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American artist Mrotek was born to bring a whole new level of madness to dark and extreme music. Throughout his earlier years, deathcore and progressive metal held his creative focus. In 2009, he redirected his sights to Hardstyle music, drawn by it’s powerful sound and high production value. Twenty years of experience in the creation of music came to fruition when he began producing his own tracks in late 2013. Working closely with widely known artist “MC Heretik”, he aimed to combine his knowledge of music theory with his passion for Raw Hardstyle into a new progressive sound.

He continued to refine his style into 2015 with the completion of a series of raw and sinister tracks, including Penance (with Arctus and MC Heretik), Voice of Fear (with Deimos and MC Heretik), a remix of Prime Suspects – Biblical (with Arctus, released on Spoontech records), and numerous others.

Mrotek, thanks for taking the time to interview with us! How did you first get into hard dance music?
From a very young age I played guitar; mainly metal and classical. So I’ve always been into making music, but late in High school I started going to raves. At that point my focus switched to electronic music. I was actually really into Happy Hardcore and first. But then at one particular rave, I remember walking into the main stage and Samara by Noisecontrollers was playing. At that moment, the synth in the break was the sickest thing I’ve ever heard in my life. From then on I was obsessed!

Tell us a little bit about the hardstyle scene in Arizona. How has it been as far as opportunity for you to grow as an artist?
The AZ scene has always had a really solid Hard Dance presence thanks to the Arizona Hardcore Junkies. Between them, SDK, and BPM Boost, there is a nice stream of hard dance parties here. All of the shows that helped me develop as a DJ were pretty much all either SDK shows or random desert parties; and yes, we have parties in the desert here 😛
But I have to say, BY FAR the biggest thing in Arizona that has helped me grow has been my krew: Paul (MC Heretik), Logan (Arctus/Sythys), and Jack (The Wicked). We all constantly push each other to get better, finish tracks, bounce ideas off each other, or just meet up and spin some tracks over some brews. Having a solid support system of people you trust completely does so incredibly much; it’s hard to describe all of the benefits from something like that.

How has the evolution of hardstyle influenced you as an artist, and particularly, how did you decide to produce rawstyle?
I’ve always been into extreme and aggressive music. Maybe that’s why Hardstyle didn’t totally grab me until I heard Samara, which has a classic ‘Dark Hardstyle’ melody. Back then there wasn’t really “raw” Hardstyle, just edgier stuff. Artists like Chris One, Zany & The Beholder, The R3belz, they were huge for me. Then E-force hit the scene and I was sold on exactly what I wanted to do. But then things evolve and new artists push the boundaries of what is possible. Rawstyle is one of the fastest changing genres in the world in my opinion, so there is always something new to push it a little further. That idea is what keeps me up at night as an artist. It’s a very exciting time!

Lots of US artists booked for this edition for Basscon Wasteland, what is it like getting booked and receiving that kind of recognition as an artist?
It’s really awesome to see so much U.S. talent on the biggest Hardstyle lineup he states have ever seen. I think this is a great sign for our country’s Hardstyle scene and the way we show up to the rest of the world as well. As far as recognition goes, I have never really cared much about getting recognized. I’m just stoked to rock the fuck out of that stage and blast some heavy shit! It’s going to be a fucking party!!!

Speaking of recognition, you were just signed to DirtyWorkz DWX Anarchy– that has to be a HUGE step for your career as an artist!

I am INSANELY honored to be with DWX; it’s super humbling to be representing U.S.Raw on the #1 label of 2016. I’ve been a huge fan of the artists on Anarchy for years now. Working with some of my Hardstyle heros has been unreal. The ‘family’ vibe of Dirty Workz really makes it feel like my home. I love everything about the label, it’s a dream come true really!

Some things that stand out in my mind are your collabs with Digital Mindz and Riiho, and winning the Sub Sonik remix contest with To Hell (Mrotek and Deimos). Anything else you’ve accomplished that you’re super proud of, or any big goals on the horizon?
The colab with Unresolved as also a fun one ☺ Things I’m proud of, hmm, I guess just the state of where things are at for me. Seeing my tracks being played at all of the big festivals never stops exciting me; all of the support from huge artists in unreal. Every track I finish is a new thing I’m proud of. I have this personal deal with myself that every track I finish has to be better than the last, and so far I feel like I’ve kept that deal with myself. I love how ‘Substance Abuse’ turned out, and the new track I’ve finished since then I am even happier with. Working this way makes writing new tracks REALLY exciting and fun.

What other big things can we look forward to from you in the future? More massive tracks and colabs; all dark and heavy AF of course! Definitely plan on pushing the fusion of metal and rawstyle as far as it can go. I have some exciting bookings lined up that will be announced soon as well. I’m working hard to bring you more tracks, new colabs, playing more shows, possibly doing a European tour later this year, and eventually moving to either The Netherland or Belgium would be the next huge goal. But that one is a few years away still 😛

Anything else you’d like to tell the readers of The Hard Data?
To the readers of Hard Data – you are the ones who make this genre go. Without you, there would be no parties, no artists, and no music. Your dedication is what makes this all possible. Keep spreading the music; our country has the potential to be a Hard Dance power house of the world, and the only way that will happen is if more crazy fucks like you storm the country and burn the place to the ground. Thanks for your dedication and I’ll see you at Wasteland!

Mrotek’s sound is already making waves in the international Hardstyle scene, having received support from the likes of MC Villain, Regain, Riiho, Caine, and many more. Expect a lot more from Mrotek in the near future, as this powerful musician shows no signs of relenting in 2017. Catch him at Basscon Wasteland onApril 29, 2017.

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mrotekdj
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrotekDJ/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrotekmedia

Articles

Strictly for the Head Strong

April 8, 2017 DJ Deadly Buda

Dave Asprey should have been a raver. But, back in the early nineties when the rave scene was starting, he was waddling around in a mold-induced, body-and-mind-crippling fog.

Neil Strauss, former music writer extraordinaire for the New York Times and Rolling Stone, did make it to a few of those early raves (like Even Furthur ’96 which I -ahem- headlined with Daft Punk at) and Thursday night (April 6, 2017) shared the stage at Los Angeles’ Regent Theater with Asprey to talk about “relationships” and his latest book on the subject, “The Truth: An Uncomfortable Book on Relationships.”

This would appear to be an odd combination, considering Asprey was there to promote his new book about brain health, called “Head Strong”. But, it all made sense because of our cells’ mitochondria and their role in relationships.

While many of you older “Hard Data Heads” were trying out “smart drinks” with names like “Choline Cooler” and snorting Vasopressin up your nose during the “Smart Drug” craze that was an early part of the rave scene, Asprey was looking for answers to what was wrecking his body. When he should have been dancing, he was forced to look for answers as to why he couldn’t, or more accurately I suppose, probably didn’t really feel like it along with probably a thousand other things.

Fortunately for us, his searching hit gold. Well, gold-colored yak butter, that is. After taking one of those cheeseball trustafarian trips to the mountains of Asia searching for God-knows-what, he was treated to yak-butter tea, which then led him to the formulation of the now famous “Bulletproof Coffee” consisting of grass-fed butter and hi-grade coconut oil. Also, it led him to experiment with different doctors and approaches to medicine, and led him to explore nootropics, or “smart drugs.”

Frankly, the smart drugs and drinks of the early nineties were real hit-and-miss. Most had little noticeable effect, and it was only the scientific-minded that continued to pursue and perfect them after their initial, fleeting, interest from the public – mostly by ways of the rave scene.

Dave Asprey and Neil Strauss compare notes about relationships and mitochondria on the Head Strong book tour.

As I looked back at the history of the rave scene, its abandonment of smart drugs and drinks was a critical, though understandable and maybe unavoidable mistake. So, it was with utter fascination and skepticism last year that I read the ingredients to the various nutritional supplements that Asprey had on sale at his Bulletproof Coffee shop in Santa Monica, CA. Many of these ingredients were quite familiar to me from my early rave days. After bugging store manager, John Brnak, for some free samples (no way I was going to spend money on this stuff) he finally gave in to my noticeably inquisitive nature and broke out some of his own supplements and told me to try ‘em out. Two got my attention. Unfair Advantage – rocked. Choline Force – rocked maybe even a little too well. I was totally impressed. Somehow, after two decades, the tech geeks actually got this stuff to work! I broke down and bought a box of Unfair Advantage and I’ve been a champion of the stuff ever since. It fulfills the early promises of the 90’s smart drugs and the rave scene’s more idealistic, early goals.

“Head Strong” is Asprey’s new book focusing on brain health. Every raver, old-school and new, should read it. One of its core messages is the role of your mitochondria (the powerhouses of cells in your body) and their behavior in relation to your overall mental and physical health –both of which are important if you want to keep dancing to a ripe old age.

To the the party started, the Head Strong crowd was treated to a guided meditation by Dr. Barry Morguelan. — To get the the party started, the Head Strong crowd was treated to a guided meditation by Energy for Success’ Dr. Barry Morguelan.

A fascinating aspect of mitochondria is how they relate to one another and organize to get things done, such as healing and energy production. This explained why the audience was treated to an interview with Neil Strauss. As Strauss was relaying his findings on relationships in “The Truth” it served as a macro-perspective as to how our mitochondria manifest in our everyday lives.

For example, our mitochondria is greatly affected by light, sunlight, and the lack thereof. Light conditions play a role in how we humans form and conduct our relationships. Feeling blue on a rainy day and cancelling that date you were “on-the-fence” about, might be a good example.

It also explains a phenomenon I have written about concerning the Unfair Advantage supplement: It seems to make relationships better. I know this sounds like a wacky claim, but I have had remarkable success taking Unfair Advantage before engaging in business negotiations, and even negotiating with my ex-wife! Really, I’m not kidding. The stuff seems to aid in formulating solutions in which both sides benefit. After Asprey and Strauss’s talk, it became apparent to me that this is because of the product’s hinted ability to heal and stimulate the growth of new mitochondria! Your mitochondria, if given some support, can even positively interact with your ex-wife’s mitochondria! I swear, I’ve done it!

I anticipate that many of you reading this will be skeptical, and I believe that is only proper. But, if you get the chance to read Head Strong, or try Unfair Advantage, please do. Asprey gets a lot of criticism for “trying to make a buck” off all this, but I can honestly say the guy’s stuff has worked for me. And, I want to also say I strongly support his work and approach in the marketing of these supplements. Yes, some are pricey, but he’s up against a lot of embedded institutions when trying to bring these goods to the public. There is more money in keeping people sick than keeping people healthy. Cut the guy a break and look at the overall picture of what he’s trying to do. He’s not going to do everything right, but he’s already had some stunning successes that should keep our attention, and keep us wanting to see what else he has in store.

The Head Strong Book Tour hit Los Angeles to roll out some hard data on brain health.

Also, in the interest of full disclosure, The Hard Data makes some money when you buy Bulletproof products after clicking through the web banners on our site. If you are a Bulletproof fan and want to support The Hard Data, please click through our links when buying those products. My mitochondria can assure you it’s a win for everyone involved!

Announcements, Articles, Interviews, Rave Comics

The HARD DATA issue 11 Now Available

March 8, 2017 DJ Deadly Buda

The Hard Data has just published issue 11, and it is phenomenal. Exclusive interview with the father of hardcore techno, Marc Acardipane, aka The Mover. In his greatest interview since his 1995 feature in Alien Underground, The Mover reveals more than ever about his connection to 2017 and what it means. His early childhood, influences and thoughts for the future are revealed in greater detail than ever before in this once-in-a-lifetime exclusive.

For this special issue, Mike Hoppe, Planet Core Production’s main artist designed the cover. Additionally, Mindcontroller interviews hardcore techno’s next major star, Thorax! Finally, Deadly Buda Comix part 4 slams into print. In this issue a devastating revelation concerning Video’s past is revealed. Written by LA Weekly writer Joel Bevacqua, and drawn and inked by hardcore junglist M27, this is an issue you will want to save forever.

The Hard Data issue 11 features Marc Acardipane aka The Mover, Thorax, and Deadly Buda Comix part 4.

Copies will be available in the Los Angeles area March 9, 2017, and will roll out to selected shops and raves in the USA the week after. If you would like a copy mailed to you, sign up for a 6 – issue subscription for only $6 in the USA, $12 Worldwide. This way you won’t ever miss an exciting issue.

THD 11 features Marc Acardipane aka The Mover, Thorax, and Deadly Buda Comix

Announcements, Articles, Interviews, Issue PDF, Rave Comics

Download The Hard Data Issue 8!

February 23, 2017 DJ Deadly Buda

Download The Hard Data Issue 8, featuring S3rl, Mike Hoppe, Deadly Buda Comix and Trauma Live! Click the link below.

Download Issue 8 of The HARD DATA!

Articles, Digitracks, Reviews

DJ AniMe Top 10 February 2017

February 21, 2017 DJ AniMe 1 Comment

The Hard Data recently asked me to share my current top 10 tracks with hardcore fans in the USA. These are the tracks I can’t wait to play and have been getting the best response on the dance floors. Most of these are available now or will be soon, so “track” them down as soon as you can! 🙂

10 – Tears of Fury feat. Tawar – Mechanical

A mix of catchy melody, epic vocal and deep sentiment straight out of this new Italian artist. A typical mainstream sound, which is really missing nowadays. This track is available on the album Dogfight Hardcore Volume 1. It’s available on iTunes.

9 – Broken Minds feat. Diesel – We control your minds

This is the sound of 2 new talented producers from Spain with the voice of Diesel! A ’black’ piano riff followed by a fitting manner of cool Broken Minds’ kickdrum! A must have. Get it on Amazon or iTunes.

8 – Dogfight Clan – Dogfight Hardcore

The first collaboration between me, Mad Dog, Noize Suppressor and Unexist! Huge kick drum, obscure melody, you can hear all our different music personalities in this track. Dogfight Clan is ready to attack! It’s available on iTunes.

7 – AniMe – Fear the Dogfight

Melodic and aggressive at the same time, the track I play to boost my dj sets, everyone loves it! Check it out on Amazon, or on iTunes.

6 – Unexist – Kings never dies

A solid tune! Love the contrast between the strong kick drums and the mystic female vocal. Don’t miss the release, this week on Dogfight Records.

5 – AniMe – Liar

Out soon on Dogfight Records. Bringing back the rude sound of A-Bomb and Hardcore Machine. Already played by many big artists, this track works very well on the dance floor.

4 – Ignite – Sulfure

Ignite is the great duo revelation of 2016! Their style is dark and potent! Can’t wait to hear more from these 2 guys. Here’s the iTunes link, and this is the Amazon.

3 – Noize Suppressor – Bouncing in the ghetto

Something unexpected from Noize Suppressor. Fresh sounds and a beautiful vocal, this track fits perfectly in every dj set! Get it on iTunes or at Amazon.

2 – DJ Mad Dog – Dogfight

Huge track, emotional and powerful at the same time. Definitely a big hit! Get it on iTunes, or Amazon.

1 – AniMe feat. Nolz – Superior Hardcore (Exodus 2017 Official Anthem)

It represents the result of months of preparation. With the massive voice of Nolz, it is an energetic sequence of aggressive kick drum, kick rolls and mind-blowing melody, all dressed with badass lyrics.