Frantic Brings U More preview with Martin McHale of South Africa’s 3-30 Club
Reported by benz
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Submitted 28-10-05 11:32
A true South African legend, Martin McHale has been running the 3-30 club in Durban since the mid-80s. Ask any Saffa and they’ll tell you that 3-30 is a byword for an unforgettable, exhilarating clubbing experience that combines a magical venue with excellent DJs and a wide range of exciting electronic music. Well maybe not in those exact words, but you can bet your ass they’ll have some stories to tell! Having been involved in the dance music industry for many years now, Martin has accomplished a lot in his time and after all this time still remains one of the most revered DJs in his homeland.
Some of his more impressive achievements include having toured with Paul Oakenfold, Carl Cox and Tiesto on separate occasions in South Africa, as well as with Andy Farley in Australia and New Zealand. He's also released several mix compilations and original productions and has been a Breakfast Show presenter on South Africa’s Capital Radio. All the while he has remained loyal and dedicated to his club, DJing week in week out to his devoted home crowd.
November 26th sees Martin return to our fair isle once again to bring his hard house magic back to Frantic for the first time in many moons. The main room at Frantic Brings U More at SeOne is the setting, and it will be a great chance for UK clubbers to find out why Martin’s such a legend as well as giving some homesick Saffas the chance to reminisce!
How did you get into electronic music? Since when has a dance music scene existed in South Africa?
Like most things in my life, it feels like someone left the back door open and I just wandered in! I can’t say I chose music and DJing, but rather IT chose me. And for that I’m eternally grateful.
The dance scene? The rhythm of the drums in Africa! Are you kidding?.... We invented it! Ha!
Where did you live in your adolescent years? Was there much to do in the way of clubbing back then?
That was some time ago, thank goodness only my short term memory is faulty. I spent most of my youth in Durban, under an Apartheid regime. This wasn’t a whole lotta fun. But necessity is the mother of invention, and we had a rather healthy underground scene.
What are the authorities in South Africa like about clubbing and raves and so on?
Clubbing and dance events are well regulated here, and the authorities are active in enforcing these regulations. It’s very similar to the UK in this regard. In fact I attended a conference recently where members of the London Metro Police were invited to share information with local authorities, club owners and other interested parties. I still get freaked out though, when a heavily armed task teams storms a club. Semi-automatic weapons and clubs don’t mix in my book!
At what point did you pick up a pair of decks? Was DJing a popular pasttime when you started or was it more of a big deal than it is now?
The first decks I worked on were a pair of belt drive Gerard Turntables in 1979. Brrr. My first residency was at a club called Faces in 1983, and I was introduced to a pair of Technics 1500s (the ones with the digital pitch readout). They were excellent. And I still have that turntable today. It wasn’t a popular pastime back then, only the anoraks were behind the decks, while the cool people were on the dance floor chattin’ up the ladies… not much has changed eh? Tee hee!
What have been the defining eras for dance music and clubbing in South Africa? How long did it take before hard house was soon filling the ears of Saffa clubbers?
The arrival of ecstasy revolutionised the dance scene worldwide. South Africa was no different. Ironically hard house had always been a part of the scene in SA. The underground dance culture under Apartheid was driven mainly by the gay clubs (Being gay in SA was illegal at that time). The first UK DJs to visit our shores were the Trade residents — Tony de Vit, Ian M, Pete Wardman etc. So the defining era was hard house.
Tell us about your club 3-30 and your involvement with this legendary venue…
Shoo! You got all day? Marcus (my old school chum) and I opened 3-30 in 1988. This year we celebrated our 17th birthday. I’ve played there every Saturday for the last 17 years (except when I’m overseas, obviously!). The club has 6 bars and 2 dance floors set out over 3 levels. It’s a labyrinth of passages and rooms and, if I say so myself, the most incredible experience. A trip to Durban would not be complete without a visit to 3-30.
I hear that the soundsystem in the club is something rather special…
Oh yeah! Designed to knock ya socks off. It’s my partner’s baby. Marcus used to work at the famous Abbey Road studios for EMI. So he knows his shit! And from a DJs point of view it’s a great place to play. Don’t take my word for it…. Tony de Vit … “It’s just like fookin Trade”
Carl Cox…. “What a night!”
I see that you have produced several tracks in your time…are you still active in this realm? What was your last release?
Gotta say I’ve been really slack in this area! Don’t think I’ve switched my studio on once this year… terrible I know! My last release was a progressive remix for Kerry de Witt (a rare talent from SA).
You will be playing once again in London for Frantic Brings You More on November 26th at SeOne. You’ve played for Frantic several times before… when was the last occasion and what was the experience like?
2 years ago at Camden Palace — Bliss. Love that venue. It’s difficult to quantify the experience. Every Frantic or HHA I’ve played has been remarkable. It’s the Mecca of Hard Dance. It’s a privilege and a thrill to plug your headphones into the mixer, as you gaze out over a seething mass of raging hormones. Can’t wait for the 26th.
Do you find there is much difference between UK crowds and South African crowds?
No… they’re all nutters.
What other major differences do you see between the two scenes?
The main difference would be the number of clubbers. The London scene with such a bigger market allows promoters to specialize in one genre of music. In South Africa we have to vary the styles throughout an evening.
What kind of material can we expect to hear from you on the night? What styles do you generally cover?
I’ll be bangin it on the night… no worries mate! I do play a number of different styles, depending on where I’m playing. It’s something you have to learn to do in a smaller market. This is advantageous when you travel abroad, as tastes differ from continent to continent. But on the 26th… no limits.
What have the Frantic events in South Africa been like?
The Frantic brand is very strong worldwide, and it’s one of the few SA events that does mirror the London clubbing experience. Phil and Tara Reynolds, Andy Farley and Spencer Freeland have all played at 3-30 for Frantic. They’re as good as the real thing!
Which other countries have you had the pleasure of performing in?
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, France, Namibia and Mauritius…
Cheers mate, see ya on the 26th.
www.330.co.za
MORE
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On:
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Saturday 26th November 2005
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At:
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S.E.One [map]
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From:
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20:00-06:00
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Cost:
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Limited £14+BF Early Bird Tickets
£17+BF Saver Tickets
£20+BF Standard Tickets
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Website:
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www.franticuk.net
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Ticket Info:
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Frantic HQ 07949 618 035/ amanda@franticuk.com
Ticketweb: 08700 600 100 / www.ticketweb.co.uk
Clubtickets: 0870 246 1840 / www.clubtickets.co.uk
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Frantic Brings U MORE
Saturday 26th November 2005
2000-0600
The SEOne Complex
www.seonelondon.com
ONLY Frantic has the Answer!
Frantic continues its God given mission to reinvent and reshape Hard House for a new generation. Gone are the so called big names and in is the unbeatable and scintillating next generation! ONLY Frantic has line-ups like this! We take risks, where others play safe! We promise ONLY DJs that really love Hard House like there is no tomorrow! All the DJs are handpicked for their ability to ENTERTAIN! We don’t want DJs who look moody and keep their heads down without so much as a smile to the crowd. Our DJs are chosen for their crowd interaction and technical ability! Nowhere sounds quite like Frantic!
Nowhere looks quite like Frantic either! 2005 has established Frantic as the Hard House Club that cares the most about the SHOW. MORE is going to push this vision to the next level! We will be totally transforming the mighty SEOne Complex like only we know how! Every Arena will look totally different from any other event at SEOne. Stepping into the venue will be like entering a magical all-night Palace of Hard House. There will MORE death star inflatables, MORE Frantic Décor, MORE Award-Winning Visuals, MORE Lasers, MORE purpose built stages, MORE Funktion One Sound and of course loads more 21st Century Hard House! This really is the brave new frontier for Hard House clubbing! If you want to experience the next step in Hard House clubbing - only Frantic has the answer!
MORE is powered by Funktion One Sound. This is the ONLY way to hear Hard House!
Limited £14+BF Early Bird Tickets
£17+BF Saver Tickets
£20+BF Standard Tickets
Frantic HQ 07949 618 035/ amanda@franticuk.com
Ticketweb: 08700 600 100 / www.ticketweb.co.uk
Clubtickets: 0870 246 1840 / www.clubtickets.co.uk
Get some Hard House in your life; www.franticuk.net
www.clubkurruption.co.uk
www.seonelondon.com
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