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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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Summit’s Batch brings the Bank Holiday to a close at Frantic vs Freeformation
Reported by benz
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Submitted 25-08-06 18:21
The Bank Holiday weekend is almost upon us! There’s a hell of a lot on, but the big hard dance fest of the weekend comes in the form of Frantic’s massive triple celebrations for their 9th Birthday. 24 hours of hard-edged madness comes in the form of SOS’s pre-party at Inigo, the main event at Renaissance Rooms, and for the headstrong — the totally free Frantic vs Freeformation afterparty at Hidden. One of the people who will be going for the full 24 hours is Summit’s very own promoter/DJ Batch — an energetic and talented young chap who is starting to make a real impression on the scene following the rise of his promotion and his first major production with wunderkid Technikal.
Still a spring chicken by most people’s standards, Batch has already been involved in numerous projects in the music industry, and has had aspirations for years, which he is slowly but surely making a reality. His passion and determination should get him a long way, and as Summit continues to grow you should expect to be hearing a lot more about this charismatic guy. Please step up to the HF limelight Batch!
What’s your name all about? Do you have any nicknames we should know about?
My Full Name is Mark Anthony Batchelor. The Name Batch began in the Playground’s of Whitton School. Everyone had different names that we went by, usually Surnames. It helps a lot when you’re playing for the school teams, especially as there were loads of Mark’s knocking around. Mark Neville, Mark Spreadbrough and Mark Batchelor just to name a couple. These became ‘Nev’ ‘Spread’ and ‘Batch’.
It’s funny how you don’t notice it at the time, but when people call me Mark. Sometimes I don’t realise that they are talking to me. When it came to choosing a DJ name, it didn’t really occur to me to pick one. People just called me Batch
Another name I have acquired comes from my cousins in Malaysia. They call me ‘Kentot Boy’; if anyone understands Malay I may feel a little embarrassed here. Lol.
You mentioned Sports Teams. What sports did you play?
Sport was a huge part of my life. I was proud to Captain the Rugby, Basketball and Athletics teams at school. That was probably my main passion for going to school. That and chasing the girls at playtime!
You first started djing at Roehampton Student Union. Were your fellow students appreciative of your music? What did you play?
I was tired of hearing the same ‘popularist’ music being churned out every week at the parties. I thought to myself, hang on, Uni is meant to be about diversity and fresh ideas, so along with a mate of mine, we began promoting a night called ‘Flatline’ every Monday night at the small bar at Froebel College. We played Drum & Bass mainly, which built a steady following. Eventually we were given the green light to host a large scale event in the Montifiore Building leading out of the bar with a capacity of 1500.
We had all our residents playing and had Adam F, and Luck & Neat headline in each room. The response was mind-blowing! People you see every day at Uni coming out of the woodwork and bashing it up! The Message Boards at the SU were littered with people saying that it was the best party of the year and asking when the next one would be. During the Summertime, I was soooo desperate to play to gain experience outside the bedroom I took a 15 year old Jack Michaels with me every Wednesday and we lugged an entire system and set it up and broke it down, just so we could play some tunes. We played everything from house, garage, trance, hard house and drum & bass. I don’t think the Summer School crowd were really feeling our vibe, coz they kept asking if we had any Slipknot.
Was there much of a club scene to speak of in Roehampton?
The Parties held at Roehampton were awesome! I had a five day weekend then worked Saturday and Sunday. We had weekly events at Hammersmith Palais, The Fez Club and then the Bop party every Friday. It was so much fun, but like I said, the music was all commercial. I remember dropping ‘Flashback’ on the tidy Two label and everyone looked at me really funny. I had to cut my loses and banged out some hard cheese!
The Annual Christmas Ball and Summer Ball was a different level. It was like a festival. Artists included: The Scratch Perverts, The Dream Team, The Stanton Warriors and Nicky Blackmarket. I played hard trance but still had to play really vocal and well-known tracks to keep the crowd interested.
Your musical career started earlier than this — you used to be in a rock band right? Why did you give it up and were you any good?
I knew I loved music from a very early age. No matter who you are or what you’re into, everybody must have some type of music to enjoy. I just love to hear sound. I was in the Air Training Corp and met a group of lads there who were a few years older than me. I was very much the baby of the group. Because I was hanging around with 18–25 year olds.. No one really noticed that I shouldn’t have been in bars for at least the next 3 years.
I got into the live music scene that way and played at venues such as The Half Moon in Putney and the Dublin Castle in Camden. These venues have held host to The Rolling Stones (Twickenham Boys) and many up-coming new bands. When I went to Uni, I needed to find some sort of release so took up mixing. I thought that the people in my halls of residence would rather hear the walls rumbling as opposed to my guitar playing and singing, lol.
My mate Steve Devlin who I worked with is still gigging. If you’re into indie check them out www.thevibrants.com, saw them rock the Half Moon last week!
Is it something you’d ever consider giving a try again?
I never really stopped. It’s my way of keeping sane. My main influences are Coldplay, Oasis, The Charlatans and Radiohead. I just finished recording a new track called ‘To Find Me’ a few days ago. Look out for the house remix by Jack Michaels & Joe Luizza.
When did you first go to a hard house club? Was it love at first, er, note?
This is a fantastic story. It was the last day of term at Richmond College. I had just been paid. My mate Darren says “let’s go clubbing.” He takes me to Brixton and says “If anyone talks to you, just look at the floor and keep walking.”
We get to a little place called Mesmerize @ 414 and I thought to myself, “What the hell is this?” I had never heard this type of music before. That summer we were there every weekend!
You are one of the people behind the wonderful Summit parties. How did you first meet your fellow Summitters?
Tidy Weekender 5. Myself, Jack Michaels, Darren Jacobi and Stella Smith arrived at midnight and partied until 6. Jack and Stella went to bed but Darren and I had other ideas . . .
We went in search of a place to party. We needed to find a room that seemed lively and came across a fella called Ben sitting in the window, who looked at us and said “ ’ello mateE!” We knocked on the door and partied until 2 in the afternoon.
On the way back to our chalet, we looked at the door number and realised something funny. Their door number was very similar to ours, we knocked on the door and said “Hey guys, you will never believe this but I think we live next door!!!"
Everyone went nuts!!! Me and Darren hung out with those guys for the entire weekend. Jack & Stella did their own thing after meeting some new friends. A month later, we all found out that the entire group were all from Hemel [Hempstead].
Thus began the new era.
When’s the next Summit coming up and what can we expect? How is the party evolving?
Summit just keeps going from strength to strength. It has created an awesome roster of djs and we are continually looking to learn, improve, and grow professionally. We have extended our brand with our sister promotion, Summit On Sunday (SOS), which is a charity based event where all proceeds go to a charity that has special meaning to the boys. I would like to dedicate this next event to Ben Skinner.
I’m so amazed by the support from everyone on the scene. Everyone I have spoken to has helped and given up time in their busy schedules to do this: Frantic, Heat, Most Wanted, the djs involved, soooo much support! I couldn’t believe it when Frantic gave us the go ahead as the official pre-party to Frantic 9. This is amazing for me as I am a huge Frantic fan. SOS was only supposed to be a one off event, but it seems that people are demanding more! I wasn’t expecting this at all!!!
The Next Summit at Hidden on 23rd September is gonna be MASSIVE!!! Its also my Birthday!!!!
Your track ‘Don’t Get Scared’ with Technikal is quite an anthem. Did it get a full release?
As a boy I had a dream. I wanted so much to have a track signed to a label. The Music Industry is full of brick walls but you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and persevere. You can’t be in this business for acceptance or gain, you do it because you love it! ‘Don’t Get Scared Now’ was released on the Tranzlation Nation EP1. I was in stitches when it came out as a ring tone on Tidy.com
And what about other productions? You got some bits lined up? What sort of style do you go for?
Have got ideas coming out of my ears, just need to get them down. I’d love to get a second release. I have had some offers on some of my new material and am hoping to find a suitable home for them.
My style is uplifting melodic hard trance with a sprinkle of hard house and drum & bass sounds. I’m looking forward to getting in the studio with my boys Jason Blayde and Ben Skinner
Who are your heroes — musical or otherwise? And how have they influenced you?
Andy Whitby & Cally Gage. The first time I saw Whitby mix was before he was a household name. I thought to myself, that is exciting! This is how I want to mix. He was attacking the mixer and having fun! I watched his whole set and was in one of those really annoying moods and kept asking him loads of questions. He was so polite and gave me a demo CD. I later phoned up all my friends (both of them) and said, “I have a new favourite DJ, look out for him!” I met Cally through working with Summit and am overjoyed to have the Princess as Summit’s headlining resident along with Phil Reynolds.
With regards to production, Technikal creates tunes as I would imagine them. Working with Alf was a dream come true. It was amazing when we met for our studio session and discussed our influences, everything just fell into place. I would love to get to his standard of ‘riffing’ on the sequencer. Greg Brookman is simply ahead of his time! He is doing things in his sets and production that I can see are taken from a wide variety of his musical repertoire. Greg and Alf have done so much for me on not only a professional level but on a personal level as well. I owe them both so much. Jack Michaels keeps me fresh. I have looked out for him as if he was own brother and now he looks after me. Watch out for this boy! The guy can mix. His family are very close to me.
Thanks to Seany Sean and Bubble for keeping my dance moves up dated!
You played in Holland last month.. Where were you spinning and how did you get the gig?
I was playing at D.D.O.D in Amsterdam. I met the Holland contingent at tidy thanks to trance disciple Sam Fury. Later, they were all back for HHA. I always look forward to seeing them. Coach loads of them come over to party, ‘av it large, then head back on the coach. Those guys are awesome! HHA is such a special time for me and has sparked off so many special relationships and memories. I’m amazed at the response that I have had with the Dutch crowd.
My buddy Henjo later organised a gig for me, and I was there!
You are playing at Frantic vs Freeformation, the official afterparty for Frantic9, on Monday 28th August. You will be spinning and house/electro set, is this a new venture for you or have you been doing this for a while now?
I have always kept an open mind about my music and love to play a variety of styles at home and at house parties. The electro side of house is very new to me and I am loving it! I’m always learning, and I have some amazing people around me, which is what inspires me. I keep getting bookings, so I’m guessing that people are liking it too!? I’m warming up for Munity at their residency night at Inigo on 30th of September, which is unreal.
I’m over the moon to be playing Frantic vs Freeformation. I’m the last dj of the celebration and that feels really special to me. I only hope I do a good job as I would love to be invited back to play.
Why do you think Hidden makes a good venue for an afterparty?
I never said that! *jokes* Hidden is my favourite venue. It’s pushing the image of dance music forward. The decoration and style of the club is really plush. I can do dark clubs, but I am a bit of a Monica Geller and like clean and tidy. I prefer to be in nice surroundings. The upkeep of the club is fantastic. If you watch throughout the night, there is a team making sure that standards of the club remain as the night progresses. More clubs need to invest in this.
The sound systems are quality which is a must, not just for the clubbers, but it is even more so important for the artists that are playing. The lighting is also a huge atmospheric must. If you’ve been to a party at Batch HQ you will know that I practice what I preach with regards to sound and light. Hehe.
The chill out areas are great at Hidden, whether you’re kicking back on a fat leather sofa or munching some Thai cuisine in the Garden. There’s somewhere to get a breath of fresh air.
What else have you got planned over the long Bank Holiday weekend?
Friday: My friend Kitkat’s Birthday
Saturday: SW4
Sunday: Summit On Sunday (SOS), Frantic 9
Monday: Frantic vs Freeformation
See you down the front!
Photos courtesy of Batch. Not to be reproduced without permission.
The Frantic vs Freeformation Afterhours
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On:
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Monday 28th August 2006
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At:
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Hidden [map]
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From:
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6AM ‘til very late!
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Cost:
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FREE**FREE**FREE**FREE
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Website:
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www.hiddenclub.co.uk
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Ticket Info:
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FREE ENTRY FOR ALL! No advance tickets, no guestlists, just FREE ENTRY! How nice are we eh?
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Trust us – you have NEVER seen an afterparty like this! A 100% totally FREE for all crack on featuring some of the biggest Hard Dance DJs in the world, a superb venue, and two rooms of the tastiest music to keep you going right through until lunchtime!
As if our Summit vs Frantic pre-party and main event at Renaissance Rooms weren’t enough, we’re teaming up with the mighty Freeformation to finish off the Bank Holiday weekend in style. These guys have thrown some of the most sensational parties in the whole of Hard Dance in the last few years, selling out Hidden with their last party and leaving hundreds more queuing outside! That’s’ not to mention their breathtaking Nu Energy Collective live PAs! Not only are these guys masters of the arts of Hard Dance and Freeform, but they are also serious party animals – there’s no-one better to have at an afterparty than this lot!
And don’t think that just because this is a FREE party we’ll be supplying any old two-bit line-up – topping the bill is a WORLD EXCLUSIVE, never-heard-before back-to-back from two of Hard Dance’s most energetic and skilled performers…Andy Whitby and Kevin Energy! The King of Frantic takes on the King of Nu Energy in a no-holds-barred battle of tough beats and big-ass riffs! Hard Dance has never had it so good! Joining these two fearsome talents are the Nu Energy All-Stars – Sharkey, Mark Ashley, K Complex and Arkitech – serving up a potent combo of Hard Dance and Freeform at breakneck BPMs. We are also pleased to present hot new talent in the form of Identikal, Brad Lee and Rory McCart, as well as a sexy and dirty Electro & House Room for those who want to get their swerve on! Frantic’s Elvis & Ben Gomori go back to back, with that saucy Brazilian Eddie Santos and Summit’s superstars Jack Michaels and Batch joining them for a battle of the bassline!
Gone are the days of dingy, dark, intimidating afterhours clubs – Hidden has a friendly, easy-going atmosphere, welcoming staff, tons of seating, great facilities, an outdoor terrace and top of the range sound and lighting technology. Since opening in October last year, it has become the Number 1 Hard House, Hard Trance and Hardcore venue – a massive hit with clubbers and promoters alike. It’s less than 5 minutes walk from Vauxhall Tube and National Rail Station too. The perfect club to crack on in!
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Other Features By benz:
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Eat Static return for Lost In Space
Coburn bring their live show to UP^^
The return of The Colosseum
Modernism, Politburo and Sedition: Matthew Duffield’s manifesto
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: Glyn Waters on 25th Aug 2006 19:00.55
Wicked interview Batch see you over the weekend mate 
From: Technikal on 25th Aug 2006 23:16.18
Go on matey!!
Hope you have a blinder mate, would love to be there but can't make it this weekend. Enjoy every minute of it my angel 
From: Ashley James on 25th Aug 2006 23:17.12
Top bloke, cool interview. Good stuff Batch. See you Sunday for a good b2b dose of Hard Trance.
From: Batch on 27th Aug 2006 00:29.16
Nice one guys... Ash... See You at SOS!
From: Cally Gage on 27th Aug 2006 10:38.17
Thanks for the comment babe, I'm touched!
Really, really good interview and a great read - you rock honey.
Good luck with everything to come and thanks for all your support.
See you at S.O.S.
xx
From: Karl HH on 27th Aug 2006 17:31.29
Nice interview! Nice set last time on DDOD! You got skills Thumbs up
From: ©harly on 28th Aug 2006 13:56.40
Batcheeeeeeeh! Cool interview dude, and hope to see you soon in either UK or Holland. Grtz, Charly!
From: bennett on 28th Aug 2006 19:30.24
One of the nicest guys on the scene!
Wicked interview mate, and al the best for the future!
From: Ickle H on 29th Aug 2006 14:53.35
Yo Batchster!! Such a great interview to read. Keep doing what you do best babes  x
From: Dé Daaan!!! on 29th Aug 2006 22:30.40
Very good interview Batch  Really enjoyed your closing set mondaymorning at the after from Frantic and wondeful to see you again. U rocked D.D.O.D. in Amsterdam for sure. Keep it up
From: summitjaymo on 30th Aug 2006 17:48.47
Batch you are one of the nicest people i have ever met, if only Ben was still around today to see how far we have all gone, keep pushing the love and the music Jaymo
From: Batch on 30th Aug 2006 18:16.39
Sweet!...
Ash: i think we smashed it at SOS!!!
Cally: U & Tina were gorgeous on Sunday
To all the Dutch: forgot to mention my Dutch name "Bats" pronounced 'Buts'... hope to be back for some more action next year... Dawn... well done for surviving the full 24 hours with me!!! (just hehe)
Jaymo: The Release of 'Don't Get Scared Now' is in memory of Ben Jeacock & Jo Smith... Love them both so much and miss them everyday...
but it is love like that that gives me the strength to keep smiling and to keep going
Ta Ben & Ickle H: Your kind words and time are the difference maker.
From: Darren B on 30th Aug 2006 18:39.19
Hey mate NICE ONE..!! Nev and spead get a mention too :-) Catch you soon
From: Batch on 30th Aug 2006 19:29.24
dude... i never forget where i came from!!! That goes to u too! Us Whitton Boys gotta stick together!!!
From: Gordon Darley on 31st Aug 2006 00:21.57
Batch mate, you rock!!
I'm not going to bombard this message with the hype as everybody has done it already.
You deserve to go far dude, and thanks for all the support!
From: Holly-Anna on 31st Aug 2006 11:33.34
Nice to meet you sunday! your off your head geezer 
wicked interview x x
From: Mariella on 31st Aug 2006 14:38.33
absolutely loved your set monday morning!! you and Jack smacked it all over the place!! You both reek of excitement and passion for what you do!!  Very inspiring!! Quality interview, hope to be seeing more of the pair of you very soon!!
From: Claire99 on 31st Aug 2006 16:22.45
A REALLY GOOD READ
From: Zimma on 1st Sep 2006 00:33.23
Nice one
From: Ashley James on 1st Sep 2006 19:58.12
Sure did mate.
From: Neonpink on 2nd Sep 2006 16:15.47
How good was the monday morning set.. you indeed did rock. If i hadnt have been as tired as i was i would have been dancing so hard, but i was doing that in my head.. i enjoyed very much!!
From: budha on 3rd Sep 2006 03:33.01
Love the sounds of the afterparty!
From: jack micheals on 3rd Sep 2006 11:59.32
hey dude sorry for the late comment!!!! but u smack it, big time!!! love ya
From: Danny Luu on 4th Sep 2006 16:00.44
Hello mate. Great interview and keep up the good work
From: Sam Fury on 4th Sep 2006 20:49.24
Yo DUDE ! you go boy ,.. wicked interview. You a top bloke, great party animal and just to cool for school ,.. yeah baby !
All the best and see you soon Amigo
From: dirtyrascal on 5th Sep 2006 16:29.37
Nice interview Batch...looking forward to having you down at Frantic again soon.
From: MvDJ on 5th Sep 2006 23:51.51
Yoo Batch, cool interview mate!! Keep up the good work and hopefully you'll get your second release soon! Also hope to see you sometime in Holland or the UK. Speak soon, Martijn.
From: Batch on 12th Sep 2006 16:34.17
Thanks for all the kind words and comments guys...
hope to see u all soon
From: mattpickup on 19th Sep 2006 10:59.24
great interview matey
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