Anyone who knows me knows that I never really left the 90s. Whether its blasting cheesy euro dance in the shower, watching Friends, or seeing Detective Pikachu as soon as it came out, there’s something about the 90s that I just can’t seem to leave behind (and refuse to leave behind).
My most recent escapade into the best era of all time led me to an epic party, Ouwe Stijl is Botergeil. For those of you who don’t know Ouwe Stijl is a well-known early hardcore party series organized by Strength of Unity. The literal translation of Ouwe Stijl is Botergeil means “Old style is butter horny”. Although I got a variety of definitions from Dutch partygoers ranging from “Old style is slippery wet” to “Old style is horny” to “It has something to do with butter.” One of the organizers explained that the Dutch word “botergeil” is slang like the word ‘sexy’ that is used to describe something that you are excited about for example one might say “Man that is a sexy car!”
At any given hardcore party on any given weekend you’ll see men and women sporting Ouwe is Stijl shirts (I still gotta get me one of those!). This is due to the fact that Ouwe is Stijl has a huge following, one might even call it a cult following (in a similar way that the movie Pulp Fiction has). Before I even moved to the Netherlands in 2016 and when I was only here for brief periods of time, speaking with gabbers as to where the best parties are Ouwe is Stijl was always one of the top responses.
Now with all that being said and with very high expectations let’s get into my review of Ouwe is Stijl is Botergeil on June 8th 2019. My friends and I began our journey around 20:00 from The Hague then after a quick stop for some noodles and a drink in Amsterdam we headed to the party. The party took place at Paradiso Noord in the North of Amsterdam just a quick ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station. A huge crowd was outside eagerly waiting for the gates to open and for the party to begin. Early hardcore blasted from portable speakers, party goers snapped some selfies with their friends, chugged their final drinks and then made a mad rush to the entrance.
Immediately upon entering into the venue I noticed a stand selling records and another stand representing Hard-Wear (a hardcore apparel store in Enkhuizen) selling merchandise, which was a nice touch. The venue was a bit of a maze but had plenty of spaces for people to sit, multiple bars, and even some board games for people to play (shout out to the random Smurf puzzle). The party consisted of one large main room of music with a viewing deck that provided a great view of the dance floor and the epic light shows. After the usual routine of lockers, bathroom, getting a drink (no need for tokens yay!), and saying hi to everyone it was time to see my friend Delirium!
Coming all the way from New Jersey, Delirium is one of the early pioneers of hardcore both in the United States and in the Netherlands. Known for his energetic onstage presence (picture a fire cracker exploding on New Years Eve) Delirium always puts on quite the show. Following his set we had a brief meet and greet for him where he signed records, took some photos, and met with fans. It always warms my heart to see my American hardcore comrades have such a loyal fan base here in the Netherlands. I had the opportunity to ask Delirium some questions about the party and here is what he had to say:
First off, what was going through your head when you were on stage tonight?
The vibe with the crowd was amazing and the venue was really great!
I was in a great mood and I was very focused. I made sure to give 1000% of my energy to the people for that hour. I really wanted to give them a performance that they would remember.
The crowd really seemed to love your set, is there a specific process you go through concerning track selection or do you more feel the vibe of the crowd?
There are times where I just feel the vibe of the crowd and go with the flow and there are times when I prepare a set prior to the event. The crowd at OSIB likes the tempo a little faster so I did a lot of searching to find some fast Early Rave tracks for this event.
What sets Ouwe Stijl a part from other Dutch parties?
OSIB is different than other events because their style is horny like butter!
There were so many fans that had the original DJ Delirium T-shirts and the original ID&T Music T-shirts from the 90’s. It was like time traveling back to 1996. I even had some friends and fans come all the way from Italy and Spain.
This was my first booking with them and they treated me really great! It was an absolute pleasure to work with this crew and perform at their event.
Having been very active in the American hardcore scene for over twenty years what major differences have you noticed between the American scene and the Dutch scene?
The major differences are definitely the size of the events, the way that they dance and the style of clothing. We have a much smaller scene in America. The fans are very loyal and definitely have a passion for the music though. Some of them even travel all the way to Holland for the bigger events because we do not have anything like Dominator or Hard Shock in America yet.
Now back to the party!
After the meet and greet I had the opportunity to see Kaycie play for the first time. Kaycie is one of the organizers of the party, he laid down an epic set and I had the opportunity to speak with him to learn more about what Ouwe is Stijl is all about. What I liked the most about Ouwe is Stijl was the underground and family vibe. One major takeaway from my conversation with Kaycie was that the organization started among a group of friends, which I really love. This reminds me of my days in the US with East Coast Hard Dance, we were just a group of friends looking to hear the music we loved, support local artists and our friends, and of course to throw epic parties.
Unfortunately I only got to catch a bit of Omar Santana’s set although from what I heard he crushed it! With all good intentions to leave at 3:30am because I had to work the next day I was having so much fun that I stayed until the very end at 8:00am. One sign of a good night in my opinion is seeing how many people are there at the bitter end and the fact that it was still crowded on the same night as Harmony of Hardcore is definitely a good sign.
So my final thoughts, great music, good vibes, welcoming atmosphere, and overall a wonderful night! Next up…. International Hard Dance Meeting on 27 June 2019!
*Photos were taken by U-Model Party Pics and are not my own*
On Saturday 9 February 2019, 30,000 hard dance fans from all over the world gathered together in the Gelredome for Hard Bass: The Last Formation. For those who don’t know, Hard Bass was an annual party for the last ten years at the Gelredome organized by B2S (one of the major hard dance event organizers in the Netherlands). Last Saturday was the final edition of Hard Bass and the end of one of the largest most popular indoor hard dance events in the world.
What made Hard Bass unique is that, unlike other parties where DJs typically perform one-hour sets back to back (or in some instances longer sets versus other DJs), Hard Bass was notorious for its use of “teams”. The ten-hour long party (as always, not long enough in my opinion) this year was divided into five teams: Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, and Heroes (Ten Years of History). Each team consisted of multiple DJs who perform in a similar style. This edition was coined the “hardest” Hard Bass, which was evidenced by the predominance of rawstyle DJs on the line up – B-Front, Ran-D, Radical Redemption, and E-Force, to name a few.
Although my heart beats at 300 beats per minute, I was blown away by the production and music on Saturday night. This truly was a show rather than just a typical rave, so much that at times sitting out in the stands (the Gelredome is large stadium with tiered seating) I felt as though I was watching Hard Bass: The Musical. Each team was provided with a proper introduction and ending similar to the curtain call in play. Once they finished performing their epic last track, the lights would go off, everyone would applaud, and an introduction would start for the next team.
Being from the New York area and having attended multiple Broadway performances, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to attend this as a play where you sit down and watch the performance as if you were watching Phantom of the Opera or Fiddler on the Roof, for instance. All of the elements were there. The stage was a giant space ship, which fit perfectly with the theme, the lasers were out of this world, and of course there was fire, fireworks, and even some theatrics.
The evening truly was a tribute to ten years of hard dance, and to the artists and fans who made it all possible. The music was a quintessential mix of the classics we all know the words to, such as “Imaginary”,“Castles in the Sky”,“You’ve Got the Love”, and “Eternalize”, as well as some new tracks including my one of my personal favorites of the evening, “The Last Resort”.
This night was particularly memorable for me because I learned what “kick rolling” was for the first time. As previously mentioned, although I do enjoy rawstyle, I have not had much exposure to it, as it is a stage I don’t typically frequent at festivals. Usually passing by the rawstyle stage at Defqon, Dominator, or Masters of Hardcore, I would always see a large crowd of very tall, buff Dutch guys all moving their hands in a chopping motion to the beat. I figured this was just a dance that everyone did both collectively and individually, for example as gabbers hakken.
However, now I know that it is in fact a style of dancing (which is often pre-rehearsed) so that the chopping motion hits right on the beat. The more you know! I found this particularly fascinating because with speedcore/terror we have something similar (albeit less rehearsed and fluid) where when the beat drops you see everyone with one hand to the sky basically having a seizure (don’t judge it until you try it!)
My favorite team of the evening was definitely Red, and those last few minutes were the perfect ending to the night. I particularly enjoy when rawstyle tracks are sped up, although I guess this would make kick rolling more difficult for some. Rawstyle is known for its brutal kicks, complex layers, and screeches, therefore just kicking it up a bit to 200 beats per minute makes it even better (in my humble opinion).
The evening concluded flawlessly with the GPF remix of Killshot-Beastmode, which of course kept me wanting more. The finale of the show consisted of the space ship taking off, closing off a chapter in history of ten years of Hard Bass. What will B2S have for us next?
*Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are strictly my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the companies and organizations I am affiliated with. Furthermore the pictures water marked “Hard Bass” are not my own pictures but rather B2S.
On Sunday August 5th I finally had the opportunity to take advantage of this incredibly warm weather this summer and go to the beach! Instead of just being a normal person and spending the day laying out, tanning, and swimming of course as always there was a pre-game meet up and a festival, Hardcore at Sea!
I met up with my friends after rushing from work (nothing like changing into rave clothes and dashing out the door) on the beach in Bloemendaal in the afternoon for a QSA picnic. If you don’t know by now or are just reading my blog for the first time, QSA is a group of American hard dance ravers who go to festivals and parties together. The best part about having a picnic outside the venue was being able to hear the music during the sound check not only from Hardcore at Sea but from Hard Classics next door.
Then after a few hours we wrapped up the picnic and headed inside to the festival. First let me start by saying the stage was SO COOL it was a giant inflatable shark, perfect for the beach vibes theme. This is my second edition of Hardcore at Sea and this year was even bigger and better than last year. The venue, Beachclub Fuel is a small but intimate bar situated right on the beach with three stages: main stage, frenchcore, and rawstyle. I have to say out of all of the festivals I’ve been to since I can remember this was the longest amount of time I have spent at a main stage. Usually I am a side stage girl (terror, uptempo, frenchcore, etc.) but the music was just so on point at the main stage and the weather was so nice, it was really the place to be.
The first set of the day was of course my besties Rob GEE and Da Mouth of Madness. As always they crushed it packing in a wild thirty minute set ranging all the way from early hardcore classics like “Ecstasy You Got What I Need” to Rob’s new hit of the summer “A DJ Saved My Life.” Of course for me with Rob GEE sets always consist of singing, yelling, and shaky Iphone videos.
Next up was probably one of the funniest things I have ever seen at a party. During Destructive Tendencies vs. Dr Peacock, which was an AMAZING first time ever set, the shark ate the stage, there was literal shark week at Hardcore at Sea. The giant inflatable shark mouth ate the stage! So epic!
I spent the rest of the day wandering around and catching up with everyone. One really amazing thing about the party was all the Americans there! Partyraiser even introduced me to his two friends from Illinois, so cool!
Perfect weather, perfect music, and therefore a perfect day! See you next time!
BKJN vs. Partyraiser Festival Review (June 30 2018)
Despite not being fully recovered from Defqon the previous weekend, on Saturday, June 30, 2018, my crew and I traveled to Zoetermeer for my second edition of BKJN vs. Partyraiser. Before going into the party, we had an amazing all-you-can-eat sushi dinner at Bijou where not only were we the only ones in the restaurant, but also we could see and hear the outdoor main stage from our seats. The funniest part of it all was that the restaurant was basically inside the Silverdome. Therefore, the bathroom was located on the opposite wall of the terror stage, aka “The Terror Toilets,” which made the entire bathroom vibrate. I will be definitely coming back here to eat before going to the Silverdome.
After dinner we headed into the festival, and first up on the list was Crypton at the Frenchcore stage. We actually saw Crypton walking outside when we were eating dinner and my friends, being fan girls they are, ran out of the restaurant and chased him down the street. He then joined us for ice cream while my friends serenaded him for the thousandth time with the song they made for him: “Ik hou van Crypton.” (I love Crypton.)
We then headed outside to go on the festival’s carnival ride. Usually I avoid spinning rides, but I was peer-pressured into it. Not only was the ride free and had no line, but I didn’t get sick, so triple win!
After almost having to endure the ride again because we couldn’t figure out to open the safety device (if you heard some people screaming “HELP! HELP!” really loudly outside, that was us), we ran over to the indoor main stage for Partyraiser’s big entrance. The man of the night began his set with an Elvis impersonator with a light-up exploding guitar, girls in poodle skirts, and fireworks, It was like taking a trip back to America in the 1950s, but with hardcore in the background. What a way to start the night!
Next, I headed to the uptempo area to get a good spot for Rob GEE’s set and while doing so I got to see Omkara for the first time. Dark, fast music with costumes and dancers—it was a lot of fun!
Now the moment my crew had been waiting for—the American hardcore king, Rob GEE! Rob played a high energy set including his new track “A DJ Saved my Life” and the new “You Got What I Need” remix! Whenever he is playing, you can always find me in the front and center singing and screaming.
After some socializing and ice cream, it was time for Sefa vs. Dr. Peacock vs. Partyraiser. This set was a mix of some epic throwbacks like “Always Hardcore” and “Love U More,” in addition to some newer tracks including “Tandava (Billx Remix),”one of my personal favorites. Throughout the set, I just kept thinking how crazy it was that this was Sefa’s 18th birthday. This led me to reflect on my own 18th birthday, which consisted of having a party in my parents’ basement in the suburbs with a strobe light, my karaoke machine, and my dad sitting disapprovingly on the other side of the door in a rocking chair watching everyone go in and go out. Talk about a stark contrast!
I then spent the remainder of the night at the main stage, jamming out to Partyraiser vs. F. Noize vs. Hyrule War, and then Partyraiser vs. Tieum vs. Unexist! Partyraiser’s energy throughout the night was incredible. Every set had crazy lasers and fireworks, plus was high-powered, unique, and stimulating.
Now, without further ado, let’s get into the interview with the man of the night, Partyraiser!
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First, congratulations on 25 years of hardcore! Can you tell us how you got into this music?
A long time ago, but I’ve loved it since day one. I remember my father had a tape in his bus (he was a touring car driver), and this tape had several awesome house tracks on it. I played it, I loved it. I think this was 1990.
I went to my first house party in a club in 1991, and I was hooked. During that time, it wasn’t hardcore yet, but that changed quickly. I think it was 1992 when I first experienced a kind of gabber music. But 1993 was the year where it all became big!
Over the last 25 years, we have seen an incredible transformation in the music scene as a result of technology. How do you feel this has impacted your music and your career?
Well, every time has is charms. I love the old gabber music. It was pretty simple, but mannn it was badass! Of course later gabber became Millennium Hardcore; afterwards, slower hardcore at 160bpm, mainstream, and later the more rougher sounds. Yes, I love it all. The longer hardcore exists, the more hardcore music develops. Actually, the scene with uptempo these days is bringing the old feelings back, in my opinion. More loud kicks, faster beats, and no three-minute breaks. I am kinda happy with it since I’ve played the rough beats already since 2007.
As we reflect on the last 25 years of your career, where do you see yourself 25 years from now?
Oh wow, I have no idea. I think Hardcore music will never stop, and there are so many new kids standing up to keep our scene alive. So I think I’m not ready even if I’m almost 41, haha. I think 25 years from now is too long, but 10 years from now I honestly think we will still be alive and kicking. J
Last year, we saw the return of Thunderdome and this year is the return of Megarave. What old-school party do you think should make a comeback and why?
It will never have the same feeling as it had in the past. They only do events based on older success to get money again. I think that’s not the right way. You are killing a very good name that way! So, for me, let the past be the past and throw new gigs in the future. That’s my opinion.
I have had the opportunity to meet and see your family at some of your events! Have they always been supportive of your music?
Yes, yes, yes! From day one, my mom was my first and biggest fan. She was the one who bought me the real Technics SL-1210MK2 turntables (vinyl) in 1995. I started DJing in 1993, but the first two years I played on Marantz and Kam turntables with a CD player on the side and an electro mixer, haha.
My mom said, “Wes, you are so serious with mixing, I think you need the right equipment”. And, at that time, my mom did not have a lot of money to buy it. But she saw how happy it made me, and she bought me all the stuff I needed. I’m still so thankful, because that made me the DJ I still am these days.
And yeah, everyone who’s visiting my own parties can see my family members partying with us. They are into it as well, and they are proud, like I’m proud of them.
I really love the sets you have done recently with your wife, Bulletproof. (Relationship goals!) How is it working with your wife?
Oh lady, she’s the best! She is gorgeous, she is smart, and most of all she is so sweet to me and the rest of the family. Since day one I’ve been in love, and I’m married to the best girl in the world. We have been together now for nine years and married for two years.
And she has already played for a few years now, but we never did something with it. I wanted to wait till she was ready! And she is now, and you know. Together, it’s a magical feeling on stage. We are blessed to do this together!
What advice do you have for couples who work together in the hardcore scene?
Love each other, and keep business and private life separated. Enjoy every moment, because it’s very, very special to have this huge opportunity.
The BKJN vs. Partyraiser party series has been a huge success! What sets these parties apart from all the other events you play at?
Of course, because these are my own events. Second of all, the promoter from BKJN is a very hard-working guy with many ideas. And he thinks that creating amazing events is more important than making quick, fast money. And that works. Besides that, we are always trying to give people the best lightshows, quality sound system, and unforgettable DJ battles. It’s just freaking awesome! HAHA!
At the BKJN vs. Partyraiser parties, you play nearly the entire time! Do you have any rituals or things you do to get in the mood before such long sets?
No, I do this for so many years now. I think I’m the only one in the last 10 years who’s doing so many solos all over Europe and own gigs with 7-hour sets straight. I just love it. And I do this on an automatic pilot system, I guess. I don’t use drugs, nor drink energy drinks. Just the vibe of the fans and the music get me through long DJ nights like these.
You recently published a mix with Rob GEE—he is one of my best friends. What’s it like working with him?
Rob is a very good friend of mine. We became friends a few years ago. As a DJ, I’ve known him since the 90s. Man, he was such a big name at that time with many hits. What I like about Rob—he is pure, what you see is what you get.
To have him on stage is amazing, because he is crazy as f**k, and makes that stage like it is his own. I love him, we talk a lot, and I’m happy he’s working so hard in the scene and to see him grow again. Yes, I have a magical feeling with my buddy.
You recently released “Trip to Holland” with Dr. Peacock. I am a big fan of the video and the track! As we know, Dr. Peacock has done similar tracks for countries such as America, Ireland, Turkey, Colombia, Japan, and so on. How did it feel to be asked to work on that particular track representing Holland?
Yes, of course that’s cool! I love my country, Holland, and Steve (Dr. Peacock) is one of my best friends. He’s a huge artist! I remember before he started playing. He booked me when he was a promoter in 2005/2007, and I was his headliner.
10 years later, we are headlining together. How crazy it goes! I think, with Steve on stage, I have one of the best feelings and chemistry during battles. Steve works so hard, and I have huge respect for him and the way he does it. And of course to do “Trip to Holland” in his “Trip to” series is awesome.
I made some kicks and screeches, and he made it fit. Together we talked about the best creation of Dutch songs in it. It was a very good combination together. And then we wrote the clip and arranged all locations. It was hard and long work, but we laughed so hard, haha! Yes, we are proud of this project. In such a short time, there have been over a million views on YouTube already. J
What do you like to do outside of music that contributes to your musicality?
Chilling, walking in the woods, playing with the dogs, and driving in my cars.
I’m a huge car fan, and I love to drive. I have a few babies, hehe. I’m a huge nature guy; it’s relaxing for me. And it gives me new ideas when I clear my head outside.
You have had the opportunity to play and travel around the world. What is one place you haven’t played yet, but would love to play?
China. I would love to play there one day. Amazing country! But first, Japan. I can’t wait for my November 2018 Japan tour. J
You have been to the United States before. What is your impression of the hardcore scene there?
It is small, unfortunately! But the fans are die-hard dedicated! The country is so great, so big. Everyone knows it’s my favorite country of all time. I visit it three times a year. But the scene is way too small for so many people. I wish they’d turn down that EDM shizzle and follow the hardcore rougher scene!
If they only knew how pure and friendly our scene was. I mean, they love punk rock and all kinds of harder styles. Why not hardcore?! Only a few cities in a few states.
It’s my dream to travel all over the States and play hardcore gigs everywhere.
Like my best friend DJ El-Niño from Houston, Texas said: “The USA is great, but their choice of dance music is soft as F**K!”
What advice do you have for the American hardcore scene and upcoming producers and DJs?
Come to Europe and see how we do it. See how we throw a party, how the Hardcore community is. And bring that vibe and feeling back to your beautiful country.
Make sure we can travel and play our beats there the next 10 years!
I like to DJ and dance in Utah! Oh yeahhhh, it’s my favorite state. And for the DJs, there are good hardcore DJs and producers in the US. I know they want the same. Let’s unite!
You have such a loyal and strong fan base all over the world, but as this is an American publication, if you could give your American fans one message, what would it be?
The scene I know in the States is awesome; they are dedicated. They know what real music is. 😉 I’d like to say that I love you; I can’t wait to see you dance. Some of them I see in front of me in Europe also, and that’s great.
Tell your family and friends about it…spread the word. Make them wild, so we can visit often. Hope to see you all soon again. The US is my favorite country, and that’s no secret.
Lastly, I asked some of my American friends if they had any questions for you, and these are a couple of those questions:
Throughout your career, who or what has been your biggest inspiration?
Elvis Presley. His music made me what I am now. I started listening to music when I heard him sing at the age of two. He inspired me my whole life. His music was rough, shocking, and the media was against it. Same shit like they have and do with hardcore music these days while they don’t know anything about it! Thanks Elvis, we are what we are now, because of what you were then.
Your name is Partyraiser. Is there ever a party not raised by the time you arrive?
Of course not, there are many DJs who can throw a party! I just like to throw that little extra, so the people give me their last energy. Love to see that. Good question. 😉
Thanks everyone, it was an honor. Love your States. Love your small hardcore scene. Hope to see you all soon wherever!
Thank you to BKJN Events and Krist Alies for some of the photos!
Thousands of miles separate the concrete jungle from the sweltering west coast heat. Gathered under the high noon of the Las Vegas summer sun, delegates from all over the globe gathered to celebrate hard music as one. Representatives spanning many time zones, countries and genres delivered performances proving that the heart and soul of hardcore is alive in a powerful way. The diversity from style to style and coast to coast did not seem to interrupt the core message that hardcore has captured hearts around the globe. Disciples left their souls on the dance floor of American Gabberfest in the sizzling Las Vegas summer heat—under one love and one very blistering sun.
Despite the sizzling conditions the diverse assemblage delivered heart-stopping sets across the board. Day one included declarations from Australian representatives, DJ Phoenix, Epidemic, and Rohdan. American Gabber Legend Rob Gee also addressed the congress that afternoon on the outdoor main stage, followed by delegates from New York including the Pied Piper of Hard Core, How Hard. Outstanding performances from the Hard Data DJ Team of Deadly Buda, Lostboy and Mindcontroller, CAP, Arcid, Cik, KORE, Inspektor Gadget, Delusion, and so many others to rounded out scorching day one. It was also a proud experience to be invited to represent with some New York City Rawstyle!
Official Timetable American Gabberfest 2017: Congress of the Kickdrum
Day two also proved to be an intense declaration of hard bass including addresses from Flapjack, Acid Enema, System Malfunction, En3rgy, Seppuku, Nekrokick, and Drencrom—among many other dedicated artists.
Aside from the awesome performances, it was an amazing gathering of old school and new school— meeting of the minds from so many different styles, and walks of life. New friends and old friends intermingling and sharing their passions and talents was a testament to the music, empowering us to think, connect, share, and learn. This year’s American Gabberfest not only left all the hardcore warriors with memories of an amazing weekend, but was an amazing manifestation of our music as a unified heart beating at a very fast tempo.
Dedicated to the harder sound of electronic dance music.
