The hardcore poet is back again gracing the interwebs of THD. About to jump the stage at Hard Electronic this weekend, we figured we’d get a little more info about what’s driving the man behind the mic…
So for new readers, let’s cover the basics…
I live in NYC, which influenced my music as I was able to get a lot of help from artists like Lenny Dee and The Horrorist early in my career. I think in NYC you have the ability to be very experimental in your approach – and this is probably also an influence.
What’s the story behind your DJ Name?
It was just my original Instant Messenger name 🙂 I think I thought it sounded like a combination of satan and electronica. I have no idea why I chose that but could never think of anything that sounded better when I decided to focus on an electronic music project.
Who or what events were responsible for making the Satronica we know today?
Mom making me take piano lessons. Being in junior high and high school band. Being in a high school punk band. Being in a college math rock band. Meeting Alex Chesler in college – the brother of the Horrorist and starting to work on electronic music with him in a project called Acrosome.
What’s the crux of your musical message now?
Obviously politics but more and more these days the ability to escape from the never ending barrage of hate and stupidity we see on the news every day.
What moment do you cherish the most so far in your career?
First time playing at Dominator. Putting out my first vinyl release on Industrial Strength. Playing at the legendary CBGB’s where I was on same stage as Ramones, Dictators, Wayne County, Blondie, and countless other legendary and not so legendary acts that had played there before.
Satronica appears at Hard Electronic Sept. 8 and 9, 2017
What specifically are you planning to give to the audience at Hard Electronic?
Lots of new hard tracks from my label with Delirium – Kontaminated Recordings. Tracks from new project called Doom Mekanik coming out soon on Hard Electronic. Lots of my vocal tracks! 😊
What is something you really want to tell the public that we might not have asked about?
The Hard Data rocks – so happy someone is taking an interest in and writing about this scene.
Thanks Matt, we’ll bribe you with some Musicoin for saying nice things about us after the party this week! 😀
Lenny Dee, the man who’s been coordinating the Hard Electronic madness and many would say the first hardcore techno DJ, took the time to give us a few tidbits and hints on what we’re going to be hearing at the Hard Electronic parties coming up September 8 and 9. In true THD fashion we managed to get a little extra info for you to chew on too. Here’s what went down:
You’re from Brooklyn, NY, how did growing up in New York City influence your music?
A great deal, in fact. There was great DJ scene in New York back in the day, loads of record shops. So,finding music was quite easy and exciting when I started and going to Manhattan shops was essential for me. As time went on and I start to produce it gave me more freedom to create new things. There was nothing other than House music kicking off at that time, so it gave me a creative boost to do something different.
What’s the story behind your DJ Name?
My last name is very long, so my teachers and friends called me ‘Lenny D’.
Who or what events in your life are responsible for you being the artist you are today?
I guess I can go back to Mayday 2 in Germany. There were many prior, but Mayday 2 was the pivot point where I pushed the hard electronic music all over the world and dropped IS 001 – We Have Arrived’ : Mescalinium United. I was a leading international DJ at that point, not many guys were playing in different countries at that time. So, it all went through the roof after that party.
What are you trying to convey with your music?
Just an exciting performance. When I play – I hope to take the listener on a journey through sounds and styles.
What are you giving to the crowd that listens to you?
A headache.
What moment do you cherish the most so far in your career as a DJ?
When I played on the Guru Josh Tour. I was down to my underwear and started playing like a mad man that was a moment I won’t forget. The Janes’ Addiction Reunion gig in NY was pretty awesome, too.
What are you planning to give to the audience at Hard Electronic?
The message for the party is a diverse selection of DJ’s and music and to give the USA a new way to listen to harder music. We do lean more towards hardcore and techno, though, which was the way it was when I started playing raves. I want to bring back some of that feeling.
What is something you really want to tell the public that we might not have asked about?
Hard Electronic addicts in the USA are in for a treat this month, as Malke brings his musical artistry to New York and Los Angeles. For those of you not familiar with him yet, we were able to get a few words out of him while he was preparing for the shows.
Ok Malke, tell us the basics…
I’m from Campo Grande, Brazil. There I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy dance music at clubs at early age, which instilled a passion for the music right away.
What’s the story behind your DJ Name?
Well, Malke is actually one of my surnames, so that was kind of easy to come up with.
What are you trying to convey with your music?
Energy and excitement are the two words that best describe what I want to deliver to the audience. I love to blend the chaos of metal music concerts with the danceable mood of the clubs and festivals. Sometimes the lyrics on my tracks have deeper messages related with politics and society but some others I’ve only looked for cool sounding words and that’s it.
Malke killing the drums!
What moments do you cherish the most so far in your career as an artist?
If I had to pick just a few I’d definitely pick my first international gig in Venezuela and my moving to Europe was another really important step up in my career. Playing at Nature One this year was definitely out of the chain but also my debut album on Industrial Strength Records is something I am really proud of.
What can the audience expect from you at Hard Electronic?
I brought all my collection, from Techno to extreme Hardcore, so I have the freedom, within my style, to follow what I feel the crowd is wanting to hear at each moment.
Anything extra you want to say before signing off?
Thank you to all hard electronic music supporters out there, you really rock!
This is what Malke looks like when the party gets pumping!
Anyone trying to coordinate going to a show with friends knows it isn’t always easy, and this night was no exception. After much anticipation, my friends and I were finally on our way after quite a bit of drama- One friend of mine, Matt, had just spent the last 6hrs in traffic driving to my house all the way from San Diego, while my other friend, Tyler, had a mini-emergency losing his wallet (with his ID) earlier in the day, only to find it again about 20mins before coming to my house, and lastly, my friend Angel wanted us to pick him up on the way to the venue. But at last, the emotional rollercoaster of just wanting to get to the show so we could go party was over, and it was time to go! I had been looking forward to this show for months and my anticipation had built to the point where I was bursting with excitement! The night ahead promised some of the leading names in hardcore, and was to celebrate 25 Years of the Industrial Strength Records label.
Hard Electronic: 25 Year of Industrial Strength Records lineup featured artists Deadly Buda, Cik, Fiend, Rob Gee, Lenny Dee, Tymon, Unexist, The Sickest Squad and Art of Fighters. After passing through security and catching up with some friends, I walked onto the dance floor and prepared myself for the acts I had been looking forward to for months now. I was especially was excited that night to see Art of Fighters, Unexist, The Sickest Squad, Rob Gee and Lenny Dee… it was shortly after seeing the timeslots that I discovered Lenny Dee was not on the lineup. I later found out that Lenny had injured himself and his doctor did not recommend him to fly and risk further injury.
Lenny made the following statement on Facebook to his fans:
“My love goes out to the LA crew for making it happen. Respect. West Coast Kicking Ass!!! Get ready for Hard Electronic 2.0 coming in 2017. There is no stopping what can’t be stopped…”
We wish for your speedy recovery Lenny, but once I learned of your injury I knew that the night must go on as you had intended it to!
At this point, the much-awaited US appearance of Art of Fighters took to the stage. Throughout the crowded room you could see fans waving Art of Fighters and Hardcore Italia flags, and the signature Art of Fighters hardcore sound filled the room with catchy melodies and defiant lyrics. Art of Fighters set included classic tracks including ‘Nirvana of Noise’, and eventually ended with ‘Oh My Sun.’
Art of Fighters at Hard Electronic: 25 Year of Industrial Strength Records, Los Angeles
Following Art of Fighters was Unexist, who changed the atmosphere in the room from the melodies of Art of Fighters, to a much more brutal sound. If Art of Fighters set could be described as ‘energizing’, then Unexist’s set would be described as ‘aggressive.’ One such track that he played that exemplifies this aggressiveness was ‘Devil’s Son”.
As Unexist’s set ended The Sickest Squad took to the stage to bring their own unique brand of Frenchcore (they aptly nicknamed Sickcore) to the party. For me personally, I was just as excited for The Sickest Squad as much as I was for a Frenchcore act to perform, as US doesn’t get much Frenchcore. For those unfamiliar with Frenchcore, the sound is an entirely unique variation of the hardcore sound. Tracks often feature samples of odd instruments not normally heard in electronic music playing symphonic melodies, as well as chanting or rambling of lyrics, and the bass vibrates similar to how reverse bass is for Hardstyle. The Sickest Squad’s set included their classic ‘Boomshakalaka’, as well as their new track with Dr. Peacock ‘Frenchcore Family’ (Vive La Frenchcore 2016 Anthem).
Appropriately slated to close out the night with a dose of Gabber was American legend Rob Gee. Rob started his set by recognizing the Industrial Strength Label for achieving the 25-year milestone, and we all took a moment to pay respect to Lenny Dee who, even though he couldn’t be there with us in person, was certainly there in spirit. Rob opened with one of his classic gabber tracks, ‘Pollywaggachuggabonka’ and ‘Coming At You Strong’, before working in some of his newer tracks ‘Dark Universe’ and ‘Caramba!’ into his set, all while entertaining the crowd with his animated, high energy personality.
Throughout the night I was excited to see so many familiar faces, but one thing that I noticed was a definite, mature presence in the crowd as well. 25 Years of Industrial Strength Records meant that some of these people had been listing to hardcore more years than others at the party had been alive! That night I spoke to several who recounted their memories of their first shows in the 90’s held in warehouses, about their early Industrial Strength and Thunderdome vinyls, and it was interesting to hear their perspective of how the scene had grown and changed over the years. Trauma has a great ability to blend the past and the present in their shows in a really enjoyable way, and I have always respected and appreciated the origins of this scene. Ultimately, I would say the 25 years of the Industrial Strength Records was a massive success entertaining both new and old alike, and I look forward to more hardcore in the future!
Industrial Strength Records held its 25th anniversary party Hard Electronic at The Paper Box in Brooklyn Saturday, November 19th. Pics by Sean Hargrove/Porcus Photography
Dedicated to the harder sound of electronic dance music.
