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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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Hardcore Euphoria preview: Bonkers about Arkitech
Reported by Allan McGrath
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Submitted 20-01-06 14:48
When Bonkers stalwart Sharkey earmarks a new talent for production stardom he's rarely far off the mark and the progress of Kaotik Records prodigy Arkitech is perfect proof of the pudding.
After a year under Sharkey’s careful production tutelage, Arkitech’s creative hardcore explosions soon marked his card as one to watch. Dreamy trance-lead epic ‘Under The Influence’ soared straight on to the Nu Energy Collective Live at Frantic album, ‘De-Humanise’ appeared on the acclaimed Bonkers set, while more recent collaborations with both Sharkey and Double Decka sounded his talents out further. To put it bluntly, Arkitech’s profile is rocketing as far sky high as a New York skyscraper.
Already, the 22 year old music maker DJ career has raced into overdrive, having graced Air’s vast main room for HTID, stormed Hardcore Heaven Vs Slinky at the Opera House as well as taking his euphoric, head-twisting hardcore as far a field as coastal Newquay. Now with 06 appearance booked up for Sundissential, Hardcore Overload and Vibealite, not to mention a series of back to back sets with mentor and collaborator Sharkey, Arkitech is sitting pretty as one of the scene’s most electrifying DJs whilst his intricate yet accessible productions continue to blow up dancefloors the world over. We caught up with the undoubtedly the most exciting hardcore talent to emerge since Essential Platinum’s Gammer as he limbers up for his 90 minute hardcore epic at Hardcore Euphoria…
First of all happy new year! Was it all work and no play over the festive period or did you get a chance to venture out to some clubs? What were the most memorable adventures over the Christmas and New Year?
It’s got to be the Freeformation Chris-mess party. For a free party on a date that’s usually a bit quiet the atmosphere inside was absolutely unbelievable. I got to play back to back with Double Decka which was an experience in itself as we took things all over the place — from ruff-neck breakbeat to classic freeform and even Force and Styles ‘All Systems Go’! And being somewhat merry and in the chris-mess spirit I couldn’t help but drop my a speedcore remix of the Xmas song ‘Can you Stop The Cavalry’. It was hilarious watching it from the booth because half of the people were laughing and getting into it… while the other half were stood there thinking WTF!
After a year under the studio tutorship of the Bonkers enigma Sharkey, you then enjoyed the first release on the hardcore legend’s Kaotik Record label with the soaring ‘Under The Influence’ and vocal number ‘Shadow Of A Memory’. How did you first come into contact with Sharkey and what was the experience of having him as a tutor like? He certainly doesn’t strike me as your typical teacher type!
Ha ha no, your typical teacher type he most certainly isn’t. I think I realised that about 15 minutes into meeting him while he was chatting at 100mph about engineering techniques — I don’t know where he gets the energy from! I’d got in touch after he advertised on the internet that he was taking on a new studio trainee. I wrote up a biography, what my strengths and weaknesses were in the studio and booya!
What was the most valuable lesson you learned under Jon Sharkey’s guidance?
Aside from all the technical stuff, the main thing was focusing creativity in the right areas. The content could be great but if it doesn’t work on the dancefloor then it's not dance music.
Exploding out with this contrasting EP, it’d be safe to assume you’ve got an active interest in all the varied strains of hardcore… how would you describe your hardcore production sound to the initiated? What lies at the foundation of the Arkitech’s constructions?
Hardcore is so diverse at the moment, it would be stupid not to explore all the avenues the scene has to offer. As far as my production sound goes... I dunno it’s up to the listener's subjective viewpoint really. I like my riffs to have a bitter-sweet tinge to them so they’re both happy and deep without being too cheesey. As for the grooves, I always try to keep my tracks pacey, chopping around with the rhythm quite a bit — be that with edits or breakbeat or triplet sections just to give a set variety.
As a part of the Nu Energy Collective you’ve performed your hardcore tracks as a full PA member. Do you plan to write any slower hard trance styled material for the NEC labels and PA?
Indeed! I’ve got a few ideas on the go at the moment for some slower productions. It forces you to think a little harder about things because there are riffs that work at 170bpm that don’t at 155 and vice versa, so it’s good to step out of your comfort zone. After all, anything that forces you to develop your skills in different areas as an engineer your is going to benefit your overall output as a result.
Outside of Sharkey’s obvious influence, which artists and tracks have proved the most inspiration over the last few years?
I’m always constantly surprised by the things Gammer comes up with. His work is so diverse yet all his tracks have that distinctive Gammer flavour. I also use K-Complex and AMS mixdowns for reference with nearly every track I start as their finished product is always so clean and perfectly produced.
If you could take your pick, who would you most like to collaborate with?
I’ve been talking to a few people about doing collaborations recently. I might set a month aside this year and do nothing but collabs. The pick of the crop would probably be GamGams again but I'd also love to do a track with Ham.
Your recent collaboration with Sharkey ‘Never Say Die’ was one of the standout tracks on the last Bonkers album and I hear you’ve got a 90 minute back to back set planned with your one time tutor as well as future studio sessions. Does it surprise you to find yourself as a peer and colleague to the man himself and have you ever played back to back with Jon before?
Nope, it will be a first playing B2B with him apart from the odd session indoors when we’re going through some classic freeform. As far as production goes there’s no room for egos in the studio and everyone is equal. At first it was daunting suggesting, “erm, maybe we should do it like this instead” to a guy who is your musical hero but I guess it’s one of Jon’s lessons; to not be afraid to speak your mind, jump in the hot seat and take control. Plus he’s never afraid to learn a lesson from one of his students.
’Never Say Die’ is now scheduled to come out on Kaotik this year whilst your epic, mind-bending rework of Oli G’s ‘Gir’ is due on Camel next month having also featured on Bonkers. Have you got any other releases lined up on other labels and are you planning to release on as many different labels as possible or is Kaotik your main label of residence?
I remixed ‘High Contrast’ by Lee UHF which is forthcoming on Bedlam Recs, but otherwise it’s all Kaotik. I’m so proud to be part of what is shaping up to be such a wicked label, I’m quite happy where I am tbh. Oh yeah, my ‘Power in the Light’ remix is out now on Relentless but that’s it.
What tracks have you been working on recently (tell us a bit about them) and can we expect you to be dropping them at your Hardcore Euphoria debut on the 28th January?
‘Ready to Move?’ is a dark stabby thing I did recently using sections of the classic ‘Horns’ rave track. I wanted to step away from the norm with it but still keep it very much in the party zone. I’ve sampled a Muslim ‘call to prayer' chant before the drop which I can’t wait to hear out at Hardcore Euphoria. ‘Letting Go’ is a big kick drum ravey track I’ve been tweaking recently too. f the crowd seem up for it then I’ll play it, it all depends on how hard they want to go!
The Hardcore Euphoria event on the 28th January will be your first DJ appearance at the Brixton’s famed Fridge venue. Is it a venue that you’ve been to as a raver and what sort of atmosphere are you expecting to be met with?
Yeah I’ve been a few times, usually for 7 o’clock in the morning jobbies when I haven’t been the sharpest pencil in the box, but from what I can remember, it’s a great venue!
In just under a year, you’ve played everything from main room sets for HTID at Birmingham’s multi-million Air club to small rooms in coastal Newquay. As a DJ, how different is the experience from the booth from room to room? Do you prefer the bigger stage?
There’s excellent, excellent things about playing both types of event. I love the cosy friendly atmosphere of a small room but nothing beats the rush of hundreds of ravers making noise at ya!
Of all the events that you are yet to play which would you be excited about appearing at?
Playing in Australia would be another dream come true for me. I went to System 6 a few years ago when I travelled Oz and it was the most amazing night. On the UK side of things I’d love to play uproar.
Finally, which three tracks are you banking on to cause Hardcore Euphoria when you grace the decks on 28th January?
I’m really excited about playing mine and Sharkey’s new collab, ‘Where Shall My Wondering Soul Begin?’. ‘Pound it Loud’ by Gammer is one of those tracks that still makes me feel like I’ve got too much adrenalin and too little veins to control it and ‘See You On The Other Side’ is such an amazing track it HAS TO BE PLAYED!
Arkitech’s EP on Kaotik Records featuring ‘Under The Influence’ and vocal stormer is available now through www.nuenergy.co.uk
Thanks to Arkitech, *cheeky chick* and Nu Energy for their images.
Hardcore Euphoria
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On:
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Saturday 28th January 2006
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At:
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The Fridge [map]
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From:
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22:00 - 06:00
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Cost:
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£10.00 Limited Earlybird Tickets. £12.00 Advance Tickets. MOTD
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Ticket Info:
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Ticketweb - 08700 600 100
www.clubtickets.co.uk - 08702 462050 (Buy 5 get 1 free)
Neverenough Maria - 07813 684399
Cyberdog Camden
Kinetic Records
Mad Records
Pure Groove
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Hardcore Euphoria hits Brixton this January and takes you on its first journey into 2006 .
London's Newest hardcore event is back and this time its bringing with it a stream of young fresh talent as well as the some of the biggest spinners on the scene . After the massive success of the Launch party at the Fridge in October We have heard your cries for more and we are not going to disappoint .
This night will be driven by the legends of the hardest scene take a look at what we've got lined up for you !
HARDCORE ARENA
F @ Fire will be the official Afterparty for this event
5am - 11am
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Flyer:
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 - 
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Region:
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London
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Music:
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Nu NRG. Hi NRG. Hardcore. HardStyle. Hard House. Funky Techno.
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DJ's:
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HARDCORE ARENA
Hixxy
Sharkey
Dougal
Breeze
Mark Ashley
Arkitech
Mc Storm
Mc Whizzkid
Mc Chit Chat
Mc RizlaDizla
Ice Box Hosted by WIRED
Type 1
Ioana
Craig Paxton
Lucy Fur
Mr Ron
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Other Features By Allan McGrath:
Kutski gets ready for his brand new residency @ Tasty - Love Muzik
Mark Ashley vs Eryk Orpheus: the festive show down
Freeformation Chris-Mess Rave-Up Preview With Type 1
Tasty preview with Roosta
A Tasty interview with Billy ‘Daniel’ Bunter
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: Futon on 20th Jan 2006 17:47.15
Top producer, once again Sharkey pwns all, now how about a cup of tea?
From: Allan@Nu Energy on 23rd Jan 2006 15:39.21
Bling... what a jolly rollocking read.
Biggup Da Arkitech, building himself a decent foundation for the future... seriously, if you havent had the pleasure get down to the Fridge early for his 90 minute opener... worth it just to hear his Horns sampling belter!
From: *cheeky chick* on 23rd Jan 2006 17:23.33
cant wait 
From: Mark Ashley on 24th Jan 2006 13:18.00
If the staying "start as you mean to go on" has any truth in it, this guy is destined for great things, a wikkidly talented producer and equally as impressive DJ, Arkitech is deffo the one to watch for 2006, and as Al said, check out "Move Ya", it's all about the horns !
From: Lisa B on 25th Jan 2006 00:00.56
Can't wait for you to smash the fridge up babe ! Get ready for the fattest sound System in London
Lisa B xxx
From: M.A.D on 25th Jan 2006 00:55.33
That muslim chant sounds Ace, i was gonna go later on to the fridge but i think i might get down there 'on the door' to see this!
From: Allan@Nu Energy on 25th Jan 2006 11:15.43
Serious... M.A.D., it's not in the slightest bit token and totally takes the track to another level.
I'd get down their sharpish to catch Arkitech tearing down the dancefloor!
Tardiness aint big or clever....
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