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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! | | N-Kore talks Jean-Michel Jarre, unfinished tracks and fatherhood! | | Celebrating International Women’s Day and Ten Years of Psy-Sisters with Amaluna | | A Catch Up with John Phantasm ahead of his upcoming set at the Tribal Village 4 Day Outdoor Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! | | 'The Maestro that is Tristan talks barn owls, Shazamming and keeping it Psychedelic ahead of his upcoming performance at the Tribal Village 4 Day Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! |
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Insekt Launch Party Preview – Interviews with Ben Stevens, Superfast 0z and Ziad
Reported by El Capitano Pete
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Submitted 10-11-04 12:02
On the 13th of November Insekt will be presenting their launch party at Fire. The launch party sees George E, Marc Johnson and Superfast 0z joined in the main room by Trade legend Pete Wardman, Vicious Circle’s Ben Stevens and DJ Ziad. With a line up like this, Insekt is set to be a hard house connoisseurs paradise.
Ziad, who is co-owner of Pure Groove records and Tripoli Trax is famed for his residency at Trade and will be firing things up with his tough house and groovy techno.
Superfast 0z has been one of the most significant characters within the hard house scene since the late 90’s. Most famous for his productions as one half of OD404, 0z has been behind a huge number of original classic hard house anthems including "9 Bar", "Don't Stop", "Robot Jam", "Rock The Spot", "Block Party", "Fireball", "Let Me Tell You Something", "Disco Cop", "Panic Button” and “Biofilter”.
OD404 have also produced an impressive number of remixes for a whole spectrum of labels - highlights of which include: "Meltdown", "Who Is Elvis", "Coming On Strong", "London Let's 'Av Ya!", "Pulsar", "Drop The Dime", "Doberman", "No More", "Street Tab", "Tradesmen", "No Mercy", "Mean Little Bastard", "Jungle Style" and recently "The Great Gatsby". With such a strong production background you can be sure that 0z will have a bag full of tracks fresh from the studio.
Ben Stevens is riding a wave of success at the moment. Not only is he a member of the team at the UK’s most cutting edge Hard Dance label, Vicious Circle, but at just 21 years old he is also one of the most exciting new DJs to emerge on the scene.
Having been drafted in as a replacement for a missing-in-action Karim at Tidy Weekender 4 (October 2003) he stole the show – his last set of the night was seen by many as “set of the weekend”.
With regular guest slots in London as well as holding residencies at Sessions, Toast, Corruption and Parlez-Vous?, Ben is also a regular for Mixmag’s “Hard Dance Club of the Year 2003”: Goodgreef (appearing at their events both in Wakefield and Manchester).
BEN STEVENS:
Ben, you started mixing about eight years ago – what kind of music did you play in those days?
I started out playing trance, but pretty quickly moved on to NRG music and then hard house as I started going out to clubs like Sundissential & Insomniacz.
Your breakthrough in to the scene seemed to happen overnight - who do you owe that to and did you find it overwhelming?
I’ve been playing in clubs now for about three years, but over the past year and half I’ve been playing every weekend. I definitely owe it to Paul, Scott and Les at Vicious Circle as they have helped me a lot! But also to Taz, Barry and Ben at Goodgreef, as they were the first people to really give me a chance. Cheers guys!
It does all still seem very overwhelming, as I never dreamed that I would be doing this at the age of 21.
You’ve been playing regular sets up and down the country - do you notice the difference in the north and south with regards to music and crowd and which do you prefer?
The main difference that I see, is that the crowd in the South seems to be a bit older. Apart from that I don’t really see much difference. I love playing in both the North and the South but my personal preference would be playing up North - simply because that’s where I’m from and I therefore see lots more of my mates in the clubs up North.
You’ve recently played your first overseas trip, where did you go and how was the crowd’s response to your sound?
I went to Australia for two weeks with Glaz and had the time of my life. The Auzzies are really into hard house and the style that I play seemed to go down really well. On the trip we went to Auckland in New Zealand and Adelaide in Australia. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to go back there again soon.
Name some hard dance tunes that you really like but wouldn’t fit in to a typical Ben Stevens set.
K90 – “Red Snapper”, BK – “Wanna Ride” and some old trance records (ssh!!).
s it true your about to sign to a large DJ agency and can you reveal who?
Haha, yes it is true. I’ve signed all the contracts to join the Tidy DJ agency.
Similar to yourself being resident for Vicious Circle; your friend and DJ buddy, Caroline Banx, has been signed by Nukleuz. What do you think of the sudden influx of new talent to the scene, and who in your opinion should we be looking out for?
I think it’s a good thing that the promoters are giving new up-and-coming DJs a chance. So long as the people that are coming through are good DJs then it’s definitely a positive thing. A few people that I would say to look out for are: Caroline Banx, Sam Townend, Tim Clewz, Alex Calver and Chris Impact.
What are your views on the alleged bounce revival and do you think it has the scope to make an imprint into the hard house scene once again?
Umm, I seriously hope not, haha! For me it is old music that has had its day. However there are some DJs that manage to make it sound good like Andy Whitby.
Your friend Scott Cooper has left his position as label manager for Vicious Circle - do you think this will result in some new directions for the Vicious sound?
I don’t think so as Glaz has always been the person who decides which tracks we put out.
Name your five top all-time classic Vicious Circle tunes.
1. Paul Glazby – Here We Go (Karim Remix)
2. RR Fierce – Yamamba
3. Eufex – Hit The Beat
4. RR Fierce – Miloude
5. Ian M – Crazy Pills
How did you get your position working at Vicious Circle and what kind of influence has Paul Glazby been on you?
I had got to know Paul through going to Insomniacz week in week out and pestering him about the records he was playing. I went to a few of his gigs with him and got to know Scott better too. When I left university I spoke to them about the possibility of working for them at some point and they offered me a job.
Paul has definitely been a massive influence on me! He was the DJ, that when I was going out clubbing each week, I would travel to see.
You have been spending a lot of time in the studio of late - how are you finding it and what kind of response are your tracks getting?
I’m really enjoying it and the tracks seem to be going down really well.
It’s the biggest buzz plying tracks you have produced in front of big crowds - it’s what I have been dreaming about for the past few years!
Who have you been working in the studio with engineering-wise?
I’ve been working with, Alex Calver, Colin Barratt, Ingo and Mik Cree.
Which artists would you like to collaborate with in the studio?
Glaz, Dom Sweeten, Karim and Marc Johnson.
You’ve recently remixed “Hackney Funk” on Energy UK - if you could get the permission and parts to remix any tune, what would it be and why?
Eufex – Hit The Beat. I have loved this track ever since it was first released and I still play it now every so often.
What’s in the pipe line for you in 2005?
Keep up on the production front and hopefully do some more traveling abroad.
You’ve been booked to play at Insekt’s launch night at Fire alongside Ziad, Pete Wardman, Superfast Oz, George E and Marc Johnson. How does it feel to be playing last, a slot typically reserved for the most established DJ, on such a strong line-up?
I feel very honored to be playing last after all those DJs. It is certainly going to be a quality night!
Have you ever been to or played at Fire and what did you think of it?
I’ve been to Twist before and thought the club was really good. Nice and loud!
In light of the imminent Launch party of Insekt, what do you think are the keys to the success of a hard house night?
The most important thing at a hard house night for me is to have progression in the music. It’s never good to go to a night to find the first DJ hammering out 160 B.P.M filth!
SUPERFAST 0Z:
Where did the names “Superfast 0z" and "Kaktai" come from?
Superfast 0z is an Australian cleaning product that hit the market 12 years ago when I started, my mates gave it me and it’s stuck ever since. Kaktai - we wanted something Japanese sounding but also something we could spell funny, Dom came up with it.
You’re one half of the legendary OD404 with Dom Sweeten, how did the two of you come together as a studio pair and how does a tune take shape when you get together?
We were both DJs for a free party sound system and liked each others style, we decided to start collecting equipment way before we could plug it all together to actually make any tunes. It went from there.
Your production career has been in the limelight for over six years - having seen many producers come and go, how do you think the music has progressed over the years, is it for better or worse and how do you see things panning out in the future?
With the onslaught of the digital age and the fact that you don’t have to spend £25K on a studio or fork out £400 for a session with an engineer, the amount of material has increased which has diluted the market. Also since it’s easier to make music now more than ever before the quality has dropped, or should I say the standard of music being licensed by labels has dropped. There have always been mediocre tunes kicking around on demo but the last three years has seen whole labels born out of this wealth of unsigned tracks.
It seems that some of the old guard of hard house, such as Captain Tinrib and Pete Wardman, are making a studio comeback (on Vicious Circle and Tripoli Trax respectively). Do you think these guys can inject some groove back in to the scene?
I’m not convinced that this will impact the scene too much as many clubbers these days don’t really know these names - it's all the guys in the scene that know. Nevertheless I always welcome good artist’s material from back in the day, I have a lot of respect for those Trade days.
What do you think of the recent “Block Party” and “9 Bar” remixes and were you keen on having these old OD404 classics redone?
I liked both of them, and I’ve been playing Block Party as I have a personal problem with 9Bar - everywhere I go this title haunts me.
Have you heard the Special G remix of “9 Bar” which has caused a stir on the internet and were you sent a copy?
No but I'd love for someone to get Dom and I a copy to hear... Bring it on.
What have you and Dom got in the pipe-line for the next few months production-wise for both Kaktai and other labels, and do you have any interesting collaborations with other producers coming up?
Dom and I have just remixed “The Great Gatsby” a track by Captain Tinrib on Vicious Circle - this is one of the best productions we've done for a while. The response before its release has been really hot. I’ve also finished an anonymous two track project with Project Mayhem for Tidy Trax, the artist name is Big Tool 4 U and these are more ‘bootleggy’ style tracks. Then there’s “Robocock” with Project Mayhem for Kaktai which will be the biggest tune for ages... watch this space!
Who would you like to work with in the studio in the future?
BK, Karim and Nick Sentience have been threatening this for ages now. I think I’d get a good track done with Paul King. Many more really.
You run BangingTunes.com along with Kristian, which has just had a new web site launched - how are things shaping up?
The new site’s going really well and a lot of the old site problems have been totally fixed. The new system is a lot better for us at HQ too so we should have more time for finding more material to offer our customers.
Do you ever get tempted to join in the fun and games on your message board?
I never have time, however I do realise it's now an integral part of the 'Hard Dance' scene and I'd learn from posting but there’s too much to do behind the scenes at B.T.
As a partner in an online record store selling vinyl, what are your views on the legal Mp3 sites that have emerged and what do you think about the state of record sales?
Do you think poor record sales can be attributed to illegal Mp3 downloads or do you think it’s more to do with poor releases from the labels themselves?
Personally I know I have lost out financially somewhere, but I realise the music I've made should have reached more people. You have to look at what kinds of sales are generated from what format. I'm of the opinion that all back catalogues should be available as Mp3s but for new titles; vinyl first for a period of time - this may ensure vinyl stays alive but also allows the masses the tunes. It’s a difficult one.
Do you think Mp3s will spell the end for vinyl?
When most clubs have digital mixing consoles which accept any format then we'll see less vinyl or just acetates being pressed.
Do BangingTunes have plans to offer legal Mp3 downloads?
We've been set up for three years to do so and did start talks with all majors but then decided that the website needed a rebuild first.
As a DJ you are widely respected globally and get to travel the world - where are your favorite places to play and why?
I would say South Africa and San Francisco as I've held residencies there since 2000 and I have lots of friends there to hook up with, otherwise anywhere with an up for it crowd.
What do you think of the current state of the club scene here in the UK?
It’s going back underground, in a commercial sense, which is possibly a good thing if you're not bothered about making bucket loads of money.
Describe the Superfast 0z sound and which labels do it for you?
Pumpin NRG.
I do play a lot of twisted disco / funky techno stuff too. Labels like XVX, Prolekult, Edge and Noom.
What’s your current top-ten chart?
1. Robocock - Superfast 0z vs Project Mayhem - Kaktai
2. Rock The Rhythm - Alex S - Beat Disaster
3. Just Cum - Big Tool 4 u - Tidy White
4. The Great Gatsby - O.D.404 remix - Vicious Circle
5. SpeedCookie - Defective Audio - Spinball
6. Bitch Trog - Big Tool 4 u - Tidy White
7. Hackney Funk - Ben Stevens remix - Energy U.K.
8. Ulubu - Andy Farley & Colin Barett - Blue Cubed
9. Circular Saw - Base Grafitti 2004 mix - Nukleuz
10. Too Hot - The Recyclists - Elasticman
You’re just about to start a new residency at Insekt alongside Paul Glazby and Justin Bourne at Fire - are you looking forward to it, and what are your hopes and expectations for the night?
Recently I've reduced my responsibilities with B.T. in a bid to get into the studio much more. So far this has been the case so I'm really looking forward to a residency which will allow me a playground to test a lot of productions in and create material which will only be played there, actually for there. I can’t wait.
ZIAD:
For those not familiar with the style you play, describe the Ziad sound.
Tuff House/Techno with a groove.
When did you start DJing and when did Trade pick you up?
I bought my first pair of 1200's all the way back in '87 and first played Trade in '94.
You held down a residency the birthplace of hard house, the legendary Trade - how does it feel to be a part of something that was so instrumental to the hard house scene?
Very privileged. At the time I knew Trade was a very special place, but I really didn't realise quite the impact musically it would go on to make. I suppose I shouldn't have been so surprised as it was a truly inspirational place to be.
You're about to play at the Insekt launch party at Fire alongside your long time associates Pete Wardman and Superfast 0z - are you looking forward to the launch and did you ever think you'd all be on the same bill again?
I'm really looking forward to it, should be a great night and a welcome monthly addition to the clubbing calendar. And no I didn't think I'd ever be on the same bill as Pete and 0z again, but that was part of the attraction, knowing the whole night will be full of quality music.
What kind of material do you have planned for your two-hour set at Insekt and what defines a good warm-up set for you?
Lots of funky grooves and b-lines to get the party brewing. For me the key to any warm-up is to know who's coming on after you and what style they'll be playing so you can complement them. Also don't play your set like it's the only one that night, and don't be playing stuff at 150 bpm at 11pm!
Will you be hanging around after your set for a boogie?
Definitely, like I said it’s an excellent line up, so I'm looking forward to getting down to some seriously rockin’ music afterwards.
You're well known for your chunky, bouncy and groovy hard house material on Tripoli Trax and Y2K - what other projects have you been working on and what can we look forward to?
The last thing production-wise was the release by Da Junkies called “Fab Planet” on Remote, but at the moment I haven't got any immediate plans to go back in the studio.
Your label, Tripoli Trax, has had over one hundred releases. What do you think has been the secret to its success?
Working with the finest producers around, having good A&R, really believing in the scene and continually looking to push the music forwards.
You've had numerous hits, both as an artist and as a record label owner, over a spread of labels such as Tripoli Trax, Remote, Y2K, and Locked On, including a few chart hits such as "Moving Too Fast" - what tunes hold a special place in your heart and for what reason?
That's just too tough a question, there are so many that are special to me, I'm just going to have to say all of them!
One of Locked On's finds was discovering Mike Skinner who has gone on to have major success as The Streets - tell us how you came about hooking up and how does it feel to see how well he's done?
Mike was a fan of Locked On and sent a demo in, and that was the start of it all. It's amazing what he's achieved and I am immensely proud of him. He literally did everything on his laptop and should be an inspiration to any budding bedroom producers out there.
You run Pure Groove records in Archway which has just had a major shop refit after fifteen years of trading, and with a new website about to be launched, how's it developing and what changes have been made?
Basically we've broadened our musical horizons, so as well as Hard Dance we now also sell a wide range of music including CD albums - hence we've re-designed the shop and website to reflect and accommodate this.
From working in a record shop on a day to day basis, what are your current views on the state of vinyl sales? Do you think that the market for vinyl will exist for much longer with the dawn of CDJs and Mp3s?
The debate on vinyl becoming extinct has been going on for years, and I suppose there may be a time when this might happen, but I really don't think it's anytime soon. We still sell lots of it and not just 12"s, we get people coming in still wanting to buy albums such as The Prodigy or Franz Ferdinand on vinyl rather than CD. I think Mp3s are just another format that people are getting into as a cheaper alternative, and yes they are convenient to access, but if you ask me there's nothing like the sound of vinyl.
Photos courtesy of Kiko, Viscious Circle, Houseguy, Joeyxx, Zi, Tom, Daf and Cyberpinknotbarbie
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Other Features By El Capitano Pete:
Insekt Preview - An Interview with James Nardi
Interview with George E
Interview with Marc Johnson
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: Toomz on 10th Nov 2004 12:32.46
Excellent interviews... really cant wait for Saturday now!!
From: James Nardi on 10th Nov 2004 12:35.06
Wicked interviews Pete!!!
From: Jennie B on 10th Nov 2004 12:36.06
Wicked interview Pete, really looking forward to Saturday now
From: George-E on 10th Nov 2004 12:52.08
Lets rock!!! Wikd I/view dude!
From: Marc Johnson on 10th Nov 2004 15:14.32
good work pete and berk, roll on sat
From: El Capitano Pete on 10th Nov 2004 15:42.09
Ooopsy, forgot to credit senor Toomz for assistance with the questions. Cheers Ricardo!
From: Toomz on 10th Nov 2004 16:34.32
No problemo!
From: Steve Maynard on 10th Nov 2004 18:27.49
great interview again- roll the weekend!!!!
From: Spank on 11th Nov 2004 00:42.01
Finally the age old questions as to the origins of "superfast oz" and "Kaktai" have been answered!!!
From: TEK-DJ Management on 11th Nov 2004 23:22.27
Fantastic interview Oz, hit the nail on the head!!! A tune with Paul King, now this I'd love to hear.
From: Lucy Fur on 17th Nov 2004 12:59.44
Oz you are the man!
From: Anja on 21st Nov 2004 10:08.02
Always good to here from Oz, pure class, always welcome in Melbourne 
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