By Sean Hargrove & Tim Shopp

We’re here with the entire Warsong Presents: Raging Hard lineup, and we’re going to dig a little more into these guys minds to see what they’re really about!

HD: Zaki! Great to have you here man!  We’re wondering how did you get your DJ/Performance name, what does it mean?

Zaki: Well, funny question. The name actually means “Pure” in Arabic, but I found that out after I decided to use this name. Zaki was my nickname, so I just decided to use it as my artist name. It has kind of just stuck to me.

HD: Next up, mister Treachery!  How long have you been mixing/producing and how did you get started?

Treachery: I’ve been mixing Hardcore since 2007, though only seriously producing since 2011. Per my bio, I got started because I needed a music style loud and annoying enough to mask the screams of the victims tied up in my basement…

HD: Mekanikal in the house! Have you noticed changes in the scene since you started in your area or nationwide?

Mekanikal: Well certainly! The scene has grown a lot over the years since the beginning of my journey as a DJ. I actually didn’t come into the “local” scene until 2015, my first hardstyle show was DefQon.1 2013 in the Netherlands (I did the reverse of what DJs normally do haha). That being said, from what I’ve experienced, seeing local companies like Audio Havok, East Coast Hard Dance (ECHD), Fresh Entertainment, SDK, Denver Hard Dance, and countless more springing up across the country and getting into the hard dance market is really encouraging for the scene as a whole.

Two years ago, the United States wasn’t really seen as a strong player in the hard dance scene, but now we have become a force to be reckoned with!

There is a lot of positive things happening here in the states, and there are many negative things happening too. Like fans who shout out “defend the raw bruh!!” and others doing the same with euphoric hardstyle… Guys, grow up!

It’s all hardstyle and if someone doesn’t like the style you do, that’s okay! No one has to like what you do. Also, this is something I’m glad Warsong is doing…

The Hardstyle fans need to invest their support in the US hardstyle DJs. One of the reasons we don’t have a Defqon or a Qlimax in the states is mainly because you’re not investing enough in your local talent that’s getting signed to the same labels! Stop whining that “so-and-so shouldn’t be on this festival’s lineup because it’s taking the place of foreign DJs.”

We should be celebrating the USA DJs that get that opportunity, not saying they should be relegated to “local shows” to make room for the international DJs. We work just as hard and put together sets that don’t just highlight the “in” tracks. We make live edits, mashups, really try to make each set exclusive to the show. TL;DR, support your local DJs and get over the Raw vs. Euphoric debate.

HD: Levenkhan! What do you think about the current state of harder styles in America? (Both Hardstyle and or Hardcore)

Levenkhan: First and foremost thank you guys of the Hard Data for having us and spreading our sounds across the U.S. The current scene of the harder styles   has definitely grown a lot the past couple of years. From a very personal and underground rave scene it has evolved to a  bigger crowd and infected the masses. The hardstyle scene is at a steady climb, with a high end of quality producers and DJs from all over the U.S. I have faith it will grow to something much bigger.

As far as hardcore its been and will aways be a  bumpy ride. With a more dedicated underground fanbase hardcore is finally starting to get more attention with a much higher demand at most hard dance events. Its a complex  forgein sound for the average american mainstream ear but perhaps will reach a much bigger mainstream fanbase one day.

Overall in order for a successful growth of the harder styles in america we must set our differences (if any) aside and  all come in UNITY and a support  all national talent whether its an upcoming  local name or a bigger national name, GO SUPPORT  and watch the scene grow.

HD: Greetings Markove! What are you trying to convey through your music? Are there any themes or ideas that are important to you? Is there anything in particular you find yourself wanting to communicate to the audience?

Markove:   My personal experiences and how I’ve endured form the basic message behind my music.  In the past two years I’ve gone through a lot of firsts.  Many I hope won’t be repeated.  All things considered, however, I’m only one person in a world of many.  Everyone lives through events they don’t want to intentionally experience.  My message is a simple one – you’re not alone.

Inspiration.  Motivation.  Renewal.  I want the crowd to feel these emotions every time I perform.  For me, the medium doesn’t matter.  Whether it’s through my online podcast or a live set, I want every person to experience the same realization:  your potential is unlimited.

HD: Hello Problem-Unit! Have you played Baltimore or the East Coast before? How did it go?

Problem Unit: I mostly play the east coast area, NYC to DC, as far west as Pittsburgh. Probably the best time I had playing Baltimore was at a warehouse near the stadium / Paradox. It was a mult – gig night for myself and a friend of mine, and by the time I got to the venue it was time to play, I was wired, and threw down hard. It was a blast to say the least.

HD: How are you doing Dr Jer-Z? Do you have anything special planned for the party (btb set, all vinyl, live PA, guest performers/dancers etc)? Do you plan to play a specific genre? Oldschool throwbacks? Original productions? Rawstyle or euphoric?

Dr Jer-Z: What’s up Hard Data! Im really excited about this event. Definitely do have something prepared. I’m a reverse bass guy so there will definitely be that hard pounding bass involved in my set. Some Rawstyle and Euphoric will be present but I’m all about energy when it comes to my sets. I do have some new original tracks/remixes that I’m going finish for this event. Can’t wait to be a part of this event and to play with some of the best local artists.

HD: Mad Effort and Cheif! You both will be hosts of stages on this night! How does it feel and are you guys looking forward to specific acts?

Chief: It feels awesome to be witnessing the birth of yet another team on the east coast that has genuine passion and desire for the growth of our Hard Dance scene. I’m excited to be included in this event because as the culture spreads, it’s an honor to be able to say I was there with Warsong from the beginning. Being a part of something already established is fantastic but when you play a part in something from its birth, it’s special and the potential is endless. Truth be told, I’m not looking forward to any act in particular because every artist on here is known for throwing down well, so I expect nothing but the best from everyone as they always deliver. Looking forward to going back to back with Mad Effort because it’s a rare opportunity that there’s another individual rocking the mic alongside me with an equal amount of passion. It creates an atmosphere that isn’t mine and isn’t his but can be stronger than both. Not to mention, this is my first time officially hosting in Baltimore so that alone is keeping me amped up for this. I’m very proud to be a part of this culture.

Mad Effort: Im really looking forward to my first time hosting on my own  for a big event , and at an all hardcore stage no less! With three stages of pure hard dance, this show really will be something unique.

As far as the artists go, I can’t think of a better lineup as powerful as what we’ve got packed for June 11th. I’ve got something special in store for the show, but I’ll let you guys see for yourself when the time comes!

HD: Tim Shopp! Happy to have you here once again with Hard Data! Is there anything you want to say that we haven’t asked about yet? Do you have any upcoming projects or tours to promote, or anything special or shout outs you want to say?

Tim Shopp: Its always an honor to chat with you guys and catch up! I just have to first off thank Warsong for hosting this event. For anyone who knows me on a bit of a personal level will know my true feelings about how much i believe these American talent based shows are the key to the growth of everything here in the states! Its shows/lineups like these that people need to support most in order to gain for the future music/talent and big things! I will save that rant for another day haha!

Projects, I’ve lost count on! Im working with so many artists and close friends that i think i start a new project just about everyday! Plus i have huge things coming with labels and just recently got to announce ill be making an official anthem for my friends at SDK Events for their show this summer Phobia. Not to mention the amount of tracks I’m also working on as my trio Extreme Team (with Levenkhan and Mad Effort)! Still blown away on how amazing this year is for me!

As for tours, I have what I believe to be a mini world tour this summer! Warsong will be the kick-off, then ill be in Vegas for Gabberfest (both days). Taking some lovely time off in Holland for some studio dates with people and to experience Defqon once more. Then back to Holland in July for a show that is TBA, and finally Phobia in August! Thats all i can say…for now.

HD: Last but certainly not least the man behind it all! Patrick aka Warsong! First of all, what a lineup! How did this all come about, what does Warsong mean to you, and why an all American talent lineup?

Warsong:

Because this is America after all. The hardest nation on Earth. Seriously though, people tend to underestimate the American scene, and I feel like oftentimes due credit isn’t awarded to our DJs and producers when it otherwise would be.

We’re excited as anyone to go to Defqon1 this summer, and we felt like it would be cool to bring all the Americans together to get pumped before crossing the Atlantic.

As far as our name goes, we see Warsong representing music that’s fundamentally aggressive and energetic; it’s evocative of a battlefield. I like to think of a mosh pit as a war zone — except we’re all on the same side

Well thank you all for taking the time (and patience) for all of this! It’s our honor to have spent this time with you all, and hope to see you all very soon!