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Articles, Interviews

Super Marco May: Interview from Trauma: Harder Styles Tour 2016

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Super Marco May! All the way from La Spezia, Italy, SMM comes straight out of the golden years of Hard Dance music. 1993 is where his journey began,  and shortly thereafter he began playing at all the major festivals in Europe such as Qlubtempo, X-Qlusive, Multigroove and so much more! Now it’s his time to return to the US to show us Nu-style kids where the true spirit of Hardstyle really comes from. Super Marco May hits North America on the Trauma Harder Styles Tour 2016 from February 12, 2016 in Edmonton, Canada, then February 13 in San Francisco, and February 14, 2016 in Los Angeles.

What inspired your stage name?

Marco is my name; May is the month in which my first son was born. ‘Super’ came later; some fans of mine made Superman t-shirts with my name written on them, because I often used to wear a Superman t-shirt. From that day I’m Super Marco May.

Were you a DJ first, or a producer?

I started as a DJ in 1993 but after a short time I approached the Zolex Studio of my dear friend Adrian 12 to try to create something on my own. From there, my passion was started.

How did you get into the scene?

Initially celebrating with friends. Then more and more people came to these parties, so I was asked to play as a DJ in a club.

What was the first record you ever purchased?

I will never forget the thrill of buying my first vinyl record: It was Felix’ “Do Not You Want Me” in 1992.
Who was your biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?

I have to thank my friends Alex and Checco who brought me closer to becoming a DJ. They had turntables at home and they made me literally fall in love with this world. Musically, however, I can say that my biggest inspiration was Roland Brant with which a few years later I made my first track: “Typhoon”.

Would you describe your first DJ gig?

October 17th, 1993 at Taverna Juri in Aulla, Tuscany, Italy. I was thrilled and I still have to thank Alessandro Tognetti, who was the resident DJ, for giving me the opportunity to perform.

What was your favorite party you’ve ever played? Why?

My favorite party was undoubtedly Qlub Time #10 in 2002 organized by Q-Dance. My first experience abroad; my first experience in the Netherlands.

What was the funniest moment during any of your performances?

The funniest moment I experienced was at 101% Super Marco May. The party was organized by Dorian Gray and being carried in triumph by the boys on the dance floor was just awesome.

Super Marco May on the Trauma Tour Buy your tickets here for a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA!
Super Marco May on the Trauma Tour Buy your tickets HERE for a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA!

Did you ever think you would be touring the United States? What do you think the Trauma Tour will be like?

This Trauma tour not only represents my first tour in the USA, but also my first time in the US in general, so I hope it will be like my first time in the Netherlands. Just the first of many more to come!

What made you want to start producing Hardcore/Hardstyle/Rawstyle music?

I started producing Hardstyle because, in my opinion, it was something that people would have enjoyed more than Hard Trance or Techno; that’s what was big at the time. I liked the result of combining kick and reverse bass and I have to say that it pleased many.

What is your favorite track that you have produced?

I have two favorite ones: ‘Partyflock’ I produced to thank all the Dutch guys who supported me when I first went to Holland, and ‘Fuera de Cabeza’ because it fully reflects me!
What advice would you give to up and coming Hardcore producers?

I always suggest to do what one likes: don’t follow trends; develop your own taste.

Have any of the other artists on the Trauma tour ever inspired your work? If so, how?

There are many artists I know and respect. It’s not easy to choose! I think that all together we inspire the dance floor for absolute fun.

What are your top 3 favorite tracks of all time? Why?

  1. Roland Brant – Mastermind
  2. The Stunned Guys & DJ Paul – Thrillseeka
  3. Mohikana – I Will Find You

What was your favorite track of 2015 (that wasn’t your own)?

Hard Attack – Countdown

Are there any exciting projects or gigs coming up you want our readers to know about?

I’m working on a new project with my label Blackout Records. We are going to combine RAW music with something different. Why not!

What artists would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?

With reference to my new project I’d like to collaborate with Snoop Dogg.

If there’s anything we haven’t asked, what else would you like to say to the readers of The Hard Data?

I’ll be waiting for you all!

Articles, Interviews

Tonegenerator: Interview from Trauma: Harder Styles Tour 2016

Antonio Medina is one of the finer up-and-coming US Hardstyle producers on this tour. Represented by Denver Hard Dance, this man will finally be able to unleash his talent upon the world in such a fashion that our foreign counterparts will remember that Tonegenerator is one name to certainly pay attention to in the rise of the US Hard Dance scene.  He drops his knowledge at the Trauma Harder Styles Tour 2016 in Denver, Colorado on February 20, 2016.

What inspired your stage name?

It’s funny cause I had gotten the idea from the show 1,000 Ways to Die where some guy used a “tonegenerator” from the army to make “drug music” and ended up reaching frequencies that gave him brain hemorrhaging.

Were you a DJ first, or a producer?

I became a producer first. I got into production in 2011 and became serious about it in 2012.

How did you get into the scene?

I got into the scene when I first connected with DHD (Denver Hard Dance) and sent them my music. They liked what I had to offer!

What was the first record you ever purchased?

The first record I bought I think was Headhunterz – The Power of The Mind

Who was the biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?

My biggest inspiration was and still is Headhunterz. I was amazed at the sound design and how atmospheric the music was.

 

Tonegenerator will be on the Trauma tour! - Buy your ticket here and get a free subscription to The HARD DATA!
Tonegenerator will be on the Trauma tour! – Buy your ticket here and get a free subscription to The HARD DATA!

Would you describe your very first DJ gig?

My first gig was incredible; nervous at first, not a huge crowd, but it felt great to play the music I love.

What was your favorite party you ever played? Why?

My favorite so far is Hard Asylum, from April 2015. The atmosphere and the crowd were amazing; they really love Raw Hardstyle down there.

What was the funniest moment during any of your performances?

Funniest moment was when I did a tag team set with Audity & Deoxy; the stage split down the middle!
What important changes have you witnessed from the time you got into the scene, until now?

The amount of local people getting into Hard Dance. It has grown so much over the years that there’s more and more people coming to the shows; it’s great seeing it go from a small amount to the venue being practically full.

What are you looking forward to most on this tour? – What stop are you looking forward to most?

Getting to share the stage with the biggest names in Hardcore and Hardstyle such as Digital Punk, Partyraiser, Meccano Twins, just to name a few. And I would love to see every stop but for now looking forward to Denver, Colorado.

What made you want to start producing Raw Hardcore/Hardstyle/Rawstyle music?

Discovering Raw Hardstyle was the best thing ever. The amount of energy and aggressiveness the kicks and leads had amazed me. It made me want to try and do the same and I still continue loving it and producing it.

 

Arctus & Tonegenerator
Arctus & Tonegenerator

What is your favorite track that you have produced?

It would have to be ‘Dead Skies’. I put a lot of time and thought into the structure and sound design. I’m very proud of its outcome..

What advice would you give to up-and-coming Hardcore/Hardstyle producers?

Be confident in your work and don’t be afraid.

Have any of the artists on the Trauma tour ever inspired your work? If so, how?

I would say Digital Punk. His work is amazing and the creativity in his tracks is what makes me want to try diverse stuff in mine.

What are your top 3 tracks of all time? Why?

  1. The Machine & The Geminizers – Godcore – Its energy and driving force is pure gold.
  2. Atmozfears – Release – It’s a euphoric track but the emotion in its entirety makes you feel alive!
  3. Headhunterz – The Power Of the Mind – This will always be my favorite. Because of this track, I am where I want to be in my music career; I never would’ve thought of being in this moment if it weren’t for that track.

What was your favorite track of 2015 (that wasn’t your own)?

Of Verona – Zero Gravity (B-Front Bootleg). Everything in this track is perfect to me. From the reverb to the melody, to the kicks, the synths, the vibe and emotion. This track really stood out for me; huge sound!

Are there any exciting projects or gigs coming up that you want our readers to know about?

Yes! I have a few tracks lined up that just need some touch ups so they can be released some time soon. Also, a kick edit I made of Code Black – Predator will be given away! There are a few more gigs in the months to come but the info will be released in time; I don’t want to mention anything just yet.

What artists would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?

I had a few in mind: Mrotek, Arctus, The Wicked, Vigor, Qlarity, and Imperium. I would love to work with these guys in the near future.

If there’s anything we haven’t asked, what else would you like to say to the readers of The Hard Data?

Stay tuned for my releases to come and I hope I get to see all of you at Trauma!

You can catch Tonegenerator On February 20th at the Summit Music Hall in Denver, Colorado! Buy your tickets HERE for a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA!

Articles, Interviews

DJ Vortex: Interview from Trauma: Harder Styles Tour 2016

DJ Vortex (aka Vextor) is the A&R (Artists & Repertoire) manager of STIK Records and what some people would call the true Godfather of Hardstyle. He has been DJ’ing for 20 years and producing for 15, releasing on highly respectable labels such as Tidy, Activa, Theracords, and DJ’s United (and that is only naming a few!). You can catch Vortex on the Edmonton, San Francisco, and Los Angeles dates!

What inspired your stage name?

It was actually my friends who gave me my nickname: they said I was a Vortex… of music!

How did you get into the scene?

I was a vinyl collector; my friends used to organize parties; a lot of radio stations were born; it happened all by itself.

DJ Vortex at Trauma Tour
DJ Vortex at Trauma Tour – Buy your ticket here and get a free subscription to The HARD DATA!

What was the first record you ever purchased?

I’m having a hard time remembering, but it was probably a vinyl from Pink Floyd. Techno music wasn’t born yet.

Who was your biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?

I don’t have one! I just put all of them in my “Vortex” when I produce.

Would you describe your first DJ gig?

I was so excited, like I am now before every gig.

What was your favorite party you’ve ever played? Why?

There are many, for many different reasons: sometimes for the magnitude of the party, others for the crowd or the experience I had; I love to play big festivals but also in clubs.

What important changes have you witnessed from the time you got into the scene, until now?

Basically, everything has changed. In the past you were a DJ first, and a producer second, but now they start producing and then begin to perform as a DJ but playing their own productions almost exclusively. The work of the DJ, as a researcher and discoverer of music, is disappearing.

Did you ever think you would be touring the United States? What do you think the Trauma Tour will be like?

I have already been on tour in the United States and South America, but the Trauma tour is certainly the biggest of them!

What made you want to start producing Hardcore/Hardstyle/Rawstyle music?

I just was producing the music that I liked, then at some point some people in the Netherlands began to say it was “Hardstyle”.

What is your favorite track that you have produced?

Well, I could say “Incoming”, but honestly my favorite track is always the one I’m working on right now.

DJ Vortex
DJ Vortex

What advice would you give to up and coming Hardstyle producers?

Just produce; forget the rest.

What are your top 3 favorite tracks of all time? Why?

I have too many favorite tracks, it’s impossible to choose only 3.

Are there any exciting projects you want our readers to know about?

As many already know, I also produce uptempo Hardcore under the name of Vextor.

What artists would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?

Ennio Morricone: the king of soundtracks; but it’s just a dream.

If there’s anything we haven’t asked, what else would you like to say to the readers of The Hard Data?

I can’t wait to meet all of you!!! 🙂

Announcements

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Articles, Daybreaker, Events, Reviews

Fresh NYE 2015-2016 Report by Daybreaker

People from all over the country ring in the new year in a variety of  different ways.  From lighting off fireworks and banging pots and pans to shaking clackers and blowing horns; but this year, I was able to ring in the new year with Hardcore kick drums, uplifting Trance melodies and energetic Drum & Bass rhythms while being surrounded by my friends that reside all over the west coast. I don’t think there is any better way to celebrate than to do it harder, louder and more extreme than the rest of the nation!

Fresh NYE (from the Trance Stage) 2015-2016
Fresh NYE (from the Trance Stage) 2015-2016

Fresh NYE took place at the Seaport Marina Hotel and Events Center.  I found the venue to be a very positive and refreshing way to deal with masses.  Even if it may have been a little tacky and haphazard to some, it was so nice to be able to go from the event to your room in just a short distance- that way you can go as hard as possible while still being safe about it. There was a plethora of sounds to choose from: a Trance stage, a Drum & Bass stage, and a Hard Dance stage; although if you were there, you could easily tell what everyone was there for.  Suffice it to say that the Hard Dance stage was consistently packed.

Early on in the night I experienced Driftmoon, an Uplifting Trance artist who would’ve been more suited for the midnight hour; very melodic and emotional. What an opportunity to have seen him on New Year’s Eve of all days (a sentimental holiday for myself). We got the soft stuff out the way early and I immediately picked up the pace of the night by making sure I was front and center for Machete, one of the heavy hitters for the American Drum & Bass/Junglist scene. He played very funky, mostly jungle influenced DnB which was exactly what I’ve been waiting to hear.  We do not get men like him coming through Utah, EVER, despite our once prominent, seemingly lingering

Audiofreq
Audiofreq

DnB scene. There was very little time to breathe after Machete- we only had 15 minutes to run upstairs to the Hard Dance stage to bring in the New Year with Mr. Audiofreq! Although the majority of the Hardstyle artists, including Audiofreq, were more mainstream and climactic, I was extremely impressed by his set ( when he dropped ‘Release’ by Atmozfears was that tipping point). I’m sure the majority who have seen him perform are aware that he is one great big ball of energy that continuously keeps the momentum of the crowd going; even the people outside on the deck were dancing and screaming to nearly every track that was dropped by him. He was the perfect opener for one the most respected names in the Hardcore scene to date; his rise to fame has been faster than anyone I can recall during my time: DJ MAD DOG! It is literally impossible to describe the amount of ferocity and aggression that was felt during the length of MD’s set. He played all of his own tracks (which I personally preferred because the only other time I’ve seen him

DJ Mad Dog
Mad Dog closing the Hard Dance stage. Fresh NYE.

was at Dominator back in 2013 and he played many other Italian Hardcore artists’ tracks) and there were so little breaks in his mixing that there was hardly any time to catch your breath! There was a pretty disruptive mosh pit going on the for the majority of the time, which to a lot of people was upsetting because many of them would rather have been hakken-ing, but thankfully it didn’t lead to anything more violent. During the last half hour Mad Dog brought up a surprise guest: AniMe. She closed the night with tracks that she and Mad Dog did together pitched to a higher tempo. The entire night was topped off with a bow and a stage dive from Audiofreq. Wow!

At the end of the night, it was satisfying to be able to walk a few feet to my hotel room and recover from all the alcohol and adrenaline so I could immediately start heading back home in the morning (what I do for this music, eh?). Fresh Entertainment gets a huge plus for not just bringing out one of the most top notch producers in the Hardcore scene at the moment, but having three stages, dedicated to three sounds, stacked with the most powerful members of their respected scenes. I cannot wait to see what 2016 will bring us not just from Fresh, but from the American Hard Dance scene as a whole, and already, there is so much promise when ringing in the New Year with a “Fresh” start.

 

Daybreaker