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Features
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Twisted preview with the One and only K.A.R.L.
Reported by Macavity
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Submitted 23-11-05 22:30
Have you ever watched the film Sliding Doors? If you have you’ll know that a small incident or decision can have a major impact on your life. This is certainly the case for the DJ and promoter known as K.A.R.L. If he hadn’t gone back to a house party after a club one night, he wouldn’t be making his main room set debut at The Fridge at Twisted on Saturday 3rd December. Till that day he’d only learnt the basics of mixing from watching friends; but at that party he decided to mess about on the decks in the house. His interesting tune selection caught the ears of Zoelee from Kurruption who was so impressed that she immediately offered him a slot at one of her parties, despite the questionable mixing.
This praise encouraged him to go away and spruce up his beat matching skills; purchase some decks the next day; choose a DJ moniker that is impossible to type in hurry; and put his heart and soul into DJing. The chance decision to go back to that house had changed his life forever and K.A.R.L. the DJ was born.
As well as learning to DJ he also got together with his friend Conrad to co-promote a Saturday afternoon party. Called One (without fullstops), it wasn’t long before it became a ‘must do’ Saturday pre-club experience from many avid fans, while at the same time giving him the perfect platform for him to hone his DJing and promoting skills. This led to him garnering the attention of Most Wanted who selected him to become its musical programmer and resident for — its then new — Sunday party called F at Fire. At the same time his Djing talent started to quickly shine though and he was soon a regular at some of London’s most well known hard dance and trance parties, where he still delights crowds with his big ball of driving trance, peppered with tech trance and electro.
To celebrate his debut main room Fridge appearance I thought it was about time he got treated to the famous H.A.R.D.E.R.F.A.S.T.E.R. interview treatment.
So here goes; let’s meet the Karl behind K.A.R.L.
How did you get into DJing ?
It was by chance really. I was all set to give up on clubbing after NYE 2003 but went out to Heat in Jan 2004 with some friends and then went to a crack-on.
I was there with some of my records (I’d collected & been sent stuff over the years), clowning around on the decks and Zoelee from Kurruption was there. She liked what I was playing, and asked me to play at her next party. I had a rough idea of how to mix as well because a lot of my old friends were DJs and I used to watch them.
I played (very badly), but decided to go and buy some decks a few days after that. I then hooked up with Conrad when One was looking for a new venue and he asked me if I wanted to get involved. I did. We then moved One to the Southside Bar and things kind of went from there.
I then did two demos and gave them to Daegal Brain who was then the trance resident for Twisted. He booked me for the November party last year; that went really well and things seem to have taken off since then.
K.A.R.L. with John ‘00’ Fleming
What have been you DJing highlights so far?
Definitely, my first Twisted last year is up there. Playing in that back room, with 20–30 mates in there and see it fill up so quickly was brilliant. Playing the main room for HeatUK at Shepherds Bush Empire was pretty unreal. Was so funny looking up from that stage and see the place pack out as mine & Conrad's set progressed.
I have also done two main room warm-ups for Innovate,the second time being immensely satisfying because Nick & Nicki had requested that I play, and that went brilliantly. It showed a complete different side to my usual trancier style.
In September Basic also gave me the opportunity to do a four hour set at The Fridge which is pretty unheard of, so that was great.
Some of my favourite sets have been at the smaller underground parties like Zoology, Spangulation and Party Proactive.
I have also been lucky enough to play alongside the like of John ‘00’ Fleming, Andy Farley, Gavyn Mytchel, Ian Betts. I’ve also played with lots of people at F, which is is pretty cool; so plenty of highlights already, but I think Twisted is the icing on the cake for me this year.
It’s been my favourite promotion for years, so to make my main room debut for them with a peak-time set is awesome. (Thanks Hannah!)
How would you describe your style and what and who are your main influences?
My style is probably trance, but trance with a twang. It definitely has a very techno/electro feel to it, but that’s not to say that’s all I can play. If you want a pumping power trance set full of hands in the air I can do that — or a nice melodic uplifing set then I can do that too. I could even do a heads down hard and dirty trance set if that’s what’s required.
My preference is something where I can mix up all styles of trance in a set; pretty much what I will play at Twisted — some driving tech trance, driving uplifting techno with some pumping trance thrown in for good measure.
This has definitely come about from being a huge fan of Paul van Dyk, Mauro Picotto and Nick Sentience. I have seen these guys play from around 2000 up to now, and it’s their ability to mix up genres when they play and in their productions, which really got me hooked on them
I also love doing warm-ups, where I can show my slower groovier side, with some funky techno, tech house and progressive trance. It’s all about playing the right music for the right time.
Which DJs and producers are exiting you at the moment ? Who do you tip for the top?
On the London scene I’d say Ian Betts is going well and getting the rewards for all his hard work, and Jurrane is someone who has a very bright future as a DJ and a producer. Sly One is another top producer.
I also rate Ehren Stowers and Ben Gold as DJs.There’s also plenty of talent at the underground parties as well. People like Daegal Brain, Steve Hitch, Marc Antoine, Latex Zebra to name a few.
Also people like Greg Downey, John O’Callaghan, Gavyn Mytchel and John Askew are doing huge things on the production and DJ front and I would love to see these guys play at parties like Twisted or Innovate. I wouldn’t mind finding out more about Fred Baker & Igor S as DJs, because their productions are awesome and nearly always get played out in my sets at the moment.
What are your thoughts on the London trance scene ? Is it better or worse than two years ago ?
I think the London trance scene is very healthy, but I do think there is a divide. You have trance DJs like myself, Daegal Brain and Marc Antoine who tend to play all the hard dance parties and then you have people like Ehren Stowers and Ben Gold for example, who play to the more trancier crowds, which is something I definitely would like to do. Jurrane seems to fit nicely in the middle. I’m seeing more and more line-ups include trance DJs. When I started playing out I thought I would struggle to get sets, especially mixing in predominantly hard dance circles, so there is definitely demand out there.
Do you think hard dance is dead?
What do you mean by hard dance ? I can play hard music and (I hope) people dance to it, but your average clubber wouldn’t call it hard dance. It makes me laugh when hard dance heads say, trance is fluffy. Obviously they don’t venture out of the hard dance arena enough in clubs and listen to DJ Sammy when they are home.
I think hard dance has lost direction. It seems to me that most hard trance is now hard dance and hard house has gone back to being hard house. I’m finding a lot of the hard house stuff now (must be the Insekt:AM influence) is far more interesting for me, than hard trance. Probably because (dare I say it) most UK hard trance is so formulated and all the big tunes are just old trance tunes rehashed. It’s definitely lost its originality.
You’ve had a great year for someone that hasn’t really been playing that long. What are you plans for the near future ?
Yeh, it’s been an amazing year and if next year is half as good I’ll be happy. One of my goals for next year is to get something done in the studio. I spent the past weekend with Jurrane and we got some ideas together for a nice driving techno/trance tune so we’ll se how that goes.
I’m also going to playing in the trance room for Tidy vs Extreme Euphoria @ Heaven next year, and there will be 4 of them so that’s good. I’ll also be helping out with the promotion of other Most Wanted trance events, so hopefully will get the opportunity to play at them. Obviously I would like to continue playing at other non Most Wanted events in London; maybe outside of London as well. Ibiza would be quite nice, as I haven’t had a holiday this year...
It all takes hard work though. You don’t get anything by sitting on your backside, hoping it will come to you.
What’s the best thing about your job as a DJ and a promoter ?
Well my last job was driving a forklift truck in a cold store for ten hours a day at 2 degrees, so I’d say everything really. Very few people in life have a job they love so I appreciate it and am going to grasp this opportunity with both hands.
…and the worse ?
Nothing. Do I want to go back to working in 2 degrees all day? Hell no...
Finally, what do you want for Christmas ?
Plenty of sleep, because between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day it’s going to be pretty manic with Extreme Euphoria, One and F.
Thanks Karl for you time and thanks to Harderfaster photographers for photography
Twisted presents K90 Final Destinations
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On:
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Saturday 3rd December 2005
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At:
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The Fridge [map]
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From:
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22:00 - 06:00
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Cost:
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£14 standard tickets / £MOTD
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Website:
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www.twisteduk.com
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Ticket Info:
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www.ticketweb.co.uk 08700 600 100
www.clubtickets.co.uk 08702 462 050
Never Enough Ticket agency – 07813 684 399 or 0208 352 0705
Vince Midlands - 07835626226
Cyberdog Camden – 0207 482 2842
Mad Records - 02074394707
E-List London – www.e-listlondon.com
Info and Concession Guest-list – Hannah@mostwanteduk.com
Contact – 07883 341 662 / 07748 265 270 or 08707 454 940
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Twisted are delighted to present – Destination Twisted – The Final Stop!
This is the last chance you will have to see K90 perform live in the UK in 2005! Undoubtedly one of the most enigmatic, effervescent and exceptional performers the scene has ever produced, Mark Doggett, A.K.A. K90, is responsible for more outbreaks of mass dance-floor hysteria than arguably any other artist the scene has ever produced.
Not content with giving you one exclusive performance, we at Twisted have also managed to secure the sublime skills of Hard Dance legend and show-stopper Phil Reynolds. Together, for the first time ever at the Fridge, Phil and K90 (straight from finishing his Live set) will be combining their outstanding talents and impeccable tune selection for a B2B collaboration of epic proportions to take you on a musical journey to unfathomable heights.
To further compliment this awesome duo, Twisted residents James Lawson and Trevor McLachlan will be joined in the main room by London trance maestro K.A.R.L. And a much anticipated 2 hour set from Magic Beans head honcho - Jurrane.
***Afterparty - F & Insekt AM @ Fire Club***
5am - 11am
Concessions passes and a free bus to Fire for all people who go to Twisted.
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Flyer:
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Other Features By Macavity:
Ben Coda Gets Ready for Glade Festival
The Tidy Boys are Back To Clean Up London
David Minns Tells Us Why South London is The Place To Be!
Russia's No 1 DJ, Bobina Springs into London
Ali Wilson - From Harderfaster to Carl Cox's Favourite Producer
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: James Nardi on 23rd Nov 2005 22:44.47
Great interview with a very genuine guy.
It's been good working with you over the past couple of months mate. 
From: Mike Harris on 23rd Nov 2005 23:15.42
K.A.R.L is one of the best dj's i know, his sets are always varied and interesting, I cant wait to see him tear up the main room! 
I predict big things for this 'young' man!
From: Lee Osborne on 23rd Nov 2005 23:16.48
Karl is a legend! Nice one mate
From: TheDon on 23rd Nov 2005 23:46.09
Top interview with a top lad. Nice one Karl, keep up the good work. Good to see insekt is having an effect as well ;o)
From: 2 PhUnKEd Up on 24th Nov 2005 01:18.57
Awesome DJ and Top Chap. 2006 is gonna be a great year for you! Thanks for all the help and support mate
From: Jurrane on 24th Nov 2005 07:58.31
KA.R.L. has had a superb 2005 and is surely set to have an amazing 2006. Many congratulations mate: you deserve every success that's come to you and I can't wait to hear you rock the main room at Twisted at peak-time. Bring it on!
From: Andy T on 24th Nov 2005 09:03.32
Quality DJ, Quality Bloke, nuff said 
From: Not Marcus on 24th Nov 2005 09:26.33
 Go Karl
From: Toomz on 24th Nov 2005 09:36.01
Nice one mate... good stuff!
From: Zoelee on 24th Nov 2005 09:41.31
Ha Ha...You weren't that bad at mixing when I saw you Karl! ... You'll give me a rep for booking crap DJs! 
Love your work...Keep it up
From: Gordon Darley on 24th Nov 2005 10:15.16
Bang it out my son!! Keep it hard and proper fast. 
You deserve all you get from here on in mate, can't wait to see you play main room Twisted
From: Hatsta on 24th Nov 2005 11:13.08
Good "twisted" lad KARL, all the best mate from down under !
From: ~deleted1390 on 24th Nov 2005 11:38.08
A damn fine DJ, one of few who I actually admire, a top bloke and someone with very good ideas on making this scene of ours better.
I wish him all the success in the World!
From: Twisted Hannah on 24th Nov 2005 12:26.20
Busted you are the greatest!! Love ya man xxxxx
From: Olly Perris on 24th Nov 2005 12:26.39
LEGEND!
From: Maria on 24th Nov 2005 12:49.39
Well done Karl. Have a lovely time at Twisted! Love you!!!
From: Lorenzo Barrero on 24th Nov 2005 13:16.54
Nice one mate! Not long to go now till Twisted...It's definately going to be a big night!!!
From: Marc Johnson on 24th Nov 2005 13:20.23
Good interview and a top bloke, see you at the weekend mate
From: dean peters on 24th Nov 2005 13:38.53
Nice interview karl...pleasing to see your hard work paying off
From: Andy Dunford on 24th Nov 2005 13:54.19
I think the number of responses above says it all really. Lovely bloke and a good dj as well. Didn't realise he'd only been dj-ing less than two years.
From: DaveFrayne on 24th Nov 2005 15:18.20
Gwarn!! - Top geezer!
Look fwd to seeing ya (& maybe catching one of your sets eh?) again soon mate!
All the Best
From: anushka007 on 24th Nov 2005 15:35.53
 wicked interview and what can I say... GO K.A.R.L. go K.A.R.L. GO - GO K.A.R.L 
From: Stopout on 24th Nov 2005 16:45.40
Nice Intrviw mate, looking forward to seeing you tear apart the Main Room at Twisted! 
From: Alan-Banks on 24th Nov 2005 17:32.39
Well done KARL. You deserve it all. Can't wait till Twisted!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fire it up!!
From: paul jack on 24th Nov 2005 20:39.40
top stuff Karl - i enojy our friendship and wish you all the best!
From: Tina Martin on 24th Nov 2005 20:57.55
See the hard works paying off eh mate! Always knew you could get there!
From: Matt Smallwood on 24th Nov 2005 21:01.10
Nice one Karl, you're a legend mate, well deserved!
From: Dickon Laws on 24th Nov 2005 23:06.57
Already a legend....its always a pleasure dealing with you mate! if you dont make it all the way to the top it'll be a crime against music. Good luck with everything mate.
From: Carine on 25th Nov 2005 08:32.15
Karl - you legend! The scene wouldn't be what it is today without you... Wishing you the best x
From: Lozz on 25th Nov 2005 11:23.29
Cool interview (about time too!)! Go K.A.R.L. - Sky's the limit..??
From: Red5 on 25th Nov 2005 12:47.05
Plain to see how respected Karl is from the responses above. Good work mate
From: the Greg on 25th Nov 2005 13:32.59
NICELY DONE MR MERRIMAN~! Karl is willing to be different and he’s an excellent DJ. Really looking forward to what’s still to come.
From: Lisa B on 25th Nov 2005 15:50.56
What a top geezer ... An asset to Most Wanted Events and a fab DJ ... Love ya From THE BIRD !! xxx
From: bennett on 25th Nov 2005 17:49.27
Top lad! nice one Karl!
From: Shimmer on 25th Nov 2005 22:13.58
Look at you Mr Popular... Welldone Matey you deserve it for all you really hard work and being such a fab dj and bloke.. Here I will come to Ibiza and carry your bags..
From: Zoelee on 25th Nov 2005 23:18.45
Hey.... Are you and John 00 brothers!!??
From: Alex Parsons on 26th Nov 2005 00:17.32
Nice work Karl! See you on Sunday
From: Dan Madams on 26th Nov 2005 13:38.22
Great interview, and a top lad..
nice one!!!
Dan
From: Mizz_behavin on 26th Nov 2005 16:11.29
Wicked interview, remember us all when you are famous!! 
From: Perera on 26th Nov 2005 17:50.14
Top banana karl.
From: Ben (Wid and Ben) on 27th Nov 2005 21:50.44
Top bloke got lots of time for him! Nice interview!
From: Hitch the Knife on 28th Nov 2005 02:42.56
Top bloke
From: Bagel on 28th Nov 2005 11:38.55
Nice work mate...keep it up!
From: Stevi D on 28th Nov 2005 15:28.29
You have done damn well Karl, for a dj that only started dj'ing last year. Well done buddy, your future looks bright your, futures ORANGE, HAHAHAHAHA, kEEp it Up
From: Pandora S-K on 28th Nov 2005 15:43.51
Great interview C.H.A.V!
From: danj on 29th Nov 2005 01:45.24
Bring it on!
From: James Terry on 30th Nov 2005 00:22.24
ive only seen him play the once and his style grabbed me by the balls. Goodstuff dude ,looking forward to hearing some dirty tech production.
From: Darz on 30th Nov 2005 01:42.37
wicked interview mate!
From: Charlie Rox on 30th Nov 2005 12:53.44
Karl and oo fleming, seperated at birth!!!! Top bloke and musically a vast knowledge of all things tech n trance, he lives and breathes the scene and I will be there to throw fruit and annoy him, hail the bald ONE!!!
From: ~deleted9531 on 30th Nov 2005 14:16.36
Nice one Karl, I'll be there at the front flashing my boobies!
From: K.A.R.L. on 30th Nov 2005 14:30.18
Wow.  Cheers guy's & girls. A massive thanks to everyone who has booked me & supported me. It has been a fantastic year & it would be great to share a beer or two with you (after my set of course) on Saturday.
And Charlie, I model myself on you with my haircut.
From: Charlie Bradley on 30th Nov 2005 16:58.29
Only met you once mate but defo left a nice impression.
Top bloke - enjoy your set!
From: Shatsworth on 1st Dec 2005 09:38.44
Been there from the start mate and its gonna be shatpank to see you in the main room, where you belong!!
From: Mat Lock on 4th Dec 2005 23:11.58
Top bloke and awesome dj to boot Hope it all went well for you last night. Speak to you soon mate !
From: Sara on 5th Dec 2005 18:56.31
Great interview Karl. Well done for all you have achieved. I know you will keep up the good work. x
From: Marc Antoine on 14th Dec 2005 21:46.37
Not bad for an evil twin!
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