Some tracks hit you harder than others. They go beyond conventions, challenge boundaries, explore new sonic terrain. They change your whole perception of music. These are seven tracks I considered groundbreaking on first listen and after.
Inferno Bros. – Slaves To The Rave
The internet was not nearly as big as it is now in the mid 90s. You couldn’t find easily information about “Underground Hardcore” on it. So which tracks, which music you knew was mostly defined by CDs or Records you bought in a record store. And these were mostly defined by the Dutch Gabber market – ID&T, Mokum, if you’re lucky you’d find a release by Ruffneck or K.N.O.R…. So I didn’t know what I was in for when I bought a new double-CD by the Raver’s Night series, compiled by Ruffneck Records. The beginning track was Slaves To The Rave by Inferno Bros. I had heard of PCP before, and listened to some sounds, but barely knew anything really about this label. This changed with this track. It was just so different from the standardized “Hardcore” and Gabber. There was so much in it, so many elements, emotions, it picked you up and took you on its own vibe, so far away… what is not to praise about this track? The intro, the breakdown, the main synths… a true classic.
Wedlock vs. Comababy – Void Sector
When I listened to this track I was still very much in “Dutch Gabber” territory and didn’t know about labels like Fischkopf, Blut, Anticore yet. I found this track on an “Earthquake” compilation by ID&T. But it stood out from the common Gabber arsenal. It had a “Spiral Tribe” sample, cold, industrial drumming, a futuristic atmosphere… but the main thing for me was the synths that were used in this track. Something I did not hear before, so otherworldly, so “out there”, like you were walking another planet… I had to listen to this track on repeat for a lot of times. In my opinion, this track is a kind of “missing link” between Experimental Hardcore and the more Dance-orientated Dutch Gabber productions.
Atari Teenage Riot – Into The Death
So I broke free from the “Supermarket Gabber” CDs I consumed and finally found a real record store in the midst of Hamburg – “Container Records”, which was, amongst other things, the home of Fischkopf. One of the first things I bought was “Harder Than The Rest”, a compilation with Digital Hardcore Records artists. The tracks were all very nice to me, but when I came to “Into The Death”… I was blown away. There was so much action packed into this track. Pure aggression. An endless onslaught of screams, noise and beats. I got goosebumps and once the track was finished I had to listen to it again. To this day this track is an example for me of how you produce a sound that is crammed with excitement.
Somatic Responses – Umbrella
I knew the music of Somatic Responses from the now defunct c8.com website, the main central of Experimental Hardcore in the 90s and beyond. I got to know them personally on a mailing list, and we decided to exchange our demos. So in the cold autumn of 1998 I opened a parcel with a demotape by the Somatix. And once I put the tape in the player, I was gone. The opening synths of Umbrella… I never heard something like this before. It changed my outlook at music forever. I know another artist who also listened to this track described the sound by Somatics as “feeling as if you walk through a dystopic world of burned out industrial building and cyborg wars”. Couldn’t agree more. This track is still amongst my favorites by the Somatix. It had a huge influence on my own productions too, and I would suppose on a lot of other artists as well.
Frederik Schikowski – Ring My Bell
This gem was hidden on one of the infamous Irritant tape compilations. A mean, dirty little track. Unusual for Frederik, it reminds of an Acid-Techno-Electro track, something that could’ve been on Mono Tone or Force Inc. But the thing for me were the synth sounds, oddly squealing and distorted. The track just sounded so exotic and different. A mental atmosphere, and a mind trip. A huge influence on my own track “Urban Uprising”.
Disintegrator – In The Sun
This track was actually one of the first Hardcore tracks I heard, as it was on the “Industrial Fucking Strength” mix CD that I bought in the Gabber section of a chain store. But it wasn’t after 2000 that I I first listened to the track in full length. It is a masterpiece in dystopic Techno. Wailing choirs like an air raid warning, a voice muttering “Defcon, Defcon”, sounds like heavy vehicles moving, a killer bassdrum… what else do you need. A true definition of “Hardcore Techno” and it shows how far ahead even “older” sound could be. This track set me on a journey to discover the more Techno side of Hardcore again, after the Breakcore “hype” of the late 90s.
303 Nation – Seis
Oh yeah. This track. A cryogenic nightmare on an outer space colony. Something went wrong but you can hear the humming of the machines in the distance… This is a very simple track really, just a drum and a bassline… but so effective in its simple ways. Words can’t praise this track, and the whole “6 Tracker” release, enough. It’s just so peculiar, so much there, so special… 303 Nation were true masters of Techno, and this was the high point of their art.
So these were some tracks that made an impact on me, and I hope there are much more to come.
I want to talk about tracker music, including hardcore. Tracker music was and is done on tracker programs like Soundtracker, Protracker, Fasttracker, Impulse Tracker and countless others.
What people will notice first is the abstract, “top down” view of the sequencer screen, very much unlike the layout of modern DAW programs. Trackers were, to most part, a digital form of producing. The basic sequencing was done by writing the sound to be used (the sample) and the pitch into the sequence editor. All channels were on the same screen (so for example you had to sequence hi-hats and bassdrum and bassline together and could not “add them later”).
These “patterns” were then put into a playing order in another screen. You could add “effects” to each note played such as pitchbent or vibrato, and in later trackers even filtering.
The finished result was saved as modules files, or MODs. These contained both the song and the samples that were used.
In the present day, Tracker technology has improved by a lot; programs like Renoise or Jeskola Buzz added hundreds of new functions and changes in the style and way to produce. Buzz allows you to use a variety of soft-synths written for the program, for example, so you no longer have to rely on sampling.
Soundtracker
Before the internet, these modules were spread in the BBS scene. BBS was short for Bulletin Board System and to an internet user it’s hard to explain what exactly they were. A BBS was run on a computer and you could dial it up with your own computer and a modem – around the globe basically – and when you accessed the BBS it offered services like messaging boards, chat (where you could talk to other users that had dialed up the BBS at the same time as you), games, and download sections – were amongst other things track modules could be downloaded or uploaded.
Tracker artists often organized themselves in groups, so called crews. These crews usually were not just composed of musicians, but had also graphic artists, writers, and often programmers – “coders”; they turned the individual tracks into a release of multiple tracks with visuals and menus – kinda like a multimedia LP. Often these releases were stand-alone programs done by the coders which played so called demos while the modules played – graphic animations, often in a virtual reality and cyberspace style, sometimes even short movies, that tested the computing power of your system to its limits.
A modern BBS
This is where the tracker scene met the demo scene; demos could be written for existing tracks, or demo coders included tracks for the demos; so sometimes the music came first, sometimes the programming.
The crews had so called couriers that dialed up BBS sytems around the country or world to spread the tracker releases. Often a crew had its own BBS or a BBS was connected to several crews.
With the rise of the internet, the world of BBS systems faded quickly; but the tracker and demo scene moved to the net and survives on it to this day.
With the rise of techno and hardcore, this sound quickly spread to the tracker scene too in the early 90s; long before speedcore really took its hold on vinyl, tracks that exceeded 300 or 400 bpm were released as modules.
Most producers and crews were not “hardcore only” though, and did a variety of techno and electronic styles.
The tracker and demo scene were the root for many techno and hardcore artists in the 90s: Nasenbluten, Neophyte, E-De Cologne, Christoph De Babalon, Amiga Shock Force all started on tracker programs and many many more did so. Hardsequencer, Cybermouse, Bomb 20 and others had releases in the BBS or Amiga scene before their sounds was put to vinyl and CD.
Hardsequencer’s Amiga EP
But the vast majority of tracker music never saw the light of day outside its scene; just the couriers and crews and users of the BBS world knew about them. But now there are some archives for this very scene on the internet. It’s a sonic treasure that’s still be to dug up.
Here are three mixes that are showcasing the early tracker hardcore scene:
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 18th birthday. This led me to reflect on my own 18th 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!
———————————————————————-
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!
Every year thousands of gabbers make the pilgrimage from all over the world to a small town outside of Eindhoven for the largest hardcore gathering in the world. This year was no different. On 21 July my friends and I embarked on our epic journey to the festival. Of course being my group of friends there were several obstacles along the way: missing IDs; lost OV chip cards; almost missing both the bus and train; and a packed sauna-like shuttle ride. Nevertheless after the three-hour journey we made it there!
This was my third edition of Dominator and one important difference between this year and the previous years (I went in 2017 and 2015) was that this was one of the hottest days on record in the Netherlands (according to me having spent almost four summers/partial summers here now). Thankfully Dominator is located on a beautiful beach with plenty of room to swim. Despite the heat the organizers were prepared and preemptively cancelled the fireworks as a result of the dry terrain. Furthermore, a big shout out to the organizers for providing cups and free water stations and potable drinking water near the bathrooms; that was a lifesaver.
We started the day off with Fan4stik. It was my first time seeing them and as a new recent fan of Billx it was the perfect start to the day. If you like Hard Tek check these guys out. Next we made our way over to the main stage for Bodyshock. Even though it was early the main stage was packed and the crowd despite the heat was so energetic. So energetic that people kept trying to steal our inflatable pig totem (Wilbur)! Thankfully Anne is a marathon runner and hunted the perpetrators down and returned Wilbur safely to our crew.
After now slightly dying as result of the heat I hopped in the water for a little swim during Radium’s set. The highlight of the set for me was while I was swimming I heard Rob GEE’s new track “A DJ Saved My Life” (side note: I heard it again later during Mutante’s set, could this be the festival anthem of the summer?). Next was the QSA (American hard dance) meet up during Billx’s set and as per usual it consisted of a sloppy failed attempt at a group photo then half of the group disappeared.
After that I got separated from the group and because they closed the beach off for Sefa’s set, myself and the other festival-goers trying to get to the other side of the festival had to cross through the water. This was probably my favorite part of the day. An exodus of sweaty people carrying dirty socks, shoes, and all their belongings (somehow still all texting and taking selfies) through the water to the other side of the island from the Frenchcore tent to the Extreme Hardcore tent. It was a long trek but we made it!
Last but certainly not least, my friend Hellcreator closed the talent stage and he crushed it! This is now two years in a row that a friend of mine had the opportunity to play on the talent stage at Dominator, what a treat!
Exhausted, dirty, sweaty, and sore. These are some of the words to describe how we felt the end of Dominator. Dominator festival is a must visit for anyone who likes hardcore; every year it gets bigger and bigger. The festival overall no surprise was an absolute success. The music was amazing, the production level was high, and the crowd was energized. The only thing that would make it better is if the Rawstyle stage was the Speedcore stage, well I can only dream.
Happy Throwback Thursday everyone! I was asked by The Hard Data to post my review of Defqon 2017 which was originally posted on my personal blog, Adventures with MC Unicorn.
Thursday- QSA Pre-Defqon Meet Up
*QSA is a group of American hard dance fans that meet at hard dance raves and festivals in the USA and abroad. Before major events such as Defqon and Qlimax we always meet at Luminaa in Leidsplein, Amsterdam
‘Twas the night before Defqon and all through the ‘Dam not a hard dance fan was lonely not even on the tram. The drinks were flowing and fists were in the air in hopes that Frontliner would soon be there. Some ravers were hakking all over the bar, while others loaded camping supplies into the car. With Kardiak on the decks and I with my squad, we were all starting to get a little bit odd.
When out in the plein there arose such a clatter, I ran from the bar to see what was the matter. Away to the door I flew like a flash, through the sweaty ravers I hustled out the door, and to what to my wondering eyes did appear but it was Rob Gee dancing with cheer. With his purple mohawk and horde of fans, I knew in a moment he must be the leader of the hardcore clan. More rapid than eagles his fans they came, he whistled and shouted and called out our names “QSA ITS GROUP PHOTO TIME!” To the front of the bar, to the middle of the plein, take out your flags, for now is the time! And then it was time for us to leap, some to the Melkweg and others to sleep. For tomorrow was Defqon, the most wonderful time of the year, see you at the Yellow Stage tomorrow my dear.
Friday-Day 1
The day we had all been waiting for had finally arrived (note: the remainder of this review will not be written in poetic form, sorry!)! We all got up a little groggy from the night before (some of us more than others) and headed from my house in Voorburg to Den Haag Centraal to hop on the event travel bus. Unfortunately in order to get to the station we had to take the local bus where we got some interesting glances from my neighbors (six ravers with a ton of camping gear). After knocking into a few people with my 2015 Defqon tent and spilling all of the contents of my shopping bag down the aisle of the bus not once but twice, we finally made it to the station. The bus ride took about five hours since once we got right outside the festival we literally moved 50 meters in an hour but finally around 16:30 we were at our campsite and the party began. I got to reunite with my friends, some of which I hadn’t seen in over two years, and some for the first time in person! Fast-forward to the main event of the night- the Gathering!
First off, when the gates opened I ran immediately to the Yellow Stage (duh) for the silent disco. If you want to laugh your @$$ off this is the place to be. Just picture 200 ravers going crazy to terrorcore but with no sound. Tharoza opened the Yellow stage, it was my first time seeing him live and he crushed it! The other highlight of the night was definitely Angernoizer who closed out the stage with some brutal beats. Following the performance there was a small firework end show on the “Around the World” ride (big swing), which was totally unexpected. Overall day one of Defqon was both fun and exhausting but everything was falling into place for an awesome weekend.
Saturday-Day 2
Despite not having slept at all we were all ready for day two! I had promised my friends that this weekend I would check out the other stages and not just spend all my time at Black, Yellow, and Gold like I did in 2015. That being said, walking by Chaotic Hostility at the Yellow Stage that morning was hard but I wanted to actually check out the entirety of the festival especially because since I live here now I have the opportunity to see all of these DJs often. First up for the day was Pyra at the White stage, I had never heard of her before but am always excited to see female hard dance DJs since there are so few of them and us female hard dance lovers have to stick together! Between Pyra and Power Hour we had a few hours to just wander around the festival and explore. In doing so, I noticed there was a station where people were giving people massages on red beanbag chairs. I made a mental note to come back to them later.
Now it was time for Power Hour! For those of you who have never been to Defqon or who are living under a rock, Power Hour is one hour of all different types of hard dance on the main stage (Red) and it is CRAZY. Basically everyone from the festival is there (probably around 50,000 people but who knows I’m bad at math), there are inflatables being thrown into the crowd, people throwing trash from the floor in the air (yes its as gross at it sounds), confetti, fire, mutli-colored smoke, marriage proposals, people crowd surfing, etc. This was my first Power Hour since in 2015 I went for about five minutes, decided that it was too crowded and went back to the Yellow Stage. This year I was determined to fully experience Power Hour and boy I did. Words cannot explain the insanity of this set. The highlight for me by far was the Thunderdome segment. As we all know, Thunderdome is returning this year and they did a special dedication to it during Power Hour and it was epic.
Feeling exhausted after Power Hour I determined that we should go find those red beanbag people and get massages. After wandering around the festival for an hour we found people in red shirts however we were informed that they were not giving massages they were helping people apply sunscreen- WHAT!?! NOOOOOOOOOOO. We decided with our spirits low to just sit down in the chill area for a bit. We found a nice swing and finally I thought I could relax and recharge before the next set. As I rested my weary head upon the swing, my friend yells “AMY WE HAVE TWENTY MINUTES TO GET TO DR PEACOCK IN CONCERT AND WE NEED TO GO TO THE CAMPSITE FIRST LETS GO NOW!” AH! Dr Peacock in Concert was one of my “cannot miss” sets! Basically, Dr Peacock, one of the kings of Frenchcore was doing a special set with live violinists, Sefa on the piano, my boy Mouth of Madness on the mic, and live singers. Thankfully my friend is a marathon runner and managed to drag me from the chill area, to campsite one, all the way to the Black stage and we made it just in time! Out of breath, panting, sweating, and exhausted, I mustered up the strength for Dr Peacock and it was incredible. I felt like I was watching the New York Philharmonic but better, because duh Frenchcore makes everything better.
Finally after Dr Peacock in Concert we went back to the chill area where we found this amazingly comfortable fishing net and got some rest. I then got my unicorn onesie and sprinted to Noisekick at the Yellow stage. Although exploring the other stages on Saturday was fun I needed my extreme fix. Noisekick as always did not disappoint. After, we headed to the Red stage to get a good spot for the end show. The end show was bittersweet because I knew that at this time tomorrow the festival would be over but nevertheless the fireworks, lasers, music, and energy were incredible.
Sunday-Day 3
Today was the day I was most excited for because it was the Final Terror Sitdown! We sprinted over to the Black stage right when it opened but all of the chairs were already taken! Basically, the terror sitdown is a “sit down set” so everyone grabs a chair or a spot on the floor and then Noisekick plays terrorcore. I got a great spot on the floor to the left of the middle aisle and it was epic. First of all, Noisekick came in on a unicorn, A UNICORN! Can I borrow that sometime? He rode down the middle aisle to the stage to “Final Countdown” then everyone went crazy. He played a mix of classic rock like Queen with straight up ruthless terrorcore. It was so funny to see everyone going crazy while sitting down. Unfortunately the set was only about thirty minutes but I could have totally stayed there all day, terrorcore and you get to sit? Sounds perfect!
The rest of the day was a whirlwind but my highlights were: Re-Style at the Gold stage, Braindrillerz and SRB at Yellow. I spent the day catching up with some friends, wandering around, watching my friend bungee jump (maybe one day when I have more extensive health insurance I’ll try it), and enjoying some delicious Dutch French fries with mayo. I cannot reiterate how fast that this day went by. I checked my phone and it was already 20:00, the end show was about to begin! SAY IT AINT SO WE JUST GOT HERE! I was nowhere near ready for this weekend to be over. With my head hung low we walked to the Red stage. The next three hours were filled with all different types of emotions. There was certainly a lot of nostalgia because the set was entitled Defqon 1 Legends: 15 Years of Defqon. Headhunterz made his official return to hardstyle, Showtek dropped a few classic tracks, and there were sets from Pysko Punkz, Dana, Wildstylez, and Noisecontrollers, among others. The festival then concluded with an incredible firework and laser show. It was the perfect cherry on top of an epic weekend.
Unfortunately there were a bunch of sets I missed. Sorry Partyraiser, Sickest Squad, F. Noize, and Bass-D! I will see you guys at Dominator!
Reflecting back on the weekend, even though the weather wasn’t the greatest, I would not have changed a thing. That being said I have a few friendly suggestions to make next year’s Defqon even better:
The Yellow stage should be bigger, hey just make it the main stage! 😉 [Note from 4 July 2018: This year the Yellow stage was bigger so thank you!]
Terror Sitdown should be at the Red stage. A ton of people couldn’t even get in it was so crowded!
The water refill stations should be able to fill up camelback backpacks and not just the water pouches.
See you next year! Next up…..DOMINATOR!
Dedicated to the harder sound of electronic dance music.
