The HARD DATA wants to thank all of our readers, subscribers, contributors, collaborators and conspirators for making it 2 years in print! This issue features Rob GEE, Tim Shopp, and Chris “Devo” laying down knowledge regarding how to throw a rave. Plus! Deadly Buda Rave Comix and Gabberfest Set Time Guide! Available in the Los Angeles Area June 15, at American Gabberfest June 17 + 18, and reaching the rest of the nation the following week. If you want a subscription mailed to your door, its only $6. Support the core! Subscription links below.
THD issue 12 celebrating 2 years in print!
If you live in the USA, for the low, low cost of $6 you get a physical copy of The HARD DATA mailed to you for a year (at least 6 issues). Overseas, the cost is $12 (because of the increased shipping cost). This will also sign you up for our email list. At the end of the year, your subscription will renew at the same price. You can cancel at any time, of course… not that you’d want to, just sayin’!
I met Lenny Dee about 24 years ago on a flight from Pittsburgh to Milwaukee. We were going to play at Drop Bass Network’s “Genesis” party. I told Lenny it was the first time I’d ever been flown to play at a rave, and I remember him telling me, “And you know the best thing about it? After that, it never stops.” Decades later, I’ve chalked that up as yet another example of Lenny’s ability to glimpse into the future. I’m still flying to play raves in Milwaukee, and we’re all celebrating a quarter century of Industrial Strength Record’s commitment to hard electronic dance music.
The funny thing about it though, is that to me, it still feels like a beginning. When Lenny started Industrial Strength back in 1991, it was ahead of its time, and even today, with the release of this 64 track monster compilation, ISR is still introducing the world to new talent at a frenetic clip. “No Tears For The Dead” pretty much sums up the last 25 years because there hasn’t been time to even pause for much reflection as maximal effort has always been needed to push forward and simply survive.
So, other labels would generally repackage their “hits” after 25 years, but the closest we get to that here is the latest and greatest darlings of the hardcore techno world re-mixing classic tunes. For example, The Sickest Squad remixed “Extreme Terror” and Outside Agency got to remix “Fucking Hostile.”
I’m reminded of a conversation I butted into at the 1994 Winter Music Conference. I overheard a few people remarking about Lenny and his label, marveling about how he could release such hard music. I told them that Lenny was ahead of his time and that one day they would understand what he did… that almost everyone else at the conference was recycling the same stuff and Lenny was a visionary. And you know, my feeling about that hasn’t changed two and a half decades later, and this compilation just pushes the vision and sound even further into the future.
The compilation is available from the following online retailers:
For those of us bound to the sound of the hard electronic, there is still no time for tears. There is still so much work to be done for the future. There might be a few great, shiny compilations of repackaged hits cobbled together by the big festivals this year, but I doubt if any of them will match the intensity and cohesive vision of Industrial Strength Record’s No Tears for the Dead.
The compilation is available from the following online retailers:
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!
Doubters, naysayers and skeptical sub-haters came outta the woodwork after my “Bulletproof at EDC/Gabberfest” article last June, basically accusing me of being a shill for Bulletproof. For the record, Bulletproof did not pay me for that article. The truth of the matter is that I was interested in their products and gave them a test under fire. They proved beneficial to me, and I thought to the rave scene young and old. It’s all part of my overall DJ strategy. I have to stay robust, and so do my fans. I need them more than they need me, and I gotta make sure they are kicking it live with yours truly well into the coming decades. Plus, I like introducing new things to the crowd and to my peers. It’s an honor to do so.
A big part of that article was a product called “Unfair Advantage” and its rejuvenating effect on my DJing at Gabberfest 2016.
Needless to say, Even Furthur attracted a generally skeptical group of ravers. -photo by Jim Welch
But, what if the effects were just on me? Was there a placebo effect? We needed more data. I figured a way to quell the doubters (and my own doubts) would be to introduce Unfair Advantage to my DJ peers under harsher circumstances than even Las Vegas provided.
Before I describe the testing grounds, I should describe Unfair Advantage and why is it particularly good for the DJ and raver. It’s an ampule of liquid containing a combination of Active PQQ and Coq10 (pyrroloquinoline quinone and ubiquinone). Its goal is to regenerate and stimulate your body’s cell mitochondria, which power just about everything you do. In general, older people feel the effect more than young people, and that effect is an initial mental clarity, followed by a subtle but noticeable, more robust feeling in the body. In general, I take it before I DJ to help with song recollection, selection, performance and to dance my butt off as I play.
Our home was Camp Blood.-photo by Jim Welch
Many of my DJ peers are in their 40’s and thus it could be argued we would need an “Unfair Advantage” to deal with our situation: A 4-day camping rave in the muddy, rain-soaked woods of Highbridge, Wisconsin. A group called Drop Bass Network, famous in the nineteen-nineties for throwing roaring Midwest raves and essentially launching Daft Punk into the global consciousness, were returning to form. Over 2000 ravers of all ages were going to their event, Even Furthur. We are talking: limited sleep, harsh weather, and lots of dancing.
The Hard Data’s latest and greatest correspondent, Jim Welch, joined me on this journey. In the airport, I immediately got him turned on to Unfair Advantage. There were a number of reasons for this. First, we had to be a peak performance at all times. But also, I needed a corroborating opinion. Some of my old raver friends from back in the day might think twice before taking anything I handed to them! 😀
We endeavored to film most of the mission, here is how it began:
One of our biggest scores was hooking Frankie Bones and Tommie Sunshine up after their amazing back-to-back set. Both Jim and I think Sunshine & Bones is going to be a regular DJ tour someday soon.
If you know techno, then when Frankie says “Cybotron clear” well… you know that’s no joke. Doubters… take note! Now to Tommie Sunshine…
We met up with DJ Wade Hampton in the daytime. After playing a rousing set at Even Furthur the night before, and getting virtually no sleep, he took an ampule of Unfair Advantage and reported the results.
We stroll out on the porch of the Drop Bass Network compound and run into Dan Efex on the porch!
Brooklyn was in the house! Maria Nineonine, promoter of ISR 25 NYC was our next subject, witness!
One of Even Furthur’s main promoters, Woody McBride aka DJ ESP was next. This guy knows his natural products and coffee, so if he liked it, then I knew I was onto something…
Getting these proponents of extended adolescence fired up didn’t stop there. Next up was another mid-west DJ legend, Mystic Bill. After a brief moment of peer pressure, he takes the challenge.
Sometimes Unfair Advantage works more subtle. If things are really crappy, its not going to make you see pink elephants, but it should stimulate a slightly better feeling to help you make it through whatever is vexing you. Here’s Joel Huber after a 4 hour drive in the rain, about to drive another 5 hours to get us to the event.
One guy we definitely wanted to turn on was Rob Gee! He’s a hardcore techno legend and I know personally loves his Red Bulls. He would be the perfect candidate. After a brief moment of doubt, he asks the all important question…
It was a lot of fun turning friends on to Unfair Advantage over the Even Furthur weekend, and it saved my butt a time or two as well.
One interesting thing I have noticed about the supplement is it has a subtle effect on my emotional state. If I’m a little bummed or feeling negative, the supplement seems to stimulate my intelligence and creativity so that my brain formulates solutions to problems. This part is interesting to me. Depression drugs or opioids seem to attack the depressive feeling itself, but there’s a reason you are depressed—it’s your body telling you to make some changes!
Wait! Did Stickman have too much Unfair Advantage at Even Furthur? -photo by Jim Welch
Instead of masking the “Debbie Downer” moods, Unfair Advantage seems to help the problem solving aspect of our brain. So that you feel better because your mind is aided in formulating solutions to solve problems. I haven’t seen this written about much, though. Maybe it’s just me? If others find the same phenomena, I think it’s a great aid to parties and get-togethers. As much as we love our fellows, who doesn’t feel jealous, jilted or insecure at various times? Its natural and should be expected. But, and this is important… so is our higher brain functions that kick in and tell us to push through these feelings and take a higher road! When we do, it’s generally better for us and the group. It’s nice to have some support for the higher functions, finally! And these days we all need all the help we can get! Ultimately, our parties are very important for our relationships and what we eventually manifest in the physical realm, whether it’s houses, magazines, art, or babies! So do yourself a favor and give Unfair Advantage a try, it just might help you out.
Just when you thought you knew about everything that happened at EDC this year, we bring you the most overlooked, but perhaps most exciting development that happened under everyone’s nose. Fortunately, former Earache USA whirlwind and now ANOMIEdia’s CEO, Jim Welch, was on hand to give us the eyewitness account of what went down.
Lenny Dee and Rob Gee at EDC – photo by Jim Welch
It was a big year for the harder styles at Insomniac’s Electric Daisy Carnival. A stocked hardstyle line-up and a closing set on the Basscon: Wasteland stage by hardcore power Angerfist attested to the magnetic draw of the hard electronic. But there was another significant disruption of the status quo that went practically unnoticed even by the tea-leaf readers and crystal ball gazers who make a career out of divining Insomniac’s next moves…
Rob Gee rocking EDC hard! -photo by Jim Welch
Calliope was the Greek Muse of heroic poetry, and puttering along the Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s terra firma on EDC Day 2 was the apt-named Kalliope Art Car. This otherwise cute and unassuming converted bus actually packs a 70,000 watt sound system, and this night carried three old school legends that have steadfastly dedicated themselves to furthering the art of the rave. These heroes have continued to promote new and underground music ceaselessly for decades and were seemingly snuck into the party in the dead of night… a portent of things to come? I speak in order of appearance, Lenny Dee, Rob Gee, and Frankie Bones.
Lenny Dee lays down the hard electronic at EDC. – photo by Jim Welch
Despite the old school credibility all three of these artists bring to the table and their bona fide historical significance to the American rave scene going back to the early 1990’s, they have been surprisingly absent from the larger American festivals. In some ways, it might be because they still have never slowed down. Each has in his own way, like true artists, continued to pursue their art. So, they didn’t really fit into EDC’s usual “old school” area, the Upside Down Room, and were still a little too edgy for Basscon or Bassrush. Enter: Kalliope! and kudos to Insomniac for figuring out how to bring these guys to the attention of a new breed of ravers.
That said, I, like many of you, was stuck in the massive traffic jam that night and missed this part of the rave I wanted to hear and see most. As most of us didn’t have the privilege of following the Art Cart, we have tried our best to recreate the experience for you. Check out Jim Welch’s recount, and we’ve posted a re-creation of Lenny Dee’s set that he made for us. Frankie Bones actually managed to record his set, and we hope to get something from Rob Gee soon. At the end is my interview with Frankie Bones preceding the fateful night. Enjoy and look to the midnight horizon!
Dedicated to the harder sound of electronic dance music.
