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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 |
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Addicted to Addiction!
Reported by Less is Bat
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Submitted 20-04-05 23:47
It’s a Thursday afternoon and the office is dry, dull and drab. The constant hum of the computers has melted your brain and you fear you may never make it to the weekend. You’ve replied to just about every thread on Harderfaster and all you’ve learnt from the afternoon is that Ponyboy has a new alias and Saint. and GiftedPixie have yet to resolve their differences. Faced with the prospect of another night in front of the telly you are tempted to weep into your keyboard… and yet, you forgot! That saving grace that has pulled us through the mid week blues! It’s that time of the month folks! It’s ADDICTION!
Addiction has been a gathering point for Harderfaster folk since its launch in September 2004. Held at the ever-so-central Southside Bar on Cleveland Street, it’s easier to get to than home after a long day in the office. But what is it that draws us all to the dark, lazerfest of hard-trance that is ‘the cellar’ every Thursday possible? Why Addiction?
The_thunderbird: “The reason I keep going back to Addiction is because the standard of music is one of the best I have heard. It also provides an unmatched social environment, with plenty of familiar faces, not to mention the specials on drinks! Addiction has fast become one of my favourite events!”
Scouser: “I come back to Addiction every fortnight for a number of reasons. The main one is there is always a great, friendly and welcoming crowd of people, which is rare in that part of town. Secondly, the music is always ace, varied, and builds nicely throughout the evening. I also like the fact it finishes at eleven so I don't get tempted to stay out until 5am and get completely twatted. The promoters put in a lot of energy and don't spend their time sucking the djs off but come and have dance which is always welcome. Oh, and the drinks are cheap and the staff are very friendly.”
bunnykins230: “It’s nice going somewhere that plays decent tunes on a wk night. Most of my mates are clubbin mates so makes more sense and is more fun to meet up here on a week night than in a pub, even though we usually always end up somewhere non-clubby like restaurants with late licences after!”
CamdenNurse: “For all those that are greedy and cannot wait until the weekend, Addiction is a God send! Not only is it full of friendly faces, down to earth promoters, and some of the best drinks around, we can dance our socks off and enjoy not working on a Friday!”
IanH: “I go because I knew the Addiction crew before they were famous, but I also go because it's always a good atmosphere, one of the best places to catch some of the South's best unsigned and up and coming talent and it's a great place to catch up with all the London based friends and acquaintances that I wouldn't otherwise see very often.”
Now I should of course not limit this discussion simply to the familiar faced hard trance side of Addiction’s Thursday nights in the Southside basement. The recent introduction of funky house to the upstairs bar in the Southside brings a much-welcomed alternative and breathing space for all Addiction fans. When this Addition came about, Addiction seemed like it had become the complete package. What more could you want from a promotion? How about Addiction on a larger scale in a proper club? Heck no… what about Addiction in Ibiza! If it seems like a bit of a fantasy, think again — for this is exactly what is on the cards for the future of Addiction!
Addiction has been made the official warm up party for Heat in Ibiza. Those on the Addiction mailing list will have been offered a discounted deal on flights, accommodation and club entry in Ibiza – the clubbing capital of the world! Not only that, but the 13th March sees Addiction expand and enjoy the atmosphere and design of SeONe’s Blue Rooms.
It’s a phenomenal thing to see a small club night develop and gain in profile at the rate at which Addiction is growing. Many who have attended Addiction from the word ‘go’ now sit back like proud parents as Addiction goes from strength to strength. For me, this is where Addiction has made its niche and its ladder to success. Through its friendly and welcoming nature, which involves everyone who comes through the SSB doors, Addiction has worked its way into the hearts and souls of each returning clubber. As a regular you feel like you are involved in something exciting and yet familiar.
I’m sure they need little introduction, but I would like to introduce you all to the team behind the Addiction events; Mike Harris, Andy T, Funky Franky, AshleyJames and Luke Warner.
I’ve known you guys (and girl – Franky) for a while now. For those who have never met you, tell us who you are and what your role in the Addiction team is?
AT – I’m Andy T, one of Addiction’s three promoters. I’m 24, and I have been clubbing for almost 9 years and playing in London’s club circuit for the last year and a half. Being an Addiction promoter has a pretty endless job description really. It’s actually quite scary how many hours of preparation are needed before the night itself, even for a small Thursday night free event. I guess my main responsibilities are all the boring stuff. Making sure that the event is listed in every dance music publication and every dance music web site, deciding on line ups and booking DJs, thinking up flyer and poster designs, and many other things, but the most enjoyable part is coming up with new and original ideas to try and make us stand apart from the rest.
MH – I’m Mike Harris, one of the Addiction’s promoters and djs. I have always loved trance music as far back as I can remember, and I’ve been clubbing since I was 18 and djing around London for just over a year! I share some responsibilities with Andy, which include creating DJ line ups and flyer and poster designs and generally making sure things are running smoothly. Andy is a lot more technical than I, so he does most of the computer based roles. I do the things he can’t while he is at work: flyering the record shops, going to check out venues for future events and setting up the Southside on Thursdays ready for Addiction.
FF – Hi, I’m Frances or Funkyfranky and I love dirty filthy electro house music. I joined the Addiction team in February to promote and organize FunkAddiction in the upstairs bar. This includes finding, booking, and taking care of DJs, listening to demos, inputting ideas for the night in general, and generally helping out the boys.
AJ - My role is mainly as a resident, however, I also help out Mike each week a couple of hours before the party and make sure everything is set up how we want it. This includes everything from sound system checks, putting up the posters, flyers, set lists, laser, sorting out the televisions etc... It's a mad rush from the moment we're allowed in there. I also help to promote the event with flyering etc.
AT – Yeah we’d be lost without Ash.
LW – Hi, I’m Luke Warner and I was the fourth resident to join the Addiction team back in December last year. I’ve known Andy, Mike & Franky for ages and I was over the moon when Andy & Mike offered me the residency.
Ok so who wears the trousers?
AT – He he, that would definitely be me although Mike and I share the responsibilities 50/50.
FF - Andy definitely!!!
AJ – Andy, he's a bit of a perfectionist!! I assure you that’s no bad thing though. He’s very motivated and a great promoter.
MH – I let Andy wear the trousers, if you know what I mean! Seriously though, we’re a team and we share the responsibilities/decisions 50/50, but sometimes I find that when there’s more than 1 of you running a party you won’t always agree! If this happens, I think its best if 1 person takes control and makes that decision otherwise nothing would get done. We decided that Andy would best suit this role.
LW - Andy & Mike.
AT – I think you’ll find it’s conclusive then.
Back to basics then! What is Addiction?
AT - Addiction is all about the warm up to your weekend. London’s clubbers can come to an intimate venue, surrounded by friends and like-minded people and listen to some of London’s more established DJs, all with no entrance fee.
FF - Addiction is all about providing clubbers with a place to go and have it on a Thursday night, listening to DJs that you would go and see on a Saturday. Lovely venue, cheap drinks and lots of friendly clubbers that people know.
MH – When Andy & I decided to start Addiction we had one thing in mind, to create a mid-week party with an emphasis on having a good time. Somewhere that our friends could come and meet up before the weekend and have a chat, a drink and a good old stomp. Also booking up & coming DJs to play along with a few more established djs.
AJ - Addiction is basically becoming our lives. Andy and Mike came up with the idea to hold a great midweek party in a comfortable, clean, air-conditioned venue. They found a great little venue with friendly staff and a decent sound system and Addiction was born. Basically we want to give people a reason to start the weekend early. It’s convenient, free and we show case up and coming and established DJ talent. It's what you want it to be really. To me - it’s a great hard dance party, an excuse to meet mates and a pleasure to be involved in.
When did you hold your first event?
AT – Our first event was on Thursday Sept 2nd 2004. We only had two weeks between confirming the date with the SS B manager and the launch party itself but we still filled the venue with around 60 people and met the minimum spend requirements. Two weeks later at our 2nd event we more than doubled the numbers and the bar takings, and things have just grown from there.
How did your use of the venue the Southside Bar come about?
AT – Last year I had a DJ residency for Foreplay who also used the venue. I had been thinking about running my own promotion for a while, and as soon as I walked downstairs I knew it would be perfect for our needs. A nice sized dance floor, TVs for visuals, a dedicated DJ booth, and comfy sofas, not too mention flexibility on the drinks tariff.
How do you feel about the success of Addiction? When you see your friends and familiar faces cheering on YOUR night, how do you feel?
MH – In one word AMAZING, when you put a lot of time, energy and effort into something and it goes well, you feel such a sense of satisfaction and generally feel pretty damn good about yourself. To see all these people having a great time and enjoying themselves makes all of the time and effort spent so worthwhile.
AT – We’re absolutely overwhelmed with how well everything has gone. We certainly never thought back in September that we would have expanded the music policy to include a separate room of funky house, or that we would be running our 1st major event in May @ Deep Blue or hosting boat parties in July. Not to mention going to Ibiza in June and being a pre-party for Cream!! Promoting the night involves a lot of hard work. With so many hours spent each evening and weekends on the phone or sitting by the PC, or just planning ahead, it’s often easy to give in and put it off until later. But it’s when you see the people’s smiling faces on the dance floor, and reading their positive comments on public forums such as Harderfaster it really spurs us to go on.
The addition of the funky room came about a few months back now, are you pleased with its success and what made you decide to host it in the first place?
AT – Back in January things were getting a bit too much downstairs. Some people were actually complaining about lack of room to dance and getting to the bar or crossing the room could take up to 5 minutes.
MH – As well as that the other main reason behind starting FunkAddiction was to offer more variation in the choice of music we offer, creating another room to dance in and groove to the funky beats or sit and chill while chatting with friends. This is why we asked FunkyFranky to be the FunkAddiciton promoter and make sure it all runs smoothly.
FF – Thanks guys, when Andy & Mike asked me to join the crew to promote FunkAddiction, I didn’t need to be asked twice!!! I’m more then happy with the way things have progressed in such a short space of time, seeing the upstairs bar as busy as downstairs is such a wicked feeling. However, it is all down to the talented DJs that play for us that make the party and vibe feel so alive. I have some great ideas for future events so watch this space.
Hard trance is synonymous with Addiction. If you expand as a promotion will you remain faithful to this genre or will you expand?
AT – Uplifting trance and hard dance will always be our main music policy. This is not to say that every party will be hard trance, we have had DJs come down and play progressive house/trance, filthy trance, hard house and very hard dance and I understand that Mr Lawson will also be slipping some psy trance into his set at Deep Blue. For us, what’s most important is the progression from slow melodic, uplifting trance right through to hard dance.
FF – I think you’re forgetting the house music  . With the success of FunkAddiction alongside the main promotion, it offers the night more choice of genres in bigger venues. Who knows where else you will see FunkAddiction!
MH – Definitely, your music policy is as big a part of your promotion as anything, you generally know when going to a big party like Heat what kind of music your going to hear, which in my opinion is very important! We will always stay faithful to our hard trance/dance policy, although I will be trying to fit in as much trance as I can get away with!
So you managed to branch out to SeOne’s Blue rooms! It’s an exciting prospect for Addiction regulars so can you tell us what we can expect on the night?
AT - We’re pretty excited about this as well. Deep Blue is a fantastic venue, extremely stylish and very accommodating. On the night we are aiming to transform the venue from its usual brickstone archways into something more visually pleasing than normal. There will also be two rooms of music and one chill out area. We don’t want to give too much away but there will definitely be visuals provided by MindCandy, lasers in each room, and some lovely looking dancers. We will also be bringing in a few extra K’s worth of sound system to make sure that the music quality is second to none all night. All this plus Deep Blue’s recently renovated lighting system and the top quality DJ line up we have selected should hopefully make it one top night.
MH – Oh Yes, we are mega excited, we just decided it was time to take the next step and throw a proper night time party with world class DJs as well as our Addiction regulars. In securing Ilogik and James Lawson, as well as Addiction regulars such as Olly Perris, Trevor McLachlan, Brad Thatcher and Greg Brookman, we feel we have a pretty special line-up and with tickets initially at just £7 and now £10, we feel it’s great value for money and should be the best Addiction to date!
LW - One thing about Andy & Mike is that they know how to pick a good line up and construct it to make the progression flow through the night! The line up is jam packed with talented djs, both superstar and up & coming, such as James Lawson, Ilogik, Olly Perris, M.D.A & Spherical. I’m know Andy & Mike have a few tricks up there sleeves to make the night spectacular and also the Addiction crowd just having it, which is one of the best atmospheres I’ve experienced
Your deal with Heat in Ibiza is a great opportunity. Can you tell us a bit more about it?
AT - When Heat approached us about Ibiza Heat 2005 we were lost for most words apart from obviously ‘yes’. Having been on the trip for the last two years I know how much fun the week is, and to actually have our party out there on the Island, and being a pre-party for Cream, the biggest night on in Ibiza, is just a dream come true.
MH – I believe my first reaction was something like “oh my god” “that’s fu**ing amazing!” I was and still am, as you can imagine, very, very excited!
We will be doing a party @ a club called Summum in San Antonio bay, as a pre-party to Cream and we will be bringing James Terry, Olly Perris and Owen B as our djs for the party!
Have you all been out to Ibiza before? What do you think about it – is it still the clubbing capital of the world?
AT – I have loads of times, this will be my 4th trip to the island, and its one of my favourite places to go. However I do feel that London quite simply is the clubbing capital of the world. The UK dance music scene is absolutely massive compared to other countries, with our producers being some of the best in the world. The choice of clubs and the number of events on over here every weekend is unbelievable and every promotion has its own following.
MH - I have been there twice but only once clubbing and that was with Heat. I had an absolutely fantastic time, the clubs are amazing, some of the best in the world!!
In my opinion there is nowhere in the world like Ibiza and if you like clubbing, sun, sea and sand then there’s no better place to be!!
LW - I’ve never been but always wanted to go, I can’t wait that’s all I can say!
So where do you see Addiction going in the future? You are all still young, do you intend on making promotion your careers?
AT - Well we’re currently planning a boat party for July 9th, and our 1st Birthday party in September. As for beyond that I think it will be a long while before we are doing events catering for 2000 + once a month. I love our Thursday night parties and always want to keep them as a reminder of why we started, and to keep an aspect of the promotion that’s still free for the clubbers. The possibilities are endless though, and I have always believed that if you want something bad enough you can always make it happen. I guess what I’m trying to say is watch this space.
MH- As I don’t work, promotion/djing is currently my life/job! Obviously its still very early days, but if you want my honest opinion, I would like to one day be up there with the big boys!! i.e. Heat, Frantic!
So why do you think we are addicted to Addiction anyway? Are you putting something in the beer?
AT – You’re joking aren’t you! We spend enough money on the rest of the party!! But seriously it’s a combination of many things; the location, drink deals, DJs and most importantly people know that their friends will be there. We’re just happy that everyone keeps coming back to party after party and always has a good time.
FF - It’s those drink prices, especially the Mai Tais!!!
MH - Obviously as with any successful party, it’s a combination of different factors. We have a lovely venue with very cheap drink deals and some amazing DJs!
It’s nice for people to come down on a Thursday, meet their friends, have a chat and a drink and then blow off some steam on the dance floor!
Thanks so much for talking to me and I’ll be seeing you very soon.
Best of luck to Addiction as a promotion, I hope it continues to go from strength to strength.
All photos courtesy of Jess the Cat and Addiction.
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Other Features By Less is Bat:
Celebrating the launch of Party Proactive at its new Turnmills home — an interview with D.A.V.E. the Drummer
The HeatUK and HarderFaster Xmas Payback Party — reviewed!
The freaks come out! Riot Spooktacular reviewed
Party Proactive is coming: interview with Soto of Botchit and Scarper
Squelcher VS Guilt — The Beach Party review
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: Kamora on 20th Apr 2005 23:54.31
Roll on Addiction!  Well done Jess what a top interview 
From: Olly Perris on 21st Apr 2005 00:34.38
Simply phenomnial. I don't think any other promotion in the history of hard dance has hit cult status in the speed in which Addiction has done. Superb crowds, incredible drink deals and to top it all off, the friendliest promoters I have ever met bar none. Mike & Andy, thank you so much for all the great nights and Addiction will continue to grow and grow. This is gonna be the big time boys, get ready as the rush comes. 
From: FrankyB on 21st Apr 2005 07:26.21
Jess that is a an Excellent review, thanks hun
Really looking forward to Deep Blue, Ibiza and the boat party...bring on the summer!!!!
From: djtomallan on 21st Apr 2005 08:31.27
Nice article and congrats on Ibiza (see you there!). Looking forward to playing at Addiction in May. T
From: K.A.R.L. on 21st Apr 2005 09:16.47
Nice interview. One of my fave sets was for you guys last year, and am looking forward to Deep Blue & the boat party. Keep up the good work.
From: Less is Bat on 21st Apr 2005 09:18.12
See you tonight addiction massive and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY T! A pleasure to write for you and all comments on the feature are very much appreciated as always. x
From: Elvis on 21st Apr 2005 09:23.23
Wicked interview, I have always enjoyed my visits down there. Best of luck for the future !!!
From: Trevor McLachlan on 21st Apr 2005 09:58.15
Fantastic interview!! ... I have enjoyed every single set that I have played at Addiction, the crowd are always well up for it. Very much looking forward to playing for them again tonight too  And of course can't wait to play for you guys at Deep Blue, and also the Boat Party .... It's good to see some young enthusiastic promoters like these guys doing so well, and wanna thank them for the opportunities to play for them as often as I have ... Roll on more Addiciton parties
From: Karl Alexander on 21st Apr 2005 10:05.09
Well done to Andy, Mike & the addiction crew. Quality night and great people !
From: James Jaye on 21st Apr 2005 10:23.59
Wicked party!Well done guys, best of luck
From: Stevi D on 21st Apr 2005 10:39.53
FANTASTIC WORK BOYZ!!!! I hope to play for you one day!
From: Matt B on 21st Apr 2005 11:01.35
Andy, Mike, Ash, Luke And FunkyFranky - Quality night, quality people, quality crew - You KNOW how much I enjoy your night, both when I am playing or just along to meet up.
This night will defo go places, and I cant wait for Deep Blue!!
Keep up the good work!
From: carl nicholson on 21st Apr 2005 12:44.36
Brilliant promotion! Keep up the gud work lads!
From: Ben (Wid and Ben) on 21st Apr 2005 12:51.45
Wicked stuff dudes.
See you on May 19th
From: Mat Lock on 21st Apr 2005 13:31.00
Great Interviews Jess. Superb write up on what is probably the best small party in the land. I wish all the Addiction Crew success for the future, continuing their Thursday night parties as well as their new ventures into all-nighters and boat parties.
From: Daniel Reynolds on 21st Apr 2005 16:20.33
Always a Great Night, Well done Guys and Girl/s
From: WEBBO on 21st Apr 2005 16:51.14
well done guys n girls ,wicked write up miss "southside" jess
cant believe it took me 6 months to make my 1st one and i still havent done 2nd visit 
will def be down soon , keep up the good work
From: Richard Launch on 21st Apr 2005 18:08.19
Bring on the Boat Party.
From: dimitry on 22nd Apr 2005 12:13.32
Keep up the good work!!!
From: Pickled Pat on 22nd Apr 2005 12:48.44
Good stuff Andy and Mike! Your hard work is paying off, looking forward to a great night with you guys at Deep Blue!
From: Ashley James on 22nd Apr 2005 17:52.13
Cheers guys.
From: Andy T on 23rd Apr 2005 01:16.36
Thank you so much Jess for such a great feature  and to every single person that has supported us week after week. Any party is only as good as its crowd and you guys are the best
We hope you can make it to our last 4 parties at the Southside Bar until Sept throughout May & June, and also Deep Blue (May 13th) & The Boat Party (July 9thy). keep an eye on www.addictionclubbing.com for more details.
From: Charlie Rox on 23rd Apr 2005 12:03.06
Awesome report on londons best thurs night knee's up, well done to all involved, all I hear is wicked reports and its going from strength to strength, if I lived in london I would be an addict!!! Keep firing those tunes!!!!!!
From: Spherical on 23rd Apr 2005 20:09.35
Couldn't agree more with what Olly said!
It was a pleasure to be at the first one and watch Addiction grow. Its a damn shame I've moved oop north 
Everytime I've been its been a wicked night. Top marks to Andy/Mike/Ash/Luke and Franky
Hope all goes well with Ibiza, and BRING ON 13th MAY! 
From: Camden Nurse on 24th Apr 2005 16:06.06
One word: SWEETETTETETETET
From: Ashley James on 24th Apr 2005 18:40.57
What does sweetetetetetet mean Hazel?
From: Spherical on 24th Apr 2005 21:09.36
It means "OMG THATS FUCKING AMAZING!!!!!!!" in blonde-speak.
From: DJ Vale on 25th Apr 2005 11:05.30
Thumbs up from me! ;-) Well played Andy and Mike!
From: EssQue on 25th Apr 2005 21:20.17
Hey, well done all. Great feature. And make sure you book me for that boat party on July 9. I will be back then. Take care all. Miss you all loads.
From: Mike Harris on 26th Apr 2005 16:51.16
Thanks to everyone for your support and your kind comments!!!
Plus a massive thanks to the lovely Jess for a great review!!
From: Laylah on 27th Apr 2005 10:54.29
Was totally blown away by addiction. Well done to all....Fantastic! See you at SE1
From: Darz on 1st May 2005 23:49.06
cool interview... Andy T and FunkyFranky are two really nice people, glad things are going well!!
From: Technikal on 3rd May 2005 12:10.20
Gutted to be missing May 13th, but wil be back just in time for my Addiction fix on the 19th! Great feature, good work all involved
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