BKJN vs. Partyraiser Festival Review (June 30 2018)

Despite not being fully recovered from Defqon the previous weekend, on Saturday, June 30, 2018, my crew and I traveled to Zoetermeer for my second edition of BKJN vs. Partyraiser. Before going into the party, we had an amazing all-you-can-eat sushi dinner at Bijou where not only were we the only ones in the restaurant, but also we could see and hear the outdoor main stage from our seats. The funniest part of it all was that the restaurant was basically inside the Silverdome. Therefore, the bathroom was located on the opposite wall of the terror stage, aka “The Terror Toilets,” which made the entire bathroom vibrate. I will be definitely coming back here to eat before going to the Silverdome.

After dinner we headed into the festival, and first up on the list was Crypton at the Frenchcore stage. We actually saw Crypton walking outside when we were eating dinner and my friends, being fan girls they are, ran out of the restaurant and chased him down the street. He then joined us for ice cream while my friends serenaded him for the thousandth time with the song they made for him: “Ik hou van Crypton.” (I love Crypton.)

We then headed outside to go on the festival’s carnival ride. Usually I avoid spinning rides, but I was peer-pressured into it. Not only was the ride free and had no line, but I didn’t get sick, so triple win!

After almost having to endure the ride again because we couldn’t figure out to open the safety device (if you heard some people screaming “HELP! HELP!” really loudly outside, that was us), we ran over to the indoor main stage for Partyraiser’s big entrance. The man of the night began his set with an Elvis impersonator with a light-up exploding guitar, girls in poodle skirts, and fireworks, It was like taking a trip back to America in the 1950s, but with hardcore in the background. What a way to start the night!

Next, I headed to the uptempo area to get a good spot for Rob GEE’s set and while doing so I got to see Omkara for the first time. Dark, fast music with costumes and dancers—it was a lot of fun!

Now the moment my crew had been waiting for—the American hardcore king, Rob GEE! Rob played a high energy set including his new track “A DJ Saved my Life” and the new “You Got What I Need” remix! Whenever he is playing, you can always find me in the front and center singing and screaming.

After some socializing and ice cream, it was time for Sefa vs. Dr. Peacock vs. Partyraiser. This set was a mix of some epic throwbacks like “Always Hardcore” and “Love U More,” in addition to some newer tracks including “Tandava (Billx Remix),”one of my personal favorites. Throughout the set, I just kept thinking how crazy it was that this was Sefa’s 18^th birthday. This led me to reflect on my own 18^th birthday, which consisted of having a party in my parents’ basement in the suburbs with a strobe light, my karaoke machine, and my dad sitting disapprovingly on the other side of the door in a rocking chair watching everyone go in and go out. Talk about a stark contrast!

I then spent the remainder of the night at the main stage, jamming out to Partyraiser vs. F. Noize vs. Hyrule War, and then Partyraiser vs. Tieum vs. Unexist! Partyraiser’s energy throughout the night was incredible. Every set had crazy lasers and fireworks, plus was high-powered, unique, and stimulating.

Now, without further ado, let’s get into the interview with the man of the night, Partyraiser!

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First, congratulations on 25 years of hardcore! Can you tell us how you got into this music?

A long time ago, but I’ve loved it since day one. I remember my father had a tape in his bus (he was a touring car driver), and this tape had several awesome house tracks on it. I played it, I loved it. I think this was 1990.

I went to my first house party in a club in 1991, and I was hooked. During that time, it wasn’t hardcore yet, but that changed quickly. I think it was 1992 when I first experienced a kind of gabber music. But 1993 was the year where it all became big!

Over the last 25 years, we have seen an incredible transformation in the music scene as a result of technology. How do you feel this has impacted your music and your career?

Well, every time has is charms. I love the old gabber music. It was pretty simple, but mannn it was badass! Of course later gabber became Millennium Hardcore; afterwards, slower hardcore at 160bpm, mainstream, and later the more rougher sounds. Yes, I love it all. The longer hardcore exists, the more hardcore music develops. Actually, the scene with uptempo these days is bringing the old feelings back, in my opinion. More loud kicks, faster beats, and no three-minute breaks. I am kinda happy with it since I’ve played the rough beats already since 2007.

As we reflect on the last 25 years of your career, where do you see yourself 25 years from now?

Oh wow, I have no idea. I think Hardcore music will never stop, and there are so many new kids standing up to keep our scene alive. So I think I’m not ready even if I’m almost 41, haha. I think 25 years from now is too long, but 10 years from now I honestly think we will still be alive and kicking. J

Last year, we saw the return of Thunderdome and this year is the return of Megarave. What old-school party do you think should make a comeback and why?

It will never have the same feeling as it had in the past. They only do events based on older success to get money again. I think that’s not the right way. You are killing a very good name that way! So, for me, let the past be the past and throw new gigs in the future. That’s my opinion.

I have had the opportunity to meet and see your family at some of your events! Have they always been supportive of your music?

Yes, yes, yes! From day one, my mom was my first and biggest fan. She was the one who bought me the real Technics SL-1210MK2 turntables (vinyl) in 1995. I started DJing in 1993, but the first two years I played on Marantz and Kam turntables with a CD player on the side and an electro mixer, haha.

My mom said, “Wes, you are so serious with mixing, I think you need the right equipment”. And, at that time, my mom did not have a lot of money to buy it. But she saw how happy it made me, and she bought me all the stuff I needed. I’m still so thankful, because that made me the DJ I still am these days.

And yeah, everyone who’s visiting my own parties can see my family members partying with us. They are into it as well, and they are proud, like I’m proud of them.

I really love the sets you have done recently with your wife, Bulletproof. (Relationship goals!) How is it working with your wife?

Oh lady, she’s the best! She is gorgeous, she is smart, and most of all she is so sweet to me and the rest of the family. Since day one I’ve been in love, and I’m married to the best girl in the world. We have been together now for nine years and married for two years.

And she has already played for a few years now, but we never did something with it.
I wanted to wait till she was ready! And she is now, and you know. Together, it’s a magical feeling on stage. We are blessed to do this together!

What advice do you have for couples who work together in the hardcore scene?

Love each other, and keep business and private life separated. Enjoy every moment, because it’s very, very special to have this huge opportunity.

The BKJN vs. Partyraiser party series has been a huge success! What sets these parties apart from all the other events you play at?

Of course, because these are my own events. Second of all, the promoter from BKJN is a very hard-working guy with many ideas. And he thinks that creating amazing events is more important than making quick, fast money. And that works. Besides that, we are always trying to give people the best lightshows, quality sound system, and unforgettable DJ battles. It’s just freaking awesome! HAHA!

At the BKJN vs. Partyraiser parties, you play nearly the entire time! Do you have any rituals or things you do to get in the mood before such long sets?

No, I do this for so many years now. I think I’m the only one in the last 10 years who’s doing so many solos all over Europe and own gigs with 7-hour sets straight. I just love it. And I do this on an automatic pilot system, I guess. I don’t use drugs, nor drink energy drinks. Just the vibe of the fans and the music get me through long DJ nights like these.

You recently published a mix with Rob GEE—he is one of my best friends. What’s it like working with him?

Rob is a very good friend of mine. We became friends a few years ago. As a DJ, I’ve known him since the 90s. Man, he was such a big name at that time with many hits. What I like about Rob—he is pure, what you see is what you get.

To have him on stage is amazing, because he is crazy as f**k, and makes that stage like it is his own. I love him, we talk a lot, and I’m happy he’s working so hard in the scene and to see him grow again. Yes, I have a magical feeling with my buddy.

You recently released “Trip to Holland” with Dr. Peacock. I am a big fan of the video and the track! As we know, Dr. Peacock has done similar tracks for countries such as America, Ireland, Turkey, Colombia, Japan, and so on. How did it feel to be asked to work on that particular track representing Holland?

Yes, of course that’s cool! I love my country, Holland, and Steve (Dr. Peacock) is one of my best friends. He’s a huge artist! I remember before he started playing. He booked me when he was a promoter in 2005/2007, and I was his headliner.

10 years later, we are headlining together. How crazy it goes! I think, with Steve on stage, I have one of the best feelings and chemistry during battles. Steve works so hard, and I have huge respect for him and the way he does it. And of course to do “Trip to Holland” in his “Trip to” series is awesome.

I made some kicks and screeches, and he made it fit. Together we talked about the best creation of Dutch songs in it. It was a very good combination together. And then we wrote the clip and arranged all locations. It was hard and long work, but we laughed so hard, haha! Yes, we are proud of this project. In such a short time, there have been over a million views on YouTube already. J

What do you like to do outside of music that contributes to your musicality?

Chilling, walking in the woods, playing with the dogs, and driving in my cars.

I’m a huge car fan, and I love to drive. I have a few babies, hehe. I’m a huge nature guy; it’s relaxing for me. And it gives me new ideas when I clear my head outside.

You have had the opportunity to play and travel around the world. What is one place you haven’t played yet, but would love to play?

China. I would love to play there one day. Amazing country! But first, Japan. I can’t wait for my November 2018 Japan tour. J

You have been to the United States before. What is your impression of the hardcore scene there?

It is small, unfortunately! But the fans are die-hard dedicated! The country is so great, so big. Everyone knows it’s my favorite country of all time. I visit it three times a year. But the scene is way too small for so many people. I wish they’d turn down that EDM shizzle and follow the hardcore rougher scene!

If they only knew how pure and friendly our scene was. I mean, they love punk rock and all kinds of harder styles. Why not hardcore?! Only a few cities in a few states.

It’s my dream to travel all over the States and play hardcore gigs everywhere.

Like my best friend DJ El-Niño from Houston, Texas said: “The USA is great, but their choice of dance music is soft as F**K!”

What advice do you have for the American hardcore scene and upcoming producers and DJs?

Come to Europe and see how we do it. See how we throw a party, how the Hardcore community is. And bring that vibe and feeling back to your beautiful country.

Make sure we can travel and play our beats there the next 10 years!

I like to DJ and dance in Utah! Oh yeahhhh, it’s my favorite state. And for the DJs, there are good hardcore DJs and producers in the US. I know they want the same. Let’s unite!

You have such a loyal and strong fan base all over the world, but as this is an American publication, if you could give your American fans one message, what would it be?

The scene I know in the States is awesome; they are dedicated. They know what real music is. 😉 I’d like to say that I love you; I can’t wait to see you dance. Some of them I see in front of me in Europe also, and that’s great.

Tell your family and friends about it…spread the word. Make them wild, so we can visit often. Hope to see you all soon again. The US is my favorite country, and that’s no secret.

Lastly, I asked some of my American friends if they had any questions for you, and these are a couple of those questions:

Throughout your career, who or what has been your biggest inspiration?

Elvis Presley. His music made me what I am now. I started listening to music when I heard him sing at the age of two. He inspired me my whole life. His music was rough, shocking, and the media was against it. Same shit like they have and do with hardcore music these days while they don’t know anything about it! Thanks Elvis, we are what we are now, because of what you were then.

Your name is Partyraiser. Is there ever a party not raised by the time you arrive?

Of course not, there are many DJs who can throw a party! I just like to throw that little extra, so the people give me their last energy. Love to see that. Good question. 😉

Thanks everyone, it was an honor. Love your States. Love your small hardcore scene. Hope to see you all soon wherever!

Thank you to BKJN Events and Krist Alies for some of the photos!