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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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Baklash take over the IceBox at HeatUK Aftermath '07
Reported by e99
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Submitted 29-12-06 14:19
Although taking a look through the forums on HF might lead you to believe that there is only one successful regular hard dance afterparty in London — that ain’t the case. Baklash have been plugging away since June 2005 at that legendary crack-on den the 414 in Brixton with their excellent monthly Saturday morning afterparties, featuring their team of bounce loving residents and special guests, and their loyal, friendly crowd. Promoter Mark ‘Fireboy’ and his team aren’t about big headline DJs or making loads of money — they’re about having a damn good time with their mates and listening to the music they love and not wondering about what or who is ‘in’ or what politics are clogging up the scene at any moment. We spoke to Mark about his afterparty’s history as Baklash prepares to host the 2nd room at The Fridge on New Year’s Day morning for HeatUK Aftermath ‘07 — the first hard dance event of the new year!
When did you first discover hard dance? Was it a natural progression from your other musical loves or was it something that came along and took you by surprise?
When I first started seriously clubbing around about 1990ish I was being taken to big events such as Raindance, Ravelation, Reincarnation, Elevation, World Dance and the like. It was at World Dance (I only missed 2) when I realised that I was having it to jungle/drum ‘n’ bass and then finding myself wandering into the other rooms, tents, hangers and fields listening to handbag house (the older generation know what I’m on about) and happy hardcore, meeting all kinds of peeps along the way. When I wasn’t raving I was also a great lover of the cheesy clubs (women and beer!). So it was no surprise that I found myself, about 6 years later listening to hard dance at such places as SW1, Trinity/Chunnel Club, Strawberry Sundae, 414, Colosseum and any other club I fancied at this time.
Who were your early DJ heroes in the scene? Who were the ones that really inspired you to do what you do?
Not being a DJ, I never really had heroes as such, so for me the DJ I would be dancing to at that particular time would be my hero and then if I didn’t like what I was hearing I could then move on to the next DJ and if I liked what I was listening to they would then become my hero (that’s my get out clause!) To do what I’m doing now my inspiration comes from my DJ friends and promoters such as Rob Kane, Tony Duzzit, Marc French, Matt Rush and then of course my residents Zappa, Craig Mac, Clare McLaren to name but a few…my close clubbing friends are all supportive too — as of course is my wonderful wife to be Tracy.
When did you get into the promoting game then?
In 2003 myself and two friends started a Saturday afternoon party called Phuture, which as the name suggests it was about all up and coming new DJ talent. Some of them are now out on the circuit right now! Through various teething problems and all the politics surrounding the venues and other parties we decided to call it a day. So when asked by my friend Stella Flashbak in May 2005 if I would like to start up and be their afterparty, after some thinking I decided to give it a go (unfinished business!). I then had three weeks to sort out a venue, DJs, flyers and of course the name — and I went for it, with the help of [Marc] Frenchy doing flyers, Club 414 (who toook me on and gave me a chance), Rita (Sexyminx Oi Oi) Clare/Bruce McLaren, Craig Mac and all my friends that could help.
We had our first party on the 4th of June 2005 and I was surprised to get around about 110 up for it clubbers coming through the doors to experience ours and their first BakLash (“The afterparty for the afterpeople”). At that point we had no set plans for a second party, but after the feedback I received and after seeing so many smiley faces at the end, I knew I had stumbled on something a little special……well, here I am being interviewed as we go into 2007! Thanking everyone — you know who you are, so do I, including the flyerers, the DJs that have and want to play, and more importantly the clubbers, who have all made this happen) for your continued support.
Do you think it’s something you have a natural flair for, or is it more something you do simply ‘cos you enjoy it?
I try to be natural in everything I do. Go with the flow is my motto (or at least I try). I try to get along with everyone and everything involved in the clubbing world (with the exception of all the politics) as we all should be reaching for the same goal, keeping the spirit the music and the friendly vibe alive. We at BakLash are trying to bring something fresh and exciting to our parties, and hit the right note as it were...
Me and my team seem to have a good ear for getting the right kind of DJs playing for us and the crowd, alongside the established DJs such as Skol, Roosta, Marc French, Steve Blake, Matt Rush our ressies etc. and of course the up and coming talent (and we have had so many) that make our parties successful.
The Baklash afterparties regularly see the 414 rammed on a Saturday morning. How come you prefer putting on afterparties to night time events?
With the competition for night time events already at its limit and the ease of finding a slot, at Club 414, I feel that it’s the right option at this time as it gives all the clubbers from the various night-time events a chance to meet and catch up with friends that don’t want to go home, and there are few creating a new kind of buzz which keeps them dancing until the early afternoon! I myself (biased if you like) haven’t seen an afterparty with such a vibe and atmosphere for awhile (with the exception of Twist of course).
How would you describe your crowd?
How else would you describe the friendliest crowd on a Saturday morning that could be out all night (or get up in the morn) and then to come through the doors of the 414, and have the dance floor rammo, having it from the first to last tune, apart from mad and up-for-it, as well as making this party have such a wicked vibe. Awesome, we Fcukin love it!
Who are your residents and what are their styles? Do you feel they get the recognition they deserve?
We have three residents who are on rotation for each party. All are versatile in the music they play and what they do behind the decks, ranging from trance through to hardhouse/trance. They really do play for the crowd, but our main music policy is bounce in every shape and form, which they do just fine (see the dancefloor). Our residents Craig Mac, who is a Brixton legend, Clare McLaren, an angel but a devil behind those decks and of course Zappa, a perfectionist in every set he plays. All have a following and are crowd favourites.
If this was a night time event, I feel they would be more recognised because what they provide at our afterparties really could and should be main room stuff! Promoters please take note…..
Brixton’s had a lot of bad press this year. Do you think that there are people who won’t go there anymore because of all the trouble it’s had recently?
I do yes, there are a lot of friends and people who I haven’t seen out for while and it is a shame. This is mainly down to the bad press in the area and not down to the various promotions that go on in Brixton. Brixton has always been a clubbing Mecca for generations and we really shouldn’t let a few wronguns ruin it for the next generation of promoters and clubbers alike.
The area has always had a very strong connection with dance music. Why do you feel this is and why do you think that Brixton is such a special area?
Brixton is a community and not a major town centre. I myself don’t know of many places that have such a diverse array of underground venues such as the 414, 3rd Base, Mass, Telegraph and G4 (RIP) alongside the bigger venues i.e. the Fridge and of course the Academy. I don’t think there’s anything like its kind around, ranging from funky house nights, too drum and base and of course all kinds of hard.
You guys are hosting the IceBox at HeatUK’s Aftermath ‘07 at The Fridge on New Year’s Day. How comes you lot were asked to host the room over anyone else?
I myself am as surprised as anyone, but having worked alongside Heat on last year’s boat trip to Germany, where BakLash and Flashbak hosted the club in Germany successfully, we in turn gave Heat something new to work with i.e. the underground sound. It went down well with the hard trance crew, which in turn opened up other avenues of the hard dance spectrum for ourselves and to the loyal followers of Heat.
BL and FB then hosted a 4th birthday alongside the Shining, Vital and Eukalibrium which also went right off. We have since hosted the second room for Marc French and the Heat boys, and the SW4 Afterparty ‘05 and ‘06 at Fridge, which seemed also to be a success. Maybe that’s why we were asked. Thanks to all again for their help in getting us this far.
The main room is going to be pretty hard, bosh bosh bosh all morning. What will you guys be serving up to compliment the main arena filth?
The DJs we have playing for BakLash for you will be serving up a New Year Day extravaganza of uplifting and bouncy hard house and trance which will send you reaching for the sky! Bounce bounce bounce….
What have you got planned for New Year’s Eve then?
Myself, and my wife to be, Tracy, will be running around between a few places dishing out tickets and flyers! We will be seeing and partying with our friends at the 414, Tony & Kirsty at the Factory, and of course end up at the Academy!
The Hard Dance Awards are coming up in February. Who gets your votes and why?
To be honest I’ve not really had much time to even think about February as wedding plans are a priority at this minute, but I will be voting in due time. But if I could vote for them all then I would!
What do you think the hard dance scene needs more or less of?
In a nutshell more fun fun fun, less attitude…!
You know it makes sense!
And last but not least HAPPY NEW YEAR TO U ALL!
Bring on 2007 — it’s all good!
Photos courtesy of Baklash. Not to be reproduced without permission.
HeatUK presents Aftermath07
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On:
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Monday 1st January 2007
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At:
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The Fridge [map]
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From:
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06:30 – 13:30
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Cost:
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Early Bird Tickets: £14 + b.f.
Saver Tickets: £16 + b.f.
M.O.T.D.
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Ticket Info:
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24 Hour Ticket Hotline: Ticketweb 08700 600 100 // www.ticketweb.co.uk
www.viewtickets.co.uk
Mark (Brixton/Essex) 07886 749355
Maria 07813 684399 // www.toomuchbutneverenough.com
Cyberdog 0207 482 2842
Trax 0207 734 0795
Joint Tickets for HeatNYE & HeatNYD (£30 + b.f.) @ Clubtickets 08702 462 050
Event info numbers: 07984 427 575 // 07931 252 095
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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It’s back to The Fridge on New Year’s Day for a massive celebration of hard, fast, energetic dance music like only HeatUK know how. 2007 is set to be a damn fine year for hard music, and we’re kicking it off the way we mean to go on. Following on from our massive New Year’s Eve party at Brixton Academy (5 years on and still going strong), we will be carrying on the party down the road at Brixton’s majestic Fridge. The line-up features a crack team of Hard House legends, who will be playing only the finest music that the genre has to offer. From fun and funky right through to hard and filthy, it’s all about those tough beats. It’s a London thing! With Brixton dons Baklash hosting the second room, this is one crack-on that is guaranteed to kick off!
HeatUK Evolution over the August Bank Holiday showed that no-one rocks The Fridge quite like our crowd and DJs do. New Year’s Day will be no different, with hundreds of hyperactive partypeople coming from our Brixton Academy party, as well as hundreds of others from all over London. So if you won’t be joining us on NYE – make sure you join us on NYD for a glass of champagne and some dirty hard house!
And remember New Year’s celebrations don’t finish at 6AM on January 1st – they’re just getting started!
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Flyer:
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Other Features By e99:
Fergilcious: PunchFunk & Excentrik take over The Key
Goodgreef take on Frantic at NYE-NEC
Trevor Rockcliffe — Proactive — HeatUK & The Gallery NYE — 'nuff said?
HeatUK Evolution: Natural Selection — a look at dance music’s gone-but-not-forgottens
Tasty’s 5th Birthday and the battle of the brands
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: Technikal on 29th Dec 2006 20:53.47
Go on Mark!! So chuffed to see your party picking up the credit it deserves. This man is a complete eye opener, and has shown me many doors to the scene I never knew existed!! Lap it up mate, and have a cracker of a weekend over New Year ... I can't make it myself as I'm all over gigging but I'm sure you won't miss me!
All the best with the wedding, I'm awaiting my pageboy invite!! Hahaha!
From: Korg on 29th Dec 2006 21:00.52
hey Mark! Congrats on hosting the second room again! looks like the party is going from strength to strength  not been to Baklash in a while and must make it back down very soon!
From: Barry Harding on 29th Dec 2006 21:29.18
Wicked interview Mark, Baklash is 1 of the best saturday noon after parties and it looks like its paying off for you big time mate. keep up the good work, and hopfuly see you soon
From: Brucemclaren on 29th Dec 2006 21:41.04
nice one mate see ya soon!
From: UVstomper on 29th Dec 2006 21:47.02
 Baklash IS Brixtons number 1 afterparty, it has never failed to impress or deliver with top residents, upfront tunage and the best party atmosphere, HATS off to Mark, well happy to see that Baklash is getting the credit and good feedback it deserves. I look forward to many more Baklashes in 2007 and hope to come and  again for you too, it really is such a  rocking party to be part of. P.S Cheers for everything in 2006 inc my wicked bday set and drinkies. Big  to Baklash and the crew. xx
From: Nicky D on 29th Dec 2006 21:58.16
Baklash rocks, can't wait for the new year do (Bounce bounce bounce) Good luck for the future Mark & Tracy :o)
From: James Nardi on 30th Dec 2006 00:49.15
Nice one Mark, see you all on NYD!!
From: Kasia Mac on 30th Dec 2006 09:02.57
go baklash!! wicked interview Mark , shame won't be able to make it to The Fridge but hey there is still so many more to come Baklash ROCKS have a good one!!
From: sparkleberry* on 30th Dec 2006 10:16.11
Hey Mark, I loved the interview. It was great to get an insight into what makes Baklash tick. It's obvious that you guys work really hard to deliver a great night to the punters, and actually care about whether they enjoy themselves. I played at my first Baklash in December and can honestly say I have never been made to feel so welcome as I did with you guys. So thank you so much. Good luck for New Years! It will be an awesome party with wicked tunes and smiley people April xx
From: ~deleted7155 on 30th Dec 2006 12:24.46
Nice one Mark! Good to see a genuinely nice person doing so well on the the scene, and in an understated way. Every Baklash I have been to has had a fantastic atmosphere, rocking from start to finish. Thanks for the sets in '06, and hope you can keep it rocking next year!
From: Clare Mclaren on 30th Dec 2006 12:52.14
Your doing a great job Mark, well done! its been a pleasure to be one of your residents, thankyou.
From: Ian Edwards on 30th Dec 2006 19:39.31
Nice work guy's. keep up the good work..
From: Miss BakLash!! on 31st Dec 2006 11:40.22
Well done babe!! 
From: ~deleted1390 on 31st Dec 2006 12:30.33
Nice one Mark. Baklash is the best after party at 414 since Milk and what a bonus that it starts after us.
Look forward to working with you guys in February and again in the future.
Enjoy it, you deserve it. 
From: ORPHEUS on 31st Dec 2006 14:43.42
wicked interview mate, but an even better pary...roll on 2007 and another step on the ladder climbed.
Glen (ORPHEUS)
From: dean peters on 31st Dec 2006 15:52.05
Top man and great promoter. Mark, I know how hard you work to promote your party, as well as holding down such an important job. Well done for 2006 and I hope 2007 brings you the same success
From: Hawkeyes on 2nd Jan 2007 09:13.49
Well done Mark for all your hard work and efforts, good interview and pleasing to see that you are appreciated by your friends, crew and the punters. Zappa is one of my favourite DJs too. Good Luck to you and Tracy in 2007!
From: psymad on 2nd Jan 2007 12:46.01
bloody wicked party !!! your room still rocking even when main room of fridge became cleared out of people !! banging sets from start to finish !!! best party for the clubbers who want to carry on partying and refuse to let sleep slow em down !! keep up the good work
From: DANNY TAPPENDEN on 2nd Jan 2007 17:31.21
Well done Mark, 
Baklash, thee most avvin it Saturday afterparty...
has been keeping me and the rest of us amused for some
time now and will continue doing so for a very long time,
I've had so much fun with, met & still meet friends old & new
@ every one, I sometimes forget my name & walk into walls
But mostly just enjoy the buzz & the Baklash sound...
Keep it up & see ya real soon Mark, Tracy, Minx, Bruce
& ressies Claire, Craig & Zappa...
P.s Mark, maybe I should call ya dad?? Thanx for yesterday  never been like that before (ok. once) what a mad new year!!!!
Happy Rockin' 2007
From: Craig Mac on 3rd Jan 2007 13:16.57
Nice one Mark. I've said this before and i'll say it again, a lot of promoters around town could take a page out of your book! You run a great promotion and it's all about the clubbers and having a good time. RESPECT!! Great working with Clare and Zappa too and of course the rest of "The Afterparty People". All the best for 2007 everyone.
From: BakLash on 3rd Jan 2007 15:29.38
Thank u for all the comments,it really is great knowing that my friends and clubbing family are there for support in wot i try and do,s who have played and will play and to the party goers and all who help us promoting the BakLash name,cause without u all,i wouldn be on here and there would no party...BIG THANKS and Happy 2007  Its All Good.
From: sexyminx on 3rd Jan 2007 18:40.10
Mass  to Mark, Tracy and your wonderful BakLash crew  Am so proud of you What a fantastic promotion  for letting me be part of your crew from the beginning. BakLash is most definately the afterparty for the afterpeople. All the best for 2007. See you on the 6th. Come on down everyone next BakLash is FREE before 8am!
From: Bobbi on 3rd Jan 2007 20:17.00
THE BEST AFTERPARTY IN THE WORLD.
Thank you so much Mark & Tracey,love you guys.
Bobbi Lara Zappa xxx
From: robmac on 4th Jan 2007 20:41.54
Well done Mark, Tracy and all your crew. Like Latex Zebra says "The best afterparty since Milk" and that old Favourite XLR8!!
Keep it up!!!!
From: Ualda on 5th Jan 2007 14:15.34
BakLash ROCKS
From: CLK on 5th Jan 2007 21:10.02
Nice one mark, its a wicked party and it comes from lots of hard work and dedication to the scene
From: techno-bird on 5th Jan 2007 21:33.04
Hey Baklash Crew! Had great time new years day, well done guys. Hoping to make it to some more Baklash parties in 2007...Bring it on! Keep up the good work, it's certainly paying off xxx
From: Dave Austin on 5th Jan 2007 22:03.58
Wicked interview Mark. It's always a pleasure playing for you & keep up the good work mate.
Here's to more fun in 2007!
From: DJD4RK on 6th Jan 2007 01:31.33
Excellent read guys!
Well done Mark, Tracy, Bruce, Claire and the rest of the guys at Baklash.
Always an awesome party and it's been an honour to have be part of it.
Big love x
From: 00Frenchy on 8th Jan 2007 10:49.15
top interview from a top mate... was great to see the Baklash room still pumping well into New Years afternoon... Everyone dont forget to pay respect to Papa Loup at Remembrance next month... see you all there!!
x x x x
From: Pink_Princess on 8th Jan 2007 13:09.15
Great interview Mark! Baklash absolutely rocked on NYD! Looking forward to more fun times in 2007...
T xxx
From: iRUNE on 8th Jan 2007 19:08.43
Wicked party!! It´s been a pleasure to enjoy it with you and Miss Baclash.
Good luck for this year and carry on doing the best afterparties!! Xx
From: mona on 9th Jan 2007 11:29.50
excellent interview - well done - congrats to you and Tracy...
From: DebB on 12th Jan 2007 09:51.08
Was a great interview Mark! Thanks to you, Tracy, Minxy and the rest of the crew for some great times at Baklash which I will never forget. Unfortuanately I won't be there for 2007 but will def be there in spirit. Keep the good times going!
From: Dr DUZZIT on 12th Jan 2007 20:58.35
Mark mate your a legend and its been a pleassure knowing you along the rollercoaster of londons hard dance industry, you've stuck out the hard times and theres nothing more you deserve than this recognission on londons top hard dance forum. Im there to help you no matter what it is and i lookforward to my annual Baklash set in 2007!!! 6hrs if you like mate 
TOP NOTCH FELLA
From: STACE on 13th Jan 2007 09:04.12
Mark is on of the most honest, genuine and friendly promoters on the scene without doubt. This guy deserves every success he gets. Top bloke and a top party!
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