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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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Interview with Proteus
Reported by Kevin Energy
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Submitted 27-06-04 19:51
Finland - A country most of us don’t associate with the underground dance culture. In fact, Finland is a country that remains quite aloof to the majority of us. The truth is, in fact, that as a nation of hard dance connoisseurs, we should all be paying attention to the movement that the Finnish nation is experiencing with their own scene and the effect that it is having on our very own scene here in the UK.
For a few years now Finland has been conjuring and fine-tuning a fresh and intuitive form of hard dance. A form of dark yet magical beats that pound your senses with a multitude of new and exciting sounds and ideas. Playing these productions are a new breed of DJ’s and live shows.
One DJ in particular is responsible for the placement of this new sound in the UK scene. A DJ who is so much more than a DJ, a DJ who not only plays records but is so in tune and connected with both the crowd and the music that it forces a physical reaction – a performance and outburst of pure energy and power.
The talents of this DJ were quickly recognised by London’s amazing Logic promotion two and a half years ago. Through his performances at Logic this DJ built up a massive London following: A following that grew with his residency for Logic. The stand out music and performance offered by this DJ has now made him one of the fastest rising names in Europe and is sure to offer a helping hand to the fast rising success of the harder side of hard dance in general. If you haven’t already guessed… I’m proud to offer an insight to the crazy world of the amazing DJ Proteus prior to his performance for Atomic Energy on Saturday July the 3rd at Mass.
You have blasted through to the UK with a very powerful and distinctive sound. This edge is new to the UK but I’m sure you have been building your style for a while now. Please explain your musical history and how it has led you to your current sound.
My musical roots are in industrial music. I have always loved the songs and tracks which have a dark and cyber kind of atmosphere. I have been DJing now about 8-9 years and I first started to play psychedelic trance in 1995-1996. I have always liked harder sounds and I changed my music style to hard trance and hard/nu nrg in late 1996. There were a few hard house DJs in Finland back in those days but nobody played the harder styles of hard /nu nrg so I started to create my own “Proteus kind of” nrg style. My sound is dark, hard, cyber but also sometimes very beautiful. I like to combine industrial sounds with nrg to create a more atmospheric set. Some people also call my style as a Finnish nrg style. It’s like a combination of Lab-4, old Tinrib, Karim, Nu Energy Collective and with a spice of psychedelic trance and industrial music.
There are many up coming producers in Finland that have been supplying you with music for a while. Who should we look out for and why?
I have been playing a lot of Finnish tracks in the UK and I think our sound is developing all the time for the better. The best producers are definitely Carbon Based and Alek Szahala at the moment because they have been producing tracks for a few years now. They are getting more professional all the time. Both have their own unique sound. Also a new band called Pain On Creation is making really good tracks and I have been playing their music a lot recently.
All the productions I seem to have heard from Finland capture the deeper, darker and pacier side of things. Is this typical of all Finnish Hard Dance productions? Do any artists there have deals with UK labels and produce more of a UK sound?
Yes most of the productions are like you, as I mentioned earlier. It’s very typical for all the music genres in Finland, maybe it’s because we live here in the dark and cold north.: )
We have had few names like Gary B and Karri K who have made more of a UK sound and released records from UK labels but at the moment everything is pretty dark and hard which I like. : )
I know that you have been working on some of your own productions recently. Who have you been working with and have you finished anything for release yet?
I have always concentrated more on Djing than producing because I think it’s good to have a little bit of a name/status before starting on producing music. I have been working with my Finnish friend Mikko Nieminen who has a really good studio. We have made a few tracks and a lot of different versions of them and I have been playing those tracks in my sets in UK, Holland and Finland. Some of them are now finished and some labels have been really interested in them so hopefully they will be released pretty soon.
I know we have some studio time booked in while you are here for atomic Energy. I for one can’t wait to collaborate our eclectic influences. What journey do you think the track will take?
I’m also looking really forward to make a track with you and I think the track will be like a combination of UK Nu-Energy and Finnish nrg. It will be hard as a hell and strong as a lion! : )
What artists from the UK Hard Dance scene do you support in your DJ sets?
My favourite UK artists are Lab-4, Nu Energy Collective with all it’s artists, Karim, DOK and the other artists from Electronic and Electrolysis, Oli G, Mishka’s Mad Gay Mafia, Stargazer, Casper, Captain Tinrib, Weirdo, Equinox and for example some harder tracks from Superfast Oz and Justin Bourne.
Electronic Records and Electrolysis have signed some Carbon Based material and I have some upcoming releases coming from the amazing Alex Szahala in the pipeline for Nu Energy Records. Aside from that the amazing Finnish releases have been quite scarce on UK labels. Do you know of any other deals that may see some Finnish productions coming through to the UK? Any Finnish labels to look out for?
Yes, Oli G is going to release some good stuff from Camel Records; some new tracks from Nemes and tracks from new artist called Blender. A band called Re-Form will also have their tracks out from Electronic or Electrolysis. Finrg and Finrg Hard are the only hard dance labels in Finland at the moment and they have and they will release some good tracks from Carbon Based, Alek Szahala and Pain On Creation. Things are getting better in near future and hopefully there will be more labels in Finland.
I’ve been to Finland and experienced the party scene for myself. The crowds are very electric and seem to be quite fetish orientated. People take time to work on elaborate clubbing costumes that are very black, sometimes colourful, always sexy and quite unique. Is the whole hard dance scene in Finland this way or just in Helsinki?
Especially people in Helsinki are putting a lot of effort in clubbing costumes in hard dance parties and maybe it’s because the scene in Helsinki is definitely the biggest in Finland. But basically there isn’t so much difference between clubbing people who are from different cities.
How has the hard dance scene in Finland progressed over the last 5 years? Where do see it moving over the next few years and do you predict a rise in promotions and attendances?
I remember when I started to play hard dance in 1996. My friends and I started to organize underground parties in Helsinki because there weren’t any hard dance parties in Finland back then. From 1999 to 2004 the hard dance scene has grown a lot and it has become more and more popular. I have done a lot of work for it with my friends. At the moment we have a lot of good upcoming hard dance producers and a lot of hard dance parties and clubs like my own Sade and Dj Sebastian’s Rush.
Your residency at Logic in London has seen you play in front of some amazing crowds and alongside some of the best production around. What has been your most memorable set?
All my sets at Logic have been really important and memorable for me but maybe the most memorable set at Logic was my first gig in the Fridge more than two and a half years ago. The Fridge is one the most legendary venues in the world and it was a great moment to play there for the first time.
We’re more then looking forward to your performance at Atomic Energy on July the 3rd at Mass. You have been billed in the ‘Live Energy Lounge’ which is focused on performance as well as DJing. What can we expect from you there? Can you drop the names of a few new productions that you will be spinning?
I’m really looking forward to the Atomic Energy party! I have a lot of new really good tracks for example from Carbon Based, Alek Szahala, Pain On Creation and also some my own new stuff. I will do my best and the crowd can expect a very furious DJ set from me. : ) As for the track names…. You will have to wait to hear for yourselves.
Are there any other sets that you are looking forward to seeing at this party?
There are a lot of really good DJs and live acts at the party and I’m very interested to hear them all! Especially I’m looking forward to the live acts.
As well as in the UK, the word of your stand-out music and performance has started to spread to other countries around the globe. What other overseas gigs do you have in the future?
Everything has been going really well and I have always thought that if you work really hard for something you will reach it. This year I will have gigs in Holland at Dance Valley, Dance Valley Winter Edition, Impulz Outdoor, HQ, in Germany, Australia, Finland and Hong Kong.
What has been your favourite country to play in so far?
It’s hard to say because every country has its good points. In Finland I know the crowd really well but the scene isn’t so big. In UK the parties are wilder and the crowd really loves nrg. In Holland all the parties are massive and that’s why the atmosphere in there is something that you can’t describe. It’s just too difficult to say. : )
Is there anywhere on the planet that you would really love to headline? For what reasons?
This year I’m playing the last set at Dance Valley’s hard dance stage and it has always been my dream to do so as a hard dance DJ. It’s strange to think that you are living your dream pretty soon and I’m trying not to think about it. Besides Dance Valley It would be great to play in Japan someday because I have heard that the scene is really good there.
I’m sure the readers would like to know your current top 3 tracks that always bring the house down!!
My current top 3 favourite tracks are
1. Alek Szahala – Ngamuuk
2. 2. Carbon Based – the Choice
3. 3. Proteus – Metal : )
I guess that’s it for the time being……. Would you like to say any words to the readers?
Work always really hard for your dreams. We are the music makers and the dreamers of dreams! Never lose your hardcore! : )
Thanks for your time – can’t wait for your performance on July the 3rd at Mass.
Thanks
Catch Proteus in the Live Energy Zone at Atomic Energy’s Itai Doshin on Saturday 3 July at Mass in Brixton.
More info on Itai Doshin (line-up, ticket outlets etc) www.atomicenergy.co.uk
For £14 paying guest list please email: payingguestlist@atomicenergy.co.uk before 9pm on Friday 2 July.
For further info on Proteus look at [url]www.djproteus.com[/burl]
With thanks to HouseGuy for the use of his photos 
Atomic Energy - 'ITAI DOSHIN'
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On:
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Saturday 3rd July 2004
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At:
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Mass [map]
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From:
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10pm-6am
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Cost:
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£12 advance tcikets / MOTD
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Website:
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www.atomicenergy.co.uk
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Ticket Info:
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24hr Credit Card Hotline 08700-600100
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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In an age where our daily experiences pound us with
‘products’, ‘opportunities’ and ‘promises’, we find ourselves
overwhelmed by an increasing number of promotions offering us
“the best of the best”!! Atomic Energy has managed to stay
true to the underground and retain the main concept of a
party; that of unity in vividly vibrant surroundings incorporating
the most upfront, pulsating underground beats in London!
Following the success of our hugely acclaimed productions at
the EQ Warehouse in Stratford, we are proud to bring our
distinctive underground offering to a central location where we
can share the energy in enhanced dimensions. We are
especially pleased to be joined in this unique debut promotion
by London’s most inspiring and ground-breaking musical
collectives – the ever hardcore ‘Nu Energy Collective’, the
massively talented Dirty DJ’s and the exceptionally gifted Group
185. This will be an unrivalled fusion of ENERGY – old skool
philosophies meet new skool talent in a full-on onslaught for a
superior clubbing experience in London – a promotion done for
the right reasons and right result…a good time and the union of
happy like-minded people. Join with us to create an
electrifying atmosphere at our indoor festival of spectacular
proportions.
Hard NRG meets Hardcore meets pure Hard dance for a non-
stop night of unity at the one and only Mass in Brixton. ITAI
DOSHIN – Many in Body, One in Mind!
Dirty Atomic Zone:
Our electrifying residents have ripped the dance floor to pieces
and have proved their worth to our crowds time and time
again! Joining them are very special handpicked guests,
intensifying the upfront and hard-beat style we deliver. Jon
Doe’s unique production and style demonstrate his mastery of
the genre and we are proud to host him alongside the
unstoppable Stimulant DJ’s, whose recent music has evoked an
uprising in energy and power in the Hard Dance scene.
Live Energy Lounge:
All the acts in this zone have been specially selected for the
quality aural and visual aspects they bring to their
performances. The Live Energy lounge, with its emphasis on
entertainment of the highest order is a creation that will
stimulate your senses with pure energy overload.
Freeformation Hardcore Zone:
The new kings of hardcore will be responsible for providing a
full-on, 8-hour journey of the craziest and most upfront
hardcore raving to be hosted at Mass. Freeformation have
hand-selected a gathering of the finest talent that ha the best
Hardcore beatz to slap down. The modern soundz of Hardcore
have risen to phenomenal levels of intense power-overload.
Hardcore’s sense of unity is ready to reach new heights. Join
us as FREEFORMATION delivers the most up for it and full-on
Hardcore for Atomic Energy, with the most booming sound
conceivable.
100,000 watts of turbo sound, full intelligent lighting and laser
shows in all rooms.
Fully air-conditioned, video projections, friendly security and
staff, organised cloakroom, massage/healing room, cosmic chai
café and fleuro stalls.
Two drinks for the price of one from 10pm-12pm.
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Other Features By Kevin Energy:
Kym Ayres wises up at Freeformation
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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