Industrial Strength Records held its 25th anniversary party Hard Electronic at The Paper Box in Brooklyn Saturday, November 19th. Pics by Sean Hargrove/Porcus Photography
Pics from Hard Electronic: Industrial Strength Records 25th Anniversary
All posts by Sean Hargrove
Lenny Dee – Hard Electronic Interview Series
Techno and Hardcore pioneer Lenny Dee started Industrial Strength Records in 1991 and put New York and American Hardcore on the map, Now on the heels of the labels 25th anniversary, ISR is touring the world with a crew of hardcore artists from all over. The tour hits the US this week with stops at Union in LA Friday, November 18 and The Paper Box in Brooklyn Saturday, November 19. We got a chance to talk to a few of the artists on the lineup, including label founder Lenny Dee about the event and the history of Industrial Strength.
THD: What inspired you to start Industrial Strength records?
I was already producing a lot of music and it became a natural progression. I wanted to inspire more artists to create Hard Electronic Music and I felt this music needed a place to grow and be heard. On my travels DJing, I also went on the hunt to seek out the most hardest electronic music I could muster up. Looking back – I did.
THD: What initially attracted you to hardcore and the harder styles of dance music? What is your favorite part of hardcore music and/or the hardcore scene?
It came from within me really. There was no hard electronic music before (maybe some gothic Ebm tracks, – if you could even find them). I made sets picking odd tracks, b-sides anything and everything and played them all back to back in my sets. I’d been doing sets all around the globe since the 80s man, so all the music i produced and mixed to this point lead me down a path as i grew as a DJ and a producer and then A&R.
What I was feeling the people were feeling. It was like magic. I grew as the feeling grew. This shit was new..
I wanted to explore electronic music to the max and have made and had hits in most major styles. Creativity lead to genres of music being realized. We made the music, and then it was called something, Techno for example….we did not go in the studio to make a ‘certain style’ — it just was. I wound up and the end of the road and stayed when I hit hardcore, but I still always look at the future.
THD: What was the hardcore and harder styles scene in America like before you started ISR? How has it changed in the last 25 years?
There was nothing here in the start of the 90’s. Frankie Bones was doing some parties at that time and we had also created club nights prior to ISR. We were pushing electronic music sounds to NYC which at that time no one cared about it.
The music was not Hard Electronic though. It become the essence of what was to come for me later on, but as I think back, it was hard for the time. Bones and I really broke down doors for NYC and this Country as a whole. No one here really realizes how much Europe actually looked to us as the leaders in electronic music. We have a earned a large place in electronic music history (they might even recognize that one day ) But here we are 25 years – still kicking ass !
THD: What is your favorite subculture or sub-genre of hardcore/hardstyle that has emerged since you started playing and producing hardcore?
I love all styles of music in fact & listen to a vast range of things. What I play is my choice. I love to be excited by the music and play it like no other. I so like crossbreed. I think its hard edge drum n bass flavor with tight Hard electronic elements really is great new addition to Hard electronic music. It furthers the expansion of both styles while forging ahead with new music ideas pushing the growth of something new, which is a good thing no matter how you look at it.
Some styles of music are more like a description not a really a style (like ‘Techno’ is a style) and are set up with simple arrangements so an amateur can play it well. I like a challenge when I play. But I try not to diss any styles, it’s whatever people dig.
THD: What is your favorite memory from your years with ISR?
I had Laurent Garnier over to my place in Brooklyn. Laurent and I go way back, so we tried to make a track in the short time we had to work. Believe it or not we made a track on my Ruff Beats label ! It was fun and unexpected, we made a simple track, but the experience was over the top to have Laurent over in in Bensonhurst Brooklyn the home of Saturday Night Fever. We rented a house off 86th St. next to Lenny’s Pizza – that where Travolta ate the two slices of pizza doubled up in the start of the film.
THD: What are you most excited about for the Hard Electronic 25th anniversary shows?
I am super chuffed to celebrate that we have been here this long ! Not many can say this in the USA, especially being we created a style of music. I think we are one of (if not the) longest running Electronic labels in the USA now.
I am excited to do this party in NYC and LA. Trauma Live have been great to deal with on the West Coast and we could not have done it without them & Rave Till Dawn. And of course our crew in Brooklyn – Distort the 909 & Kontaminated Recordings – have rocked this (w/ support from Audio Havok from the east coast too). And needless to say, I couldn’t do any of it without my partner Jules who makes it all happen, incl running the ISR and our Labels etc etc.
We’ve also made ISR25 parties in Vienna (Mechanizm), Tokyo (SuperBad Midi Breaks), Glasgow (Sector Events), Fukishima (DarkRave), showcase at ‘Radikal Styles Festival in Colombia, and have a leg in Paris with Audiogenic this Dec. These collabs are exciting and the responses have been off the chain.
‘Hard Electronic’ is a night we will do more of showcasing new & established artists, from all styles of hard electronic music. One party with all different sounds to excite the brain and body in one room. We are already talking line ups for the next one (and tour coming soon too). Get ready boys n girls – the Brooklyn Monster has woken up !
Lenny will be djing both American dates alongside heavy hitters like Unexist, Art Of Fighters, The Sickest Squad, Tymon, Rob Gee and many more. In his spare time he also has been mixing an album for up and coming artist Pop Criminal.
ISR just released ISR 100 on vinyl as well as collaborations with Akira, Mr Madness, Jason Little, Nuke, DJ Terror and many more for the 25 Years of Industrial Strength compilation coming out this December.
Producers keep an eye out for a new studio pack to help new and seasoned producers make original hard kick drums, featuring over 300+ bass drums and 30+ ISR artist kits.
Satroniq – Hard Electronic Interview Series
In preparation for the upcoming celebration of Industrial Strength Records’ 25th anniversary at the Paper Box in Brooklyn, we’re talking to some of the artists on the lineup. Today we spoke with Satroniq about his history with ISR and what to expect from him on November 19th. Catch him spinning with Delirium in the second room alongside Kontaminated and Audio Havok artists.
HD: How long have you been working with Industrial Strength?
My first solo release on ISR was in 2007. Little known fact: I also did a lot of album covers for ISR around that time and website work.
HD: What is your favorite memory working with ISR?
The early ISR parties at CBGB’s were really cool because I get to say I played at CBGB’s! Being a huge fan of punk, this was a great moment for me to stand on the same stage as The Ramones (even if I was dj’ing instead of rocking in a band).
HD:What initially attracted you to Hardcore and the harder styles? what has kept you coming back to produce and mix and perform?
It was like the new punk rock. Anyone with a laptop could take/steal/mash/screw/chop any sounds up into an aggressive maelstrom. These days the production has gone way up but I always feel like there could be some surprises coming down the pike.
HD: What do you think sets American Hardcore apart from other styles and scenes? What do you enjoy about performing at shows in New York City?
The American hardcore scene has some real die-hard fans who are more appreciative when we get top caliber acts here as it’s not something you see in the States every day. I live in New York city so I love seeing my peers jamming out to the harder styles that I love!
HD: Do you have anything special planned for the ISR 25 anniversary party?
I’m going to be doing something a lot of people haven’t heard yet. I will be doing a Satroniq set rather than Satronica. I have been focused recently on a new record label that works very closely with ISR to explore the harder sounds of edm that don’t quite fit into the “hardcore” category. Think subground, freestyle, and rawstyle.
Satroniq has a new collaboration with Delirium out now on their label Kontaminated Recordings, check it out here.
The Raging Hard Roundtable
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!
Raging Hard Brings Hardstyle to Baltimore
By Sean Hargrove
It’s no secret that the East Coast rave and warehouse scene has been lacking the harder styles lately. As club nights fill with bombastic trap and pretentious deep house, hardcore shows like this years TRAUMA Tour have been far between and fans of hardcore have had fewer and fewer opportunities to throw on their UFOs and shuffle. Tim Shopp and Warsong Presents want to change this June 11 with Raging Hard at Bambou in Baltimore, Maryland.
Featuring hard dance legends like Darksiderz, Raging Hard boasts an eclectic lineup of hardcore favorites from all over the country. Across 3 different stages, ravers from all along the east coast will gather at Bambou in Baltimore to get down to a diverse mix of Hardstyle, Hardcore and UK Hardcore.
The main stage will be dedicated to hardstyle and hosted by New York native MC MastaChief. Headlining the hardstyle stage, Darksiderz will be playing his signature dark style with new favorites like Mekanikal from Rochester, NY and Markove from Washington, D.C. Joining them on the hardstyle stage are Dr Jer-Z bringing Jumpstyle from Monreale, Palermo, Italy and Virginia Beach favorite Zaki.
The Outdoor Hardcore stage will have a mix of Terror, Uptempo and pure old Hardcore, hosted by MC Mad Effort from New York City. Featuring uptempo sets from hardcore heros like Treachery and Warsong’s resident terror producer Tim Shopp. Alongside them will be New Jersey hardcore favorite Levenkahn and Dj Bizarre.
Warsong also added a third bonus stage devoted to UK Hardcore. Bringing you euphoric synths and hard kicks all night will be Arcada alongside master of melody and cheese Happy Daze. Philly’s own DSM resident Problem Unit will be opening the stage with a mix of UK Hardcore and breaks.
Tickets are on sale now starting at only $15 for presales or $20 at the door. The event is 18 and over, starting Saturday, June 11 at 8:00 PM at Bambou, 229 N. Franklintown Rd, Baltimore MD. Click Here to RSVP to the Facebook event or find out more details.