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Features 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!

Monkey business as usual: interview with Shaf De Bass Reported by Bunny / Submitted 21-10-04 09:36 If you’re looking for a rising star who’s sure to soon go supernova, then look no further than Oblivion or more precisely, Mr Oblivion himself, Shaf De Bass. From the George the Fourth to Amsterdam, Sweden (and beyond), things are definitely hotting up on every level for this talented entrepreneur, producer and DJ. Harderfaster managed to distract him from his busy schedule (with the aid of a bunch of bananas) to find out if it really is a case of la vie en rose for this homo sapien… Bunny: How the devil are you old chap? Shaf De Bass: Bloody Marvellous! B: So, Mr De Bass. You’re currently running one of the most successful monthly Hard Dance events in London, collaborating with established and respected producers, putting the finishing touches to your soon-to-be-re-launched record label, Oblivion Records, DJing all over the country and beyond, overseeing the Review section of Harderfaster and you’ve just begun a combined degree in Business Management and computing… So what do you do when you’re bored? SDB: ...I'd forgotten what it was like to get bored...until I got the flu and was forced to slow down a bit...THAT was boring! Being ill sucks donkey's testicals... B: Oblivion has just turned two years old yet already you’ve run two very successful nights at the Fridge as well as the legendary parties at the George - which just keep getting better! There are many rumours circulating about the scene diminishing and even folding in on itself, yet Oblivion seems to go from strength to strength. Just how do you do it? And what tricks have you got up your sleeve for future events? SDB: Oblivion's success has always been based on the 'house party' feel about it. We try to make it as comfortable as we can so that everyone relaxes and gets really involved on the dancefloor. Our DJs always comment on how wicked and responsive the crowd are. It also helps having Janie Mac on board as she makes sure everyone is looked after and happy. We've recently gone bi-monthly due to our hectic schedules but we feel this will be beneficial to the night as we can really build up to each event. B: A little birdy tells me that Oblivion could be heading south of the equator… SDB: I've had some talks with Matt Clarke and Daniel Ro and we're looking at holding some Oblivion events over in New Zealand. These were originally intended for December 2004 but again due to other stuff going on here we're having to postpone until next year...watch this space B: A year ago you were asked where you hadn’t played but would like to. You replied that a dream set would be somewhere outside the UK such as Dance Valley. How close do you think you are now to realising this dream? SDB: Well, in July this year I got flown out to Halmstad in the south of Sweden to play at the 1500 capacity Club Monday. It was a wicked experience as I was the first UK DJ out there playing hard dance at what's usually been a hip-hop club. Being given my own room to host and a 3 hour set to play with I got stuck right in with a bit of funky techno, trance and some chunky hard house and hard dance. Zana Mills and Simon Rutherford came out to represent a few weeks after me and from what I've heard they did us proud...and the Swedes are lovely people too B: You popped your Turnmills DJing cherry with Heat last year and on the 13th November you’re flying out with them to play as part of their 48 hours in Amsterdam. Could do worse, I guess… SDB: Anyone who came on last year's trip will confirm that it was absolute carnage. Levels of carnage that cannot be categorised in any way. That's why when Damo asked me if I'd be interested in playing I jumped at the chance. Only a few weeks to go now and I honestly can't wait... Bring it on bitches. B: Tell us about your Oblivion record label. It’s had a bit of a turbulent childhood hasn’t it? What’s the score at the moment and what can we expect over the next twelve months? SDB: With the unfortunate demise of Alphamagic we very nearly lost our label too but we've fought to keep it alive and have signed some absolutely quality tunes from the likes of Carl Nicholson, Dave Lochrie, Simon Rutherford and Mark Austin, and we're just waiting to hear back from a couple of VERY well known producers regarding remix duties. Watch this space for details of a re-launch party. To keep up to date on any news regarding Oblivion parties or the label please log onto www.OblivionUk.com and enter your email addy. B: Oblivion recently rocked the upstairs room at The Scala at the latest Frantic vs Logic event. Any plans to further team up with other promotions in the future? SDB: We've done a couple of collaborations and will probably do more at some point in the future but for the moment we are going to stick with our bi-monthly parties and build up to our 3rd birthday next summer which is going to be larger than the largest thing you've ever heard about...that's proper large!!! B: You’re still gigging like it’s going out of fashion, with upcoming sets in internationally recognised venues such as Heaven and the Fridge. Do you still get excited before playing a set? How do you stop yourself getting complacent about it all? SDB: Of course I do. I absolutely love it and although sometimes the hours are long and late, once I get going and the first record is spinning I just buzz off the adrenaline... It's amazing how slow the clock goes when you're waiting to play, but as soon as you're on the hours just fly by...it's crazy! B: You recently performed your first live PA for Logic at the Fridge. That must have felt pretty good! What have you got planned for your next live PA at Logic on the 22nd October? How do you approach a live PA and what similarities/differences is there between a PA and a DJing set? SDB: A Live PA is VERY similar to a DJ set except it's not AS spontaneous and much more pre-planned. As it stands I'll only be doing these for Logic as I know the crowd so well and kinda know what risks i'll be able to get away with. In my last one I managed to slip in some reggae just before the original Prodigy 'Outta Space', followed by Murder Was The Bass - the place went off!!! I've got some lovely little bits planned for this next PA but you'll have to be there to find out what they are as it's all top secret for now. B: I hear that your involvement with Logic doesn’t just end there now… SDB: That’s right. Recently Dave Logic called me up and asked me to meet him as he had something VERY important to talk about. At first I thought he was gonna tell me he was pregnant but the news was even better than that, he asked me if I'd like to join him and Nadia as part of the Logic team and I was absolutely speechless. I felt so honoured that out of all the people that would give there right b*****k to do that, Dave had thought of me. I've been with Logic since before day one and even have a couple of the very first photocopied paper flyers they used to hand out at the Peace Gardens with vague info about this 'new pub/club' called The George IV... … look how they've progressed and I look forward to working with them and the great team they have that support them, that includes all of LAK: UK and Jason and the production crew. B: There’s been quite a lot of changes on HarderFaster lately with Tom heading off Down Under and Matt taking over the mantle of Harderfather. You’ll also be playing a role in the new-look Harderfaster as Review Manager. What will this involve and what are your plans for this section? SDB: This is a project aimed at broadening the range of music we get reviewed on Harderfaster and having it regulated so that we get a certain amount of reviews up each week. We hope to eventually have a snippet of each tune so that the reader can listen to what they are reading about and very possibly a direct link to a recommended supplier. We're going to also have an 'alternative opinion' where some of the bigger tunes in each genre will be reviewed by a reviewer with a different taste - so we might have some trance reviewers giving us their opinion on some banging hard house, and vice versa. My role will be mainly to collate the tunes, get us on as many mailing lists as possible and to distribute the right tunes to the right reviewers. Anyone wishing to get their material reviewed or if you're interested in writing some reviews for us then please email me at Shaf@Harderfaster.net - please include what music you are interested in etc... B: Here’s an oldie but a goodie: what’s your take on the Hard Dance scene at the moment? Is it REALLY dying on its a**e? SDB: No, no way - it will always get bigger and smaller week in week out. It depends on the weather, on pay-day, on a full moon, you could go on forever but I believe the scene will always be there as there are far too many people that are so passionate about it to let it slip away. B: A lot of DJs are sceptical of the phrase ‘Hard Dance’ as it seems to incorporate only two styles of music – Hard House and Hard Trance. What’s your opinion on this and the direction this genre is heading? SDB: I don't really like to have too many genres to be honest. It's either good music or sh*t music. If a tune is good, I'll try to fit it into my set, being trance, techno, hard house or whatever. There are too many types of hard house to really stereotype that. People just have to be careful when choosing what DJs they want to hear, what nights they go to and what sounds they are looking for - some of the best promotions cover them all. B: Which producers and DJs are rocking your world at the moment? Who should we keep an eye on (other than yourself o’course ) for future glory? SDB: Hmmm... ...always a tough question to answer. On the funky side of things Rich O is absolutely rocking it at the moment and really got everyone going at my birthday bash last week. I'd also say keep an eye out on that Richard Launch bloke - it's been said a million times about how versatile this guy is and it's been known you can find him playing in more than one room of a club...on the same night. Jim Wild is coming along very nicely with his production and I hear rumours that he has a legend and pioneer as his mentor at the moment which can only be a good thing. Also Alex Parsons, Dave Lochrie, Carl Nicholson and the young lads MDA & Spherical are all doing it for me at the mo. B: Many DJs are now branching out into more than one style of music. Is this something you’re interested in pursuing and which style would you choose? SDB: I can't really see myself moving into a completely different style of music altogether but I can see my style evolving. My record collection spans through house, breaks, jungle, D&B, techno, gabber, hard house, trance and all sorts of other random stuff. I'd like to eventually be able to play a set of tunes that nobody could categorise into any genre except 'dance music'. B: Are there too many DJs/promotions at the moment? Has the London scene reached saturation point? SDB: I think it did a while back but I do think it's improved recently. There are still a few random promotions popping up around but they don't seem to last very long. It is very tough to get something off it's feet and people like Craig Paxton and Trev @ Most Wanted made Innovate look easy but they've done their homework and it's already established itself as guaranteed good night out. B: Ok, trivia time! What’s your favourite… Film? SDB: True Romance B: Book? SDB: Prey - Michael Crichton B: Mixer? SDB: Pioneer DJM 3000 B: Position? SDB: Too many to mention... B: Species of monkey? SDB: Chimp B: Flavour of crisp? SDB: Sour Cream Pringles. B: Finally: What’s your involvement with Banging Tunes nowadays? SDB: Nothing - I left Banging Tunes back in February and the store in London has now been purchased by James Kinetec, Jethro aka Thermobee and Dave Randal - they've had it all renovated and re-decorated and it's well worth a visit. They're all friendly as so give 'em (Kinetec Records) a call on 0207-323-5303 for any info on opening hours or stock. B: Penultimately: daddy or chips? SDB: Can I say both???? B: It’s a free world! Right, this really is the final question this time - the traditional Harderfaster Closing Question * drum roll * … What is your Holy Trinity of tracks? SDB: I hate this question...it's SO hard to say as there are so many wicked tracks that just make me point to the stereo and go "WHAT A F*****G TUNE!" - usually followed by a a shoulder manoeuvre that only a few people can pull off - it's all about the shoulders... B: Shaf De Bass, thank you for your time. SDB: No problem! Photos courtesy of Joeyxx, Daf, Houseguy and Amy Anders Share this :: : : : Follow HarderFaster :: Other Features By Bunny: It's about music - interview with Alex Parsons Twistathon – Twist’s 12 Hour 1st Birthday Bonanza Zoology's 2nd Birthday - Review! becomeone: Unified in Sound - Review Logic's Fourth Birthday - Hooray! (review) 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. Comments: From: Craig Paxton on 21st Oct 2004 12:30.20 A legend to those that know him and a future legend for those who haven't been lucky enough to have had the pleasure. Love your work Shaf, love your work.. From: shazzabazza on 21st Oct 2004 12:33.01 A real gem of a talent From: carl nicholson on 21st Oct 2004 12:35.31 Thanks for the lovely comments dude!!! Thats £20 i owe u!!! : Nah, seriously Shaf De Bass IMO is a superstar in the making, wicked DJ, Producer, Promoter and above all one of the most genuine guys i have ever had the pleasure cross paths with! BIG UP TO DA MONKEY!!! From: Busta on 21st Oct 2004 13:04.55 i have to agree with Carl`s comments nice one Shaf !! Good luck with your future plans mate From: Beth on 21st Oct 2004 13:09.46 tremendous interview From: Tin Tin on 21st Oct 2004 13:10.02 Mate, your on form as usual! keep doing what your doing to take you to the top! From: Andyking on 21st Oct 2004 13:14.16 Ohh Ohh Ahh Ahh!!!!! From: Richard Launch on 21st Oct 2004 13:36.09 Shaf you legend....! It has been a pleasure working with you as well as getting stuck right into some partying and having good times. All the best. From: James Jaye on 21st Oct 2004 13:46.21 good work pal...well deserved..The label's not too far away now....gonna be proper bo! From: Stevi D on 21st Oct 2004 14:43.14 Nice one bro! From: ClubCasualty on 21st Oct 2004 15:21.29 A top bloke! From: Janie Mac on 21st Oct 2004 15:21.45 Awwww... so proud baby! Love you SO much! My little superstar! xx From: Paul Reeves on 21st Oct 2004 15:25.55 guna miss you m8, we've had some wkd times together an hopefully there will be more. wish you all the best for your future and hope life treats you well. c u soon... lots of hairy manlove me From: Maria on 21st Oct 2004 15:28.11 Oh yes that!!! Muito bem meu garoto!!! Continua assim... From: Jim Wild on 21st Oct 2004 20:18.15 Nice work mate From: Alex Parsons on 21st Oct 2004 20:28.11 Nice work matey. You're gonna go far! Btw. I've still got that toothbrush at the ready... I'm gonna give you such pleasure!!! Bunny.... Wicked interview. As always, a star! A big to you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx From: Danny Gilligan on 21st Oct 2004 20:54.14 Well done Shaf I am well impressed at you in the last six months mate, you have climbed a mile, top bloke and a massive well done keep the good vibes alive son From: Fordy on 22nd Oct 2004 01:08.46 Have-a-word! From: Jeffski B on 22nd Oct 2004 09:06.07 Well done, Mr Shaf!!! From: Tiger on 22nd Oct 2004 10:52.50 Shaf, you ARE amazing! Can't wait to see all the good things you are preparing for us with Oblivion and everything else! Bunny, this interview was really entertaining with a good range of question!! From: Dallas on 22nd Oct 2004 11:30.44 nice work Shaf!!!! From: Gordon Darley on 22nd Oct 2004 12:14.30 Nice one Mr De Bass, even if a chimp isn't a monkey[/pedantic] From: ViKa on 22nd Oct 2004 13:38.13 THE Legend.. Well Done!!!! Keep up the good work... From: ~Charlotte~ on 22nd Oct 2004 17:00.24 Well done you great big tart, i'm really proud of you...... you've come so far in the past 4 years...... I remember the very 1st Oblivion like it was yesterday.....keep up the good work, luvya man. x From: Pete M on 22nd Oct 2004 17:01.26 A nice guy....great interview. As Vika says, the man is a legend. From: Minx! on 22nd Oct 2004 17:07.40 Wicked interview Shaf and Bunny!!! Shaf, well proud of your hunny, you just go from strength to strength....and Im glad Im there along for the erm, crazy ride!!! You deserve a big bunch of banana's .....ooh ooh aah aah!!! xxx From: DaMnEe on 22nd Oct 2004 17:17.07 Who would have thought 4 years ago when I met you that you'd go so far! (Not that I didnt believe in you ) Well done darling, you're a star From: Red5 on 22nd Oct 2004 17:50.11 Top work Monkey Man. Can't wait to see your off spring, it really will be a case of "Like Father, like Monkey" From: djmpassos on 22nd Oct 2004 20:17.34 shaf de man =) From: *cheeky chick* on 23rd Oct 2004 11:19.52 knock em dead at logic shaf gutted i cant make it. From: Dr DUZZIT on 23rd Oct 2004 18:52.29 theres only one shef de base From: Miss Direction on 24th Oct 2004 18:34.20 Monkey WE LUV YOUUUUU!!!! You're a lil legend schweedee and we have really enjoyed getting to know you better the last few months, keep up the good work and keep coming round ours so we can paint you in red lipstick and take photos of you in comprimising positions.. you luv it you slaaaag!!! Bunny - WICKED interview babes!! Wench xxx From: ~deleted1390 on 26th Oct 2004 12:52.06 What a loon. From: shazzabazza on 26th Oct 2004 17:21.19 Always got room for monkey love From: djviticus on 26th Oct 2004 19:28.34 nice one cant wait to have you guys out state side! bowai From: vixta on 27th Oct 2004 15:02.27 A legend in the making! Your set at logic (22nd Oct) had us dancing solidly right the way through. I had a mate there who had never been to a h/h / trance night before and she's a complete convert now. Money for Nothing had us bouncing up and down even in our 4" heels. Wish you all the best for future endeavours sweetie. Bunny, fab interview hon! Vxx From: Lars on 27th Oct 2004 15:14.32 Nice one!! Great inverview Bunny You rock Shaf From: Manne on 27th Oct 2004 18:00.53 Great interview! Shaf, my feet are still hurting from the wicked three hour set in Sweden. I only wish I could spend more time in London. Best of luck with all your plans from your Swedish fan base. From: zimbolicious on 28th Oct 2004 15:36.21 Heres to shaf rocking the next olympics From: Duracell Bunny on 31st Oct 2004 20:48.22 Can I have my phone back now? From: *charlie*! on 2nd Nov 2004 10:31.37 SHAF U ROCK BABE! u are such a wicked bloke I always look 4ward to ur sets U KICK ARSE BABE U have done so well lately IM PROUD OF U BABE! KEEP UP THE MONKEY MADNESS! and i will certainly see u down the front! take care honey big 's to ya! From: Trevor McLachlan on 2nd Nov 2004 15:40.46 Good work mate ... Will see you out soon no doubt Nice interview Bunny !! From: Matt Style on 4th Nov 2004 06:54.24 Top bloke, all your sucsess is well deserved, you've worked hard for it, Nice interview matey..... From: Norris123 on 8th Nov 2004 12:35.03 Thank you all for all your comments. As you all know I absolutely love it and it looks like I'll be loving it for a while longer. Thank you so much to everyone that comes to support me at the gigs and those that keep the vibe alive at Oblivion & Logic. Nuff love to everyone and keep rockin'.

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