Mandy Suess (DrSuess) - My Year In Hard Dance

What's been your biggest achievement of the year?

Steering Fevah FM through it's first year and claiming it's rightful position in radio world has been one hell of a ride. This is all thanks to the huge support from Eamonn Fevah and Fevah Records and an army of dedicated enthusiasts putting in a huge amount of work. We have been able to expand our program and are proud to have many international artists on board. Besides all other genres, we have a wide variety of hard dance shows from our beloved Kiwi hard house to experimental Welsh hard style - we take your ears on a journey around the globe.

What moments will you never forget?

2011 has been filled with rewarding moments. Where to start? Being on stage with Steve Hill and my dear friend Janelle Kleinhans-Matchett from Audio Addiction looking into the faces of about 1500 happy ravers during the first London Hardhouse Reunion in NZ has certainly been a highlight. It's a privilege to be able to support Janelle with this wonderful event. And of course hearing my first ever released own tune ("Sweet666" in collaboration with Luke H) played out at an event in Wellington for the very first time -priceless. Also being asked to become the label manager for legendary label Fevah Records has been huge for me personally. I feel honoured to be trusted with the responsibility to further develop and grow the brand.

Who's been your favourite newcomer of the year?

Has to be Wellingtonian Luke H. I had the pleasure of working with him. He is full of creative ideas and has no fear to follow a concept and explore production beyond the usual. Also very impressed with the progression of Mavrik. He has brought his work to a new level and I am looking forward to hear what else he got up his sleeves. There is a lot of mad talent in NZ. I have big expectations for Quade77 who make their mark on both hard trance and trance.

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

I am in love with Carl Nicholson's "Story Book." He just never seizes to amaze me. I have a bit of a thing for the dark side - so Grady G's work & Manik make me happy with every release. Always looking forward to new track by Rodi Style. And it's no secret - I am a huge fan of Jody6. Every tune he makes is unique, has that special "wow" factor. I admire David Ding, not only for the superb tracks he produces, but also for his generosity and efforts to support new talent within the NZ dance scene.

What's been your favourite label of the year?

I follow the Kiwi collective very closely. Stereodays, Ballistik, Meltdown and Fevah Records of course. There is quality pretty much guaranteed. Sometimes I feel like creating a "rainbow and fairy free zone" - so I trust in Caterpillar Trax to deliver just that.

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

Jody6 "This is your chance" (Fevah Records, "Marinette -the black Fevah" (Fevah Records) by Costa Pantazis & Mademoiselle Charlotte - also love Criostasis' remix of it. Jody6's "Inside Out" (LW Recordings) has been played on the station like mad & David Ding's remix of Steve Ryan & Grant Thomson's "Broken Boundaries" (Fevah Records) is absolutely amazing. Nothing beats a bit of Dingstep here and there ;o)

What's been your favourite event of the year?

Soundscape has once again outdone itself in 2011. With Steve Hill & David Ding headlining the Hard Dance Zone in March and Jody6 and Eamonn Fevah in July - the 7 other zones and bands, and carnival rides etc were just the icing on the cake for us hard dance folks during this amazing festival that sees a whole street closed off and many bars and clubs participating. London Hardhouse Reunion was massive of course and always a winner is Stereodays. Stereoday for NYE - hell yeah.

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

No funny mishaps in 2011 - at least none I could remember. The most hilarious day has been the day after LHHR spent with Eamonn Fevah, Andy Farley, BK, Steve Hill and Luke & Janelle from Audio Addiction at a bar in Ponsonby. Including dress ups (some would talk of cross dressing...), line dancing, Mexican waves - the lot. But we all agreed not to talk about any more details ;o) P.S. HOW YOU DOINN?

What do you have planned for the next year?

Basically continue what I do: Help to spread the word about the epicness that is hard dance, especially hard house and hard trance! We also have very exciting releases coming up on Fevah Records and I am already looking forward to next Soundscape in March (hint: one of my all time fav artists will be headlining our hard dance room and we have been granted a bigger venue for it too) and LHHR 2012. Between these I'll keep my eyes and ears open for new talent and shall make sure the world knows about it.

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