Digital Punk is the prophet of Raw Hardstyle that the U.S. has been waiting for. Though he has been in the game for quite a long time, it was with his ‘Unleashed’ series of podcasts and events that skyrocketed his name to the top of the list of “must know Rawstyle artists”. This man is a “Firestorm” of aggression and his dedication to his music and his fans are what makes his appearance on this tour vital to the progression of hard bass music in our scene. Digital Punk will be appearing in Mesa, Arizona on February 19th, Denver, Colorado on February 20th, and will playing at Basscon’s Wasteland on March 5th in Los Angeles, California!

What inspired your stage name?
There was a local DJ contest that I won! The only thing I didn’t have yet was a DJ name. I was a big fan of the track ‘Punk’ from Ferry Corsten. So ‘Digital Punk’ was born.

Were you a DJ first, or a producer?
Both to be honest.

How did you get into the scene?
A friend of mine was already a DJ. I already liked Hardstyle because every weekend I was going out to different clubs that played harder house music. So, naturally, I bought my first computer to produce music and bought my first DJ set. The first track I produced got me a contract at Seismic records back in 2005!

What was the first record you ever purchased?
Geal – Losin’ my Feeling (The Beholder & Ballistic Remix)

Who was your biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?
The Beholder & Max Enforcer!

Describe your first DJ gig ever?
It was terrible (laughs). I practiced a lot at home, but I had no experience whatsoever; so I didn’t know what to do with the delay in the monitors for instance. My second gig went a lot better!

What was your favorite party you’ve ever played? Why?
Hard to tell actually… I have so many amazing memories. I guess my #1 is ‘Supremacy 2015’. I made the anthem for the party and got to fly over the crowd in a DJ booth when I was playing!

What was the funniest moment during any of your performances?
So many funny moments! But one of them was stage diving for the first time! MC Da Syndrome put me on the spot. I was jumping on a set of speakers in front of the crowd when he yelled ‘Catch Digital Punk! He is going to stage dive right now!’. I had no choice and jumped right in! Luckily they catched me, haha!

Catch Digital Punk on the Trauma Tour! Click here to by your tickets and receive a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA! — Catch Digital Punk on the Trauma Tour! Click HERE to buy your tickets and receive a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA!

What important changes have you witnessed from the time you got into the scene, until now?
Music evolves constantly; It’s a natural process. Over time, music became more professional. Besides that, it has become very big worldwide.

Did you ever think you would be touring the United States? What do you think the Trauma Tour will be like?
I can’t wait to play in America. It will be my first time and I’m excited to meet my fans here. There are more shows planned so I can’t wait to Unleash the States!

What made you want to start producing Hardstyle music?
I was born to make music. When I was 4 I played guitar. When I was 10 I played drums. By the time I was 17 I produced all kinds of music. Hardstyle was becoming my biggest interest, because I wanted to make hits like The Beholder & Max Enforcer did! When I heard a new track from those guys I was like “Wow, I want to make music like this!”

What is your favorite track that you have produced?
Hmmm, I have a lot of favorite tracks. I guess ‘Firestorm’ is one of my favorites.

What advice would you give to up and coming Hardcore/Hardstyle producers?
Let yourself be inspired by other producers, but don’t be a copycat; do your own thing!

Articles, Interviews

Dr. Peacock: Interview from Trauma: Harder Styles Tour 2016

February 2, 2016 Daybreaker

Steve, better known as Dr. Peacock has grown very fast in popularity with his very own style in the Frenchcore scene. His worldly, melodic tracks combined with frightening hard kicks have made him one of the most popular Frenchcore artists of recent time. For those who haven’t seen him before, his performances on stage are very powerful and absolutely wild! It’s about time that America sees the arrival of something so rare, so unique that I wouldn’t be surprised if Frenchcore invades the U.S. again. Vive la Frenchcore! Dr. Peacock can be seen on February, 19th in Mesa, Arizona. February, 20th in Denver, Colorado. February, 26th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and February 27th in Brooklyn, new York!

Were you a DJ first, or a producer?
I used to be a DJ since my 12th birthday. I learned to play vinyls back in those days from DJ Viruz (he lived near me and I always bought my records in his shop). The producing came later in 2010 when a friend took me to a production class. The funny thing is, the teacher is now one of my best friends and I organize classes with him now.

How did you get into the scene?
In Holland, about the time I was 8 years old, you either listened to Top40 music or to Hardcore/Happy Hardcore (at least at my school). My cousin always gave me Thunderdome CD’s since I was about that age. So really, I’ve been raised with Hardcore! Whenever there was a school party I would always take my Thunderdome CD’s with me, just to give it to the crappy DJ and tell him to play some real music (laughs)!

What was the first record you ever purchased?
That’s a long time ago, but I guess it was ‘Jones & Stephenson – The First Rebirth’.

Who was your biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?
3 Steps Ahead at the beginning of being a DJ. The Speed Freak when I started producing. Both are legends! 3 Steps Ahead because of his catchy melodies and fast tracks. The Speed Freak because I (still) think he is a genius in sampling and making one track that sounds like there are three tracks in one but it all fits like one perfect story.

Would you describe your first DJ gig?
My first professional DJ gig was for BKJN. After they saw me on a Thunderdome Radio show, playing there dressed like a crocodile (because the radio host told me that I had to, to join the competition) they let me play at a big BKJN party in Culemborg, NL. I had just made only 3 tracks myself and chose the best tracks from the Frenchcore scene at that moment and did my very best to make this the best set I’ve ever done. The Frenchcore scene didn’t really exist in those days, but that changed quickly after that night. There were only 100 people in my area when I played, but they were all going mental!

Dr. Peacock Trauma Tour Dates — Catch Dr. Peacock on the Trauma tour! Click HERE to purchase your tickets and receive a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA!

What important changes have you witnessed from the time you got into the scene, until now?
Well at the beginning of my career there wasn’t much Frenchcore around in both Holland and Germany. After about a year of playing at big parties, it started to get the attention of a lot of ravers inside both countries and after 3 years I played in almost all of Europe. Also, there have been some changes in the Frenchcore sound. Nowadays you have the original Frenchcore and the new generation. It’s different because the pioneers of Frenchcore music (like Radium, Micropoint, Progamers and so on) have a more deep, more ongoing kind of style. The new generation guys (like The Sickest Squad, The Braindrillerz, Brutal Jesters, Zyklon etc.) have got a more aggressive kind of punch in their tracks and are more melody based as well. On the leading festivals (Defqon, Dominator, Decibel) you now see that they’ve created room for Frenchcore. And almost each festival programs Frenchcore in its own area! That’s pretty awesome and it was one of my main goals.

Did you ever think you would be touring the United States? What do you think the Trauma Tour will be like?
I’ve never even thought I would play outside of Holland, but the United States… WOW! That’s really something I can take off my bucket list! I heard some stories about the states from Geoff Da Chef (which is a Terror/Speedcore/Industrial DJ from Australia). He told me the folks over there will destroy the dance-floor like nowhere else! So I’m very excited to be able to see this with my own eyes. And I’m very very proud to be the first Frenchcore DJ from Holland to play in the States! AWESOME!

What made you want to start producing Frenchcore?
When I was 12 years old I started out by playing Terror, some mainstream Hardcore, and some Industrial kind of sounds. I didn’t really know what I wanted to play just yet. Then, in 2005 I came to a record store in Eindhoven (NL) and found a crate that said: “Herrie” (that means ‘noise’). I laughed and took some records from that crate and started listening to them. I was shocked! After 10 seconds I had goosebumps everywhere! It was a record of ‘The Sickest Squad’. The track was called Rottenbeat. Then a Radium record which convinced me that THIS is my style!

What is your favorite track that you have produced?
At the moment my favorite track is “Trip to Turkey”, which I’ve made with Sefa and MC Lenny. It’s a funny story because in my favorite kebab store 10 minutes from my home, they are playing it every day!

Catch Dr. Peacock on the Trauma Tour! — Dr. Peacock

What advice would you give to up and coming Hardcore producers?
Keep it simple and make music from your heart! There are too many producers making tracks to impress other producers. I’m not one of them. I make the music I like to play and my experience with that is that the crowd feels the energy more when you created something straight from the heart. Okay, it has to have quality kicks and it must be to a certain level at the least, but don’t try to be like anyone else. Try to be YOU.

What are your top 3 favorite tracks of all time? Why?
Top 3 (all types of music):

1. Shpongle – Dorset Perception
2. Paolo Conte – Max
3. Hans Zimmer – Time

Top 3 Hardcore tracks:

1. The Speed Freak – Devastator / The Sickest Squad – Hard Abuse (they share the number 1 spot!)
2. Jones & Stephenson – The First Rebirth
3. 3 Steps Ahead – Money in my Pocket

Are there any exciting projects or gigs coming up you want our readers to know about?
Yes! I’m making my first real solo album! Which will include 16 trips. That means 16 tracks with influences from 16 different countries. It will be out before June (I hope!)

What artists would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t
already?
The Sickest Squad, The Speed Freak, Radium, Partyraiser and lots of others!

If there’s anything we haven’t asked, what else would you like to say to the readers of The Hard Data?
KEEP IT FRENCHCORE!! And make sure you come to one of the gigs in the States!! Together we will make it the best parties ever!

Announcements

The HARD DATA @ Animé Los Angeles

January 29, 2016 DJ Deadly Buda

Animé and the harder styles of dance music have gone hand in hand together since day 1 of the rave scene. Back in the early days you would see plenty of rave flyers inspired by Ghost in the Shell, Robotech, and especially Akira. Akira, in particular, would often be sampled in early rave records. Animé and the harder styles have been a tradition since then, and The HARD DATA is honored to carry on a small part of that tradition by attending the Animé Los Angeles Convention happening right now at the Ontario Convention Center. From January 29-January 31 from 9am – 9pm (9am-2pm Sunday).

Get your Animé fix and make sure to pop over to our pal’s booth, Toy Mandala, if you want to stock up on your gear. We left off a limited copies of The HARD DATA issues 1-3 if you have any holes in your collection, and we are fully stocked on issue 4. So pick up your copy of THD at Animé Los Angeles this weekend.

Articles, Interviews

Alien T: Interview from Trauma: Harder Styles Tour 2016

January 29, 2016 Daybreaker

Marco Collini has shown an utmost amount of dedication and passion for Hardcore in the Italian scene. He had to jump through a lot of hoops and took a lot of risks in order to become one of the most prominent upcoming Hardcore artists to date. His presence on the tour will easily show the U.S. what can happen if you stay passionate and true to yourself, your sound and your scene. Please welcome: ALIEN T! You can witness this man in Mesa, Arizona on February, 19th. In Denver, Colorado – February 20th. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania – February 26th, and finally: Brooklyn, New York on February 27th.

What inspired your stage name?
I prefer to call it an ‘artist’ name because it wasn’t created by thinking about my performances on stage, but thinking about the feelings that I wanted to spread with my music. Indeed, Alien T is short for “Alien Terror”; it’s a feeling that people experience when they discover something for the very first time. It is a sort of fear but then, when you’re used to it, it changes into an enjoyable feeling! I chose this name because Hardcore music is unknown in my hometown, so people always seem “scared” about it, but they ignore the fact that they could love it if they would give it a chance.

Were you a DJ first, or a producer?
I was a DJ first. I always had a passion for it. In 2002, I finally had the chance to buy my first set of DJ equipment. I practiced every day and after a couple of years my skills were already so great that I started to play some moderate/huge events in Switzerland. I was also one of the winners of Megarave’s ‘New Talent DJ Contest’ in 2004. Meanwhile, I had started to try to produce my own Hardcore tracks. In that same year, I finally bought a new computer and started to seriously produce. Three years later (2007), I was able to release my first record on G-Net Records (a sub label of Traxtorm Records).

How did you get into the scene?
I got into the scene first as a follower when I discovered Hardcore in the year 2000. I was immediately addicted to it. I started searching for music and parties even if I didn’t have them close to my hometown. I had to travel at least three hours to find the closest city that had Hardcore music shops (Rome) and about six hours for the closest place that had Hardcore parties (Rimini). All these obstacles proved to me that my passion for this music was really big and motivated me to go on.

What was the first record you ever purchased?
Neophyte vs. The Stunned Guys – Nation of Domination on Rotterdam Records.

Who was your biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?
Amnesys, without any doubts!

Alien T on the Trauma Tour! — Catch Alien T on these Trauma Tour Dates!

Would you describe your first DJ gig?
My first DJ gig was in the summer of 2004 in Switzerland at the official Hardcore after party for the famous ‘Street Parade’ in Zurich; it was at the Club Niaxa in Bulach. I remember being uneasy about it but my set went great! After that performance, the promoter booked me again for even more parties!

What was your favorite party you’ve ever played? Why?
I can’t really choose just one because I’ve had so many awesome experiences; but definitely some of the big parties that I played at ‘Club Florida’ in Italy are totally unforgettable, and surely parties such as Dominator, Masters of Hardcore, and Defqon.1 were unforgettable as well!

What was the funniest moment during any of your performances?
There have been so many of those moments, but when the Hardcore Italia crew gets together, we are definitely funny!

What important changes have you witnessed from the time you got into the scene, until now?
I’ve witnessed a lot of changes; they were always caused by how the music trend was changing. I’ve noticed that the faster the music, the smaller the scene becomes. The most recent, and best period of time for the Hardcore scene was between 2005-2010 when a lot of great hits were released and there were a lot more Hardcore parties. Nowadays, the Hardcore scene doesn’t seem as big because there are very few clubs that book Hardcore events. For me, it’s all about the summer festival season and the few big indoor events during the winter, at least here in the Netherlands.

Did you ever think you would be touring the United States? What do you think the Trauma Tour will be like?
I’ve always hoped about getting a gig in the States because I’m very curious to see how American people act towards the Hardcore scene and its music; so this is a dream come true and I’m very excited about it. I’ve heard it’s pretty unusual to have that big of a lineup in your country for the harder styles so this should be lots of fun!

What is your favorite track that you have produced?
‘The Hammer of the Devil’, because it was a big risk to produce a track like that; with a totally different sound design and very slow BPM, but I did it anyway and it gave me (and is still giving me) a lot of satisfaction!

What advice would you give to up and coming Hardcore producers?
Don’t try to find the fastest/easiest way to success; the best way to improve your skill is to work very hard and try to be original because we don’t need copies!

Have any of the other artists on the Trauma tour ever inspired your work? If so, how?
Amnesys. He was a mentor for me (and still is). He opened up my mind a lot and gave me the chance to have a more complete vision about music overall.

What are your top 3 favorite tracks of all time? Why?
Turbulence ‘N’ Terrorists – Six Million Ways to Die. Simple, straight to the point, and I still can’t believe that kick drum was made in 1994!

Project Omeaga – Prednison Attack. A clear example of originality; when someone uses a sound in a different way and is able to create something that will always sound fresh and cool.

Amnesys – Refly. When this was released it was very unique track. The atmosphere of the breakdown is unbelievable, every element in it works perfectly together. A clear example that complex tracks can also be party tracks if they’re made in the right way!

What was your favorite track of 2015 (that wasn’t your own)?
Amnesys feat. MC Axys – Shockwave

Alien T! Click HERE to purchase your tickets to the Trauma Tour and receive a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA!

Are there any exciting projects or gigs coming up you want our readers to know about?
I’m working on new solo tracks and collaborations. I’m still working on ‘Vanguard’; the concept and radio show that I manage with Amnesys where we always try to spread top notch Hardcore and more! Keep an eye on my social media if you want to be updated!

Articles, Interviews

Tim Shopp: Interview from Trauma: Harder Styles Tour 2016

January 27, 2016 Brandon Caballero

Tim, it’s been a long time coming, but looks like the people are finally gonna get a taste of your violence! You’re playing at the Brooklyn, NY stop of Trauma’s Harder Styles Tour on February 27, 2016. Tell me what this show means to you:

A long time indeed! I must say it feels so good to be able to announce such an awesome show. The moment I saw the announcement I truly couldn’t believe my eyes, and I can’t wait to be apart of it! This tour is going to be a HUGE step for American Hardcore and I can’t thank Trauma enough for hosting me in New York City, where my whole career started!

Tim Shopp is coming Feb. 27 to Brooklyn, NY on the Trauma Harder Styles Tour 2016. Get your tickets here and get a free subscription to The HARD DATA.

What can the people expect from a Tim Shopp set?

The best way I can explain it is “No boundaries”. I know some artists have these little bubbles of speed or styles they enjoy staying in (nothing wrong with that), but I like to do things a little differently. My two main production styles are Uptempo Hardcore and Terror, but I also dabble in Speedcore and Extratone (1000+ bpm). So I may start my set at 200+ bpm and by the end we’re around 2,000 bpm if I’m feeling it.

Tell me about the #BookTimShopp campaign:

Hahaha, oh goodness where, do I begin?! That was all the DHD (Denver Hard Dance) guys. As American artists, we are constantly supporting one another and always putting in good words for each other with promoters and such, and this is living proof. Truly it started as a joke, but then more and more people began to get behind it as a serious thing. Now every QSA post or hardcore post I see always has someone posting “#BookTimShopp” to try and get me into their city for a show. It’s pretty awesome now to see so much support from all over!

Tell me about where some of your inspiration comes from, and how it has influenced your work:

Everything has its own little inspirational “push” on me, from listening to live sets and getting an idea, or even getting out of the house and walking down near the beaches and just relaxing. My main source I will say though is my Death Metal roots. I have always had a taste for rough and insane music, so now I like to try and push that from within my own music to truly give people music that will make them go insane!

Tim Shopp’s Logo

Any DJ’s you’re particularly looking forward to working alongside for Trauma?

Oh the whole tour! It’s going to be amazing to stand next to all these legends, but the most near and dear to my heart are without a doubt SRB, Dr. Peacock, and Lenny Dee! SRB and Dr. Peacock have had a constant inspirational push for me, and Lenny is a true legend amongst the NYC Hardcore scene as well; it’ll be my pleasure to even be in the same room with the man who basically started it all for the NYC Hardcore scene.

Anything coming up personally or professionally for you that you would like to share with everyone?

Oh there is so much… but I can only say so much right now, haha! Main thing is my first release coming soon on Fucking Bastards! My track Terror Squad is going to hit hardtunes.com and that in itself is a dream come true! Fucking Bastards is, in my opinion, the top dog for my type of music, and it also has signed a lot of my friends so it’s a huge honor to be releasing with them! I can also promise it won’t be my only time.

Lastly, (I can’t say a lot yet about this) but I would just like to let all my West Coast fans know I’m coming for a visit in 2016… stay tuned!

Thanks for your time Tim, we look forward to catching you at the Brooklyn, NY stop of the Trauma Harder Styles Tour!

You can stay up to date with all of Tim’s latest projects here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimShoppOfficial
Twitter: @Tim_Shopp

Bookings: Tim.Shopp@gmail.com
Interviews: Tim.Shopp@gmail.com

SoundCloud: