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Features
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| Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! |
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Trance Generation Preview: Matt Hardwick
Reported by Alix
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Submitted 06-04-04 11:00
Matt Hardwick really needs no introduction….Former resident at Gatecrasher (one of the trance super-powers of the world), accomplished producer and world-renowned DJ. Doesn’t it make you sick with jealousy? There is obviously a reason why he’s managed to get where he is today, but if we’re to believe Matt then it was a case of luck and being in the right place at the right time… If you haven’t heard him play, then get down to Trance Generation on Friday 9th April and judge for yourself… and if you have, then I know I’ll be seeing you there, at the front of the dancefloor!
Matt Hardwick at edition
As genres go, how would you describe your own sound?
I would describe my sound as being melodic trance. However, I do try and integrate other sounds into my set to keep things interesting. I prefer longer sets where I can really move through various styles and really try to impose my tastes on the crowd….that is when I am in my element.
DJ Mag in their recent poll ranked you no.64 in the world. Is this type of recognition something that you are consciously aware of on a regular basis?
All DJs pretend that they are not interested in it, but you have to be because unfortunately this is how we are judged by the masses. I have my reservations as to how reflective it is but you can’t deny that it adds a little drama into the clubbing calendar.
You are most famous for your residency with Gatecrasher. How did it all come about?
I just met the right person at the right time I guess. I was getting a good name for myself in the Sheffield area when I was introduced to Simon Raine. He was looking for a resident for his new night called Gatecrasher. I sent him a tape and the rest is history I suppose.
There have been many rumours that you have now left Gatecrasher. Is this true and if so why?
Yes it’s true. I was there for 8 years but I felt I had to leave in order to reach my full potential as a DJ. I now have more freedom in my decision-making, which was not possible when resident of a massive club like Gatecrasher. As a resident your ultimate responsibility is to the club and this creates obvious conflicts. I will still be playing for Gatecrasher but not as a resident.
Playing at Frisky
Can being a resident of a club perhaps hinder a DJ from progressing as an outright artist in the long run?
Being resident gave me a tremendous amount of opportunities. However, it can only take you so far and there comes a time when it can become a hindrance in certain respects. It was not a case of me jumping ship when the benefits of being a resident came to an end. I gave many years of dedication and commitment to Gatecrasher and I know this was appreciated by all involved on the management side.
You’re very well-known overseas and have played in all four corners of the world to thousands of people. How does playing the UK compare with overseas gigs, crowds and the scene in general?
The UK has reached its peak for the time being and is the benchmark for other scenes throughout the world. All other scenes are at different stages of development. Australia is very developed and is in many respects similar to the UK. Then you have places like China where the scene is still in its infancy. I am back in China next month- it is always interesting to see how the scene has progressed since my last visit.
How much of your gig diary is overseas now?
I normally spend one weekend a month overseas. This tends to increase over the summer.
Would you say it is harder or easier for people to carve a career out of DJing today than perhaps a few years ago?
It is very difficult now. There are so many DJs and so much competition. The best way to move forward is to get in the studio and develop a name on the production front to launch a DJ career.
If you could rewind the clock and re-live one set that you’ve played anywhere, where would it be and when?
Home in Sydney 2001. It was a fantastic venue and the crowd was amazing. This gig will stick with me forever.
More and more DJs are moving over to mixing with CDs, including you. Do you see vinyl disappearing completely in a few years from clubs?
It’s inevitable. The production costs alone are working against vinyl. The only problem is tackling piracy when it comes to digital media.
You’re booked to play for Trance Generation on Good Friday 9th April at The Soundshaft. Its will be exactly two years to the day since you last played there for DPressure. How does it compare playing in front of a crowd of thousands to a small club?
I prefer the smaller clubs and the more intimate venues. I always have more fun and the atmosphere is always better - I am really looking forward to the gig and a lot of people are asking me about it already.
The line-up features the familiar faces and good friends of yours Solarstone. They are fast making names for themselves as DJs as well as producers. Will this be the first time that you have played alongside them in the same night?
I played alongside them at Gatecrasher last year. They are excellent producers and DJs so it should be a great night.
What would your dream lineup be?
From a purely selfish point of view I would like to do an 8 hour set. But outside of that there are too many DJ s that I admire to choose a single line up….the 8 hour set would be nice though.
What can we expect from Matt Hardwick during the remainder of 2004? Any big projects on the go?
More of the same really. I have my next single entitled connected coming out on Anjuna Beats in April so I am really working towards that at the moment. Throughout the summer I have tours planned in the states and in Australia and I am looking at Ibiza possibilities at the moment. It’s all pretty much full steam ahead at the moment. I could do with a holiday to be perfectly honest…Ha! Ha!
With thanks to Frisky and edition for the use of their photos 
Trance Generation
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On:
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Friday 9th April 2004
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At:
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The Soundshaft [map]
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From:
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10pm - 7am
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Cost:
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£12 in advance, £15 on the door
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Website:
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www.dpressureevents.com
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Ticket Info:
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By phone:
Ticketweb: 08700 600 100
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Trance Generation kick off a series of events that feature a selection of the world's best Trance dj's in one of the most exclusive and intimate settings that you will ever hear them play.
This month sees Scott Bond and Matt Hardwick join Solarstone for their debut appearance in London at The Soundshaft. Never before have all three played on the same bill before.
Alongside, they are joined by Gary Ramsden, Ehren Stowers, Bruno Cernecca and Rich Templeman.
Tickets are being sold on a first come first served basis for this exclusive gig so we recommend that you get tickets early.
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Flyer:
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Other Features By Alix:
Subliminal Sessions: Reviewed
An interview with Sophie Sugar — the leading lady of trance shows the boys how it’s done!
On the way to the top with Greg Downey
Review: Serious 9th Birthday @ The Cross
He’s back…. Interview with Matt Clarke
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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