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Features
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| 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! | | DJ talk with Psyrenzo ahead of his debut set at Tribal Village, the Steelyard this Friday 14th January 2022! | | TENZO aka Overdrive talks freely about launching his new act which will be showcased at Tribal Village, Steelyard on 14 January 2022! | | A long overdue catch up with JourneyOM ahead of his next Tribal Village party this Friday 14th January 2022 at the Steelyard, London! |
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The biggest New Year’s celebration in the UK — NYE–NEC preview with Gatecrasher’s Riley & Durrant
Reported by NinetyNinePR
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Submitted 05-12-05 19:56
Riding high on the crest of the wave that has brought UK trance producers and DJs to the forefront of the global trance scene, Riley & Durrant are a pair of DJs who are constantly getting bigged-up left right and centre. Part of the global Gatecrasher phenomenon, these two will be heading up a sweet trance line-up for GC’s arena at NYE-NEC in Birmingham on December 31st — a gig that cements their rep as two of the UK’s biggest trance jocks.
Nick Riley and Andi Durrant first came into the limelight while they were part of the now defunct Top Draw DJ Management Agency, which saw their production career get underway successfully, and gigs coming in from around the world. You can instantly tell from listening to their productions that they are genuinely talented, with a deep understanding of the subtleties that are required to make good, melodic trance music. Their careers continue to go from strength to strength, and in the 4 years since they met they have achieved an amazing amount. So how did these trancetastic superstars meet in the first place anyway?
When did you guys first meet then? Was it “Love” at first sight or did you know each other for a while before hooking up as DJs?
Nick: We first met at Gatecrasher in January 2002 and it was far from love at first sight — in fact I took an instant disliking to Andi! To cut a long story short, I had just started my weekly residency at Gatecrasher and was doing 3 hour warm up sets (9–12). I got a call from Ben the promoter half an hour before my set telling we I was only playing till 10.30 as Andi Durrant was playing 10.30–12. This wound me right up as it was the 3rd week of my residency, I had just brought a load of new tracks to play and I had never really heard of Andi Durrant, let alone him playing trance! Andi noticed my hostility and offered me a guest mix on his Galaxy Show. I quickly realised he was sound and we hit it off straight away!
Andi: I still don’t really like him to be honest.
Did either of you play anything other than trance previously or was it your first love as DJs?
N: I started off playing happy hardcore! I then moved on to what I would call “pumping house” (the stuff Tall Paul played in the mid nineties) and then after hearing a Paul Oakenfold Perfecto CD I was hooked on trance.
A: I still play a broad selection of dance through my radio shows on Galaxy. I’m lucky enough to present the flagship Saturday warm up show on the network so I play a lot of house in there. Also, in our Nu Breed show we play everything from techno to drum and bass.
What were the key moments in your career so far that helped you get to where you are today?
N: I started a progressive house night in Sheffield in 98 called Delve Deeper which gave me the opportunity to play out weekly. We held a one off party at the Republic in Sheffield in June ‘99 which sold out impressing the Gatecrasher management. They then offered me the chance to run my own weekly trance night called Steem at their new club Bed which I jumped at! Steem ran for 2 successful years and it was through my residency there that I was offered my first Gatecrasher gig. Also meeting Andi and forming a production relationship as well as a business one.
A: In the last few years we’ve been helped a lot by the support Tiesto has given us — having our first track ‘Candesco’ on his In Concert DVD was a big moment for us — he said it was his favourite track of 2003 so that help push our remix and production stuff. We went on to remix Armin’s ‘Burned with Desire’ and a few others supported by a lot of the A-list DJs. Playing our first live set with keyboards and computers in St Petersberg was a big step for us to.
Do you currently hold any residencies?
N: Yes, we are Crasher residents.
2005 must have been a pretty amazing year for you guys eh?
N: Absolutely! The biggest was signing to Serious for our DJ management, it’s always been a dream of ours and it great that it’s come alive. We have had our busiest DJing year to date including our Godskitchen debut at the MEN in Manchester and our second set at the Nottingham Arena for Crasher.
A: We also had some good gigs in Ibiza and good a great reaction from our music. We were asked to remix Way Out West’s ‘Don’t Forget Me’ which was an honour, as well as work on tracks for Scott Mac, Cosmic Gate and a load more.... playing your own mixes and tracks to a good audience is the best feeling in the world.
You have produced some excellent tracks that have found favour throughout the industry, including with the likes of Tiesto as you mentioned. How long have you guys been producing and is it something that comes naturally to you?
N: We started producing pretty much as soon as we met. We both have musical backgrounds, I played the violin and trumpet as a kid which was very un-cool at the time, but has become invaluable now!
A: I was made to go to Yamaha music school throughout my childhood, but I’m so glad I did. We’ve been producing for about 3–4 years now and it’s something we love.
What ambitions do you have for your production career? Will we be seeing a full-on Riley & Durrant artist album?
N: That is the plan. We were hoping to get something well underway by now but this year has flown by. We are working on other projects as well under different guises with some very well know artists but that is all we’re allowed to say for the moment! We’ve got a track called ‘Neon Eyes’ coming out on United in the next couple of months to.
How are you involved with Tidy exactly?
A: We play at most of their events and Weekenders, and our production company Distorted makes their radio show ‘Music for A Harder Generation’ We’re also good mates with Andy and Amo — the soundest men in dance music.
You will be playing it the Gatecrasher Arena at the massive NYE–NEC party in Birmingham on December 31st. What was the best New Year’s Eve you ever had?
N: From a DJing point of view it would be Gatecrasher at The Republic 2002, I ended up doing a marathon 3 sets! I warmed up for Matt Hardwick in the main room, played old skool classics back to back with Andi for 2 hours in the back room and then played 2–4 in the main room. I was so nervous as it was my first late set, but thankfully it went really well.
A: As a clubber, I spent the Millennium at Cream at the Pierhead in Liverpool with loads of mates.
What track would you play to usher in the dawning of a New Year? Have you played a NYE Midnight set before?
N: We played the midnight set at Garlands last year and dropped ‘You’ve Got The Love’ by Candi Staton, the place went mental even though it was the middle of a trance set, so you never know!
How has your own on Galaxy FM been going? I imagine it’s quite a laugh to do?
A: It’s fantastic — our Nu Breed show has gone from strength to strength in the last 2 years… from 2am on 1 station to 11pm on the network. We are lucky enough to reach hundreds of thousands of people a week on Galaxy, and we’re very grateful they had the foresight (and balls!) to let us play really underground music on one of the UK’s biggest radio stations.
Did you guys have any previous radio experience? Or did you just have to be quick learners?
N: Never and I’m still learning!
A: I’ve been in radio since I was 15… and I’m 24 now… so it’s all I know! While all my mates went off to uni I was building a radio and DJing career so I’m pretty f*cked if I ever have to do anything else.
What advice would you give to anyone hoping to crack into the radio industry?
A: Radio is one of the hardest industries to get into, as it’s so small. Galaxy run a radio academy every year where people can learn the ropes and find out what goes on. From there they often get work in the ground crews working at events and from there some move into production. I worked for free for a year before I got a proper job producing the specialist shows. Getting your foot in the door is the most important thing… then impressing the right people. On air be natural and real — don’t try and put on a fake voice or talk in a way you heard someone else — just be you!
Why do you think trance is so very very popular the world over?
N: Because it is easily accessible to everyone and it keeps reinventing itself… the trance of ‘98-99 is very different to that of today.
A: It’s one of the only types of music that provides real escapism… you can really let your hair down and enjoy some properly uplifting music. It’s got the most emotion of any dance music, and people want music to invoke some kind of reaction… trance does that!
NYE NEC
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On:
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Saturday 31st December 2005
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At:
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NEC
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From:
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20:00-06:00
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Cost:
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£42.00 direct from SVHQ until November 21st (NO BOOKING FEE)
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Website:
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www.slamminvinyl.com
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Ticket Info:
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Ticket Prices£37.50 Early Bird Tickets SOLD OUT!
£42.00 direct from SVHQ until November 21st (NO BOOKING FEE)
£45.00 direct from SVHQ thereafter (NO BOOKING FEE)
£45.00 + Booking Fee from all other outlets at all times
£60.00 VIP Tickets only available from SVHQ in limited numbers. Entitles the bearer to queue jump at the event, a free event programme, and access to an exclusive VIP bar overlooking the NEC Arena.
SVHQ Direct Credit Card Line 0208 363 5566 (office hours only)
www.slamminvinyl.com
NEC Box Office 0870 909 4133
www.necgroup.co.uk
Ticketmaster 0871 230 5454
www.ticketmaster.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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NYE-NEC
The UK’s BIGGEST New Year’s Eve Party
@ The National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
31st December 2005
20:00-06:00
6 world beating club brands are joining forces for one night only to bring you the ultimate end-of-year party, and no expense has been spared in compiling a massive line-up featuring legendary DJs and Live Acts from each scene! All of our limited low-price Early Bird Tickets have now SOLD OUT after overwhelming demand since tickets went on sale. You can still get your tickets direct from Slammin’ Vinyl for £42.00 or for £45.00 from all other outlets.
Throughout 2005, we’ve taken you on a journey to some of the best all-night dance parties in the world, from Transmission at London’s Alexandra Palace to WestFest at The Royal Bath & West Showground…but this is the greatest of them all! Nothing even comes close!
Officially the UK’s biggest NYE party, NYE-NEC brings you an incredibly diverse, all-star line-up in the biggest venue in the entire country! Expect nothing less than the cutting-edge sound, lighting, décor and production values that we put so much time, money and effort into providing, all on a scale you will never have witnessed before!
6 world beating club brands are joining forces for one night only to bring you the ultimate end-of-year party, and no expense has been spared in compiling a massive line-up featuring legendary DJs and Live Acts from each scene. With so much on offer in every arena, only one question should remain: Where will you be when the clock strikes 12 on December 31st 2005?
Getting There
By Road: The NEC is perfectly situated at the hub of the UK motorway network, enabling you to travel directly from M42, M5, M6, M6 Toll, M1 and M40.
By Rail: The NEC has its own station, Birmingham International, connected by a covered bridgelink. For train times and fares please phone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or go to www.nationalrail.co.uk.
By Coach:
National: Call Event Express on 0208 342 1155
South Coast: Call Ernie on 02392 423329 / 07973 551171
West Country: Call Antony on 07979 272 412
South West: Call Eventz Travel on 07779 232 854
South West: Call Joyrides on 07885 047891
The nearest hotel is the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, a few hundred yards from the venue. Call 0121 780 4242 for reservations. For other hotels please visit www.necgroup.co.uk/visitor or call 0121 780 4141.
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Flyer:
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Region:
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Midlands
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Music:
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Trance. Hard Trance. Nu NRG. Hi NRG. Hardcore. HardStyle. Hard House. Techno. Breaks.
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DJ's:
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One Nation
Drum & Bass Arena
Andy C – the first main set of 2006
Pendulum Live PA – feat. MC Spyda with decks, FX and pyrotechnics – finishing 2005 and taking us into 2006
Mampi Swift
Friction
Bryan G
Brockie
Hazard
DJ SS
Simon Bassline Smith
Nicky Blackmarket
With Fearless, Skiba, Shabba D, Eksman, SP MC, IC3, GQ.
Raindance
Old Skool Arena
808 State Exclusive
The Ratpack
Billy Daniel Bunter
DJ SS & Simon Bassline Smith (Jungle Set)
Seduction
Lukeozade
Flashback
Danny G
G Magical
With MC’s Everson Allen, Ice & Strict
Hardcore Heaven
Hardcore Arena
The Midnight Set: DJ Sy (2004 & 2005 Hardcore DJ of the year) B2B Scott Brown (2003 DJ & 2005 Producer of the year), with MC Storm (2003, 2004 & 2005 Hardcore MC of the Year)
Mark EG (2003, 2004 & 2005 Hard Dance DJ of the year) – the last set of 2005
Hixxy (Outstanding Contribution Award 2005) B2B Darren Styles (Best Track 2004 & 2005) – the 6am finish, the last set of the night!
Plus:
Brisk
Kevin Energy
Sharkey
Marc Smith
Dougal
Gammer (Best breakthrough DJ 2004)
With Storm, Whizzkid, Wotsee (Best Breakthrough MC 2004), Odyssey, Smiley
Sundissential & Frantic
Hard House Arena
Midnight Set: Nu Energy Live PA
Ilogik Live
Proteus
Kutski (Radio 1)
Andy Whitby
Cally & Juice
Dark By Design
Cally Gage
Nick Rafferty
Hannah Wild
Gatecrasher
Global Sound System
Lange
JFK
Riley & Durrant
Paul Kershaw
Stevie G
Hardcore Heaven
Hardcore Extreme
Mark EG
M-Zone
Scott Brown (Hard Set)
Scorpio
Vortex
MC Squidgy B
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Other Features By NinetyNinePR:
Polish Poison — introducing DJ Keen
Global trance superstars Above & Beyond bring their Anjunabeats to London for the Tri-State album launch
A world first! Will Paterson reveals all as Frantic teams up with Moondance for a huge free party
All-time trance king Ferry Corsten rolls into town for Heat NYE
Lashed 3rd Birthday preview with promoter Roman
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: Reece Elliot on 6th Dec 2005 10:25.43
Go lads, wicked djs!
From: benz on 6th Dec 2005 12:09.50
Thanks to Paul Underhill for the pics btw!
From: tidyrichard on 6th Dec 2005 17:42.05
Two very well grounded guys ...deserve all ya success ...
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