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!
Every year thousands of gabbers make the pilgrimage from all over the world to a small town outside of Eindhoven for the largest hardcore gathering in the world. This year was no different. On 21 July my friends and I embarked on our epic journey to the festival. Of course being my group of friends there were several obstacles along the way: missing IDs; lost OV chip cards; almost missing both the bus and train; and a packed sauna-like shuttle ride. Nevertheless after the three-hour journey we made it there!
This was my third edition of Dominator and one important difference between this year and the previous years (I went in 2017 and 2015) was that this was one of the hottest days on record in the Netherlands (according to me having spent almost four summers/partial summers here now). Thankfully Dominator is located on a beautiful beach with plenty of room to swim. Despite the heat the organizers were prepared and preemptively cancelled the fireworks as a result of the dry terrain. Furthermore, a big shout out to the organizers for providing cups and free water stations and potable drinking water near the bathrooms; that was a lifesaver.
We started the day off with Fan4stik. It was my first time seeing them and as a new recent fan of Billx it was the perfect start to the day. If you like Hard Tek check these guys out. Next we made our way over to the main stage for Bodyshock. Even though it was early the main stage was packed and the crowd despite the heat was so energetic. So energetic that people kept trying to steal our inflatable pig totem (Wilbur)! Thankfully Anne is a marathon runner and hunted the perpetrators down and returned Wilbur safely to our crew.
After now slightly dying as result of the heat I hopped in the water for a little swim during Radium’s set. The highlight of the set for me was while I was swimming I heard Rob GEE’s new track “A DJ Saved My Life” (side note: I heard it again later during Mutante’s set, could this be the festival anthem of the summer?). Next was the QSA (American hard dance) meet up during Billx’s set and as per usual it consisted of a sloppy failed attempt at a group photo then half of the group disappeared.
After that I got separated from the group and because they closed the beach off for Sefa’s set, myself and the other festival-goers trying to get to the other side of the festival had to cross through the water. This was probably my favorite part of the day. An exodus of sweaty people carrying dirty socks, shoes, and all their belongings (somehow still all texting and taking selfies) through the water to the other side of the island from the Frenchcore tent to the Extreme Hardcore tent. It was a long trek but we made it!
Last but certainly not least, my friend Hellcreator closed the talent stage and he crushed it! This is now two years in a row that a friend of mine had the opportunity to play on the talent stage at Dominator, what a treat!
Exhausted, dirty, sweaty, and sore. These are some of the words to describe how we felt the end of Dominator. Dominator festival is a must visit for anyone who likes hardcore; every year it gets bigger and bigger. The festival overall no surprise was an absolute success. The music was amazing, the production level was high, and the crowd was energized. The only thing that would make it better is if the Rawstyle stage was the Speedcore stage, well I can only dream.
Decade of Early Hardcore: A Trip to the 90’s (10 March 2018)
When I think about the 90s in Holland and the early days of hardcore I picture never ending underground illegal warehouse parties with no sound limits filled with baldheaded boys, girls with half shaved half ponytail hair, colorful tracksuits, and Nike Air Maxes. Even though in the 90s I was a small child growing up in the New York suburbs, today being an active part of the American underground hardcore scene, I can’t help feeling a sense of nostalgia when I think about what the hardcore parties were like back then. So in pursuit of this; the perfect and obvious place to go would be to a Decade party!
On March 10th I made the epic trek (bike, train, bus, and lots of walking) from my house in Voorburg to the legendary Hemkade in Zaandam. I’ve lost count how many Decade parties I’ve been to at this point. I think it’s safe to say I’ve been at every single one since I moved here in August 2016. By 23:00 the place was already packed and the energy was through the roof. The first set of the night for me was Juliëx. It was my first time seeing her live and it was the perfect start to the party. She dropped this brutal remix of “Lip Gloss” which was AMAZING; talk about nostalgia. For those of you who that were not teenage girls in the early 2000s, go look it up!
Next up my time was split between Frantic Freak and Buzz Fuzz. Both rooms were packed and had me singing (and screaming) along to classic early tracks. I especially enjoyed dancing on one of the stages in the main room to the track by DJ Weirdo & Dr. Phil Omanski- Young Birds! Being part of a hardcore chorus of 1700 wild gabbers is always something special.
One of my favorite aspects of a Decade party is seeing the same people every time; it gives you the sentiment that we are all one big family regardless of where you are from. Although I miss my rave family back in the US (shout out to the Hardcore Hooliganz) I am so grateful to be a part of the Decade Family and to be part of a community of passionate, kind, welcoming individuals.
Another cool thing is that it’s not just the Dutch; people come from all over France, Belgium, Spain, and even Chile for Decade parties! During the party I had the opportunity to ask one of my Spanish friends, Pol, why he flew all the way from Barcelona to the Netherlands for this party. He simply said that it’s because the music is the best. Short and simple, the overall consensus from the party was that if you’re looking for an Early Hardcore party Decade is the move. One major takeaway from this party is that the words Early Hardcore and Decade are essentially synonymous.
During Promo’s set, seeing every person in the room going crazy from start to finish, I thought to myself is this the start of a 90’s revival or did it never die in the first place? In search of this answer and continuing my trip down memory lane, I asked some of the artists what they had to say about the party and the Early Hardcore scene.
First question, what were your thoughts about the party?
Arjuna: Decade was a blast! Especially the 180 Boiler Room. Hardcore to the max! I really love the concept to put the DJ on the same level as the crowd. You really have contact with the audience and with this crowd at Decade I didn’t have to hold back. I can play as hard and fast as I want. For me it was a wonderful night with all those great people from all over Europe. I really love the culture from the early scene.
Ruffneck: NOW, let me say this…DECADE…HOLY MOTHER OF whatever you can think of, fill in here. I don’t even know where to start here to be honest so let me just write down my thoughts as I type this. The doors of the room open….I was thinking…it will take half an hour or so for people to enter the room, see what’s going on and then decide to stay or move on…O….M…..G…I could NOT have been wrong more! It literally took 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 seconds…I look up. BOOOOOM! The room completely filled within a blink of an eye. Never seen this before. This was friggin’ insane!!! Then I dropped the first record, people go nuts and within 10 minutes the entire room was steaming hot. NOW…here comes the most insane part…This vibe STAYED from the first second right up until the last record I spun! I don’t even know what to say but this vibe is rarely found and I am so incredibly grateful for the amount of love showed by the crowd. I mean…I only saw smiling faces, and a room dancing like animals, screaming people and interaction between myself the crowd AND the two contest winners like there was no tomorrow. THIS IS WHAT HARDCORE LOVE TRULY EMBODIES!
In my experience it didn’t even feel like I was the main attraction to be honest. It felt like ONE big family coming together and creating a party with an enthusiasm that can only be achieved by family resonating at the same frequency at the same time. In other words, we were ONE! People could truly see what I was doing and so there was great interaction between me, the DJ contest winners and the crowd as the booth was open and at a certain moment it wasn’t even clear anymore who was where behind the booth, on the sides of the booth etc. We did this TOGETHER and I can’t be more proud than to see what can be achieved when the love for music and the respect shown by my soldiers come together as one.
Oh DECADE, this party will go down in my memories as one of the best experiences in my career. As for me it really doesn’t matter whether I spin in front of 50.000 people or in an area where there is but a hundred. What I search for is the love for hardcore music at its core…and that is EXACTLY what happened last night in my special room. TOGETHER we achieved what I could have only dreamt of and I wish to say to each and all of you who attended the room last night. THANK you sooooooo much from the bottom of my heart. You once again showed my WHY my love for (Early) Hardcore is still burning like a raging fire. Your energy completely refueled my engine and I look forward to the next time we meet.
Predator: I was there pretty late, because I played from 4-5 so I only saw the last bit of the party, but the main room was crowded and the vibes were great. I dropped some of my classic tracks like Predator- Turbulence and Bio-Forge-No 1 S-Capes Us, Paradox-Guillotine, but also some of my uplifting tracks like Vanugenth the 5th– Here We Go Again and Diss Reaction-Jiiieehaaa.
Bass-D: The party was great. The atmosphere was perfect, people really came to party, backstage we (the artists and their friends) had a lot of fun, so yeah, I thought it was a really great party!
Decade is famous for representing Early Hardcore. All throughout Europe, especially Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, France, the U.K. and even in The States where I come from. They know Decade as the organization where they really honor Early Hardcore.
How do you feel that Decade asked you to play at this party? Destroyer: First of all I’m really glad to be recognized as an Early Hardcore artist since I have made releases starting from 1995 and I always worked up to keep my style Early Hardcore/Terror that is the style I like the most. And of course I’m honored to play at Decade for the second time.
Arjuna: It’s always a blast to play at Decade, good atmosphere, the audience is great, and the organization is always good. I really like those guys; they’re down to earth.
Predator: With my style and all my releases I guess it’s the right place for me to drop my tracks. I’ve played there before, and it’s good to be back.
Promo: Well clearly it’s an honor every time you get asked to play somewhere, but Decade is kinda special since it’s held in the location where I basically grew up. The Hemkade (back in the days known as The Fun Factory) was a place where I went almost every week to get my weekly dose on new music. It’s also the place where the guys form Q-dance sort of started their career, so for sure that makes this a true house temple.
Ruffneck: Decade and me go back a long way actually. I know they have heart for Early (Original) Hardcore and so do I obviously. We both help each other out where possible and as we are planning something bigger, this party and its special setting was inevitable. But as always I am very grateful to have been asked by not only Decade but also every organization out there that chooses me to be at their event. No matter how big I may be or appear to be for the outside world, I never forget my roots and think of every invite of something special.
Bass-D: It’s always an honor to be asked at any party, but Decade is very special to me. I’ve known one of the organizers for a long time now and I’ve gotten to know the other people behind it very well during the years. They’ve become great friends of mine so I feel closer to this party than lots of other parties and I always love to play for Decade, so I think it’s great that I’m a part of it almost every edition.
How has the hardcore scene changed since you first got into it?
Destroyer: I started to play around ’96/97 and at the time there were not all of the subgenres you have today, it was just all hardcore. Usually at the parties everything was played in one area, with a line-up ordered from slowest to the fastest. Later when the scene became bigger, in festivals and big events more areas with different styles became a part of the game. But actually I’m ok with this evolution, as long as I can find an Early Hardcore/Terror area at a party! 🙂
Arjuna: That’s a good question, I’ve been in the scene from the start when hardcore wasn’t even born yet, there was only this music we called house. One day a guy came to me at a party, and said: hey you’re also a gabber aren’t you? And I was like, what’s a gabber? You like the harder style of music? And I was like hell yeah! Well then you are a gabber! For me that was the day hardcore was born. And now 25 years later I’m still in to it, I always try to do the best I can, both producing and DJing
Predator: It moved from playing vinyl to mp3 when it comes to DJing, and from hardware to virtual instruments most when it comes to production. The hardcore/gabber crowd is more diverse now; it’s not only shaved heads and Australian training suites anymore.
Promo: I think the scene changed a lot, like all music genres have. Hardcore went through many developments and changed its sounds numerous times but in the end that is maybe why it is still here. Things like music technology and also the Internet had their influences on our music but every time it came back stronger or in a different form.
Bass-D: Yeah it has, it’s gotten a lot more professional and bigger. I’ve seen it grow from when it started in small clubs and big parties in warehouses with too much sound and not enough lights to one of the biggest house scenes around.
Ruffneck: First of let me correct the phrase, I did not “GET INTO IT”, as I CO-CREATED it, alongside a handful of people at that time. Most people know me as Ruffneck, but I started out as 80 AUM, dating way back to 1989. That’s right. Hardcore didn’t even exist at that time. I started with making house music somewhat rougher than it was made by the Chicago boys.
This was picked up again and made a bit rougher and so on and on. Hardcore was a progression of the house genre. People around that time who just like myself were busy with this evolution amongst others were: ME (as 80 Aum at that time), Marc Acardipane from Germany (PCP), Luca Pretolesi from Italy (Digital Boy), Patrick de Meyer & Olivier Abbeloos from Belgium, The Prodigy, Carl Cox etc from the UK, and Ritchie Hawtin & Lenny Dee from the USA. Lenny Dee however is ABSOLUTELY the oldest pioneer from this small selection (and there obviously where WAY more people starting around the same time) who, like myself, are still active IN THIS GENRE, as he WAS one of the guys who produced in the house sound of Chicago era dating way back to 1986. I know this as I was actually buying his music from that time BEFORE I started producing!
So with that fact set straight, lets move onto the question:
I can only speak from my point of view, as that is different for everyone else, so I don’t feel I can speak in absolutes here. It’s all perspective and my experience may be VASTLY different than someone else’s experience. SO MY PERSONAL view on this is this. In the beginning we just f**ked around having no clue or care what we where doing and therefore a LOT of variety was the outcome musically. There was NO social media and ghost producing was unheard of and even shunned. We had to have something special, skill wise. This meant a lot of different approaches to the genre resulting in a huge pallet of sounds and styles that actually blended in fine with each other because there was NO REAL STANDARD of how something should be made OR sound. The music and stage presence an artist showed WAS his only real way of showing the world what he or she was capable of. This meant that only people with a lot of heart and patience for the music truly went out of their way to bring their message to the masses. Nowadays, a lot of people that are on the top actually don’t produce their own music, have very little to nothing to contribute except a maybe a sexy picture (this can be either female AND male!) and/or poses while on stage playing music that caries their name, but is produced by someone else. They are worshipped for something they have never been or will be playing tunes they have no real connection with, (except for the cash and the fame they seek) by anaudience who isn’t even aware or doesn’t care about the mechanics of things. The music itself has production wise been “perfected” up until the point where it’s perfection to me is quite imperfect as the variety has been reduced to concepts that work because it’s been heard a million times and forced down peoples throat like an advertisement for some huge company. Most stuff that deviates from the proven path usually get blasted and seen as bad, until sometime in the future some big artist(s) does this and then everybody follows that one thing again. Now I know a lot of people will think that I do not like the hardcore from now when reading this, but that simply is not what I’m trying to say. It’s simply an observation from my side to create awareness. I wish to see hardcore become open to ALL sorts of styles in one set and party again. To show the beauty of variety that has somewhat lost along the way in order to attract more people to a music style that wasn’t really meant for a huge audience in the first place. (Which inevitably attracts people who are not really interested in the TRUE core of the art that is called Hardcore, but simply embrace what they see as a “thing of the moment” instead of a lifestyle )
With hardcore ever changing and a new generation of gabbers coming into the scene, how do Early Hardcore parties manage to hold on to that 90s feeling?
Destroyer: I think that the main part of the job is done by the crowd dancing. As soon as there is the passion for the music, the feeling will be automatically transferred from generation to generation.
Arjuna: The music will give you that 90’s feeling and also the aussies I think. But to get that real 90’s feeling is gonna be difficult, back in the days there were no limits. Most of the parties were illegal, there was no sound limit, and budgets were small. The best parties for me in that time was when the music was so loud your eardrum was about to pop out, and there was only smoke and stroboscopic light. That was the best 90’s feeling.
Predator: It’s the music, as long as the DJs keep on playing the original versions and not some mashed up new edit it will keep this real cool early vibe. Some promoters just know what DJs to book, and make sure they stay true to that old vibe.
Promo: The major appeal of that 90’s feel is the atmosphere. Somehow every time you play those classics people feel united again which result in outstanding nights. So mainly the music binds people and booking the right DJ’s bringing that music is an important ingredient to hold on to that feeling.
Ruffneck: Well, exactly BECAUSE mostly ONLY people who like the variety in sound deliberately CHOOSE to go to parties that spin the old style. I was actually quite surprised to see AND learn from the people I have spoken at those parties that they actually like the old style better than the new simply because of the sound AND vibe that is to be found. I have seen a LOT of young people at these parties that were literally babies when it was created. They stand united next to the older generation at the parties and love it just as much and are even proud as f**k to wear the old colors. In the beginning I was really surprised by this but now I understand it and see it as something that simply IS. The vibe is basically almost ALWAYS great and that’s why I love to spin Early sets as well very much.
Bass-D: I think that the new early hardcore crowd wants to relive what happened in the 90’s with early hardcore music. The togetherness and that sense of family and brotherhood is really coming forward in the early hardcore scene, I like that a lot. The people really love the tracks + it was the genre that built hardcore and made it really big even before all the other genres came along.
If you could take one track from the early days and show it to introduce someone new to the hardcore scene which track would it be?
Destroyer: Surely one track from the early days that brings me on the hardcore feeling is a track from 1994, Darrien Kelly & Scott Brown: Geleihoofd. But that was just one, there are really a lot out there.
Arjuna: That’s a bit of a trick question, because there are many good songs and also many different styles, but I think Jappo vs Lancinhouse Exlaxl is the best song, multiple bass drums, good sample, good arrangement and a very good climax!
Predator: For an old track I think I would play them Predator – Turbulence and for a more recent track Predator & Angerfist – Legend.
Promo: I would always go for something dark and industrial I think. It probably has to be something by Marc Acardipane / PCP. What he did back in the day is just (still) next level. Bringing so many atmospheres is just incredible.
Ruffneck: That would not do any respect to the many brilliant tunes made by so many of my colleagues OR myself. Early hardcore as a genre IS the eternal tune that should be heard, not just a snippet of 1 second of an overall tune which lasts for 365 days so to speak…
Bass-D: Haha, I always mention my own track: Highlander – Hold Me Now to people who don’t know our scene because somehow everybody loves that track, it’s not too hard and still has a great vibe around it.
The relationship between the DJ and the audience is everything during a set. Having been in the scene for a long time, you obviously have a large repertoire of tracks. How do you find a balance between giving the crowd what they want and introducing them to something new?
Destroyer: Since most of the time I play live with the keyboard I have the possibility to choose to play the old and the new tracks, and that makes me experimenting new things every time.
Arjuna: When I play my set I always keep an eye on the audience; if the crowd is not moving or dancing I play another song. Sometimes it has to be louder or slower it depends of what people want at a party. I always play my set freestyle, not pre-arranged, so I can easily change to another style or tempo.
Predator: It’s always cool to play new stuff, but not just because it’s new, I only play tracks I like, and would never play anything I don’t like. Styles and taste can change. I made some dark tracks, some happy tracks some more experimental tracks so I guess I can go any direction.
Promo: For me that is pretty easy because I like both melodic hardcore and dark industrial tracks. So mixing them up is kind of what my sets have always been about. My productions reflect the same vibe as well, so I can even play just my own songs and still bring something the crowd knows and something I can surprise them with.
Ruffneck: I don’t. I spin what I feel I want to enrich them with. Not the other way around. If they enjoy it, great. If they don’t ..well so be it. As KRS -ONE once said “A DJ is not a jukebox – F**k your request” J
Bass-D: Just by doing it, there’s no specific way to do it. I just play what I know they want to hear and mix it up with stuff I think they would like.
What is the craziest thing you have ever seen at a party?
Destroyer: I believe that the craziest thing I’ve seen at a party was a guy drinking a grey liquid straight from a shoe!!! The cool thing was that this happened at “THE DESTROYER solo” party.
Arjuna: The craziest is also the scariest thing I have seen, and that was the girl that climbed on the stage of Harmony of Hardcore 2016. I really thought we all were gonna see that girl fall to her death. Not cool at all.
Ruffneck: People standing still, filming the entire set and later on posting how great of a time they had….
Promo: I have seen some crazy things but often they are not the most positive things. To mention a positive moment I will never forget are the human pyramids they used to do in a club called Number One in Italy. When you played certain tracks there back in the days the crowd would form a pile of people with the goal to reach the roof of the club. Sometimes they succeeded, sometimes they miserably failed. But that determination to make it time after time was always really impressive.
Bass-D: There are so many hahahaha, from people having sex to artists doing stage dives where everybody steps aside or where they return without their t-shirt or even their shoes, hahaha. I remember one time in Moscow though where Angerfist did a stage dive and the crowd tried to rip his mask off his face. He climbed back on stage holding is mask in front of his face while the mask was ripped in two by the crowd. Crazy shit!!!
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Well there you have it! In conclusion, the lesson from my story is go to a Decade party! A huge thank you to Decade Events especially Tommy, Robin, and all of the artists who contributed to this article.
