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Features
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Prepare for The Rave Buddha – interview with Paul Henry!
Reported by HarderFaster
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Submitted 12-08-04 09:32
Much like the Football Premiership, a lot of the London up and coming Hard Dance DJs are overseas imports - carving names for themselves on some of the most demanding Dance Floors in the capital. Flying the flag for his Suid Africa countrymen and arguably the No.1 South African Hard Dance DJ in the Capital is Paul 'Rave Buddha' Henry. Over the past 2 years Paul has swept all before him - having played at Frantic, Logic, Heat & more there are few major scalps he has yet to take! His infectious personality and passion for the music have won him many fans both inside and outside the industry.
Having turned his hand to the Funky stuff last year he is now recognized as a Funky & Hard House DJ and is plying his trade in both worlds across London. Before 'National Groove Factory Day' this saturday when Paul and his fellow 'Groove Factory Workers' will take on the Funky Arena at SEONE, he spoke to us about the story so far:
Mr Henry how does it feel to be described as the Premier South African Hard Dance DJ in the capital
Wow! That’s the first time I’ve heard that and its very flattering. It’s a big call, so I’d better get out there and work hard at it so as not to disappoint!
You’re part of an expanding group of DJs who are finely balanced between being recognised as both a Funky House DJ and a Hard Dance DJ. If today you were told you could only follow one path which would it be?
I think as a DJ one should never be limited by genre. If its good music, I will buy it and play it. However, if I had a gun to my head and told to give up on either funky house or hard dance, I would most probably give up funky house. The energy of hard dance is what keeps that my all time favourite, the feeling of watching a crowd just going off to your music is unbeatable!
How did you find your way into DJ’ing
I’ve always been interested in music and was very keen to get involved in a band from a very early age. I moved over to London in February 1999 and met up with a few mates I knew from back home. The second week I was here they took me clubbing to an uplifting trance night and I fell in love with the scene and the music straight away. The people were so friendly and the music just felt right, the clubbing bug hooked me big time. I then started going clubbing all around London moving more towards the harder sounds and went to my first Frantic at Camden Palace in June 1999. This was the night I first saw Phil Reynolds. Phil’s set completely blew me away, the venue completely blew me away and it was on that night I finally decided that I had to take up DJ’ing. It really was a no-brainer as it fulfilled my love of music and my dream to be involved in the music industry! I saved up all my pennies and bought decks a few months later and here I am 4 years down the line living the dream.
With Donna Birt
There is a wide vein of up & coming DJ’s in the London scene at present. What would you say makes you stick out from the rest?
I’ve been playing in clubs for almost 4 years and have been clubbing for 5 years now, experience counts for a lot in this game. I think what sets me apart is my diversity in music taste and my ability to blend these different styles together always building up a set. I always try to play the right music at the right time to keep the night building up to a crescendo. These days I hear far too many sets that don’t fit in with the rest of the night, and it can spoil the night for everyone. It’s very important to me to have a night building to a peak for the final set of the night. You can’t just go out there as a DJ and bang it out from first set, building the night up makes the night more enjoyable for everyone, set and night progression is the key to it all and I think I read that well.
Mixing both sounds – what do you take from a Funky House set that you don’t from a Hard Dance set and visa versa?
Hard Dance is all about the energy and drive for me, I can’t get enough if it! I just love seeing people going mental when I play hard dance, it’s the best feeling in the world. Funky house is all about the bass. Those big phat chunky bass lines just make me smile from ear to ear, its very happy music, I’m a happy guy, so Paul Henry and Funky House go hand in hand!
What has been your favourite record from the past 6 months from both worlds?
My favourite hard dance tune over the last 6 months would have to be “Afrotekno” – Nick Sentience is a genius, seamlessly fusing hard dance and techno, and everything in between, to create one of the cleverest tunes I’ve ever heard. The build up has no percussion, only melody and its just superb! The delivery crashes in with devastating effect, I can’t get enough of that tune! Makes my spine tingle every time I hear it.
My favourite funky tune over the past 6 months is Tom Neville’s remix of “I See Girls” by Studio B. It has a massive dirty bass line and a very cheeky vocal throughout. Tom’s production is second to none and it just works the dancefloor every time.
You’re part of the pool of Southern Hemisphere DJs that are making waves in the London scene at the moment such as Simon Rutherford, Zana Mills & Richard Launch. Where you once had very similar sounds you now seem to have diversified into very unique styles. When did the move to the Harder end of Hard Dance come for you & why?
About 2 years ago I was really bored with the hard trance sound around at the time and started looking for something a bit different. This led me to the techno and hard house sound, which I really like. As I’ve said before its all about the energy and drive for me, this techno hard house crossover sound was exactly what I was looking for. I still buy and play hard trance, but I’m very picky about what I buy, the tunes needs to have the energy and drive I’m looking for no matter what the genre. My sets now usually cover a mixture of hard house and hard trance all with a very techy edge, the techno percussion adds so much energy to music, I’m very happy the scene embraced it as it did!
There have been many reasons given as to why there is a sudden surge by Hard House DJs to the Funky House sound. As someone who has embraced both genres what’s your take on it?
Yes there does seem to be a lot of hard dance DJ’s crossing over to funky house at the moment. I can’t really explain why that is, but for me it was a trip over to Ibiza in August 2003 that sold me. The sunshine and the happy vibe the funky stuff creates is epitomised at places like Bora Bora and Space. I just had to get on board that funky train! I really love the music anyway, so if I can share my love for the music with others on the dancefloor my job is done! I honestly believe that variety is the spice of life; playing more than one style keeps it all fresh and interesting.
With Nukleuz's Lisa Porter
OK so Saturday is the first National Groove Factory Day - for those of us not in the know what is this going to entail?
Yes, the 14th August is National Groove Factory Day. It’s a big day for us here at the Factory and we’re going to make this day one to remember!
First off we are hosting a joint party with Becomeone at Anexxo at Turnmills. This is set to be a great day of house music. Becomeone’s house parties have been a massive success so far and hopefully our joint venture will add to the reputation Becomeone are building on. It’s our first joint venture and I can say without doubt that this party will be one of the best funky afternoons of the year. It’s a massive line up with Tania von Pear, Phil Reynolds, Anil Chawla, Tim Davison, CD and myself taking on the decks, don’t miss this if you like house music!
Later on that night we take the Factory to SEOne to host a room at Frantic v Hardcore Heaven, one of the most talked about parties this summer. This is going to be huge! An event with everything from Hard Dance to Hardcore to Funky House, this has something for everyone. It’s a wicked venue with awesome sound. It’ll be the biggest exposure Groove Factory has had up until now too and thus we’ll be pulling out all the stops to make our room the place to be on Saturday night! Phil Reynolds, Richard Launch, CD, Rich O, guest DJ Filthy Rich, and myself will be playing some of the dirtiest, sexiest, funkiest house known to man! The whole Factory is looking forward to this one.
You’re quickly outgrowing your habitat as the Groove Factory name travels – we hear on the grapevine that a new venue is in order – can you give us a sneak peak as to where this might be?
Yes, we’re on the lookout for a new venue at the moment and we’ve looked at quite a few so far, but nothing has taken our fancy as of yet. If anyone out there knows of anything suitable for a great funky night, please contact me so we can check it out!
Saturday is going to see 3 extremes of Dance Music Funky House, Hard Dance & Hardcore. This is a fairly intense cocktail of sound. Will you be dipping your toe into the Hardcore room at this event?
I don’t know much Hardcore at all to be honest, but I’m open minded and will definitely pop in to see what its all about. A mate of mine Ben, is into all that and he always plays me some stuff when I go around to his. Some of it isn’t too bad but I’ll need to be broken in slowly I think!
Your debut production with Dave Lochrie, Plan B, is due for an overhaul and remix in the near future. Have you any other tracks in the pipeline?
Dave and I have started the remix of Plan B, but finding the time to get together to finish it off is always difficult. The remix is a lot harder that the original with heaps more energy, I’m happy with it so far, but its not finished yet. We’ll hopefully get round to finishing it off very soon. I have quite a few ideas for a follow up tune too, Dave’s production is coming on in leaps and bounds, and I can’t wait to get back in the studio with him to make another one.
Phil Reynolds, Richard Launch and myself have also started a funky house tune together. We’ve got some great stuff down already and I think once it’s done it’ll be wicked.
I’m also writing some solo stuff, working on both a techy hard dance tune and a funky house tune at home at the moment. It’s a massive learning curve teaching myself Logic, music and how to work soft-synths, but its great fun and very rewarding. Watch this space!
If you were to have a party with just 5 people (dead of alive), who would they be and why?
This is quiet a hard one but here goes in no particular order
1. Jim Morrison – my hero and a legend who always pushes things to the limit.
2. Jack Dee – his sarcastic sense of humour is right up my street, he’d keep me rolling on the floor.
3. Kylie – you have to have some eye candy for the night and I think she’s wicked.
4. Anne Savage – to play the music, she seems to be able to play anything and everything and she’s awesome at it too!
5. I know this is cheating but my girlfriend and all my mates, otherwise it wouldn’t be a party!
And finally… A little birdie tells me that you are known in the industry as ’The Rave Buddha’. Can you tell us how this came about
Haha, you had to squeeze that one in didn’t you! It was after a big night out, I think it was Hard House Academy last summer, when we all went back to Lisa Porter’s place to crack on. I was sitting cross-legged on the floor outside with my hands in the air ala Buddha stylee, Phil Reynolds, Dickon Laws and Richard Launch then christened me the Rave Buddha. The term has stuck and quite a few people call me that now. There is even photo evidence somewhere I think! It went even further though, once I started playing funky house, Dickon added to my Buddha-dom by calling me the Funk Soul Buddha, very funny!
Frantic vs Hardcore Heaven
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On:
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Saturday 14th August 2004
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At:
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S.E.One [map]
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From:
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9pm - 6am
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Cost:
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500 Early Bird Tickets @ £12.50 / £15 / £18
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Website:
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www.franticuk.com
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Ticket Info:
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ADVANCED TICKETS:
First 500 Early Bird Tickets £12 +bf
£15 / £18 After that
More on the door.
The Five ways to get your tickets:
1. Frantic Office
Credit / Debit & Cash Sales // XL Group Discount (1 free per 5)
Call 07949 618035
2. Ticketweb
Credit/Debit Card Sales // 24hr Hotline & Online Sales
Call 08700 600 100 or logon to www.ticketweb.co.uk
3. ClubConnexion
Credit/Debit Card & Cash Sales // XL Group Discount (1 Free per 5)
0870 246 2050 or logon to www.clubtickets.com
4. Cyberdog Stores (London
Camden: 0207 4822 842
Covent Garden: 0207 836 7855
5. E-listlondon.com
Online ticket purchase and advance guest list booking: 07908 809 077
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Now this is truly unique!
For the first time ever the UK¹s 2 premier promoters of Hard underground music join forces to create what will surely be one of the
most talked-about events of the year:
HARDCORE HEAVEN Vs FRANTIC!
40 ARTISTS
5 MUSIC STYLES
4 ARENAS
3 IS THE MAGIC NUMBER
2 SETS OF DIEHARD CLUBBERS
1 UNITED UNDERGROUND DANCE COMMUNITY
Hardcore Heaven, fresh from their farewell event at the Milton Keynes Sanctuary, venture down the M1 into the Capital for only the 2nd time ever. Waiting for them in the lion¹s den are Frantic, London¹s unstoppable hard dance machine, responsible for blasting a trail through the capital¹s dancefloors since 1997.
When 2 worlds collide SeOne’s main arena will see the elite soldiers of the hard music revolution do battle. Frantic’s finest will meet Hardcore Heaven¹s hardest for 10 hours of fast and furious beats and dark n dirty synths. If the battle in this room gets too much for you, Arenas 2 & 3 will be solely dedicated their respective music styles, Frantic in 2, Hardcore Heaven in 3, whilst the outer reaches of arena 4 will play host to the less frenetic sounds of funky house and old skool.
This is simply unmissable if you¹re into the harder sounds of dance music, and with tickets selling from only £12.50Š.well, what can we say?
Let battle commence.
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Flyer:
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Other Features By HarderFaster:
HarderFaster Awards 2016 - The results are in!
HarderFaster Awards 2014 - The results are in!
Lashes, Dimples and the Brighton Music Conference
HarderFaster Awards 2013 - The results are in!
HarderFaster Awards 2012 - The results are in!
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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Comments:
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From: Richard Launch on 12th Aug 2004 10:34.05
Nice one Paulie...!!!
Bring it on mate. 
From: Danny Gilligan on 12th Aug 2004 11:16.19
like your work mate!
From: Rich O on 12th Aug 2004 11:26.19
Nice one Legend!!
From: Frantic Dickon on 12th Aug 2004 11:27.03
An awesome bloke and immense Dj! Its always a pleasure to have Paul play at Frantic! Cant wait to see him put on his Funky House hat this weekend at SEONE!
From: Latex_Zebra on 12th Aug 2004 11:29.08
Very friendly chap, excellent DJ.
We must remember to book him soon.
From: ~deleted3264 on 12th Aug 2004 11:29.25
Simon Henry.......indeed a legend
From: Bianca on 12th Aug 2004 11:43.15
I have that photo evidence on my camera phone Paulie (aka Rave Buddha!) it still makes me smile!
From: Mike Devine on 12th Aug 2004 12:01.36
Top bloke...well done fellow Saffa...
From: Lisa Porter on 12th Aug 2004 12:37.48
Great interview Rave Buddha!
Bianca email me the pic. Didn't even realise there was a camera present.
From: marcopilf on 12th Aug 2004 13:18.09
congrat's fella, well deserved
From: Lizaj on 12th Aug 2004 13:25.59
Sooo... know what you mean Paul! You know how to pick the tunes, i think Ibiza did alot to all of us and sparked something more in you! Nice one hun! xx
From: Richard Launch on 12th Aug 2004 14:16.23
Post the photo Porter...!!
Let the world see. 
From: Merc on 12th Aug 2004 14:17.08
 from Tokyo, Paul! You are a love! One of the nicest guys I have met in clubland... and an outstanding dj! 
From: Frantic Dickon on 12th Aug 2004 14:25.08
Christ I just remembered...C-Pong! (nasty)
From: BrinnO on 12th Aug 2004 14:33.14
Congrats Paul, we're looking forward to your set on the cruise too!
From: Bianca on 12th Aug 2004 15:22.36
I've posted the pic for all to see on the forums....enjoy!
From: Groove Factory on 12th Aug 2004 16:34.43
Top form Paul.
All the GF Crew are looking forward to NGF Day on Saturday.
From: Lauree on 12th Aug 2004 16:56.48
Hey Paul! - Great Tunes - Hope to see you banging them out soon! Have a great night at SeOne.
From: drm on 12th Aug 2004 22:52.08
Only met him a few times but what a nice fella he is 
From: Darz on 13th Aug 2004 00:36.32
Top bloke, one of the friendliest guys in clubland, well in Paul.
From: Donna Birt on 13th Aug 2004 08:51.39
Hey babes... always a pleasure, niiiice one! xx
From: Simon Rutherford on 13th Aug 2004 09:25.04
Nice work big man! Funk it up, Buddha Boy!
From: shazzlee3 on 13th Aug 2004 12:26.51
yay weekend boyfriend, nice one!
From: Craig Paxton on 13th Aug 2004 15:04.12
One of the nicest, genuine and most talented DJ's I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. You are truly deserving of every opportunituy that comes your way. Keep it up Buddha Boy..  
From: Aaron Baskerville on 13th Aug 2004 16:50.22
Well done mate. Glad to see you've moved away from mowing the lawn
From: Nadya Logic on 13th Aug 2004 17:07.10
Excellent Interview Paul :-)
From: Paul Henry on 13th Aug 2004 17:38.38
Thanks guys, your support mean so much to me, if it wasn't for all of you I wouldn't be the person I am. Its great to have friends like you all as it makes clubbing a pleasure!
From: SassyNassy on 16th Aug 2004 10:58.32
SUPA interview Mr Henry! You aways put a smile on my dial ~ never a bad thing 
From: Duracell Bunny on 18th Aug 2004 22:32.53
Your not a bad room mate in Ibiza either!!!
From: Trevor McLachlan on 19th Aug 2004 09:45.49
Top interview big fella ... An absolute top bloke and always enjoy seeing you out
From: Lizzie.Wiggle on 20th Aug 2004 12:22.14
Well Done you! you so totally deserve it!
See you soon for some giggles & wiggles LW xx
From: The Chef on 21st Aug 2004 23:59.09
cool mate, i luv these interviews with the up and coming dj's, there the ones to watch. Respect mate.
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