you potential as a DJ?
I used to mix vinyl onto cassettes when I was about 10 years old as I hated aving gaps in the music, so maybe that was the starting point!

5) For how long have you been DJing/producing?
About 20 years now.

6) What's the hardest part of being a DJ?
The long nights, the driving and trying to get some family time when you're actually awake!!

7) What well known DJ's have you collaborated with?
Slipmatt, Seduction, Darren Styles, Mark Breeze, Re-Con, Squad-ee....plus loads more.

8) Who are some of your favourite local and international DJ's?
I'm a big fan of Krafty Kuts, his mixing is so clever.

9) Do you make your music readily available to download from the internet?
Yes, you can get it all from our website, www.quoshrecords.com or from ITunes, Beatport, Trackitdown etc etc.

10) Do you DJ/produce on a full-time basis?
Yes I do.

Check out Sy and Unknown's sample pack at http://www.loopmasters.com/product/details/825/Sy_and_Unknown_-_Essential_Hardcore

BK hits Cape Town!

2011-05-24T02:15:00.000-07:00

BK, a.k.a. Ben Keen is recognised the world over as the most successful and prolific hard dance producer of all time. He has been voted ‘No.1 Hard Dance Producer’ of the year for six years at the ‘Hard Dance Awards’ and is still the best Selling Hard Dance Producer of all time’.

BK’s sound as producer and DJ is ever-changing, always full of energy and renowned for blowing up the dance floor with trance, techno and hard house. His tracks are irresistible to both clubbers and critics but the true measure of his talent is seen in the number of fellow producers and DJs who clamour for a slice of BK’s skills.

Unsurprisingly 2011 has already been a highly successful year for BK. His last five releases are receiving major endorsement from Radio 1’s Judge Jules and Kutski and reaching the number 1 spot in both beatports and track it downs hard dance / Trance charts. In 2010 under his moniker ‘Black Russian’ reached No.1 in the Ibiza club charts with ‘In for the Kill’ La Roux remix (receiving major support from Tiesto, Ferry Corsten, Armin van Buuren and Sander van Doorn).

He has recently collaborated with Hot chip and Bernared Sumner as part of a massive converse campaign and joined the likes of Vampire weekend, Pharell Williams and Paloma Faith as one of the faces of the brand.
As well as countless remixes he has signed an album deal with Moshi Moshi and featured on the front cover of DJ mag , been nominated for best british remix and producer of the year with his Hot city alias.

BK’s record label Riot! is continuing to storm the dance charts across several genres and becoming a resident club night consistently selling out Fabric’s awesome new 2500 capacity London club ‘Matter’, which boasts Andy C’s Ram, Sven Vath’s Cocoon and Paul Van Dyke as residents.

BK is a firm favourite at clubs and events around the world. He has had headline appearances at all of the biggest dance events, including Dance Valley, Global Gathering UK, Gatecrasher Summer Sound System UK, Impulse NL, Frantic Hard House Academy UK, Creamfields UK, Godskitchen, NEC UK, Judgement Sunday Ibiza, Lashed in Ibiza, Gallery UK, Slinky UK, and Code Japan.
He currently calls 2 of the most forward-thinking UK hard dance events home, holding residencies at Storm and of course Riot! at Matter.

SUPPORTING DJS:

STEVIE B
JERRY BADD
PSYCHO KEATON
JASON 47
BARRY COOKE

For more information check out the Facebook event at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150036855062232

Sy and Unknown - Essential Hardcore!

2011-05-19T00:20:00.000-07:00

Monster Sounds are proud to present their third release in conjunction with rave-legends Sy and Unknown, a superb collection of fresh and inspirational Beats, Sounds and Samples for producers of Hardcore and Rave Music styles.

Essential Hardcore from Monster Sounds is a brand new collection of sounds, fresh from the Sy and Unknown studio bunker. The pack weighs in at a hefty 950MB, and includes 1395(!) 24bit samples, including 195 Loops between 170 and 175Bpm, and 1200 Single Sounds. Also included are 139 ready to play Bass, Fx, Synth, Pad, Vox and Drum Kit Patches for Reason NNXT, Halion, EXS, SFZ and Kontakt soft samplers. Apple Loops, Reason Refill and Ableton Live Pack versions are also available separately.

This is the complete package for Harcore and Hard Dance Producers from 2 of the most respected producers in the scene, and includes every type of sound from the whole Hardcore period right up to the present day – allowing producers to experiment with authentic sounds to make the next wave of Harcore releases!

For more info: http://bit.ly/mOOvou

Elemental - Future Movement

2011-05-06T00:23:00.000-07:00

Hard Kandy has hit SA for the first time last week in Johannesburg.

52 minutes of thumping slammers to get the weekend underway. An uplifting approach, with a few Mental suprises along the way... Last tune should have the underground massive on their feet with one of the biggest tunes for May 2011.

Audio roadfood for those travelling toand from the party. Something fresh for the FUTURE MOVEMENT.

Qlimax 2011 HD Trailer

2011-04-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Freedom to Express

2011-03-25T02:36:00.000-07:00

One of South Africa's top DJ's, Elemental, has releaased a new mix in support of South Africa's Human Rights Days (21 March). It's a 50 minute mix made for the harder nation!

The mix can be found here: http://soundcloud.com/elemental-south-africa/elemental-freedom-to-express

Hardcore Kick Drums

2011-03-02T03:23:00.000-08:00

I know I've been quiet lately and I apologise for that. I will return to my regular self soon. Just a very busy period of my life right now.

There are some more hardcore kick drums availalbe from Bluezone Corporation. Check out more information from http://www.bluezone-corporation.com/catalogue/details/76/6/products/hardcore-kick-drums.html.

The soundcloud can be found here: http://soundcloud.com/bluezone-corporation/bluezone-hardcore-kick-drums

Hardstyle loops and Samples

2011-02-18T02:08:00.000-08:00

Are you an upcoming hardstyle DJ looking for new loops and samples?

Bluezone Corporation has this product available for you to check out. The pack has a wide range of awesome loops and samples. From reversed kicks, basslines, distorted kicks, Hardcore drum samples and many more.

For more information on this product check out http://www.bluezone-corporation.com/catalogue/details/75/6/products/hardstyle-loops-&-hardcore-samples.html

Happy Birthday Kutski!

2011-02-04T04:47:00.000-08:00

Today hard dance legend John Kutski Walker turns 29. Catch him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/Kutski

Happy birthday dude! Have a good one.

The Beholder meets Zany

2011-02-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

World Domination - Cape Town

2011-01-28T05:29:00.000-08:00

This weekend Psycho Keaton returns to Club Liquid after 2 years!!! For those who don't know, Club Liquid was the home for hardstylers in Cape Town. Tomorrow night the old regular crowd returns to Liquid for the first time, in a long time.

X-Clusive presents World Domination tour, featuring GMT (NZ), Eddy Virgo (JHB), Jerry Baddass (CT) and none other than Cape Town's favorite Psycho. The first destination is Cape Town.... For more information on this event visit check out the Facebook event page at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136637239729136

Also, South Africa now has an official hardstyle site that's run by X-Clusive. Check it out at: http://www.x-clusivehardstyle.webs.com/

Melbourne Shuffle Compilation

2011-01-10T03:55:00.001-08:00

Interview - Anne Savage

2011-01-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Anne Savage website

1) For those who are not familiar with who you are, give a brief description of yourself and where you come from.
Hi I’m from the UK, I’ve been djing for over 15 years, I run a label called Siren Trax where I release my productions along with other artists, and I also have tracks released on Tidy, Riot, Traffic and many more. I have just mixed Hard Dance Anthems, a compilation of Hard Dance available on iTunes - http://bit.ly/hqy2zY

2) What genre of music do you play and produce?
I am mostly known for making and playing Hard Dance, everything from Tech Trance to Hardstyle.

3) Have you experimented with other genres of music?
Yes I have been djing and producing Breaks, House, Dubstep & Drum & Bass under a different name Dumb Blonde. I have been doing this for 10 years and have had releases on Tomcraft’s label Great Stuff, Streetwise and my own label Siren Trax.

4) At what age did you first realize you potential as a DJ?
I was 18 years old when I first knew I wanted to be a DJ. I was always the girl watching the DJ’s wishing it were me doing that, so I did something about it.

5) For how long have you been DJing/producing?
I got my first residency in 1993, at a club in the North of England called ‘Angels’. We had Carl Cox, Joey Beltram & Laurent Garnier playing regularly so I started out playing early techno. I started Producing in 1996 – my first release was under the name “Destiny Angel” called ‘You Take Me Higher’ on Transient Records.

6) What's the hardest part of being a DJ?
Missing all the Christmas’s and holiday time with family.

7) What well known DJ's have you collaborated with?
Pretty much all the UK Hard Dance producers over the years – Alex Kidd, Kidd Kaos, Lisa Lashes, BK, Tidy Boys, Phil York, Technikal, Dark By Design….I’m sure I have forgotten some!

8) Who are some of your favourite local and international DJ's?
Well I really like to see new, good young DJ / producers and there are a few in the UK, - In2ition and Argy for instance. My all time favourite DJ – from an inspirational point of view is Carl Cox. I love Fausto, Kamui and ASYS too. I like seeing dj’s from different genres such as D&B djs Andy C & Original Sin. I enjoy most dance music except really floaty trance and cheesy house.

9) Do you make your music readily available to download from the internet?
Yes it’s all on trackitdown.com. ITunes and hopefully soon hardstyle.com. My website is www.djannesavage.com a gateway to everything I do.

10) Do you DJ/produce on a full-time basis?
Yes it has been my full time occupation since I gave up my job in a record store in 1996. Thank you!

Interview - Andy Whitby

2011-01-02T05:17:00.000-08:00

Andy Whitby website

1) For those who are not familiar with who you are, give a brief description of yourself and where you come from.
My name is Andy Whitby. I am an international Hard-dance DJ and producer from the UK. I own AWsum records which has 7 label imprints, AWsum events which holds parties in London and tours across the UK and AWsum clothing which designs and sells clubbing clothing with our biggest tracks printed on them.

2) What genre of music do you play and produce?
I play and produce all-genres of Hard-dance; Hardhouse, Hardstyle, Tech, Hardcore …. If it’s hard, I’m rocking it!

3) Have you experimented with other genres of music?
Yes, I also play Fidget house. I’m a huge fan of artists like Foamo and Calvertron; I love the massive range of styles and sounds the producers in that scene are using.

4) At what age did you first realize you potential as a DJ?
I first played on a pair of decks when I was 16. The captain of the basketball team I was playing for invited me over to his house one weekend and there, sitting all loud and proud in his basement, were a pair of Soundlab decks. Belt-driven and with a pitch up to +6, at the time they seemed like the most amazing things I’d ever seen.

Finally, after a year of pestering my parents, they got me a pair and I set about learning to mix Happy Hardcore and making tapes for my friends. A few years later I discovered Hard-dance and after giving a demo C.D to a promoter was given my first set.

From there I played all over the North of England until one of my C.Ds landed on the desk of Will Paterson who owns Frantic. He signed me and it all started getting crazy from there; headlining shows across the country, Mixmag titled me ‘The Saviour of Hard-dance’ and Ministry of Sound brought me on board to mix their Frantic Euphoria albums. It was around that moment I knew I had a change of making a life of writing and performing music.

5) For how long have you been DJing/producing?
I have been professionally DJing for 11 years and producing for 8.

6) What's the hardest part of being a DJ?
The travelling… it is an absolute nightmare at times, but luckily all is forgotten once I get on the decks. Well, until I finish and then realize I have to get home somehow!

7) What well known DJ's have you collaborated with?
I’ve played alongside pretty much every major DJ in the World at some point or another over my career.

Studio-wise I’ve written with BK, Technikal, Gammer, Klubfiller, Lee Pasch, Karlston Khaos and many more.

8) Do you make your music readily available to download from the internet?
I do indeed. Vinyl is dead in the UK so the only way to sell tracks now is through the download stores; Beatport, iTunes, Trackitdown to name just a few. All Andy Whitby and AWsum tracks are available from hundreds of digital music shops across the world.

9) Do you DJ/produce on a full-time basis?
I do indeed. During the week I run my label and promote my events, do admin work for my DJing etc and every weekend I travel around the world playing music to make people dance.

Hard Dance Anthems

2010-12-22T00:19:00.000-08:00

Tidy and New State Music are getting ready to launch the ultimate hard dance album of the year. This album is said to be one of the most comprehensive representation of one of the world’s most popular music genres. Mixed by scene leaders such as Andy Whitby, Scott Attrill, Mark EG, Anne Savage and Sam & Deano – this is sure to be one killer album!

Hardstyle, bounce, hard house, hard dance, trance and much more! 100+ tracks spread over 4 albums, Hard Dance Anthems will unite all hard genres of music. More than 30 new tracks and remixes feature from DJ’s like Lisa Lashes, BK, AWsum and more, alongside current anthems from DJ’s like Wildstylez, Marcel Woods, Tony de Vit and many more.

Brand new remixes of classics such as ‘Music Is The Drug’ (Lee Haslam) and ‘What Ya Got 4 Me’ (Signum) will be included, as well as re-edits & mixes of ‘Such A Good Feeling’ (Miss Behavin’) and ‘Definitely’ (Yoda Inc), and also official remixes of ‘For An Angel’ (Paul van Dyk) and ‘The Dawn’ (Tony de Vit) by none other than Scott Attrill.

CD 4 mixed by new superstars in the making Sam & Deano (aka Tidy DJ’s), whist CD’s 1, 2 and 3 mixed by four of the world’s leading DJ’s. All CD’s are filled with a few of the biggest anthems from ‘back in the day’ as well as latest tracks.

Tidy label, now in its monumental 15th year, has become one of the biggest and longest Hard Dance brands in the world. With countless events, millions of record sales and a huge die-hard fan base, Tidy is to many the definition of hard dance.

The Hard Dance Anthems tracklist van be viewed by clicking here, and can be purchased by clicking here.

Hard Dance Anthems tracklist

2010-12-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

CD 1 – Mixed by Andy Whitby
01. Tom Parr – Chronic Gin’n’Tonic
02. Bk vs Sam & Deano – You Better (Tell Me)
03. Andy Whitby & Scott Fo Shaw vs. Leon B – Hedfunka
04. BK – Thump
05. Klubfiller – Penache
06. Scott Attrill – Lost Souls (Klubfiller Remix)
07. Defiant DJs – Knaz
08. Andy Whitby & Klubfiller vs. Cally Gage feat. Kyla – Everything’s Alright (BK Remix)
09. Dougal & Gammer - Models Are Ugly (150bpm Mix)
10. Miss Behavin’ – Such A Good Feeling (Iridium Remix)
11. AWsum All-Starz – Iguana (Energy Syndicate Remix)
12. Masif DJ’s – Attention 2010 (Steve Hill vs Technikal Mix) **Whitby’s Vocal Edit**
13. Leon B & Guyver – In My Mind (Andy Whitby & Klubfiller Remix)
14. Andy Whitby & Karlston Kaos – One Middle Finger
15. Andy Whitby & Klubfiller – Blam! – I Love It **Whitby’s Breather Bootleg**
16. Andy Whitby & Technikal – Rumble **Whitby’s Gangbang Bootleg**
17. Tom Berry – Make It Bounce
18. Klubfiller & Anne Savage – Dirty Days
19. Andy Whitby vs. MDA & Spherical – Raw Power!
20. Wain Johnstone & Energy Syndicate – Ounce of Bounce
21 Matt Lee – Over 4 Me (Andy Whitby & Klubfiller Remix) **Whitby’s Quick-fire Edit**
22. Panic – Rock The Jam
23. Jon Bishop – Stalker (Energy Syndicate Remix)
24. Tom Berry – Standby Mode
25. Cally Gage vs. Dave Curtis – Make My Day (Off-Beat Mix)
26. BK – Rave Monkey (JP & Jukesy Remix)
27. Andy Whitby & MDA & Spherical – Like It Hard?
28. Steve Hill vs Hardforze feat. Pete Millwood - Wonderwall

CD 2 - Mixed by Anne Savage & Scott Atrill
01. Hard Electrik Intro
02. Marco V - Red Blue Purple **Exclusive Album Edit**
03. Scott Attrill - Girls Love Techno
04. Ruff Driverz Presents Arrola – Dreaming (BK & Anne Savage Remix)
05. Tony De Vit – I Don’t
Care (Lee Haslam Remix)
06. Scott Attrill - Never Forever
07. Paul van Dyk - For An Angel 2009 (Scott Attrill Remix) **Exclusive Remix**
08. BK - Wah Wah
09. Anne Savage vs Lisa Lashes - Release Me (In2ition remix)
10. Joe Rodgers – Let Me Hear You Shout
11. Tony De Vit – The Dawn (Scott Attrill Remix) **Exclusive Remix**
12. A*S*Y*S - Klick Klack WTF
13. Scott Attrill - Neon Baby
14. Phil York & Kidd Kaos - Lack Of Affection
15. Jim Justice - Dark Side
16. Fabio Stein - Panic Mode (Fabio Stein Remix) **Exclusive Album Edit**
17. Yoda Inc. – Definitely (DJ Scot Project Remix) **Anne Savage Album Edit**
18. Anne Savage - I Cant Hear Ya (Projekt.Tek Remix)
19. Organ Donors - Teardrop
20. Paul Maddox – Endangered (Wragg & Log: One Remix)
21. Andrea Montorsi feat. Diana J - Phantasy (Original Mix)

CD 3 - Mixed by Mark EG
01. Proteus – Fist Of The North
02. Gatty – The Book
03. Marcel Woods – Bottle (Showtek Remix)
04. A*S*Y*S – Acid Zombie
05. Bulletproof – Mistakes (Louk & Nik The Kid Remix)
06. Guyver – You’ll Know It (Wragg & Log:One Remix)
07. Lee Haslam – Music Is The Drug (Nomad Remix)
08. Stimulator – Nostalgia (DJ Thera Remix)
09. Signum – What Ya Got 4 Me (Mark EG & Chrissi’s Industrial Hardstyle Remix)
10. Vortex & Impakt – In My Dreams
11. D-Block & S-Te-Fan – Anger
12. Dynamics - Embrace The Darkness
13. Zany – The Fairy Legend
14. Zany – Psychedelic Trip
15. Noisecontrollers – Yellow Minute (Alpha 2 Remix)
16. Wildstylez – Delay Distortion
17. Headhunterz - Scrap Attack (Endymion Mix)

CD 4 - Mixed by Sam & Deano F.U.N. Tidy Mash Up
01. Scott Fo Shaw feat. Stace – That Summer Track (Instrumental) / JX- Restless (A cappella) / Organ Donors – Turntablism / Paul Maddox vs Sam & Deano aka Tidy DJs - Nut Job
02. Lee Pasch – Feel It / Untidy Dubs – I Don’t Know (A cappella) / Brainbashers – Do It Now
03. The Generator – Where Are You Know (Untidy Dub) / Flash Harry – Give Up The Funk
04. Technikal feat MC Whizz kid – Music For A Harder Generation / Anne Savage – Centrefold (Nu Raverz Remix) / Untidy Dubs – Funky Groove
05. Andy Whitby & Matt Lee – Higher State Of Consciousness / Benedict Brothers – Honey Child (A cappella)
06. Rachel Auburn – Screwdriver (Olive Grooves Silly Disco Remix) / Jimmy Dean – Don’t Give Up (A cappella) / Jon Bishop – Stalker (A cappella)
07. Jon Doe – Good Timez / Steve Blake – Expression (Lee Pasch Remix)
08. Benjamin Leung & Tazix – Rain Drops (Ilogik Remix) / Untidy Dubs feat Emma Lock – Fine Night 2010 (A cappella)
09. BK – Rave Monkey (Original) / Hyperlogic - Only Me
10. BK vs Sam & Deano – Switch!
11. Andy Farley & Sam Townend – Dull Drums (Scott Attrill Remix) / Human Resource – Dominator (A cappella)
12. Tidy Allstars – The Homecoming (Magna Theme) / Ed Real & The Coalition – 20’000 Hardcore Members (A cappella) / Lisa Lashes – What Can You Do 4 Me (A cappella)
13. Alumina – Let The Bass Kick / Kym Ayres feat. Technikal – More & More (A cappella) / 12” Thumpers – Don’t Cross The Line / NRG – Never Lost His Hardcore
14. BK – Dreams / 12” Thumpers – Don’t Cross The Line (A cappella)
15. Robbie Muir – Body Rock / Ewok – Go Back / Lisa Lashes – Looking Good
16. Technikal – Teardrops / K Series vs Technikal – Closer / Base Graffiti – Scirocco

Sensation Black 2010 - Official Aftermovie

2010-12-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

Interview - Sam & Deano

2010-12-21T06:16:00.000-08:00

Sam & Deano website

1) For those who are not familiar with who you are, give a brief description of yourself and where you come from.
Hi! We are the Hard Dance double act ‘Sam & Deano’, formerly known as the Tidy DJs. We both come from the Northern UK city of Leeds!

2) What genre of music do you play and produce?
Hard Dance.

3) Have you experimented with other genres of music?
Our style is very ‘Mash Up’, so we incorporate all different styles of music into our sets. We re-work everything into a ‘Hard’ style, but our inspiration comes from right across the board. If it’s big, we play it!

4) At what age did you first realize you potential as a DJ?
Deano has been a DJ since he was 3, he used to play the Working Mens clubs around his hometown of Rothwell, and I got my first decks when I was 17 and haven’t looked back since!

5) For how long have you been DJing/producing?
Deano is 29, so he’s been DJ’ing for 26 years. I have been at it for just over 10 years, but on a club level for the last 6. Production wise I started getting in the studio around 5 years ago, Deano doesn’t do studios as he’s scared of computers after an unfortunate accident with Microsoft Word a few years ago. (He doesn’t understand we don’t use that program when making music, bless him!)

6) What's the hardest part of being a DJ?
Probably the travelling, lots and lots of time spent in cars and on motorways travelling literally 1000’s of miles in a weekend to play for a couple of hours! Not that we are complaining, but it is crazy when you think about it!

7) What well known DJ's have you collaborated with?
DJ wise we have lost count the new number of acts we have played back to back with, Tidy Boys, Scott Attrill, Ben Stevens, Stimulant DJs, Cally Gage, the list goes on!
Studio collaborations we have worked with BK, Technikal, Andy Farley, Paul Maddox, Ben Stevens, Jon BW, Klubfiller and Scott Fo Shaw.
You can hear some of our collaborations of the pur mix on the new new Hard Dance Anthems album, www.harddanceanthems.co.uk.

8) Who are some of your favourite local and international DJ's?
We like all sorts of DJs, all depends where we are going out and what mood we are in!
We were both really blown away by Laidback Luke at a recent gig he did in Leeds, the way he worked the crowd was awesome - the guy’s got skills!

9) Do you make your music readily available to download from the internet?
Yes, the whole music industry and business model for releasing music has changed so much recently, and it’s important for artists and acts to make their music available for download in as many places as they can. We do keep some ‘DJ Only’ bootlegs to ourselves, but every track we do gets put out and released right across the board.

10) Do you DJ/produce on a full-time basis?
I run the Tidy Trax record label as well as DJ and produce, so music is my full time occupation. It’s not known what Deano spends his time doing during the week, he’s always ‘busy’, but on what, nobody knows....we will put his occupation down as being a ‘Northern Man Of Mystery’.

Interview - Mark EG

2010-12-21T03:04:00.000-08:00

Mark EG website

1) For those who are not familiar with who you are, give a brief description of yourself and where you come from.
I’m a general all round music head who has been able to turn my passion into something that makes me a living through DJing, producing, writing and a load of other music related stuff. Quite a lucky guy really!

2) What genre of music do you play and produce?
I play and produce techno, hard techno, acid, schranz, hardstyle, hard trance, minimal, electro (the real stuff not electro house!) and electronica. However my music tastes go a lot deeper than that.

3) Have you experimented with other genres of music?
Experimenting with music is what it’s all about and if you don’t do it, you’re a slave to the system and might as well be a sheep! I remember being locked into the whole acid house thing in 1988 and when it died it was the biggest wake up call ever. There’s just too much good music out there to be blinkered by one genre.

4) At what age did you first realize you potential as a DJ?
I actually started on pirate radio when I was 12 or 13. I remember making mixes by cutting bits of tape and gluing them together. It wasn’t until a few years later that I kinda fell into the whole club thing and mixing vinyl became the prime focus.

5) For how long have you been DJing/producing?
DJing since the early 80’s. Producing seriously since the 90’s really.

6) What's the hardest part of being a DJ?
By far the hardest part of DJing is travelling. I spend many hours in airports, on planes or on the motorway. Sometimes I think I should have been a truck driver instead haha!

7) Who are some of your favourite local and international DJ's?
Surprisingly, I’m not really a huge fan of DJ’s but usually the reason I like them is because they have a good attitude towards the music and the people around them.

8) Do you DJ/produce on a full-time basis?
Yes it’s all I’ve done for the last 15 years! Here’s to another 15 :)

Interview - Scott Attrill

2010-12-17T05:07:00.000-08:00

Scott Attrill website

1) For those who are not familiar with who you are, give a brief description of yourself and where you come from.
I am from Portsmouth on the south coast. I have been a DJ since I left school. At first I got into the whole 'rave' sound and knew right away that I wanted to be involved with the scene, both DJ’ing and making music. I was always creative at school and good at art and writing so it made sense for me.

2) What genre of music do you play and produce?
The music I play is a new and fresh sound that has been labelled ‘Hard Electrik’. It’s basically a fusion of styles, Techno, Electro, Trance, Hard Dance & even some minimal & hard style input. It’s quite exciting to be playing/making this style as there are no rules - which is how music should be. The BPM ranges from slower 134 edits to tougher/edgier 140 plus tracks so there is scope for so many ideas and productive input. Its all been very cool to work on. 

3) Have you experimented with other genres of music?
I have; I have done some breaks & house stuff - it all helps as you can fuse different ideas from playing around with other styles and sounds.

4) At what age did you first realize your potential as a DJ?
Haha, I was as young as 11 or 12 pretending to do my own radio show from my bedroom & even when I was as young as 3 or 4 I would steal my dads headphones when he left the room and sit & listen to tunes.

5) For how long have you been DJing/producing?
Professionally, it’s been over 10 years.

6) What's the hardest part of being a DJ?
I love it! However, I still get nervous before gigs because I want to play as well as I can every time.

7) What well known DJ's have you collaborated with?
In the past I have worked on projects with Anne Savage, BK & Rob Tissera.

8) Who are some of your favourite local and international DJ's?
I have always loved Carl Cox, he is a legend, the way he works a crowd & structures his sets is genius!

9) Do you make your music readily available to download from the internet?
Yes, my music is available to download on most sites.

10) Do you DJ/produce on a full-time basis?
Yes, I’m blessed to be able to do what I love & make a living out of it too, unbelievable. I also run Riot! & Traffic records too so it’s always very busy but all creative & good fun.

Interviews

2010-12-17T04:44:00.000-08:00

I've drawn up a bunch of questions to ask DJ's. So in the upcoming days/weeks I'll be posting many interviews with many well known DJ's. So.... WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

These are the general questions which I came up with. If there's anything you'd like to know, pop me an email at naeem.dollie@gmail.com. Please, DON'T SPAM ME! :)

For those who are not familiar with who you are, give a brief description of yourself and where you come from.
What genre of music do you play and produce?
Have you experimented with other genres of music?
At what age did you first realize you potential as a DJ?
For how long have you been DJing/producing?
What's the hardest part of being a DJ?
What well known DJ's have you collaborated with?
Who are some of your favourite local and international DJ's?
Do you make your music readily available to download from the internet?
Do you DJ/produce on a full-time basis?

Dance to the F*ckin' Beat

2010-12-13T02:41:00.000-08:00

DJ Vamp recently released a new album called 'Dance to the F*cking Beat' which is mostly hardstyle and EBM dance. He's giving away free album downloads. All you have to do is the following:

1) Visit http://www.schizohead.com/
2) Head over to the "ContactMe" page
3) Leave your name, e-mail, and a quick comment

That's it, and you will be entered in the drawing. 10 random people will be chosen to receive the full album. You can also hear all streaming tracks by visiting the "Music" page.

Moon Boy

2010-12-10T04:55:00.000-08:00

Look at moon boy go... HARDSTYLE!

X-Clusive presents.... Reborn 2010

2010-12-09T00:27:00.000-08:00

In the past couple of month's there's been a few 'prophets of doom' who seem to think that hardstyle is over in South Africa. That's why X-Clusive has chosen to take them on and prove what their HARDSTYLE MOVEMENT is all about.

Hardstylers will need to come together as one, under one roof and prove that we have what it takes to survive.

If Reborn 2010 is successful; then the new inviting club, Recess, will host hardstyle parties every single Friday next year.

Fro more information on this event, check out the Facebook events page here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149510118429846

Hard Dance Anthems Competition

2010-12-08T05:31:00.000-08:00

WIN A CHALET AT TIDY'S WEEKENDER REUNION!

To celebrate the release of Hard Dance Anthems we've teamed up with our friends at Tidy to bring you the ultimate hard dance weekend!

You and three friends will win guest list and your very own chalet at Tidy's Weekender Reunion set to take place at Pontyns in Prestatyn from 25th-27th March 2011.

Further to this you will also be the coolest chalet on the block as you play host to the ultimate crack-on featuring the Hard Dance Anthems DJs; Andy Whitby, Anne Savage, Scott Attrill, Mark EG, Sam & Deano (Tidy DJs) spinning special house party sets! Add to this a slap up meal at Captain Cods, the onsite fish and chip shop plus signed t-shirts, CDs and posters, you'll be the toast of the party!

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on the New State Music wall stating who you'd invite to your after party and why, funniest answer wins! Visit: http://www.facebook.com/newstatemusic

Competition closes 27th December.

For more info on Tidy Weekender Reunion visit www.tidyweekender.com

World of hardstyle

2010-12-07T02:23:00.000-08:00

For those people who still can't seem to get their heads around what the fuck hardstyle is, here's what it looks like.... LOVE IT!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardstyle

Fear.FM

2010-11-29T03:25:00.000-08:00

For those who haven't heard yet, Fear.FM is back!

Fear.FM and TW-Magazine collaborating together to build a community for all HARDSTYLERS! They're now knows as Fear.FM Radio, Community & Magazine. Offered, are 3 online radio streams called Hard, Harder and Hardest which are for the 3 hardstyle sub-genres jumpstyle, hardstyle and hardcore.

The return of old favourites, like the Hardstyle & Hardcore top 40 and the 2Dangerous live show can all be expected.

Make sure you get registered at Fear.FM!

Follow Fear.FM on Twitter
Like Fear.FM on Facebook
Add Fear.FM on MySpace

Godskitchen

2010-11-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

On Friday night Smirnoff organised their annual event called Godskitchen, where thousands filled up the Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town to host the BEST PARTY I'VE EVER BEEN TO!

Check out the video:

Above and Beyond

2010-11-15T03:40:00.000-08:00

This upcoming weekend the Bellville-Velodrome will host none other than ABOVE AND BEYOND, at the annual event called GodsKitchen in Cape Town. Last year the world's number 1 DJ, Armin Van Buuren, played at a sold out GodsKitchen - which was a HUGE success!

The excitement amongst people is growing stronger and stronger. For more information on this event check out the Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158319917516849

Listen to Halo Live by UCT Radio with Above and Beyond:
HALOLive_Above&Beyond_ZABoomboxTour_PROMOMix&Interview_15Nov10 by HALO_Live

Arctic Drum and Bass

2010-11-12T05:40:00.000-08:00

Are you a DJ, or an upcoming DJ? Bluezone Corporation has a new Drum and Bass sample pack which covers a broad range of audio samples, drum loops, syncopations and much more.

This Arctic Drum and Base pack from Bluezone Corporation is suitable for Hardstyle, DNB, Breaks, Dubstep, music for video games, TV series, Soundtrack, Experimental and more.

For more information check out http://www.bluezone-corporation.com/catalogue/details/71/6/products/arctic-drum-and-bass.html

What a Party!

2010-11-09T05:18:00.000-08:00

On Friday Andy Whitby landed in Cape Town to play a set at Babbaloos for a second time this year, after being asked by the crowd to return.

On Saturday Mr. Whitby once again blew away the Cape Town crowd. With other DJ's like Psycho Keaton, Marvin, Ash M, Savvy, Jo Kaine, Rabs and The Breeder, the party was a huge success.

Back by popular demand

2010-11-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

After rocking the shores of Cape Town, the crowd has requested a return! Earlier in the year, none other than Mr. Andy Whitby played a fantastic set at Babbaloos where he changed lives.

Because he's changed lives, the crowd has asked for Andy to return another time. With him will be the UK's biggest clubbing brand, AWSUM; who will also be decorating the stunning venue.

For more information about this event, check out the Facebook event page here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167143199964851

Q-Dance

2010-10-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

Would love to go to a Q-Dance party. Anyone care to sponsor me? lol

Elemental

2010-10-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't heard of Elemental; he's one of the best hardstyle DJ's in South Africa. Elemental is located in Johannesburg and plays at the biggest hardstyle club in South Africa, Truth.

If you love Psycho Keaton's mixes, then you'll love his. You can find out more about Elemental and download his mixes at http://www.wix.com/elementaldj/elemental.

Qlimax 2010 Trailer in HD

2010-10-15T08:34:00.001-07:00

Are you an insufferable music snob?

2010-10-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

Here are 10 signs:

- You constantly belittle other people’s music preferences
- You think "real" music fans are few and far between
- The more popular a band becomes, the less you like it
- You prefer small shows at bars to massive concerts
- You excoriate the latest generation of music
- You have a special hatred for pop music
- You think that a person’s taste in music is indicative of their personal character
- You detest best-of albums
- You love Radiohead
- You exude the persona

Read more by clicking here.

The Crazyboy Returns

2010-10-05T03:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since the Psycho has shared a mix with us - and it's about time!

Download The Crazyboy Returns by Psycho Keaton! Look out for vocals from Cape Town's MC NeoTechnikal, as well as Psycho Keaton's very own Hell Night 2011 preview.

RIOT 9th Birthday- Win a Release on RIOT! Recordings

2010-09-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Calling all current & aspiring producers! Fancy getting your track played out by A-List hard house DJs and then released at an EP on Riot! Recordings?

If the answer is yes, then as part of Riot’s 9th Birthday Celebrations which take place at The Arches / Arcadia on Friday September 24th we’ve got a once-in-life-time competition lined up for you - two budding producers will not only get their creations aired in the main room at Riot!’s 9th Birthday but both tracks will be released as an EP on Riot! Recordings. How good is that!

The full prize includes:
• Your track played out by the one of the headline DJs at Riot!’s 9th Birthday at The Arches / Arcadia on 24th September
• You track will be mastered and along with the other winner released on a special EP to be released on Riot! Recordings.
• 2 x free guest list to Riot!’s 9th Birthday
• Your own paying concessionary guest list for up to 10 people so your friends can hear your track being played out.

To enter simply post a clip of at least 2 minutes long on the Riot! 9Th Birthday thread on The Riot! Birthday Facebook Event Group before midnight on 20th September.

The headlining DJs will pick their favourites and inform the winners by 22nd September. Tracks must contain original material created by the entrant with permission to use all the main elements.

To enter the competition you don’t need to link to a full track, but you must have access a finished version available to give to the DJ to play in their set.

RIOT 9TH BIRTHDAY!
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24th
The Arches / Arcadia, Vauxhall, London

EARLY BIRD TICKETS SOLD OUT / £10 EARLY SAVERS STILL AVAILABLE

Main Room
LISA PIN-UP VS ANNE SAVAGE
(Exclusive Birthday Set)
Special Guest: ALEX KIDD (MIXMAG CD PARTY)
BK
ANDY FARLEY
CALLY GAGE
KLUBFILLER
SAM & DEANO (TIDY DJS)

Room 2
JENNARATE
MAT G
HELEN G
RYAN ASBO
JAMES CONDON
LOGGER AND GENETIC

Room 3
VERY SPECIAL GUEST TBC
DUMB BLONDE (AKA ANNE SAVAGE)
BLACK RUSSIAN (AKA BK)
B-MAN (AKA KLUBFILLER)
THOSE 2 (AKA SAM & DEANO)

CHECK OUT THE HYPE HERE! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiOCH0EYMjY

**FREE RIOT! CD INCLUDING DJ MIXES FROM ANNE SAVAGE & ED REAL TO THE FIRST 100 THROUGH THE DOORS!!**

RIOT! – DIRTY HOUSE FOR DIRTY STOPOUTS….

www.riotinlondon.com
Facebook Event http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132709086771284

FUCK THE SYSTEM - Showtek

2010-09-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Wouter and Sjoerd Jansse has conquered the hardstyle world they're now set to take their performance to the next level with F*CK THE SYSTEM!

F*CK THE SYSTEM will be showcase at the O2 Arena in Glasgow on the 6th of November. There'll be a live singer, interactive visuals and much more.

For more information check out http://www.showtek.nl/news-overview/217-showtek-fck-the-system.html

DJ D Project

2010-09-01T00:52:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the week I came across a mix which I simply fell in love with. The mix is by DJ D Project and titled Special Hard With Style Night!

You can listen to it online and download it here: http://soundcloud.com/dproject/dj-d-project-special-hard-with-style-night-7-live

Check out DJ D Project's blog here: http://dj-dproject.blogspot.com/

Qontinent 2010

2010-08-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

Check out the awesome Qontinent 2010 trailer:

Decibel

2010-08-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

Check out an awesome video of the hardstyle Decibel outdoor festival here: http://www.harderstylez.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=1049

9TH Birthday Bash of Riot!

2010-08-16T05:40:00.000-07:00

Riot! is turning nine - and to celebrate they’re hosting a huge birthday extravaganza which everyone's invited to! Taking place on September 24th at The Arches, London Bridge, we have drafted in a special birthday line-up Riot! style!

The line up looks like this:

Main Room
Lisa Pin-Up VS Anne Savage (Exclusive Birthday Set)
Special Guest: Alex Kidd
BK
Andy Farley
Klubfiller
Sam & Deano (Tidy)

Room 2
Jennarate
Mat G
Helen G
Ryan Asbo
James Condon
Logger and Genetic

Room 3
Very Special Guest TBC
Dumb Blonde (AKA Anne Savage)
Black Russian (AKA BK)
B-Man (AKA Klubfiller)
Those 2 (AKA Sas & Deano)

Since its inception in '01 its grown from its and and infamous Sunday parties held at The End, in London, to become a leading internationally known hard house brand including its own clothing range and record label. Characterised by a fabulous friendly up-for-it loyal fan base every Riot! Party becomes an essential date in the clubbing calendar. A place where friends, DJs and hard house fans (new and old) get together for some serious hard dancing and lots of like-minded banter. So on Saturday 24th September, be sure to get to Arches - RIOT! GETS BIGGER.

The last 12 months have seen the party expand to take on more of the UK’s biggest Superclubs including The End, Ministry of Sound, Matter and Sheffield’s ‘Plug’. It’s also hosted arenas at some of dance music most unique events including; ‘The Big Snow Festival’ in Andorra; ‘Run To The Sun’ in Newquay and Sweden’s ‘The Monday Bar’ Boat Cruise.

Guests over the last 12 months have included the biggest names in hard days including Yoji Biomehanika, Lisa Lashes, Scot Project, BK, Anne Savage, Tidy Boys, Scott Attrill, Kutski, Lisa Pin Up, Alex Kidd, Mark EG, Andy Farley, Luca Antolini, Showtek, Slipmatt, Kamui & many more created the Riot party. Now it’s time to celebrate with one big Birthday Bash. Get ready for London’s biggest hard dance party!

Check out the Promo video:

2009 Russian Shuffle Championships - Official video

2010-08-06T03:18:00.000-07:00

Here we, Here we, Here we fucking go!

2010-07-29T02:43:00.000-07:00

It's time to experience one of the biggest, if not the biggest, hardstyle parties in Cape Town ever.

I'm sure you've screamed the words:
"Here we fucking go"
"I live for hardstyle baby!"
"I wanna puff puff"
"I'm a mother fucking raver with the hardstyle flavor"
"The hardstyle sounds will be kicking the bass"

Voted best UK DJ at the hard dance awards, Wouter and Sjoerd Janssen (AKA SHOWTEK) will be rocking the shores of Cape Town at Babbaloos this weekend.

For more information on this event check out the Facebook event page (Hardstyle Kombat 3).

Q-Base - Let's Get Lost in Dreams

2010-07-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

Check out the Q- Dance YourTube page here: http://www.youtube.com/qdancedotnl

Wanna win a spot on the Defqon.1 Australia line-up?

2010-07-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

This is the perfect opportunity to get your name out there. Q-Dance has announced the details of their Defqon1 producer competition. All you have to do is produce a fantastic Defqon1 anthem that can be playable at the festival.

The genre can differ from harstyle to techno and the trademark Defqon1 voice need to be incorporated. The competition closes in in a couple of month's from now. So get starting DJ's! - who knows, you might be the next Zany.

For more info on this hardstyle competition, check out the post on In The Mix.

The Best Hardstyle Party Ever

2010-06-29T02:51:00.000-07:00

I've been to many great hardstyle parties, but would kill to have been here at Qlimax 2007.

Hard Dance Awards - Showtek

2010-06-24T02:51:00.001-07:00

Another big one for Cape Town

2010-06-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Psycho Keaton and the guys once again done some fantastic work; managing to organise a set in Cape Town for one of the biggest names in the scene, just after the football World Cup that's going on here.

I will post more on this hardstyle event at a later stage. For more information on this event, visit http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130984146925253.

Tormented Vol 1 - Psycho Keaton

2010-06-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

Yo Yo! I've got another awesome mix available for download from none other than Cape Town's number 1, Psycho Keaton!

Psycho Keaton - Tracklist
Fausto's Crossover - Qdance Radio

01: Psycho Keaton - Mashed Potintro
02: Alex Kidd & Kidd Kaos - Kiddstock Theme 2010
03: Showtek - Expansion
04: Brennan Heart - Just As Easy
05: Dutch Master - Recalled To Life
06: David Sonar - Believe
07: Zatox - Drop The Track
08: Dutch Master - FlashBack Is The Drug (Psycho Keaton Mashup)
09: Zatox - Ear Fucking
10: TNT - Tritollo
11: Zany - Mr Monster
12: Zany - The Great Zany Show (Dub Style Mix)
13: Psycho Keaton - Hell Night
14: Ivan Carsten - Bazooka Girl

Click here for download. Enjoy!

PS: A big thank you to Psycho Keaton, Marvin and F3nucci for organising another fantastic party in Cape Town on Saturday night. Andy Whitby was out of this world! Keep up the good work boys.

Hardstyle Festival Defqon

2010-05-20T22:17:00.001-07:00

Andy visits Babbaloos

2010-05-07T00:51:00.000-07:00

To all my fellow Cape Town hardstylers, I have some fantastic news to share with you…

On the 29th of May the one and only ANDY WHITBY will be ripping up the decks exclusively at a brand spanking new Cape Town venue...

We have the revamped, absolutely stunning renovated BABBALOOS as our playground - 2 dancefloors , insane lighting rig , smoke machines , fire dancers outside and a giant list of ass kicking DJ’s!

This is what the lineup will look like:

Main Floor:
ANDY WHITBY
Psycho Keaton
Marvin
Barry Cooke
F3nucci
Savvy

Halo Concept Floor:
Rory Mitchell
Aavi
Shaun Holiday
Scott Small
Virgo

For more information check out the event page on Facebook.

Andy Whitby

2010-04-22T02:18:00.000-07:00

Andy Whitby is referred to by some as the best hard dance DJ in the world. Whitby travels thousands of miles each month, rocking all corners of the globe! - "his unique style, technical skill and passion makes him one of the most popular acts on the circuit".

Andy is not only DJ from the UK, but also a producer, label manager and promoter. He represents everything hard dance should be: fast, fun, friendly, power and euphoric.

For more info on Andy Whitby check out http://www.andywhitby.com/ or follow him on Twitter.

The Great Zany Show

2010-04-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

The Great Zany Show took place this weekend past in Beursgebouw. For more info, check out http://www.thegreatzanyshow.nl/ or read a post about the event.

Shuffle VS Jumpstyle

2010-04-07T01:10:00.000-07:00

Loopmasters Proudly Present

2010-03-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

COMPUTER KORE

The Industrial Strength sound design team is back with its most insane sample pack of the year!
Computer Core consists of mad sound FX, distorted bass drums, noise sounds and dark atmospheres to add that extra edge to your production.

The pack contains perfectly cut Rex 2, Acid wav and Apple Loops for ease of use in any DAW. The pack is also available as a Reason Refill.

This Core pack is armed with 53 insane noises, 11 atmospheres and 95 pounding loops from 145 bpm to 160 bpm. Loads of one shots are also included so you can program your own mad grooves. The drum hits can be used on their own or can be layered with your sounds and can be used in any Hard Electronic production.

Laced with mechanical sounds, machine like patterns and distorted drum loops the pack can be used in many applications such as video games, music and sound FX.

The pack is unique in the fact that is made completely with plug-ins, such as digital distortion, tube distortion, freeware and strange Vst plug-ins not normally used on a daily bases by most producers. This will give that extra edge to your work especially for Mac and Pro Tools users who cannot usually access these plug-ins.

Produced by Fiend, a long time DJ, producer & sound designer, Computer Kore is loaded with fierce overtones, distorted drums and mind bending FX which are great for Industrial, Hardcore, Nu Metal, Tekno, DnB, Breakcore, Gothic and Power Noise. Fiend brings his vast knowledge of producing music and sound designing all in jam packed collection.

More info: http://www.loopmasters.com/product/details/478/Computer_Kore

Pandemic – The Album BK & Anne Savage

2010-03-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

Label: Riot!
Recordings Buy Now On:

HMV: http://hmv.com/hmvweb/simpleSearch.do?simpleSearchString=Bk%3A+Anne+Savage

Track it Down: http://www.trackitdown.net/genre/hard_dance/track/2029760.html

The world’s No.1 hard dance producer BK has joined forces with dance music’s force de jour Anne Savage to create the new studio masterpiece in the form of Pandemic, a 12 track long-player guaranteed to make your speakers bounce.

Available to buy in both physical and download formats, this carefully crafted album shows the diversity of Anne & Ben’s sounds, reflecting both their independent and collective histories in the scene over the past decade. But this is no ordinary hard dance album- each track has it’s own identity taking influence from every genre from pop to rock.

Anne draws on her rock band past and features vocals on Space Invader and Rock The Underground whilst Ben hails back to his rock studio days, stepping up to the mic for On The Edge, Pressure Down and Last Dance. Anne and Ben have also lovingly created some very clever cover versions, paying homage to three club classics that have all held personal meanings to Ben and Anne over the years. Sweet Sensation (by Shades of Rhythm) was one of the first tracks to inspire Anne to start DJing, Rich In Paradise (by FPI Project) a huge rave favourite of the pair and La Luna (By Patrick Prins) a track that Anne always used to play at the Ark raves in Leeds in the mid nineties. “It marked a turning point in my sound to a grittier dirty club vibe rather than anthemic big room rave tunes’.

Each track has been tried and tested on the world’s best dancefloors, but was equally created to listen to in it’s entirety- maybe on Friday night whilst getting ready to go out!

Kicking things off is the high energy rave-breaks title track Pandemic setting the tempo for this high-octane collection before moving onto crunchy tech trance inspired territory such as Testify and Pressure Down, Ben’s solo track- more European crossover appeal than the channel tunnel!

Euphoric vibes then sweep in to break up the tech dance with a trip back in time to cover the classic piano anthem Sweet Sensation by Shades of Rhythm, bringing this classic up to date with crisp modern production techniques, clever fills and an epic vocal! Space Invader closely follows with a very unique arrangement and the quirky vocals by Anne herself!

Next up the duo head down a main room crossover route with modern classic The Last Dance, featuring some heavy triplet action on the main drop and moving vocals before moving into hard house territory with Rich in paradise that fuses the oldskool with nu-skool sounds, crisp pianos and dirty stab action.

Anne & Ben then take things a little deeper with La Luna bringing back the techno vibes for another massive cover, and Anne’s solo track Club America going back to her tech days showing how she was one of the pioneers of this sound by bringing it right up to date with Latin chanting mixed in with a modern groove.

For the grand finale, Ben takes a step up to the mic to create one of the first anthems to come out of 2010, On The Edge. This has all of the right qualities to go all the way with its catchy vocal and memorable riff.

Pandemic has already had massive support from the scene; with BBC Radio 1’s Kutski revealing "Sweet Sensation” has instantly become one of the biggest tracks in my sets. From the first time I dropped it on my Radio 1 show, the reaction on the TXT was phenomenal confirming my instincts! Other praise for the album comes from the likes of big guns Lisa Lashes, Andy Whitby, Alex Kidd Fausto and Bootek who said “On the Edge” is my favourite track from the album, really catchy vocal hook that’s been stuck in my head ever since hearing it and an almighty powerfull drop that will set dancefloor alight!”

Anne & Ben have performed at every major festival and event globally including Dance Valley, Q-Dance, Global Gathering and Creamfields and are responsible for some of the biggest productions in the scene. If there are two pioneers to push the scene forward, it’s certainly these two.

Trend setting not trend following, Pandemic the album is due to set the standard for harder edge dance music for the next 10 years to predict and dictate the future of UK hard dance. Watch out for the Pandemic tour where Anne and Ben will be tearing it up in a club near you! Details can be found here:
http://www.bkworld.net/
http://www.annesavage.net/
http://www.riotinlondon.com/

Buy Now On: HMV: http://hmv.com/hmvweb/simpleSearch.do?simpleSearchString=Bk%3A+Anne+Savage

Track it Down: http://www.trackitdown.net/genre/hard_dance/track/2029760.html

PANDEMIC – TRACKLISTING
1. Pandemic
2. Testify
3. Pressure Down
4. Sweet Sensation
5. Rock The Underground
6. Space Invader
7. Last dance
8. Rich In Paradise
9. La Luna
10. Club America
11. Justice
12. On The Edge

Hardstyle Shuffle

2010-03-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

The dance for hardstyle music:

John Kutski Walker

2010-03-09T00:20:00.000-08:00

28 year old John Kutski Walker, Born in Chester (England), Hardstyle DJ, won 3 awards at the Hard Dance Awards that took place not too long ago. He won awards for 'Best UK DJ', 'Best Compilation CD (Extreme Euphoria)' and 'OUTSTANDING Contribution'. So a big congratulations to him. Woohoo!!!
Now for the exciting part: Kutski will be rocking Cape Town at the end of this month, and he'll be bringing along one of his awards (Best Compilation CD - Extreme Euphoria).

So if you wanna see UK's number 1 DJ in Cape Town, be sure to get to Club RAS on Friday the 26th of March 2010!

EQUILIBRIUM - Elemental

2010-02-23T04:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a mix you can download from one of SA's most talented hardstyle DJ's, Elemental (hardstyle downloads):

http://www28.zippyshare.com/v/98602318/file.html

The mix is titled, Equilibrium...

Let the Music Play - Kutski

2010-02-18T06:16:00.000-08:00

These beats keep running through my mind,
I'll try to keep you satisfied,
The music gets me hypnotized,
Don't analyze - try to realize.

LET THE MUSIC PLAY!

New Years Resolution - Psycho Keaton

2010-02-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

For all those Psycho Keaton fans out there, HE'S GOT A NEW HARDSTYLE MIX OUT!!! The mix is called 'New Years Resolution' and you can download it by clicking here, or you can find it on the right-hand side of this blog along with all his other mixes. Enjoy!!!!

Forever Truth from Elemental

2010-01-29T01:49:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know who Elemental is, he's a very talented hardstlye DJ from Johannesburg.

I've heard most of his mixes and I loved them all! You can find his mixes and download the for free at http://www.elementaldj.co.za/. Last night I listened to his most recent mix (which is not yet available at his site), and it was fucking brilliant!

To download 'Forever Truth NYE 2010' from Elemental, go here: http://www33.zippyshare.com/v/10469522/file.html

Hardstyle/Vice Versus

2010-01-26T04:34:00.000-08:00

Lisa Lashes @ Work

2010-01-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

Cape Town, here's a taste of what you're going to get on the 12th of next month. - Lashed

The Queen of Hard House Visits The Mother City

2010-01-17T14:18:00.000-08:00

If you're unsure who the queen of hardhouse is; then you're probably new to the scene, or don't know shit. Next month the beautiful, talented Lisa Lashes will be entertaining Cape Town with her music. She is thee most talented female DJ ever!

'Lashed' will take place at one of Cape Town's most well known clubs, Chrome, which will be held on the 12th of February. For more information check out the Facebook event by clicking here.

Parties

2010-01-11T07:04:00.000-08:00

There are quite a few parties coming up this month in the mother city. I will go into more detail when I get back home. I'm currently in London and it's quite cold!!! Brrrrrrrr

NYE 2010

2009-12-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! Tomorrow is a big day for many of us, if not ALL of us. I'm sure no matter what part of the world you're in, if you've got hardstyle in your veins, you're definitely going to have an extraordinary night tomorrow.

I just wanna tell all of you guys that you must have a wonderful new years! Remember; don't over do it, do it over!

Go HARD or go home!

Me flying to London

2009-12-22T00:40:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys! I will be flying to London for the first time on the 8th of next month. I'll only be there for one week, and one weekend.

I was hoping some of you guys would have some recommendations on which club I should go to? I'll be in Bedford, so the closer the better. Also, please let me know which is the best way to travel.

Please mail me with any suggestions: naeem.dollie@gmail.com

Hard Dance Awards 2008

2009-12-22T00:14:00.000-08:00

Pyrotense

2009-12-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

I had a look at some of the comments some of you guys left in the chat box on the right, and noticed a link to http://www.myspace.com/pyrotense. I had a look at the My Space site and came across some brilliant tracks!

I don't know much about Pyrotense, except that he's from the US and produces some pretty impressive hardcore tunes!

The Madness Continues - Psycho Keaton

2009-11-30T06:41:00.000-08:00

If you haven't noticed the slight change on the right-hand side of this blog; Mr. Freakstyler himself, Psycho Keaton, now has (once again) another BRILLIANT hardstyle mix available for download. The mix is more than a hour long and titled 'The Madness Continues'.

You can download the mix by simply clicking on the title in this post, or check out the right-hand side of this blog. As we all know, Psycho Keaton never disappoints! Hope you all enjoy (I know you will).

Dark by Design

2009-11-20T00:08:00.000-08:00

One week from now the legend, Gaz West aka Dark by Design, will be visiting the mother city - and spinning his records at the same place Phil York was a month ago.

In an old post of mine I mentioned that my all time favourite song is 'It's a Dream' by none other than Dark by Design. So you can only imagine the excitement I'm feeling.

Again; another well known superstar is brought down by Crazy Boy productions, who's certainly proved that they're here to entertain the ravers of Cape Town.

I never mentioned that last week Pump Productions, like Crazy Boy (entertainers), organised an event for DJ Technikal to play at Babbaloos in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town.

Thank you to both Crazy Boy and Pump Productions for keeping the Cape Town ravers entertained!

Hardstyle Kombat 2

2009-11-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

I've been busy for the past few days and never got to speak about how HK2 was for me; well finally I do.

Outside of club RAS before entering, I hear the sound I'm so very fond of. With DJ's like Phil York, Psycho Keaton, F3nucci, Schaizer and Elemental - you can only imagine what they did to the crowd with their skill.

Hardstyle Kombat 2 was certainly a night to remember! If you weren't there, you definitely missed out big time! Have a look at some of the pics taken that night:

The time has come...

2009-10-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

The day has finally arrived. I've been waiting over four months for this party!!! You won't understand the excitement I'm feeling. I'm about to leave to Hardstyle Kombat 2.... Will let you guys know how it went!

DJ Ephixa

2009-10-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago I got a mail from a Canadian hardstyle DJ/producer, Ephixa. I've downloaded what he has to offer and I was quite impressed. You can check it out yourself:

Check his site out: http://www.ephixa.com
Become a fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ephixa/137145782681

Hardtraxx.nl interviews Bioweapon

2009-10-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

“We do what we do because we love it and have a good time doing it. We focus on satisfying ourselves and writing music for the dancefloor. We always want to change and adapt to constantly keep our music interesting and most of all, ourselves interested in out music!” – Bioweapon

Hardtraxx.nl: Because you guys are relatively new for us, can you tell us about Bioweapon? How did it all started?
Bioweapon: Well, Bioweapon started as a bit of an experiment when we felt like taking a break from our usual 170bpm production. We started on a whim, producing a couple of tunes, eventually falling in love with the genre and everyone else seemed to get behind us!! After slaving away in the studio for what seemed an eternity at a time, Scantraxx got a hold our tunes and its all blown up from there!

Hardtraxx.nl: From UK Hardcore to Hardstyle, is it a big difference? And why you choose for hardstyle?
Bioweapon: Actually, its not so much a big difference. We feel its where UK hardcore should be going, hardstyle has turned more and more into a party music rather than the noise and screeches from a few years ago. That's not to say we’re not into the older material, but we can draw more parallels from the party-hardcore we’re used to do to the hardstyle that is coming out at the moment. We started writing as a challenge to ourselves to better our production techniques and push our knowledge further and further – hardstyle is an extremely well produced and professional genre of a very high standard. We love to challenge ourselves so this is perfect!

Hardtraxx.nl: 19th of September 2009 was the first time Defqon.1 Festival in Australia, how was it to perform? Ever performed on such a big event before?
Bioweapon: We’ve both DJ’d around the world, but nothing has been anywhere near as exciting or as immense as Defqon1 Sydney!

Hardtraxx.nl: How did you guys end up at the Scantraxx label? And how is it like “working” for the Scantraxx label while being on the other side of the world?
Bioweapon: Well it started off with our manager Chris. We knew full well that Scantraxx didn’t accept any demos, but he sent it off on a whim not expecting a reply. When they did reply and said they didn’t listen to many demos and liked what they heard, we were shocked! After much discussion, they wanted a new release from us – which is now Scantraxx Silver 006, pretty amazing stuff!! Being on the other side of the world has its draw backs because we can’t just call the boys up and ask for advice or an opinion, we don’t have that face to face contact which we feel is very important when you are working as a team. But at the same time we have the time and freedom to work on our own which is good. The boys at Scantraxx are really cool and I don’t think we could have been signed by a better label!

Hardtraxx.nl: How do you describe the style of Hardstyle you make?
Bioweapon: Well, coming from our UK Hardcore background, we make party music plain and simple. We want to bring some of the different sounds and vibes from our various experiences into our hardstyle, but ultimately write with the dancefloor in mind. We don’t want to put ourselves into any boxes or for our music to grow stale which is why our sound will always change and evolve. We write for the floor, we write for the parties and that's the best way we can describe our hardstyle.

Hardtraxx.nl: Your bio says you also produce Trance/House and Tech Trance under other aliases. Can you guys tell us something about those aliases and styles?
Bioweapon: We do tech-trance as BRK3 which started off as a project with our good friend Kutski. We we working with him at the time to make something different that we’ve never done before and since then we’ve had a fair amount of success to our complete surprise! FAKE is our electro house project which had taken a back seat to Bioweapon and BRK3, but hopefully we’ll get some time for it later on!

Hardtraxx.nl: How do you think the future of Hardstyle will look like?
Bioweapon: Honestly, I hope it grows and takes over!! Its a very exciting genre right now that's about to explode all over the world.

Hardtraxx.nl Guest questions:

Guest: So what does Bioweapon bring to the table (what sets you apart) compared to other hardstyle acts and producers?
Bioweapon: We do what we do because we love it and have a good time doing it. We focus on satisfying ourselves and writing music for the dancefloor. We always want to change and adapt to constantly keep our music interesting and most of all, ourselves interested in out music!

Guest: Will you guys focus more on the Australian scene, or can we expect some gigs with Bioweapon here in Holland?
Bioweapon: We’ll go where-ever anyone books us!! Of course, we live in Aussie so it goes without saying that the Australian dancefloors will be on the forefront of our attention, but we want to think big picture and not limit ourselves to one scene or genre for that matter!!!

Guest: When you guys come to a party in Holland, will you guys bring a Kangaroo and put it behind the turntables?
Bioweapon: Goes with out saying!! And some classic Aussie Beers too! :D We love a party and we love to have a good time!!

Final words:

Hardtraxx.nl: What can we all expect from Bioweapon in the future?
Bioweapon: Lots more dancefloor dancefloor smashers! We’re always working on new tunes, trying to work with new influences and sounds. We can’t divulge much else right now!

Hardtraxx.nl: Some final words for the people who read this interview?
Bioweapon: Have fun!! That's the main thing!!

Psychophobia

2009-10-04T14:06:00.001-07:00

I've had quite a few comments and messages from stylers, telling me how they loved Psycho Keaton's mixes (I'm glad you do, coz I do too).

If you a fan of Psycho Keaton, I have a suprise for you. The Psycho now has a new hardstyle mix out, for you to download. The mix is titled Psychophobia. You can downlaod this mix by clicking here, or simply check out the right-hand side of this blog.