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Features
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| 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 | | A Catch Up with John Phantasm ahead of his upcoming set at the Tribal Village 4 Day Outdoor Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! | | 'The Maestro that is Tristan talks barn owls, Shazamming and keeping it Psychedelic ahead of his upcoming performance at the Tribal Village 4 Day Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! | | DJ talk with Psyrenzo ahead of his debut set at Tribal Village, the Steelyard this Friday 14th January 2022! | | TENZO aka Overdrive talks freely about launching his new act which will be showcased at Tribal Village, Steelyard on 14 January 2022! | | A long overdue catch up with JourneyOM ahead of his next Tribal Village party this Friday 14th January 2022 at the Steelyard, London! | | Goa based party animal and artist extraordinaire Nirmal talks punk concerts, metal sculptures, flying and rippin' it up on a High Tide! | | DJ Wired talks to us about the Rise of the Hope and parties, ahead of his upcoming set at Tribal Village on 14th January 2022! |
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Make your bank holiday Curious at FUndamental
Reported by Alan Banks
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Submitted 23-05-07 13:16
They say curiosity killed the cat. In this cats example it’s talent that’s knocking them over instead. You see Lizzie Curious has it in bundles. Singer, songwriter, producer and of course DJ. Having wowed crowds in her earlier career playing both house and trance, you’ll now find her exclusively rocking them with her special, curious if you will, but all together crowd-pleasing house sound.
Having notched up four residencies and she’s well ahead of her game and with a new label and plenty of great things on the horizon she looks set. So ahead of her headlining slot in the FUndamental room at the massive Judgement Sundays this bank holiday Sunday we got her to sit down and tell us just why she’s smiling like the cat that got the cream.
So how did it all begin for you and the path of the DJ to where you presently are now?
Well I’ve always been into heavily into music from a very early age. My favourite toy when I was a toddler was a Fisher-Price mini-record deck that played Pop Goes The Weasel according to my Mum! This progressed onto my first vinyl purchase of the Wombles when I was just 5 years old (yes I still have it!) and an unhealthy obsession with Abba and A-ha. Alongside these somewhat dubious music tastes, I began playing the recorder and keyboards, then went on to train in the flute, cello, piano and singing all the way through school and college. I also dabbled with being a lead singer in an indie band for two years, so you wouldn’t be wrong in saying music has always been a massive part of my life. But it was in 1999 at University in Guildford that the dance music bug really bit me. I’d spend every weekend going to London to meet new friends I’d met clubbing and stomp the night away at legendary parties such as Escape from Samsara and Strawberry Sundaes. At the time, with no friends with decks and no internet, the art of DJing really seemed to be a mystery, but ever curious to learn as soon as I got my student loan I kitted myself out with decks and a mixer and got strapped in!
Since then I’d say my music career has been on the incline ever since and 2007 is just getting better and better. Currently, as well as regular gigs at all my four residencies (Break Out & Broken in Cheltenham and ElectronicSessions and Knowwhere in London) I’ve had the pleasure of spinning peak time sets at a whole host of clubs around the country and, of course, I am honoured to be playing at Judgement Sundays! Now that I am professionally producing as well, being able to drop my own tracks into a set has taken things to a whole new level for me. I have also launched a back 2 back showcase: His N Hertz, with my better (I have to say that or I would be in trouble!) half Simon Pisani. As far I as know we are the only back to back male and female team on the circuit and we certainly have a blast every time we play!
You’ve taken the next big step into production. Who have you been working with and how is it going?
I went back to college a couple of years ago to study a BTec in Music Technology and have now set up my own studio where I run Logic Pro 7 and write, record and engineer my own vocals. This year Simon and I are going to be setting up the Break Out record label to release a lot of our work. One track already set up for release is Blue Moods (written with Carl Michael). It’s a really laidback house tune that takes you straight to the poolside in Ibiza, I can’t wait for it to have it’s official release on Break Out. I’ve also collaborated on a track with Christian Hoff one of my fave producers at the moment and the result is a Tiga-style electro-pop track called In The City; it’ll be on myspace in the next week for you to check out.
As well as producing my own material, I also record and write my own vocals for other artists and just this week I’ve had the exciting news that a big US house producer is going to be using a vocal I have written for him, so watch this space as I will be shouting (or should that be singing) about it very soon! I love writing vocals and Break Out will see me showcasing my original material and vocals, along with remixes by other artists.
On a different slant I am also writing chillout music under the name of Planet Halcyon and already have 3 tracks on our digital label Planet Halcyon Recordings selling really well and getting great feedback. I’ll be writing more chillout material over the summer.
Your blend of electro and party house has caught the attention of a lot of promoters. Why do you think this is?
I reckon it’s a combination of the tunes I play and the way I play ‘em! I’m not afraid to mix up the many different styles of house and electro and even a bit of techno and will only play a tune if I love it. It’s a combination of the most filthy, bass-driven dance music with a big hands in the air element. I think that putting together uplifting elements with dark and dirty twisted bass works really well. Fat juicy basslines that make you pull those crazy “yeah baby that’s dirty” faces and feel-good melodies that make you put your hands in the air and smile from ear to ear. I love playing tracks with vocals in and also the odd cheeky bootleg that I’ve knocked up in my studio. Currently my remix of Coldplay’s X & Y is going down a storm and Graham Gold has also been supporting it on his radio shows which is great. I’m so passionate about what I do, I eat, sleep, dream, drink and breathe music and I guess that must show when I’m let loose on the decks!
You used to have a duel identity with Lizzie being playing house and Starlet playing trance. I haven’t seen Starlet about - where has she gone and have you fully given up on the trance?
As all superheroes know, having a dual identity can get a bit complicated at times. I realised I was in danger of ending up being a jack of all trades and master of none, so a few years ago I decided to focus on house music, as that is where my heart and passion lies. I would say that Starlet took an early retirement, as Lizzie Curious seems to be getting all the attention! I do still love a good bop to my trance, though on the more techy/electro-fused side of things these days.
What DJs and promotions have caught your eyes recently?
The one DJ that I am consistently in awe of is James Zabiela – his combination of never-ending energy and enthusiasm, technical ability and tune selection never fails to blow me away. And Micky Slim is the bomb! His productions rock, I love his quirky style both in producing and DJing as it gives him a very unique sound! I’d also give a big up to the Blend DJs, 3 guys who never fail to rock it behind the decks and have limitless supplies of energy and enthusiasm. My personal motto is to play every set as if it is my last, whether it be at an after-party at a good friend’s house or during a peak time set in a massive club. So when I’m on the dancefloor, I like seeing DJs perform, putting effort into their sets, rather than just standing there beatmatching, looking like they’d rather be somewhere else.
In terms of promotions, of course I love all my residencies. Since I came on board with ElectronicSessions they have continued to impress me with their dedication to programming diverse and exciting line-ups, keeping things fresh and exciting, consistently booking a wide variety of outstanding DJs from across Europe as well as in the UK and working hard to make sure every party goes off with a bang. I’ve also been watching the rise of FUndamental and after hearing that you had your room open the longest at an event at Turnmills, I am sure that we are going to absolutely rip it up at Judgement Sundays!
From a clubbing point of view, I love Together at Turnmills, it’s a fantastic event and I’ve been watching it grow and grow over the last year. I have been to a couple and immensely enjoyed myself, because of the music and the fun element they inject into the night. Dusted is another night that stands out for me, both in this country and in Ibiza, I always really enjoy the music and the crowds.
On a larger scale I went to Glastonbury a few years ago and spent a lot of time in the Glade, I remember seeing Rennie Pilgrem perform live with MC Chickaboo, loads of wicked psytrance and also a secret performance by Norman Cook. I’ve always wanted to go to the Glade festival and this year I will actually be going (thanks to two very good friends) so I’m really excited to see what Glade do on a larger scale. This year they have Sander Kleinenberg playing, a DJ I’ve yet to see but always wanted to, so I will be glued to the front of the tent for that one!
With the dominance of CDJs now evident where do you see the future of the DJ going? Have you embraced the Ableton revolution yet?
I’ve got Ableton, but to be honest I haven’t really had much time to play around with it and I think I’ll be spinning CDs for a long time to come as I have an inherent fear of a laptop crashing whilst I’m using it, computers do have a habit of freezing when I’m in their vicinity.
I think that as long as there is dance music, there will be clubbers and DJs! But I have noticed over the last few years both behind and in front of the decks, as technology advances there is more of a fusion of live elements being brought into a DJ set, both through using different bits of kit and Ableton Live or DJs either playing instruments themselves or incorporating other artists to play alongside them. I myself have done two live PAs whilst DJing, which is great, though hectic to run from behind the decks, grab a mic and sing and then run back again to DJ! I will be doing more singing / DJ sets as it’s great to be able to fuse two things that I love together.
You run a night with your partner Simon Pisani up in Cheltenham called Break Out. Give us some background and details about how that is going?
Simon has been running Break Out for over a year and I officially came on board as a co-promoter when the night moved to Cheltenham last October. I’m pleased to say it’s going from strength to strength and that is down to a combination of hard work, fantastic DJs and a brilliant crowd. New people who come to the night always want to come back because they feel so welcome! Anyone who has tried their hand at promoting will know it’s a job that seems to be never ending, but we have such a fantastic crowd of people that support us and even when the going gets tough and there is the inevitable last minute crisis (which there always is no matter how hard you plan!), when you see the dancefloor rammed with smiling faces its all worthwhile. Simon and I always try to make things a bit special, by incorporating live elements such as vocals or percussion sets and live PAs and we take a strong stance on supporting our local DJs who are fantastically talented. We always have some sort of quirky dress theme too (the next one being Pirates and Castaways) as those who know me know I do love any excuse to dress up!
We’re planning to bring the night to London in the Autumn (but don’t worry ‘Nham party people, Break Out will still be running in Cheltenham!) and are in talks with a big club to launch it at which is very exciting.
You’re playing for Fundamental on the 27th May, what can we expect from you. How do you prepare for a set like this?
I do believe you guys have been kind enough to give me a peak time set, which of course allows me to play the music I love the most, bass-driven uplifting music, from house through to electro-tinged breaks. I usually spend a day going through all my tracks, making a shortlist of all the ones I want to play. I seem to have so many brilliant tracks, I struggle to fit them all into one set! I’ll also spend some time sorting tracks into key, look at what flows well together and finally put some acapellas together to spice up any tunes that I like but feel need a bit of extra pizzazz for a Curious set. To give you an idea, producers I’m supporting at the moment include Sidney Samson, Micky Slim, Christian Hoff, Richard Dinsdale, Robbie Rivera, D.Ramirez, The Young Punx, The Rouge Element, Olav Bassoski, Sebastien Leger, the list is endless really!
What do you carry in your record bag?
I always have some of my old vinyl faves with me in case for some reason the CDJs aren’t working, then of course my beloved CDs and a few mix CDs to give out and hmm, well lets see, headphones of course, a little torch, spare headphone jacks, a spare pair of trainers if I’m daring to wear heels (which isn’t very often, hence why I need comfy shoes to change in to!), ear plugs, of course at least one pair of sunglasses and also some sort of freshening wipes for when you leave the club! In fact I’ve always said that clubs should give you hot towels as you leave just like you get in Indian restaurants!
What are your top 5 tunes of the moment?
1. Mighty Dub Katz, Magic Carpet Ride O7 (Young Punkz remix), Southern Fried Records
2. Regi ft Scala, I Fail (Filterheadz remix), Mostiko
3. Payami, Backspace (Payami’s Weekender remix), SUESSE
4. Lizzie Curious, In The City, White
5. The Young Punx, You’ve Got To (Dopeheadz remix AND Norman Cook remix), MofoHifi
www.myspace.com/lizziecurious
Remember you can buy your tickets from Fusic.co.uk for just £15
Photos courtesy of Alan Banks. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Judgement Sundays: London
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On:
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Sunday 27th May 2007
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At:
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Heaven [map]
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From:
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10PM - 6AM
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Cost:
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Early Bird Tickets: £15 (+b.f.)
Saver Tickets: £17 (+b.f.)
Standard Tickets: £20 (+b.f.)
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Website:
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www.locknloadevents.com
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Ticket Info:
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24 Hour Credit Card Hotline: 08700 600 100
www.ticketweb.co.uk // www.viewtickets.co.uk
Club Tickets: 08717 110 010 (Buy 5 Get 1 Free)
Never Enough (cash sales): 07813 684 399
Cyberdog Camden (cash sales): 0207 482 2842
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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At last – London’s trance fans finally get what they’ve been waiting for. One of Ibiza’s most successful and exciting nights, Judgement Sundays, touches down in London for the very first time. Now in its 8th year, Judge Jules’ trance, hard dance and house shindig steamrolls its way into London on Sunday 27th May for the mother of all Bank Holiday parties at the multi-arena Heaven nightclub.
Judgement Sundays has been San Antonio’s most successful promotion for many years now, bringing the biggest names in trance and harder dance to the White Isle, along with some of the most exciting DJs from the world of house, electro and breaks in their supremely funky back room. From Lisa Lashes to Krafty Kuts, Eddie Halliwell to the Plump DJs, Christopher Lawrence to Matt Hardwick, their line-ups have always been about nothing but cutting-edge, uplifting party music.
This inaugural London bash builds on the Judgement Sundays theme, adding another 3 rooms of tough and sexy beats to the menu and dishing it all out in the legendary club space that is Heaven. In the main room, Judge Jules is joined by Marco V and Sander Van Doorn – 2 of Holland’s finest, most innovative producers whose tough and unique productions are played by DJs throughout the house, electro, techno and trance scenes. No mean feat. Dogzilla mastermind Simon Patterson brings his classy, atmospheric sounds to the main room to complete a quartet of 4 of trance music’s leading lights. Jules also plays a rare house set in Dusted’s arena, along with London legends The Hoxton Whores - two of the most popular producers in house music today.
There’s more top-draw entertainment in the other 3 arenas, courtesy of some of London’s most exciting party people. Friendz bring euphoric trance to the table, with Fundamental serving up house, electro and breaks, and the burgeoning young team of Summit laying down some hard dance beats.
This is the official start of the Summer! Come and celebrate Judgement Sundays style before they kick of their huge Ibiza season…
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Go Lizzie 
