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Articles

How to Survive and Thrive at Defqon

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As I now have been to three editions of Defqon (2015, 2017, and 2018) and countless of other camping festivals, I feel as though I am qualified to provide my tips to those of you making the epic pilgrimage to Defqon next year. My advice is directed primarily to Americans, because this is an American publication and I’m from the US, but it can be applied to anyone traveling to the Netherlands for Defqon!

1. Three Months Before Defqon

Buy your flight (if applicable) and festival tickets early and start making plans as soon as possible. I cannot emphasize this enough. Tickets usually sell out close to the event so get yours as soon as they go on sale in March to be safe! Moreover, arrange with your friends in advance what camping option you plan on doing.

How long should you stay in Holland?

If you’re coming from the US I would suggest at least a week. Your best bet is to arrive in Holland on Wednesday to rest up and explore. Then on Thursday get all the supplies you need for Defqon then later that night come to the QSA meet up in Amsterdam to meet our amazing group of Americans (shout out to QSA!). Then, Defqon goes from Friday to Monday, which leaves you with at least a day and a half to recover.


How should I get to Defqon?

If it’s your first time in Holland, Amsterdam is probably your best option. Getting to Defqon from Amsterdam is easy and you have a variety of options. However that being said, if it’s not your first time in the Netherlands go somewhere else, I live in the Den Haag area which is awesome, but Utrecht and Rotterdam are two other major amazing cities!

If you’re traveling in a large group I suggest renting a car. This past year my friends and I rented a car from Sixt from Schipol Airport. WARNING to Americans: cars are a LOT smaller here than in the US. You might think you are getting a seven person car but in reality it really only fits four people with all the camping supplies in the back (we stuffed six people and all of our camping supplies but it was a very tight fit). Also this might be obvious but please do not forget your credit card and passport when you go to pick up the car (this happened to my group of friends don’t let it happen to you!).

If you’re traveling solo or in a small group your best options are to either: (i) take public transportation to Dronten station then the Defqon shuttle; or (2) take the bus from Amsterdam (or wherever you are staying) to Defqon.

If you choose option (i) book your shuttle ticket online from the Defqon website. The shuttle buses leave throughout the day starting at 13:00 on Friday. Definitely get that shuttle ticket in advance because it fills up and increases in price. Additionally public transportation is very easy in the Netherlands, although a bit pricy. There is a very handy app/website that provides you with all the information you need (https://9292.nl/en). You can change the language to English after you download the app by clicking the wheel (settings) then click “Taal” and change it to “Engels”. If you plan on using the train, tram, or bus in the Netherlands you should purchase an OV chipcard. You can buy an OV chipcard from any train station just look for the large yellow machine, then you can load money on the card and travel anywhere in the Netherlands. This is cheaper than buying individual tickets.

For option (ii), you can book a bus trip from Event Travel (https://www.eventtravel.nl) from most cities in the Netherlands. I did this in 2017 from Den Haag and it was about 30 euros round trip. The only issue with the bus is its extremely slow, it makes a lot of stops, and then you are sitting in the bus line traffic at the entrance to Defqon. The bus we took in 2017 left Den Haag at 9:00am and we arrived at Defqon sometime after 13:00.

Where should I stay at Defqon?

This is obviously dependent on your personality and festival style. In 2015, I chose the regular ticket including a Defqon sleep package (tent, sleeping bag, etc), in 2017 I did friends camp with my 2015 tent, and this year I did regular camping with my own tent. If you’re interested in camping and do not live in the Netherlands your best option is probably to do either the regular camping option including the tent or friends camp including the tent. If you’re traveling in a large group friends camp is a great option because you get a designated camping area with picnic tables, a much faster check in and security line, and we even got Defqon power banks which we could charge at the stations! Personally, camping is my favorite part of Defqon because the party never ends and if you need anything throughout the day you could always just go back to the campsite to get it then the next day all you have to do is walk right into the festival!

Another great option is the tipi. Tipis come in different sizes and my friends always get them. It’s a great after party spot, its rain resistant, has electricity, and cots to sleep on. I also saw for the first time this year a Yurt (not sure if they had them in years passed), this is a large tent with electricity, beds, and is easily lockable. We walked past some pretty wild after parties in the yurts this year!

For those who like the convenience of staying at the festival but don’t want to camp can choose the comfort camping option. With this you are in a cabin with electricity, have access to an exclusive bar; chill area, bbq, breakfast and more. So if you have the money and are someone who needs privacy, sleep, or electricity this is for you.

If you’re not one for constant loud noise, getting disgusting, and large crowds (not sure why you wouldn’t like that-lol) there are also hotels, cottages, and apartments. However, if you do decide to stay outside of Defqon just keep in mind that you have to be on time to take the bus back to your accommodations and are subject to wait in long lines in both directions. However, three nights of camping (especially in the rain and it ALWAYS rains at Defqon) can be brutal so if you’re someone who needs to sleep, shower, and have access to Wi-Fi this is a good option for you.

Regarding showering at the Defqon campsites the lines can be long especially in the mornings. One of my friends always brings this great dry shampoo, Lush No Drought. Lush is a popular chain in the Netherlands so you can get it here or order it online.

One other thing to keep in mind is that a lot of places in the Netherlands do not take international credit cards, so bring some cash with you. The major places especially in Amsterdam take credit cards but smaller stores, cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores don’t.

2. One Week Before Defqon

As previously mentioned if possible you should arrive in the Netherlands a week before Defqon to get everything you need and get situated!

If you’re looking for camping supplies your best options is Decathlon (Americans, its like Sports Authority or Modell’s) and Action (Dutch version of a dollar store but better! Note: they do not take international credit cards). This year I just got a tent lock at Decathlon but they have tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, etc. Decathlon is your go to for the higher quality larger camping needs. From Action I got baby wipes, protein shakes, a collapsible cooler, and in the past an air mattress. Both of these stores are located all over the Netherlands and will come in handy a week before the festival.

A new essential camping item I discovered this year (shout out to Anne!) is the Wegwerp BBQ, this is a one-time disposal BBQ that you can easily use at the campsite. This is great for sausages, chicken, etc. and can be found at Hema (Dutch version of Target) or Gamma (Dutch equivalent of Home Depot).

With regard to food and drinks, Jumbo is a great grocery store that takes American credit cards (most don’t). The main grocery store in Amsterdam and in the Netherlands is Albert Hejin and for liquors its Gall & Gall. Your best bet for Defqon depending on your personal dietary needs is getting boxed wine, canned beer (bottles are prohibited), protein shakes, yogurt, granola/protein bars, juice, bread, meat, cheese (to make sandwiches), and some things to grill. Food at the festival is expensive although I always make sure to buy fries and a smoothie there because they are really good. If you do have dietary restrictions (such as celiac disease or a religious restriction) try to get a note from your doctor so you can bring in your own food and drinks onto the festival grounds.  I usually pack at least four protein shakes and coordinate with my crew so we have enough food and drinks to share. Then I usually set aside 40-50 euros for tokens at the festival. Unlike in the US, Dutch festivals do not accept any other currency except for tokens meaning you have to visit the token area (they are all over the camp grounds and the festival, they take international cards and cash) if you plan on eating or drinking that weekend. As for water, I recommend bringing a camelback backpack and just filling it up at the festival. They sell them for 25 dollars now on Amazon.

If you are looking for some good vitamin shops for some pre and post festival supplements while you’re here, Holland and Barrett (similar to GNC in America) is a great one. They have a discount card you can sign up for and always have specials.

3. At Defqon

You made it to Defqon, good for you! Try to arrive as early as possible and coordinate with your friends to secure your campsite. When I get there I usually set up, get tokens, get a program/timetable from the information then hang out at the campsite for a while until the Gathering starts. The Gathering is the official start of Defqon and it starts at 20:00. This past year the only two stages that were open were the Blue and Black stages (bring back the Yellow Silent Disco please!). This year there was also a small area in the sculpture garden where Dr. Peacock played under his Saint Benhard alias dropping some funky, psychedelic and dubby beats. This past year they also had a silent disco but not at yellow but that was still pretty cool! Then after The Gathering is over the party moves to the campsite!

Regarding the rest of the festival, the majority of the stages this year opened at 11:00. Even though I am sure you have a set list of DJs you must see (I used to be like that) take the time to explore all the stages (especially the Yellow Stage!) and to discover some new artists. Additionally, one of my favorite parts of Defqon is the Big Chill. Trust me at some point in the festival you’ll want to lie down in a large fishing net hammock contraption.

It gets cold here in the summer and rains a lot, so be sure you have a jacket with you and pants. I usually would wear shorts in the morning and then bring pants, my leather jacket, and a sweatshirt to put on later. I kept half of my stuff in my camelback backpack and fanny pack (all my power banks, gum, chapstick, charger, extra clothes, hand wipes, etc.) and the rest in a locker. You can rent the locker either on the website in advance or when you get there. One of my friends had one so we all shared it and it really came in handy!

For the end shows on Saturday and Sunday I suggest getting there early and sitting in the very very front left on the grass on the side of the stage. You will be seeing it from the side but you will have plenty of space to either dance or sit (I personally like to sit on the grass and watch the end show) and can more easily get out than just standing in the middle of the crowd. This is good advice for anyone who is short, the Dutch are the tallest people in the world so unless you are one someone’s shoulders it’s hard to see.

What should you do after Defqon? Go and get a kapsalon! Kapsalon is a Dutch-Turkish dish served usually in an aluminum tray consisting of fries, meat, cheese, and a bit of salad on top. You can find them at any snack bar or döner kebab restaurant.

So there you have it! Reflecting on this past edition, Defqon is by far one of my top three festivals in the world. The production level, the music, the energy, the decorations, and the fact that every year more than 200 Americans go are just a few reasons why Defqon is extremely special. This year my favorite sets were Rob Gee, Dr Peacock in Concert (at the red stage which was insane) and the Sickest Squad. I also personally love Power Hour (even though I am more of a Yellow Stage girl) for its insanity and energy.

My final advice is the most important! Take the time to rest, drink water, and eat, it’s worth it. Even if you can’t properly sleep just lay down in your tent for at least three hours a night, your body needs it. Furthermore, wear earplugs AS SOON AS YOU GET INSIDE THE FESTIVAL. Thunderplugs are great and are only 10 euros (www.thunderplugs.com). Also, always look out for your friends, this may be a once in a lifetime experience but your friends are more important than even your favorite DJ.

Reach out to me if you need any advice! See you at Defqon 2019!

Curious about my 2017 experience check out my party report here:
https://af5942a.wixsite.com/mcunicorn/single-post/2016/03/31/Whats-Cooking-Mexico

Disclaimer: The opinions and views in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the artists and organizations I work with or am affiliated with.

Interviews

Ron D Core Interview

Captured in this film is an interview with Ron D Core, a hero from the underground hardcore scene. Ron is a DJ, and is known for being a pioneer in the early years of electronic music. This interview gives insight into his personal experiences as a DJ and insight into his style of music. You’ll learn how he gained his notoriety, what some of his musical influences are, and some of his accomplishments as an artist and DJ.

 

Articles, Deadly Buda, Events, Interviews

Deadly Buda Pre-HE Interview

It’s kind of weird to interview yourself. But, since my job was to interview as many Hard Electronic artists as possible, and a day went by without one, I figured I should fill the gap, as I’m playing the L.A. show. We basically made a list of stock questions for the artist to answer how they wanted. So, I figured this would be easy. Lo and behold, the strangest thing was that I surprised myself with answers to the questions I wrote! So, if you’ve got a few minutes, let’s hang out…

Where are you from? How does your geographic location influence your music?

A Deadly Buda graphic from 1994
A Deadly Buda graphic from 1994, Pittsburgh PA.

I was born in Pittsburgh, PA. There, like most places in the civilized world, the population is force-fed garbage music repeatedly, brainwashing them and compromising their lives. It was there that I decided to fight against the insipid audio enslavers, be they man or otherwise. Eventually forced out of the city, I slowly made my way across the USA and have lived in Los Angeles County for the last 17 years, where I continue to wage my guerrilla campaigns to varying degrees of success.

What’s the story behind your DJ Name?

The original story is that “Buda” was my graffiti tag name, taken from a high school social studies report. I added “Deadly” with my first rave DJ gig in 1991. I wanted my DJ name to sound like a kung-fu movie name, like my DJ heroes growing up, Grandfaster Flash, mainly. But as time went on the meaning changed various times. I read years ago about certain Buddha’s whose job it was too destroy egos in order to set people free from the identity others have forced upon them. I like that idea, so that’s what my name means, now.

Who or what events in your life are responsible for you being the artist you are today?

My neighbor, Phil Schoemer, who first taught me how to DJ, was the biggest influence. I still remember things he taught me today, and still struggle to do them. DJ Controlled Weirdness, who introduced me to so much music in the early 90s and we threw raves together as Hear 2 Go, Christoph Fringeli from Praxis Records after that. I’ve always listened to everything Lenny Dee has to say, because he is more experienced and forward thinking than anyone in the dance music industry, period, and today when I get to work with Rob Gee on videos and stuff, helps me keep my sanity in a world gone mad.

Deadly Buda will be appearing at Hard Electronic September 9, 2017
Deadly Buda will be appearing at Hard Electronic September 9, 2017

What are you trying to convey with your music? What are you trying to communicate? What are you giving to the crowd that listens to you?

Though I try to make my sound dimension-bending and otherworldly, at the core I guess I am just trying to communicate that they aren’t alone… that we see really see these things and enjoy things together. I feel what they feel, too. Ultimately, life is more psychedelic than any drug you will ever take. So, I think when I play “crazy” hardcore I am just really describing life as it is, without a filter, and I want to just geek out with my friends about it and what we’re doing.

What moment do you cherish the most so far in your career as a DJ?

Lenny Dee's Trax from the Darkside album art by Deadly Buda
Lenny Dee’s Trax from the Darkside album art by Deadly Buda

There are some big ones for sure, Even Further ’95, and of course Even Further ’96. Both were some of my greatest sets for big crowds, and of course legendary parties. But the first one that always comes to my mind when asked is Catastrophic New Years in 92-93, in Washington DC. It was my first ever out-of-town gig, and Catastrophic was one of the biggest, if not the biggest rave crew on the East Coast at the time. My friend Dario Kenning gave them a tape and the next thing you know I’m playing ‘til midnight for the biggest, most illegal party I’d ever seen or maybe will ever see in the USA. They were diplomat’s kids, the Baez brothers, and they literally were pulling electricity right off the telephone poles into the warehouse and all the cops were obviously paid off. Ravers surrounded by Secret Service, it was unreal. I was already playing hard at the time, and I’ll never forget when I asked Mike Battaglia (now known as Mike Bee) what I should play, because I thought I might be too hard for them. He laughed and said, “just play hardcore!” and raised his fist and laughed. So I did and it went through the roof!

But for cherishing, I’ll always cherish the first raves I did in Pittsburgh with Controlled Weirdness: Psychotronic Slackrave, the Beehive parties, and after he moved, the Turbo-Zen and Millennium parties, which are stories for another day.

What specifically are you planning to give to the audience at Hard Electronic?

Original Deadly Buda style with new and improved ingredients. Since it’s Hard Electronic, I am going out-of-my-way to break the mainstream rules, really my old style. So, starting at 133 BPM and in a half hour, crank it up to 200+ BPM. I’m going to start banging some new Dave Delta tracks, and end up with some Mr. Madness at the end. Make sure to get there by 10:00 PM though, because that’s when I start. There are so many great DJs playing that if you blink you’ll miss one of us!

What is something you really want to tell the public that we might not have asked about?

The world today is dangerous, and meant to be confusing and overwhelming. It’s easy to get upset and impatient with everything going on. Just when you think you know the answers, another contradictory layer to the madness is revealed and frustrates. In today’s world we cannot rely only on logic or emotion, but must hone our intuition to navigate through the madness. Mistakes will be made by us and others, but if you proceed knowing you are good, and look for and amplify the good in others, be they friend or foe, we can navigate around the dangers and feel immediate satisfaction in our actions. I have to remind myself of this, so maybe others need to hear it too.

Links

Deadly Buda’s Musicoin Profile

DeadlyBuda.com

Deadly Buda Wikipedia

Facebook – Twitter – Instagram 

 

 

Articles, Events, Interviews

Delta 9 aka Dave Delta pre-HE Interview

Devil Times 9 LogoIt’s about time Delta 9 “graces” the pages of The Hard Data again! You would think that he or his alter-ego “Dave-Delta” would get play here all the time, being that he’s an old school vet still pumping out dope tunes. Well, this error has been corrected and now you get to read the words of wild from the Windy City’s #1 devil of hardcore! Without further delay…

So, ok, we already know you’re from Chicago.

Yes. The windy City creates the Chicago hardcore sound.

What’s the story behind your DJ Name?

Delta 9 equals tetrahydrocannabinol.

Who or what is responsible for you being the artist you are today?

It basically came from the upside-down behaviors of human society. It’s either find an outlet or become a serial killer.

What are you trying to convey with your music?

I’m trying to convey rebellion that becomes more difficult as the industry turns more towards the direction of big business.

Dave Delta LogoWhat moment do you cherish the most so far in your career as a DJ, artist or musician?

All of them. Every event from small to large, every DJ set I play and everyone I speak with throughout the night.

Ok, but what specifically are you planning to give to the audience at Hard Electronic?

A look into of my soul.

What is something you really want to tell the public that we might not have asked about?

That hooker was dead already!

Facebook.com/Deviltimesnine

Delta 9 will be performing September 8, 2017 at Hard Electronic.
Delta 9 will be performing September 8, 2017 at Hard Electronic.

Ooo

Articles, Events, Interviews

MastaChief Pre-HE Interview

Few can rock the mic to hardcore and hardstyle with authority, but MastaChief is one of them! We managed to catch him in-between scripting his lyrical delights long enough to get the story behind the “Voyce.”

Ok Chief, before we go any further, why don’t you tell us a little bit about where you’re from?

Before I say anything, HI HARD DATA! LOVE YOU GUYS 🙂

I am born and raised in NYC. Can’t claim a borough because I’ve moved around too much. The city that never sleeps is known as one of the biggest melting pots in the country. It is this diverse city (see what I did there?) that has helped to cultivate my taste in music. While I grew up around many sounds the one that grabbed my spirit most was Hip Hop, which makes perfect sense as the culture was birthed right here in the Bronx. Through Hip Hop, I found a passion for the art of spoken word/poetry. From there my desire to perform took the forefront. And once I found the Rave Culture, as an event host I had the opportunity to learn how eMCeeing began.

MastaChief will be rocking the Hard Electronic September 8, 2017
MastaChief will be rocking the Hard Electronic September 8, 2017

What’s the story behind your MC Name?

At my second event I was sitting with a group of my friends on the roof. I was speaking to them about how I felt as though we were all united in a tribal celebration. There is no judgment. This is our ritual. Everything and everyone is at peace. I had love for each and every person whether I knew them personally or not. How powerful we are when we come together. And my friend Ameera laughed and responded with “yo you’re like MastaChief right now.” I loved it! Although I didn’t claim it right away because I felt the name was a big responsibility. My mentor, who is a Hip Hop artist by the name of NYOil, once told me that names are not learned, they’re earned. So about a year later I finally found what it took to hold the title of MastaChief. And here I am.

Wow, ok that clears a lot up because we thought it was because maybe you played a lot of Halo or something! So, who or what was responsible for you being the MC you are today?

I was always around music that had some kind of substance. There was a message and a purpose, no matter what the genre. Something that once you listen it would stay with you forever once you hear it even if you didn’t get it right away. As far as electronic music, mixtapes with music from the likes of Josh Wink, Junior Vasquez, and several others were in constant rotation around the house. I have to thank my entire family for not only exposing me to such great music but for raising me to be someone who acts, speaks, and thinks with a purpose as well.

What are you trying to convey with your music?

As with the music of my upbringing, I write for a purpose. There is always a message I am trying to convey. Even if I am writing a party track I still want to include some level of creativity so it’s not a typical 1-2-3 jump formula. With the exception of slight influences here and there, I don’t want to be like anything anyone has ever heard. I read some of the comments on Hard Dance tracks and I see comments all the time about how the track is good but the lyrics are so cheesy. THOSE COMMENTERS ARE MY MARKET! Those people who can go balls to the wall to the production but listen to the track in their headphones later on and actually get something from it. Unfortunately, not a lot of producers see the vision so I often have to dumb it down for lack of a better term. I mean, I’m sure Industrial Strength had its naysayers back in 1991 but here we are 26 years later. Just saying.

What moment do you cherish the most so far in your career as an MC?

I don’t really know if I can speak on a moment yet because in the grand scheme of things I am still very much a new jack and earning the responsibility of carrying the torch. However, I can say in terms of electronic music who I cherish and that is Michael Phase. He was the first DJ that believed in my ability as an MC. He offered me the tips and tricks needed to understand how to perform to an Electronic crowd (because the first time I tried to perform with him I went at it with a rapper attitude and it did not work). Before I rocked stag’s with anyone else, he and I were the pair to look out for. And now he’s about to headline in Australia for Hard Island! We fought for our respective places together for years and it’s good to finally be getting a taste of it.

What specifically are you planning to give to the audience at Hard Electronic?

For a long time I feel like I haven’t been able to be myself when I’m on stage. Yes, I am MastaChief. And MastaChief is me. But there are more layers to my personality than just all out aggression. And due to having to tone myself down in the earlier years of hosting I feel like a lot of my other layers have taken a back seat for the sake of being “professional.” However, I’d like to be able to prove there is an ability to be yourself and be professional as the same time. I want to have fun. And I want everyone to have fun with me and maybe be a bit open minded about me making a few jokes, acting silly, making powerful statements, interacting with the crowd more etc. At the very least I would like this to be a stepping stone in that direction.

What is something you really want to tell the public that we might not have asked about?

I have a scar on the left side of my face and a few people have asked me about it and I’m sure more have wondered. So, I’d like this to be my official statement as to what happened…

Back in July 2011 I was walking into an outlaw that I was supposed to be hosting in Coney Island. While I was walking into the spot it was nearly pitch black and suddenly a light flashed in my eyes and I’m surrounded by anywhere between 6-8 guys all pounding away at my face, head, and body demanding that I give up my belongings. I resisted by holding my footing and demanding a fair fight. It was at that moment in the scuffle I spotted a silver box cutter and I began to see blood spritzing out from the side of my face. I finally gave up my stuff. Once they left I could hear and feel blood spraying from my head so I used my shirt to apply pressure and I ran deeper into the spot to find help from my friend Jesse. She called 911 and walked with me for the entire half mile to the ambulance. When I got there, I discovered I wasn’t the only one who was attacked as there was more than one ambulance. Before being put on the stretcher my head and torso, which was also sliced open, was wrapped up cutting off my vision. It was at that point I began to feel myself fading away. I struggled to hold myself upright as they prepped the stretcher. I could hear Jesse yelling for them. And for just a few seconds I accepted my fate. I was ready to let myself go. Just then I was put on the stretcher and regained full consciousness. Once I got in the ambulance I raised my bloody hands and formed them into a heart as a thank you for Jesse who stood with me until practically the last stitch. As it turns out, I had lost almost 2 liters worth of blood but the laceration had not gone deep enough to reach my jugular. Whoever those individuals are, I do not wish ill on you. I understand why you felt the need to inflict such harm on people and I forgive you. Just know that not only have you created your own karma but you have awakened a beast within me. A beast which I bring to the microphone night after night and Hard Electronic will be no exception.

https://www.facebook.com/MastaChiefMC