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Here is a jam packed and raw interview with an artist/promoter/raver/teddy bear that has literally been with hardcore since its uprising in the United States. All of California has witnessed this man’s work in some from or another, and to have this kind of energy grace us at this year’s edition of GABBERFEST: AMERICA’S Hardest (June 18th-19th in Las Vegas, Nevada, EDC Weekend) is not only necessary, but a true lesson in hardcore for a lot of us (this man is a literal history book on the scene).

Representing California on the main stage this year, and representing TopDawg SF, CKM Records, and Kids of the Core: DJ EN3RGY!

How did you decide on your stage name?
At my first rave in 1990 I was introduced to the scene at a large desert gathering. I remember the sheer excitement of being inside this new place and losing track of time which turned out to be days just running on the adrenaline in my body. On the third day of the gathering I was asked if I was tired yet. When I told them no, one said I had too much energy. At that moment of the three who brought me said “That’s perfect, we’ll name you that.” So I ran around introducing myself as “Energy”. About 10 years later we added the “3” to dispute multiple identical names and “En3rgy” was born while I was with the production company NeoSapiens. I would later be known as the artist who would also include 3 styles of hardcore into his sets. And the rest is history. No really, it’s history.

How did you start producing/DJ’ing?
During the early 90’s urban music, dance, and breaking was still very popular. And DJ’ing was still a craze. I used to be a b-boy and with some friends. I used to practice with them and they would have me play a record and switch over the track during performances where the DJ, who also danced, would jump in. Soon after I started my own party crew and we started doing events. I met a DJ who used to rent us out his system and asked if he would teach me how to mix. For months I begged until one day I eventually got a shot. Within two weeks he dropped me and told me that I should just give up and that he found a better protégé. So after finding a job, I bought my own turntables and began practicing everyday. Eventually I would become a self taught turntablist developing my own style and technique still not seen today. As far as producing goes, when I got into that I had done everything there was to do with just DJ’ing. Though I haven’t been signed to a major label I still produce original works and fun remixes of US hardcore. I push the style of US hardcore because of where we are from and it still various in style. It’s just about pushing things to the next level.

How did you get interested in the harder styles?
I remember listening to certain styles that set the ground roots for me such as techno and early house. But along the way I made friends and had one in particular who would travel with his family to Europe and the UK and would pick up mix tapes from artists out there and bring them back for me. So growing up I had a ton of tapes that were of the harder genres. Then locally I discovered a distributor that sells these tapes. I bet not many knew some of the mellow artists now used to rock out hard back in the day. I was lucky to pick up hardcore tapes as well and since then I’ve been hooked. I still remember the early days of hardcore and was introduced to the faster stuff before I really got into the happier stuff. People like Speed Freak, The Hammer Bros., Buzz Fuzz, DJ Paul Elstak, Tron, Delta 9, Delirium, DJ Bike etc. Ever since then I’ve been hardcore. And I mean truly hardcore. I eat, breath and live the physical being of hardcore.

What changes have you noticed in your local rave/hard dance scene since you started?
In all honesty a lot has changed. Now I know most people won’t want to hear the truth but lets be honest. I never gave a crap about what anyone ever thought if they didn’t lift a finger to help me get where I am today. So to lay it out, the politics have entered the scene again. People only playing favorites while others drunk with power try to stop others from doing what they do even before they got there. Before there were a lot of DJ’s, and I mean a lot. You had to earn your spot, but that’s no longer the case. People think that they deserve to be there without putting in work or effort only because of “who” they know and the few hours they spent playing in their rooms or for friends. The long time tradition of respect is missing again as well as honor among artists. Add that everyone has some gimmick or tries to live off someone else’s hard work or style and it dilutes what used to be whole and p

En3rgy from last year's edition of Gabberfest. — En3rgy, representing California at the 2016 edition of the American Gabberfest!

retty much flawless. I’ve seen long time artists, great artists get replaced by untalented hacks who are friends with promoters and just retired never to share their sounds again. I’ve encountered promoters low-ball the hardcore rooms for other stages even more or cut them completely because they don’t want to fork out the money or they do not have it to begin with because they are only in it to make money. I’ve seen people steal personas and looks from eras they weren’t even really around in. I’ve seen people call themselves “Emcees [MC’s]” yet they couldn’t wrap a present let alone a verse. Now I’m not naming names in particular and people can read it how they choose to. But it’s the truth. People are afraid of competition and proving themselves as deserving. Competition truly never hurt anyone. In fact it’s what made me a better man and a better artist. Because in life you cannot learn how to win, until you learn how to accept defeat. And that’s the truth. There truly is a lot wrong with things today vs how things were in the past for good reason. Because deny it as people must, there was a time when hardcore flourished more underground than commercially here. And we all did our part for the music if we got along or not. A lot has changed, but there are still signs of hope. Some promoters put their everything into the events to give people great shows. That’s how I built my company. I didn’t have much or at times anything at all and I would risk it all to have great shows so people could enjoy themselves. I say this as an artist/promoter/raver. I have a pretty good balance on watching the scene closely
for over 26 years.

What do you think about the current state of harder styles in America?
I think currently there are ups and downs. Now is it at it’s highest it’s ever been? No, far from it. I think it did have a short bounce back but not withouts ome disasters here and there. I do however believe it did get a bit of notice but if you really pay attention it’s kind of lost in the shuffle of the mainstream and in the underground too hidden from the ones who need to listen to it. Also there needs to be an influx of artists to change things without having to worry about politics. The headliners who grace the stages are already there but the ones below need to be shuffled more before it becomes stagnant and stale. Currently we’re experiencing a slow period and has happened before. Again it’s because of the never changing line ups, the people who choose it’s “who you know” or “how you look” vs talent and hard work. Even with the digital age it still seems like it’s not being utilized correctly in a manner that would make the scene whole again. Very few companies have the right formula while others refuse to change it only to add to the problems. One company I will give credit to is American Gabberfest out in Las Vegas, Nevada. They are doing something that needed to be done and that is unite all national artists and veterans and show the masses what the true harder styles are. With the overtaking of massives and festivals, you have people unaware of various sounds in North America or they just clump them together in one failed acronym. By throwing a show that showcases the harder sounds new fans ears are opened up and the music can continue to flourish. But by just having a personal interpretation like other groups, you really don’t do anything other than throw just another party. This is where I question a lot and see the difference and why more artists are pickier with their events. Most of us still love the music more than anything.

Will you be attending both Gabberfest and EDC this year?
I will only be attending Gabberfest honestly. It’s a fun place with music I enjoy who are actual fans of the genres. Gabberfest is North America’s catalyst for bigger things every year as it grows. Like most things it’s most important point is the beginning. The best times are the early years. It’s like a plant, first you plant the seeds, then you water it and watch it grow into something great. I know from first hand experience with the shows I’ve done. I’ve created name brands and event brands with my company and family. So watching something grow from the beginning while letting it flourish not only benefits the community but also expands it.

In brutal honesty, Insomniac hasn’t really done anything even with a Basscon stage. Sure their events are packed with party goers and big name artists. But they are the main reason why the smaller promoters and communities have taken huge hits. They do nothing to expand the music among people really. The music is flooded in between generic terms like EDM and hard dance. Community artists who have paved the way for others are pushed out or deemed unworthy to just wave their hands around and pose for cameras. They cram various styles into one area which confuses people. For a million dollar company, they focus more on this imaginary image, stolen ideas and concepts and how to make themselves appeal as part of the people. However you know for a fact they’ve never been in the pit or on the speakers with the rest of us. For the hard dance community to grow, the underground needs to rise again. The veterans need their true moments to shine and the smaller long time supporters should be supported fully not selectively. Only then will things be as they were in the early years and only then with the community united will hard dance be as dominant as it was at its highest point. To coexist with the past, present, and future has always been the key to any great community. It’s the true meaning of unity and is the only way to truly expand the sounds that we love.

What are you trying to convey through your music? Are there any themes or ideas that are important to you?
For me this is something I can’t put into words. When I play I’m connecting with everyone on the dance floor. Whether it’s 1 person or 10,000. When I get on the decks I speak to the audience in hopes they hear the happiness/feeling in my soul. I’ve never been about themes or gimmicks. When I play, I step onto the decks and just let myself be free. It’s the moment I’m able to escape the madness, the reality of life, the things we deal with everyday. The only mission I have is to represent my heart, the music and to have everyone join me on a journey into the deepest, happiest part of your soul. It’s one of those things you have to see live in order to understand. It’s the closest thing I can compare to paradise in your brain.

Do you have anything special planned for Gabberfest? Any surprises this time around?
There wouldn’t be any surprises if I told you! But I will definitely be bringing out some fun tracks, possibly some original works and more. Who knows maybe I can get a few strippers! But know I’ll be bringing out the heat during my set, even the sun is going to have to catch up to me on this one. The hardcore will rise this day for sure!

Anything else you’d like to say to the readers? Any events coming up in the summer?
Currently my booking calendar is open and I have nothing else really planned except for a few events later this year and will be organizing the “Rise Of The Hardcore Tour”, so if people are interested they can book me through my sites or email at kidsofthecore@yahoo.com. As far as everything else is concerned I will be hitting the studio working on new projects and mixes so my mix pages will be getting an influx of stuff. I also will be posting more videos on my YouTube pages including tour videos, paranormal investigations and music previews. I’m focusing more on making music these days but love performing and when I have new events I’ll definitely be adding them to my calendar.

And how about shout-outs?
I want to give shout outs to my family for always believing in me, my Kids of the Core family for always working hard. My production partner and sister Natalie aka Squirt for not only being my number one fan with mum, but also for continuing to believe in me and being there even at my roughest points. My best friends JayJay, Robin & Scott. I don’t see you often but you guys are always there. To my TopDawg San Francisco family (Scooby & Glow). To Tiffany, you keep me going and thank you for pushing me and making me smile. There really is too much to name off but you know who you guys are that helped all this “En3rgy” truly flourish. And as I say it can not be created nor destroyed, you all carry “En3rgy” on forever. I hope we
continue this journey in the next phase and show them just exactly how we do it. So live happy, live true, live hardcore. – En3rgy

Kids of the Core, founded and operated by DJ En3rgy! — Kids of the Core, founded and operated by DJ En3rgy

You can stay up-to-date with all the “En3rgy” on his social media:

www.djen3rgy.com
www.hearthis.at/en3rgy
www.facebook.com/DjEn3rgyOfficial
www.twitter.com/Dj_En3rgy
www.instagram.com/djen3rgy21
www.youtube.com/djen3rgy21

Articles, Daybreaker, Interviews

The Counter-Terrorist Interview: Gabberfest 2016

May 17, 2016 Daybreaker

The Counter-Terrorist. Representing Wisconsin at the third annual Gabberfest! — The Counter-Terrorist (nomadic) at Trauma. Next field operation: GABBERFEST! Photo by Peter Vincent.

Living along the plains of the mid-west, The Counter-Terrorist, surprisingly, hasn’t had the struggle of locating the harder genres of electronic music, nor breaking into his local scene with said genres like many westerners (of the US) had imagined when you hear that he’s coming from the state of Wisconsin. Seeing CT live already, I know what kind of a acidic treat we are getting having this name on the line up for GABBERFEST (June 18-19th, Las Vegas, Nevada) and now you all get to discover what is essentially the man “protecting the ears of ravers from the terrors of radio garbage”!

How did you decide on your stage name?

I was originally going by a different name but I wasn’t super big on it, so I did some thinking about my roots in the rave scene, love of comics, and then my history of playing Counter-Strike 1.6 back in the late 90’s and early 00’s with my old foreign exchange student came to mind. It’s a bit of a mouthful, certainly, but it’s my identity. Protecting the ears of ravers from the terrors of radio garbage.

How did you start producing/DJ’ing?

In 2010 I met my best friend who introduced me to controllerism and helped me learn the basics of mixing; I’d wanted to learn how to DJ since I was a kid but my family knew nothing about it and didn’t know anyone who could teach me (their concept of DJs is strictly the guy who plays at weddings or on the radio). Since 2010 I’ve used a couple programs and controllers and then moved onto CDJs due to preference.

How did you get interested in the harder styles?

My first experience with harder genres happened in the late 90’s when we had a foreign exchange student from Germany live with us. He brought over a bunch of music with him but the stuff I got hooked on was the acid trance/hard acid/hard trance. My dad liked it too so he downloaded a bunch of stuff like the Tunnel Trance Force mixes and then he came across some old US hard house that I just went NUTS over. After the turn of the century, while I was in high school, I got introduced to early hardstyle (the reverse bass and gated kicks stuff) then found old gabber/industrial hardcore music while browsing online and it continued to progress from there.

What changes have you noticed in your local rave/hard dance scene since you started?

Well as far as the scene I hail from, hardcore isn’t dead (HARDCORE WILL NEVER DIE!) but it’s not nearly as big as it once was. Which is a shame to me because we have lots of great hardcore DJs. We got Elekid, Idiom, Delta 9, Dan Efex, Softcore, and so many more. But hardcore isn’t as welcome or desired in today’s world as it was before. Which is why I moved to the west coast where the hardcore scene is thriving for the most part. Nustyle, euphoric hardstyle, rawstyle, and UK hardcore seem to be picking up momentum in Minnesota from what I’ve seen and heard.

What do you think about the current state of harder styles in America?

I think that the hard genres in general seem to be regaining popularity to varying degrees. Primarily hardstyle, but gabber, happy hardcore, and UK hardcore appear to be converting new fans as well. The other sub-genres of hard music are a bit under-represented so it’s difficult for certain sounds to get heard. As far as the more abrasive hardcore sounds, frenchcore and terrorcore look to be gaining momentum since it was demanded by fans at Trauma: Oldschool for the Headstrong till it was played. Uptempo hardcore seems to be trending in the US gabber scene as well. Overall, I’m cautiously optimistic about the future of hard music in the US because the genres are definitely not for everyone, however we seem to be making some progress as far as creating new fans. We just really need more support for our local artists.

Will you be attending both EDC & GABBERFEST this year?

Just GABBERFEST. EDC is too much thriller, not enough chiller (laughs)!

How do you feel about Insomniac’s support of the hard dance community? Even with the Basscon stage, do you feel that it’s enough?

Even with the Basscon stage, EDC does not do enough to represent the hard dance community. It’s primarily geared towards hardstyle despite a couple UK Hardcore DJs and one or two regular “mainstyle” hardcore DJs which, don’t get me wrong, is a step in the right direction but it doesn’t give a in-depth look at the diversity in the hard music scene as a whole.
What are you trying to convey through your music? Are there any themes or ideas that are important to you?

As far as themes when I spin hardcore, it’s generally mind-bending stuff. My gabber sets either conjure up nightmares and things of a dark and twisted nature or it’s some straight gangster shit. When I spin US/UK hard house, my sound is hard-hitting and ghetto. My acid sets are designed around nostalgia but super groovy (SO many “Blood Rave” remixes). You wind up with a pretty eccentric style when you’re raised in Drop Bass Network territory.

Do you have anything special planned for Gabberfest?

Well I’m under the impression that I’m gonna be doing a b2b set so it’s difficult to say what I’ll end up playing, honestly. But it will likely be either frenchcore, hardtek, and terrorcore in a b2b set or gabber, frenchcore, hardtek, and terrorcore if I’m playing solo. Start Hard, Finish Harder. Amirite?

What’s the next operation for the Counter-Terrorist? Any last words/rites?

Since moving out here to the west coast at the beginning of the last quarter of 2014, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to work with some incredible artists and crews both big name and local. There are too many people to thank individually, but I really appreciate all the help and love I’ve gotten from my West Coast and Midwest families. I love you all and I can’t wait to do even more incredible things with you guys. Gabberfest and Northkore are gonna be super rad, you won’t want to miss either if you’re a fan of hard music!

Be prepared for the Counter-Terrorist’s next operation by following him on his social media!

http://artistecard.com/thecounterterrorist/

Articles, Interviews

The Raging Hard Roundtable

May 14, 2016 Sean Hargrove

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.

Zaki hails from Virginia Beach and will be playing the Hardstyle stage.

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…

Treachery is signed to Industrial Strength and will be playing the Hardcore stage.

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.

Mekanikal is a Producer & DJ based in Washington, D.C. and will be playing the Hardstyle stage.

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.

Levenkhan is a Hardcore DJ and Producer from New Jersey, playing the outdoor Hardcore stage.

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.

Markove is a Washington, D.C. based Producer and DJ playing the Hardstyle stage

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.

Problem Unit is based in Perkasie, PA and will be spinning on the UK Hardcore stage.

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.

Dr Jer-Z is a Hardstyle DJ from Palermo, Italy, playing the Hardstyle stage.

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.

MastaChief is a hardcore and hardstyle MC from New York, NY, hosting the Hardstyle stage.

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!

MCMADEFFORT — MC Mad Effort is a Hard Dance MC from New York, NY, hosting the outdoor Hardcore stage.

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.

Tim Shopp is an Uptempo Hardcore & Terror DJ/Producer from Middletown, NJ, Playing the Hardcore Stage

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!

Articles, Daybreaker, Interviews

CIK Interview: Gabberfest 2016

May 9, 2016 Daybreaker

This is one of our American artists that hardly needs an introduction. This man has covered ground from the west coast stretching as far as the heart of Gabber home country (Holland), has produced and collaborated alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, and is responsible for the uprising of the Arizona Hardcore Junkies, a local collective of producer/DJs that helped put Arizona on the map as one of THE best states for hardcore techno music. Boys and girls, representing Arizona at this year’s Gabberfest (June 18th-19th, EDC Weekend), please welcome the granddaddy of them all, this is: CIK!

CIK at Nocturnal Wonderland, 2008. Hardcore getting bigger! — CIK at Nocturnal Wonderland, 2004. Hardcore getting bigger!

How did you decide on your stage name?

Back in the day I had this bad habit as saying “that’s sick” to describe something that was really cool. In those days there was SIK graphics company here in Phoenix, and I believe a SIC company so I trapped it out (Yeah, trappin’ in the 90’s) and I replaced the first letter of the name to make it cooler.

How did you start producing/DJ’ing?

I started DJ’ing because my mentor and sensei, Spitfire, asked me if I wanted to buy his record collection and I did. I then lived with a guy who had Numark TTX tables and I learned how to beat-match. I never dreamed I’d be sitting here 20 years later, looking back on what has been accomplished. I started producing late, as the shift in being a performer became more of a need for learning music production. I am enjoying the journey and have had some really amazing experiences because of it.

How did you get interested in the harder styles?

I went to my second show ever and saw DJ Tact at an event called Lotus (R.I.P Fuzzy Chris) at the Icehouse in Phoenix. The energy of his music and his stage presence honestly made me say, what in the hell is this fast crazy energetic music!? Thanks to Tact, I’ve been hooked on hardcore since 1996.

What changes have you noticed in your local rave/hard dance scene since you started?

Oh man, I have noticed a lot of changes in the local, regional and national scene over the years. There’s a new school wave of hard dance promoters that have the passion and drive to be successful, so we will see what the future holds. Much love to anyone pushing hard dance.

What do you think about the current state of harder styles in America?

CIK, Satronica, and the White Ape at Dominator 2014. — Satronica, the White Ape, CIK at Dominator 2015.

I think that if everyone took a step back and said, if we want this music to progress put “personal differences” aside and try to co-exist, it may progress. You may hate the person truthfully, not everyone’s going to get along, but shit we live in a country that is 50 times the size of Holland and are still stuck arguing on Facebook and threatening others over dumb shit. I hope one day we all can stop the dumb stuff and get back to what’s important…the music and the preservation of said music. I also think that support for US artists, old and new, needs to happen. You have legends in your front yard! Lenny Dee, Delta9, Delirium, Satronica, Rob Gee, Fiend and The Horrorist are all legends. There’s probably a dozen people I am missing, but shit all these named have definitely contributed a lot to hard music. Not to mention all of the new skool hardstyle/rawstyle guys who have been doing good shit! #Murica

What are you trying to convey through your music? Are there any themes or ideas that are important to you?

To be honest, most work to date has been reflecting back on certain periods of my life. But, like CAP says I can’t do anymore tracks about “naysayers”. So, my sampling has gotten very deep. Nothing to communicate, more just about learning and progressing and still developing my sound.

Do you have anything special planned for Gabberfest?

I currently have 5 tracks that are unreleased, I will probably play a few of those. Might even drop some #trumptempo.

Anything coming up in the near future for CIK? For Arizona?

AZHCXX: Celebrating 20 years of Arizona Hardcore. September, 9th, 2016

We have this show coming up on 09-09-2016, the AZHC 20 Year anniversary. It would not have been possible without members (current and past) for helping build the brand. Though some are no longer part of the crew, I still would like to thank them for their personal contributions to the Arizona Hardcore Junkies. Most importantly, thank you to all our fans, family and friends for their support they’ve given, through thick and thin. AZHC XX – Celebrating 20 Years of Hardcore is going to be a great night with a stacked lineup!

Follow CIK on social media:

http://djcik.com/

http://facebook.com/djcik

http://soundcloud.com/cik-2

Articles, Daybreaker, Interviews

HellNegative Interview: Gabberfest 2016

May 6, 2016 Daybreaker

Back from the dead, it seems! Anthony Alonso, drum and bass connoisseur from Las Vegas, Nevada, has been out of commission for the last three years taking care of business (literally) only to come back to his beloved scene with the same amount of force and ruthlessness he had when he first departed! HellNegative is back on the decks and is ALREADY playing all over the west coast (read up on his comeback show in San Bernardino, CA HERE!) and is making his first appearance this year at America’s hardest: GABBERFEST, June 18th-19th (EDC Weekend)!

Founder of Dead Kaos, and co-founder of Bassline Syndicate Records, representing Nevada, this is HellNegative!

How did you decide on your stage name?

My religion is the empty space between sounds. The way those spaces are placed creates music. When I produce, I imagine what my heaven would be like through sound. Thus leading to the development of the name HellNegative. It makes sense when you take the phrase literally.

How did you start producing/DJ’ing?

My older brother was listening to electronic music at a young age, so this introduced me to it at an even younger age! I fell in love with his hard house and DNB mixtapes. I decided at the ripe old age of 13 to get my hands on an Electribe ER1 and an EA1. It was all downhill from there.

How did you get interested in the harder styles?

I had always enjoyed rocking out to Delta 9 and DJ Tron, but it wasn’t until my first visit to Dr. Freecloud’s in Los Angeles that the addiction began. Living in Ohio at the time, there was no access to a decent record shop. Of course I dug out some Underground Construction and Nervous Rekkids, but it was the speedcore that I loved the most. I picked up pretty much every Industrial Strength and Drop Bass record they had in the store.

You said that when you returned from your hiatus that you returned to a “scene that was in shambles”. Can you elaborate on this?

Well when I left, things were small, but the only real drama was between sounds of the underground and area170 (which sadly closed its doors). Multi genre parties were still a thing. Although every crew had their differences, we all worked together as a family. When I came back, the DNB scene had grown greatly. I was excited for that, but it seemed to drown out everything else. There’s this separation between the DNB scene and the 4×4 scene. I never see any of the 4×4 promoters at the DNB events and vice versa.

So, what changes have you noticed in your local rave/hard dance scene since you started? How do you feel upon your return?

Hard dance and hardcore have not gotten enough love in Vegas. The unfortunate reality of permit issues and the club scene have made it hard for the smaller promoters to put together successful events. Things have been slowly changing this year, though. 2016 is going to see a huge underground revival. Even as I write this sitting in the dirt at Further Future two strangers have commented positively on the breakcore blasting from my phone.

HellNegative, representing Nevada at Gabberfest 2016! — HellNegative making his first appearance after a three year absence at March Madhouse, San Bernardino, CA.

What do you think about the current state of harder styles in America?

With Drum N Bass becoming so mainstream as of late, the harder sounds are starting to become the real sound of the underground.

What are you trying to convey through your music? Are there any themes or ideas that are important to you?

I think setting boundaries and rules limits yourself. My production has one main focus. That is to create something I can rock out to in my living room, bedroom, car, and venue. There is way more meaning to enjoying music with others because it’s something you truly enjoy.

Do you have anything special planned for the event?

I’ve been spending a lot of time producing a set for Gabberfest. Every tune will either be produced or remixed by myself. All styles of core will be represented, but the focus will be on speedcore, breakcore, and industrial hardcore.

What can we expect from HellNegative in the future?

Between DNB and Hardcore, I’ve been super busy in the studio and less focused on bookings. To the Vegas family, keep your eyes out. We will be working to grow the hard dance and hardcore scenes. Remember to always enjoy the music you listen to not because it’s popular, trending, fashion, or you’re afraid to say you like something else. Listen to it because you love it. Never be afraid to express your love!

You can catch HellNegative at The Bradley in Vegas on May 28th for Propaganda! Be sure to follow him everywhere else you go and look out for the DNB heat at GABBERFEST!

http://www.hellnegative.gq

http://www.deadkaos.gq

http://www.facebook.com/TheHellNegative