My Year In Hard Dance
Identity
What tune has defined this year in hard dance for you?
I honestly cannot name one specific track released this year that has stuck out the most. I have seen my favourite producers throughout the years, continue to release amazing tracks, as well as some new comers really pushing for a new flavour. I know MDA and Spherical have really pushed a new level into hard dance music, both as performers and producers. Such variation in all their music is what really catches me. But, as mentioned before, I am hearing new producers bringing back that 80's flavour with their remixes of top 80's hits, which I believe is pushing the style to new limits, and opening ears to new people.
What has been your biggest achievement of the year?
My biggest achievement this year has been the opportunity to perform at the World Electronic Music Festival in Canada. I remember when I first heard about WEMF, the mass gathering of people, and the love that everyone shared. Its hard to find nowadays in America, and is the perfect place to witness a variety of music, were no one judges the styles played. They come to hear you, support you, and give you that ultimate feeling of accomplishment in your job. For years I wanted to be a part of it, and knowing that someone took interest in me to be a part of it made me a very happy individual.
What moments in the last year will you always remember?
Wow, there are so many moments to recall within the last year that will forever be remembered, however the biggest moment was at a cave rave with five thousand screaming partiers! In July, and on my 25th birthday, I was asked to play at the annual Midwest Freakfest. Mind you this is in a huge cave in the middle of nowhere. This was a three day event, and I went ahead and planned on staying there for the entire weekend, that way I could meet people, promote, and have a good time. On Saturday, I was scheduled to perform from 12am to 1am. It was hot as ever even that late at night, and I could feel the sweat pouring off my face as I played, doing everything I could to keep it from landing on my playing records. My finger LED light went kaput, and I could no longer see the grooves. I got a little angry because there was no light for the DJs to see what they were doing, and I couldn't rely on the lasers and strobes, so my friend Matt throws me a little cow figurine key chain. Its nose was an LED light when you pushed a button. Only problem is, every time you pressed that button, you could hear it "mooing". It confused the folks the were standing right in front of me watching me mix. I was quite embarrassed, but everyone still rocked out and I had the best crowd response I had experienced that year.
What exciting things do you have planned for next year?
Like every year, I get super excited for every new city I play in, as well as the old cities. However this year I have dates scheduled in some of the biggest cities here that I have always wanted to perform in. I am hoping to get a little more international travel this year, and I have been in the studio trying to finish up some productions. The biggest excitement for me is meeting new people. I get so jumpy on learning what the scene or the music is like in different regions, and of course I want to be a part of it somehow. I feel like my passion over the last decade just grows more and more, with the more places I go, and the more people I meet. 2008 will definitely be a peak year for me, I can feel it.
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