Dawson - My Year In Hard Dance

What's been your biggest achievement of the year?

WOW? err this year has been massive for me, and I feel that I've moved on and achieved a lot more than I could have ever imagined. I would have to say being booked to play in the main room for Storm, Frantic and B2T @ Gatecrasher Birmingham. I respect those brands so much and when I was booked to take on the main room I felt it was an honour to smash it to pieces.. (not literately) With regards to the label it would have to be having radio 1 airplay 5 times, and one of those being a track I had the pleasure of working on!

What moments will you never forget?

Nice and easy this one... I think.... I had a wicked moment at Storm going B2B with Tom Berry which was easily my favourite set of the year. Everything went so perfect and I dropped a bootleg I made with Tom called "Turn Me Blue" and the place went insane... it brought a little tear to my eye.... =oD

Who's been your favourite newcomer of the year?

Well there has been a few artists that have caught my eye this year. Energy Syndicate is definitely one to watch, the guy is fantastic and a bloody good lad to boot! I'm a massive fan of DJ's who will do anything for the scene and for their love of music and along with ES I would also have to mention Kirsty Lee James and Craig Lee. I've never heard Kirsty put a beat wrong and Craig's production is flying at the moment!

Who's been the artist of the year for you?

I going to have to put 3/4 names in this section. Andy Farley, Paul Glazby & JP & Jukesy. They have been entertaining people for a few years now and they just keep getting better. Ever set I see/hear is full of energy and it just shows how good the Hard House scene is! With regards to a newer DJ on the scene, it would have to be Rodi Style... Technically a genius... and also a jolly good chap!

What's been your favourite label of the year?

Of course Encore Hard!!!!!!! =oD I feel the label has had a fantastic first year with plays on radio 1, trackitdown number 1's, loads of featured tracks and fantastic backing form other DJ's. The it would have to be closely followed by 3 Phase. They are one of the only labels that each month when I see the release schedule I'm torn on picking a favourite.

What do you think has been the best track of the year?

I'm going to have to be biased here.. Hackney Council Vs Scott Fo-Shaw - Baby, baby. It hit the trackitdown number 1 spot (Sorry Technikal lol) and also got played on Radio 1 by the legend known as Kutski. The rest I can't really split so I would have to say most of the tunes on Ilogiks recent Tidy CD/DVD especially Feel the Pressure!

What's been your favourite event of the year?

Atomik Ibiza was amazing, it was good to see Hard House over the white isle again, especially the Atomik night at BoHo's. Over in the very cold UK I would have to go with Insomniacz 10th Birthday bash . The line up was wicked and the atmosphere was spot on. Good darts lads!

What's the funniest thing that's happened to you?

Funniest? It would have to be the 1st time I promoted for the 1st time along with Lusty and Vaughan at Blessed. I brought Hard House back to a small town called Cannock and for weeks before people kept coming up to me and asking if it was true, and if I was mad ha ha. This theme also carried on when we had Andy Farley headlining, especially when a lad said to me "Andy Farley? in Rugeley? I think you've made a mistake??"

What do you have planned for the next year?

Now that I'm no longer a promoter the next 12 month are all about trying to push myself into new clubs and nights and also moving my production to the next level. I want people to hear the kind of Hard House I love so working in the studio is a must! I will also try and push my DJ'ing up a notch and hopefully break through and show people what I'm all about!

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