Tag Archives: Trauma Live

Articles, Interviews

Tim Shopp: Interview from Trauma: Harder Styles Tour 2016

Tim, it’s been a long time coming, but looks like the people are finally gonna get a taste of your violence! You’re playing at the Brooklyn, NY stop of Trauma’s Harder Styles Tour on February 27, 2016. Tell me what this show means to you:

A long time indeed! I must say it feels so good to be able to announce such an awesome show. The moment I saw the announcement I truly couldn’t believe my eyes, and I can’t wait to be apart of it! This tour is  going to be a HUGE step for American Hardcore and I can’t thank Trauma enough for hosting me in New York City, where my whole career started!

Tim Shopp is coming Feb. 27 to Brooklyn, NY on the Trauma Harder Styles Tour 2016.
Tim Shopp is coming Feb. 27 to Brooklyn, NY on the Trauma Harder Styles Tour 2016. Get your tickets here and get a free subscription to The HARD DATA.

What can the people expect from a Tim Shopp set?

The best way I can explain it is “No boundaries”. I know some artists have these little bubbles of speed or styles they enjoy staying in (nothing wrong with that), but I like to do things a little differently. My two main production styles are Uptempo Hardcore and Terror, but I also dabble in Speedcore and Extratone (1000+ bpm). So I may start my set at 200+ bpm and by the end we’re around 2,000 bpm if I’m feeling it.

Tell me about the #BookTimShopp campaign:

Hahaha, oh goodness where, do I begin?! That was all the DHD (Denver Hard Dance) guys. As American artists, we are constantly supporting one another and always putting in good words for each other with promoters and such, and this is living proof. Truly it started as a joke, but then more and more people began to get behind it as a serious thing. Now every QSA post or hardcore post I see always has someone posting “#BookTimShopp” to try and get me into their city for a show. It’s pretty awesome now to see so much support from all over!

Tell me about where some of your inspiration comes from, and how it has influenced your work:

Everything has its own little inspirational “push” on me, from listening to live sets and getting an idea, or even getting out of the house and walking down near the beaches and just relaxing. My main source I will say though is my Death Metal roots. I have always had a taste for rough and insane music, so now I like to try and push that from within my own music to truly give people music that will make them go insane!

Tim Shopp Logo
Tim Shopp’s Logo

Any DJ’s you’re particularly looking forward to working alongside for Trauma?

Oh the whole tour! It’s going to be amazing to stand next to all these legends, but the most near and dear to my heart are without a doubt SRB, Dr. Peacock, and Lenny Dee! SRB and Dr. Peacock have had a constant inspirational push for me, and  Lenny is a true legend amongst the NYC Hardcore scene as well; it’ll be my pleasure to even be in the same room with the man who basically started it all for the NYC Hardcore scene.

Anything coming up personally or professionally for you that you would like to share with everyone?

Oh there is so much… but I can only say so much right now, haha! Main thing is my first release coming soon on Fucking Bastards! My track Terror Squad is going to hit hardtunes.com and that in itself is a dream come true! Fucking Bastards is, in my opinion, the top dog for my type of music, and it also has signed a lot of my friends so it’s a huge honor to be releasing with them! I can also promise it won’t be my only time.

Lastly, (I can’t say a lot yet about this) but I would just like to let all my West Coast fans know I’m coming for a visit in 2016… stay tuned!

Thanks for your time Tim, we look forward to catching you at the Brooklyn, NY stop of the Trauma Harder Styles Tour!

You can stay up to date with all of Tim’s latest projects here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimShoppOfficial
Twitter: @Tim_Shopp

Bookings: Tim.Shopp@gmail.com
Interviews: Tim.Shopp@gmail.com

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Articles, Interviews

Scott Brown: Interview from Trauma: Harder Styles Tour 2016

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Scott Brown is the owner/operator of Evolution Records, the UK’s longest running Hardcore label (founded in Glasgow, Scotland in 1994). It was his “bouncy” techno sound that helped catapult many other artists onto the scene. His visit to the US will be an important and valuable lesson in the origins of the harder styles so his presence on this tour is mandatory. You can see Scott Brown in Edmonton, Canada on February 12th, San Francisco, California on February 13th, and Los Angeles, California on February 14th!

Were you a DJ first, or a producer?

Producer, under the name “Q-Tex”.

How did you get into the scene?

The techno/rave scene was booming in the early 90’s – I was buying a lot of vinyl and “copying” the styles in my small bedroom studio. I was at University at the time and another student was promoting a “rave” in the students union. I asked him if he wanted a live act…he said yes, and that was my first event. From there, I got offers for more gigs and things exploded from there!

What was the first record you ever purchased?

Quite possibly something by Madness or The Police, I’m not too sure.

Who was your biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?

I listened to 808 state; a guy called Gerald, and New Order. Easily my 3 biggest influences when I started out.

Would you describe your first DJ gig?

I played in a pub for a few beers and a packet of peanuts.

What was your favorite party you’ve ever played? Why?

I always miss the Rezerection events in Edinburgh, Scotland. They were special and we’ll never have another event like them.

What was the funniest moment during any of your performances?

At HTID USA 2015 with DJ Brisk. So many things went on during that set. I lost my shit for about half an hour – so funny!

Scott Brown on the first three stops of the Trauma Tour! Click here to get your tickets and a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA!
Scott Brown on the first three stops of the Trauma Tour! Click HERE  to get your tickets and a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA!

What important changes have you witnessed from the time you got into the scene, until now?

There’s more money and attitude now from DJs and promoters. There are more people holding cameras than light sticks. Big events are everywhere in Europe, suffocating smaller events in many cases; it’s a whole different game these days!

Did you ever think you would be touring the United States? What do you think the Trauma Tour will be like?

I’m looking forward to playing for you guys. Great line up and great venues! It’ll be a blast.

What made you want to start producing Hardcore/Hardstyle/Rawstyle music?

Natural progression. I went from 90’s Rave/Early Rave to 90’s Hardcore & Gabber.

What is your favorite track that you have produced?

Too many to mention!

What advice would you give to up and coming Hardcore producers?

Keep doing what you do and don’t ever expect things to be handed on a plate to you. If you’re good at what you do, then you should have no problems getting music released. There’s not much money involved these days, so don’t expect to become an overnight superstar or millionaire!

Have any of the other artists on the Trauma tour ever inspired your work? If so, how?

Many of the guys have been big influences as well as being friends over the years. The Prophet I’ve known since the 90s. Tommyknocker has been churning out tune after tune since the Millennium. Mad Dog is another artist with huge talent.

What are your top 3 favorite tracks of all time? Why?

Too hard to answer!

What was your favorite track of 2015 (that wasn’t your own)?

Tommyknocker – Never Surrender / Advanced Dealer – NTSFR

Are there any exciting projects or gigs coming up you want our readers to know about?

I’ve just released a few digital compilations myself – Evolution Records Hardcore Classics 2 – and Twisted! I plan on following these up in the next year.

What artists would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?

I started something with Tommyknocker which I’d like to finish this year. Other than that, pretty much anyone on this tour!

If there’s anything we haven’t asked, what else would you like to say to the readers of The Hard Data?

Come out to the parties and have fun guys; this is going to be a huge tour! Not to be missed!

Articles, Interviews

Super Marco May: Interview from Trauma: Harder Styles Tour 2016

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Super Marco May! All the way from La Spezia, Italy, SMM comes straight out of the golden years of Hard Dance music. 1993 is where his journey began,  and shortly thereafter he began playing at all the major festivals in Europe such as Qlubtempo, X-Qlusive, Multigroove and so much more! Now it’s his time to return to the US to show us Nu-style kids where the true spirit of Hardstyle really comes from. Super Marco May hits North America on the Trauma Harder Styles Tour 2016 from February 12, 2016 in Edmonton, Canada, then February 13 in San Francisco, and February 14, 2016 in Los Angeles.

What inspired your stage name?

Marco is my name; May is the month in which my first son was born. ‘Super’ came later; some fans of mine made Superman t-shirts with my name written on them, because I often used to wear a Superman t-shirt. From that day I’m Super Marco May.

Were you a DJ first, or a producer?

I started as a DJ in 1993 but after a short time I approached the Zolex Studio of my dear friend Adrian 12 to try to create something on my own. From there, my passion was started.

How did you get into the scene?

Initially celebrating with friends. Then more and more people came to these parties, so I was asked to play as a DJ in a club.

What was the first record you ever purchased?

I will never forget the thrill of buying my first vinyl record: It was Felix’ “Do Not You Want Me” in 1992.
Who was your biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?

I have to thank my friends Alex and Checco who brought me closer to becoming a DJ. They had turntables at home and they made me literally fall in love with this world. Musically, however, I can say that my biggest inspiration was Roland Brant with which a few years later I made my first track: “Typhoon”.

Would you describe your first DJ gig?

October 17th, 1993 at Taverna Juri in Aulla, Tuscany, Italy. I was thrilled and I still have to thank Alessandro Tognetti, who was the resident DJ, for giving me the opportunity to perform.

What was your favorite party you’ve ever played? Why?

My favorite party was undoubtedly Qlub Time #10 in 2002 organized by Q-Dance. My first experience abroad; my first experience in the Netherlands.

What was the funniest moment during any of your performances?

The funniest moment I experienced was at 101% Super Marco May. The party was organized by Dorian Gray and being carried in triumph by the boys on the dance floor was just awesome.

Super Marco May on the Trauma Tour Buy your tickets here for a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA!
Super Marco May on the Trauma Tour Buy your tickets HERE for a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA!

Did you ever think you would be touring the United States? What do you think the Trauma Tour will be like?

This Trauma tour not only represents my first tour in the USA, but also my first time in the US in general, so I hope it will be like my first time in the Netherlands. Just the first of many more to come!

What made you want to start producing Hardcore/Hardstyle/Rawstyle music?

I started producing Hardstyle because, in my opinion, it was something that people would have enjoyed more than Hard Trance or Techno; that’s what was big at the time. I liked the result of combining kick and reverse bass and I have to say that it pleased many.

What is your favorite track that you have produced?

I have two favorite ones: ‘Partyflock’ I produced to thank all the Dutch guys who supported me when I first went to Holland, and ‘Fuera de Cabeza’ because it fully reflects me!
What advice would you give to up and coming Hardcore producers?

I always suggest to do what one likes: don’t follow trends; develop your own taste.

Have any of the other artists on the Trauma tour ever inspired your work? If so, how?

There are many artists I know and respect. It’s not easy to choose! I think that all together we inspire the dance floor for absolute fun.

What are your top 3 favorite tracks of all time? Why?

  1. Roland Brant – Mastermind
  2. The Stunned Guys & DJ Paul – Thrillseeka
  3. Mohikana – I Will Find You

What was your favorite track of 2015 (that wasn’t your own)?

Hard Attack – Countdown

Are there any exciting projects or gigs coming up you want our readers to know about?

I’m working on a new project with my label Blackout Records. We are going to combine RAW music with something different. Why not!

What artists would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?

With reference to my new project I’d like to collaborate with Snoop Dogg.

If there’s anything we haven’t asked, what else would you like to say to the readers of The Hard Data?

I’ll be waiting for you all!

Articles, Interviews

Tonegenerator: Interview from Trauma: Harder Styles Tour 2016

Antonio Medina is one of the finer up-and-coming US Hardstyle producers on this tour. Represented by Denver Hard Dance, this man will finally be able to unleash his talent upon the world in such a fashion that our foreign counterparts will remember that Tonegenerator is one name to certainly pay attention to in the rise of the US Hard Dance scene.  He drops his knowledge at the Trauma Harder Styles Tour 2016 in Denver, Colorado on February 20, 2016.

What inspired your stage name?

It’s funny cause I had gotten the idea from the show 1,000 Ways to Die where some guy used a “tonegenerator” from the army to make “drug music” and ended up reaching frequencies that gave him brain hemorrhaging.

Were you a DJ first, or a producer?

I became a producer first. I got into production in 2011 and became serious about it in 2012.

How did you get into the scene?

I got into the scene when I first connected with DHD (Denver Hard Dance) and sent them my music. They liked what I had to offer!

What was the first record you ever purchased?

The first record I bought I think was Headhunterz – The Power of The Mind

Who was the biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?

My biggest inspiration was and still is Headhunterz. I was amazed at the sound design and how atmospheric the music was.

 

Tonegenerator will be on the Trauma tour! - Buy your ticket here and get a free subscription to The HARD DATA!
Tonegenerator will be on the Trauma tour! – Buy your ticket here and get a free subscription to The HARD DATA!

Would you describe your very first DJ gig?

My first gig was incredible; nervous at first, not a huge crowd, but it felt great to play the music I love.

What was your favorite party you ever played? Why?

My favorite so far is Hard Asylum, from April 2015. The atmosphere and the crowd were amazing; they really love Raw Hardstyle down there.

What was the funniest moment during any of your performances?

Funniest moment was when I did a tag team set with Audity & Deoxy; the stage split down the middle!
What important changes have you witnessed from the time you got into the scene, until now?

The amount of local people getting into Hard Dance. It has grown so much over the years that there’s more and more people coming to the shows; it’s great seeing it go from a small amount to the venue being practically full.

What are you looking forward to most on this tour? – What stop are you looking forward to most?

Getting to share the stage with the biggest names in Hardcore and Hardstyle such as Digital Punk, Partyraiser, Meccano Twins, just to name a few. And I would love to see every stop but for now looking forward to Denver, Colorado.

What made you want to start producing Raw Hardcore/Hardstyle/Rawstyle music?

Discovering Raw Hardstyle was the best thing ever. The amount of energy and aggressiveness the kicks and leads had amazed me. It made me want to try and do the same and I still continue loving it and producing it.

 

Arctus & Tonegenerator
Arctus & Tonegenerator

What is your favorite track that you have produced?

It would have to be ‘Dead Skies’. I put a lot of time and thought into the structure and sound design. I’m very proud of its outcome..

What advice would you give to up-and-coming Hardcore/Hardstyle producers?

Be confident in your work and don’t be afraid.

Have any of the artists on the Trauma tour ever inspired your work? If so, how?

I would say Digital Punk. His work is amazing and the creativity in his tracks is what makes me want to try diverse stuff in mine.

What are your top 3 tracks of all time? Why?

  1. The Machine & The Geminizers – Godcore – Its energy and driving force is pure gold.
  2. Atmozfears – Release – It’s a euphoric track but the emotion in its entirety makes you feel alive!
  3. Headhunterz – The Power Of the Mind – This will always be my favorite. Because of this track, I am where I want to be in my music career; I never would’ve thought of being in this moment if it weren’t for that track.

What was your favorite track of 2015 (that wasn’t your own)?

Of Verona – Zero Gravity (B-Front Bootleg). Everything in this track is perfect to me. From the reverb to the melody, to the kicks, the synths, the vibe and emotion. This track really stood out for me; huge sound!

Are there any exciting projects or gigs coming up that you want our readers to know about?

Yes! I have a few tracks lined up that just need some touch ups so they can be released some time soon. Also, a kick edit I made of Code Black – Predator will be given away! There are a few more gigs in the months to come but the info will be released in time; I don’t want to mention anything just yet.

What artists would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?

I had a few in mind: Mrotek, Arctus, The Wicked, Vigor, Qlarity, and Imperium. I would love to work with these guys in the near future.

If there’s anything we haven’t asked, what else would you like to say to the readers of The Hard Data?

Stay tuned for my releases to come and I hope I get to see all of you at Trauma!

You can catch Tonegenerator On February 20th at the Summit Music Hall in Denver, Colorado! Buy your tickets HERE for a FREE subscription to the HARD DATA!

Articles, Interviews

DJ Vortex: Interview from Trauma: Harder Styles Tour 2016

DJ Vortex (aka Vextor) is the A&R (Artists & Repertoire) manager of STIK Records and what some people would call the true Godfather of Hardstyle. He has been DJ’ing for 20 years and producing for 15, releasing on highly respectable labels such as Tidy, Activa, Theracords, and DJ’s United (and that is only naming a few!). You can catch Vortex on the Edmonton, San Francisco, and Los Angeles dates!

What inspired your stage name?

It was actually my friends who gave me my nickname: they said I was a Vortex… of music!

How did you get into the scene?

I was a vinyl collector; my friends used to organize parties; a lot of radio stations were born; it happened all by itself.

DJ Vortex at Trauma Tour
DJ Vortex at Trauma Tour – Buy your ticket here and get a free subscription to The HARD DATA!

What was the first record you ever purchased?

I’m having a hard time remembering, but it was probably a vinyl from Pink Floyd. Techno music wasn’t born yet.

Who was your biggest inspiration in the early part of your career?

I don’t have one! I just put all of them in my “Vortex” when I produce.

Would you describe your first DJ gig?

I was so excited, like I am now before every gig.

What was your favorite party you’ve ever played? Why?

There are many, for many different reasons: sometimes for the magnitude of the party, others for the crowd or the experience I had; I love to play big festivals but also in clubs.

What important changes have you witnessed from the time you got into the scene, until now?

Basically, everything has changed. In the past you were a DJ first, and a producer second, but now they start producing and then begin to perform as a DJ but playing their own productions almost exclusively. The work of the DJ, as a researcher and discoverer of music, is disappearing.

Did you ever think you would be touring the United States? What do you think the Trauma Tour will be like?

I have already been on tour in the United States and South America, but the Trauma tour is certainly the biggest of them!

What made you want to start producing Hardcore/Hardstyle/Rawstyle music?

I just was producing the music that I liked, then at some point some people in the Netherlands began to say it was “Hardstyle”.

What is your favorite track that you have produced?

Well, I could say “Incoming”, but honestly my favorite track is always the one I’m working on right now.

DJ Vortex
DJ Vortex

What advice would you give to up and coming Hardstyle producers?

Just produce; forget the rest.

What are your top 3 favorite tracks of all time? Why?

I have too many favorite tracks, it’s impossible to choose only 3.

Are there any exciting projects you want our readers to know about?

As many already know, I also produce uptempo Hardcore under the name of Vextor.

What artists would you like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?

Ennio Morricone: the king of soundtracks; but it’s just a dream.

If there’s anything we haven’t asked, what else would you like to say to the readers of The Hard Data?

I can’t wait to meet all of you!!! 🙂