Powerstomp: An Overview

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Powerstomp: An Overview

With a new album on the horizon and their sets gaining popularity at events across the country, DJ Kurt & Joey Riot may just have found their niche in the market - at last

When DJ Kurt's "Straight From the Underground" first dropped around 2008, I remember thinking: 

     A. Why don't Lethal Theory get more credit for what they do in the Hardcore scene? 

     B. As hard a track as it was, it couldn't quite be Gabber, because the bass just wasn't quite crazy enough, and the distortion didn't carry enough weight to translate fully to Gabber. As a bedroom DJ, I began treating it as a transition track, using it as a bridge between "No More" by Darwin, Rampant & Ant Johnson and "Nocturnal Rituals" by Tommyknocker (admittedly older, but one of my favourite Gabber tracks that I would always mix). Little did I know that this track would start the revolution that led to Powerstomp. 

Those who fear for UK Hardcore's very existence with the arrival of Dubcore (loved by many, hated by many others) have seen the emergence of Powerstomp as the saviour of the scene. Hard, four-to-the-floor and relentlessly driven music has never been so furious. Massively influenced by Hardstyle and Hard Dance, Powerstomp also sometimes fuses airy rhythmic vocals for an almost chilling combination. 

But Powerstomp's bread and butter will always be the simplest of ingredients: starting off with the triple kick, a deep, driving and often one-tone bass that relentlessly powers through track after track, and a cacophonous riff that bounces off the hard kicks and swirls around like a tornado of energy. The main sections are usually built up with compressed, quieter versions of the kick & bass mixdowns that follow. The overall effect is one of immense vigour that you can't help but nod your head to (even in tricky head-nodding circumstances). 

Joey Riot & DJ Kurt started out life in UK Hardcore a long time ago, getting their initial breaks with the tracks "Time of My Life" and "Rock Ya Hardcore" respectively. And both artists achieved much success, featuring on the Hardcore Nation/Adrenaline series and Bonkers albums. But Kurt's experimental Hardcore (such as "I Don't Like It", which ironically drew mixed reactions) and Joey Riot's somewhat samey production style seemed to slow the progress of two very talented DJs. Even when the duo did create fantastic gems, such as "Sit & Wait For You" by Kurt & Sara, or Riot's "Enchanted", it always felt as though they got a little bit lost in the Hardcore shuffle. 

So differentiation was needed. Lethal Theory Records needed a new sound to combat the ever-increasing influx of producers flooding the scene. Fusing the experimental sounds that Kurt & Riot had put together (such as in remixes of "Make it Bounce", "Makin' Me Wanna Dance" and what is known as the Riot Powerbounce remix of "Straight from the Underground") with a structure that was their own. 

The first instance of Powerstomp that I came across sounded fresh, despite being a remix. This probably tells you all you need to know about the sub-genre. Is it everyone's cup of tea? Maybe not. But if you like your tea with ten spoons of chilli powder and enough Red Bull to keep a camel walking for a month, then Powerstomp is for you. 

Is it all about the Powerstomp? Joey Riot, DJ Kurt and the Lethal Theory team think so. Time will show if the demand will ride the current wave of popularity. But one thing is for sure; Kurt & Riot have found their niche. Finally. 

Is Powerstomp the future? Do you hate Powerstomp? Leave your comments below...

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Current Classic Track of Choice:     Joey Riot & Chaos - Get Down (FREE DOWNLOAD!)

Executive Records: The End of the Start

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Executive Records: The End of the Start

A label that has always pushed up and coming talent will be closing its doors. They leave behind the blueprint for how to promote talent

The initial reaction to the announcement that Executive Records is to be shut down in the coming weeks for me was pretty saddening. Some of my very favourite DJs were given their early opportunities by signing up to Executive. So I felt it was only appropriate to give a brief history of this label as we get closer to the plug being pulled on this hardcore life machine.

Releasing the bouncy Freeform track "Executive" in 2004, the label's chief DJ Haze quickly sought to branch out beyond just one type of Hardcore, so quickly found themselves releasing Upfront UK Hardcore as well. The track "Sweet Release" saw airplay on Radio 1 and was one of the more popular underground tracks of 2005. 

All one has to do is cast an eye over the talent to have produced and released on Executive to give an idea of the launch pad it has provided to many. Originating in Australia, DJs from the UK & USA have found themselves breaking through partially or mainly due to the label, notably Leeds-based SPIT (who had the impressive hit "The Beginning" & a personal favourite of mine, "SPIT Rock" on his EP with the label) as well as Australia's S3RL & Weaver getting outings early in their careers. This is a pattern that Executive are seeing through right to their end, with releases from relative newcomers Patch, Nizzle & Yorkshire Ripper all scheduled for release or recently out and still available.

Executive Records (and its sister digital label) sets the blueprint for how labels such as Lethal Theory Raw or Klubbed Up Nu School should run themselves. The scene as a whole will miss the void left by the variety-driven label when it's soon gone.

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Current Classic Track of Choice:     Billy 'Daniel' Bunter & D-Zyne - Ride Like the Wind
(and, as a bonus for you modern music lovers, check out the 2009 version)

Paul Rodriguez Passes Away

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Paul Rodriguez: An Obituary

As a man with eclectic musical tastes, Rodriguez offered wisdom and experience to artists and pushed some musicians to new heights

Paul Rodriguez, the man behind some of the biggest tracks and albums published in UK Hardcore and beyond, has passed away. Rave legend Billy 'Daniel' Bunter described Rodriguez as his "back bone and biggest inspiration in music."

A man with over 30 years experience in the publishing industry, Rodriguez left Intersong/Chappell Music in 1974 and began building what became a titanic musical empire, peaking in 2003 by being named the "10th Biggest Music Producer of Hit Singles in the UK".

Much of the success that Paul Rodriguez Music (his eponymous company) had in 2003 came from the Ultrabeat remake of the 1997 Force & Styles hit "Pretty Green Eyes", which peaked at #2 in the UK Singles Charts and is still one of the most widely recognised dance tunes of all time. The follow up songs also achieved chart success with "Feelin' Fine" (#12) and "Better Than Life" (#23) also performing well. 

Rodriguez was a known advocate of the UK Hardcore, publishing artists such as Breeze, CLSM and Hixxy. Indeed, for the latter two, Rodriguez performs guest speaking vocals on Hixxy's "Thou Shalt Not Forget" and on CLSM's "Rearrange Beats" , and I'm almost certain I have heard his voice elsewhere (if you have, please tweet me to let me know). 

Although I never met Rodriguez personally, it is clear he has done much for the UK Hardcore scene. However, Rodriguez also drew his tastes from the world of Reggae, Jazz and Contemporary Classic as well as Electronic and Drum & Bass. Paul Rodriguez Music also had input for many TV shows (such as The Weakest Link, Skins and Dancing On Ice) and advertisements (including the now-iconic Famous Grouse theme). 

A man who has inspired many, not only by the success he accomplished, but also by sticking with his passions within music when others may have faltered, Rodriguez will be sorely missed by those who understood his contribution (look in the sleeve of virtually ANY UK Hardcore CD and his name will be attached in the credits somewhere). 

The words from the aforementioned "Thou Shalt Not Forget" ring truer than ever. RIP to a true legend of the scene.

"They still don't understand, that people like what they like, we're not all sheep who follow the commands that they write. They try to convince and dictate what's cool. But we are Hardcore, and we don't live by this rule. When it suits, they'll try and destroy us once more, but please don't forget the time that they tried it before. Bring on their best, but don't forget the cry: Hardcore Will Never Die."

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Current Classic Track of Choice:     Breeze & Styles - You're Shining (Original Mix)
(published by Paul Rodriguez Music)

Glastonbury: A Hardcore Perspective

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Glastonbury: A Hardcore Perspective

Though the lack of Hardcore was evident, the atmosphere and spirit are shared more than most would probably consider

I will immediately preface this piece by apologising for a lack of material of late. I have recently started a new job and time kind of runs away when you're not paying attention.  

I have also been meaning to write an article for weeks about some of the fantastic new music that has come out from GTYM, FutureWorld, Justice & Klubbed Up lately, which I will look to get to in the next week or so. (Edit: As I was writing this, I became aware of the announcement that Executive Records is to be shut down in the coming weeks. I will be writing a full retrospective article on this fantastic label soon)

But I thought, while it's fresh in my mind, I would concentrate on a huge event that I recently attended. I am speaking, of course, of Glastonbury, the UK's biggest music festival. 

On a personal note, I was very excited about Glastonbury. I have a hugely eclectic musical taste, and, much like our own DJ Gammer, I draw inspiration from as far afield as Fatboy Slim, Bing Crosby and Metallica. The chance to see the original rocking ravers, the Rolling Stones, was probably once in a lifetime, and one I am thankful I took. Along the way, I took in Sir Bruce Forsyth, Flux Pavilion, Dermot O'Leary and a very special raver's favourite (more on that in a minute). 

The thing that struck me most was the general camaraderie between the various tribes camping and dancing near each other. I must have met a hundred different people over the course of the festival, and not once did anyone pass on a negative word to another. North to South, Black to White, Raver to Rocker, everyone got on and made the spirit of the festival phenomenal, and one that I will always treasure. 

This leads me to the connection. I have been to many a rave in my time, and have found predominantly the same atmosphere, though I remember a small Hardcore Heaven event in Liverpool back in 2006, where a guy ran over, dumped his drink on the huge muscled man in front, and ran off. He turned around and glared at me, then said "You just pour your drink on me?" I refuted his claim and he turned on my friend to ask the same question. When he also denied it, he simply turned around and carried on raving. 

The other element that links Glastonbury with any UK Hardcore rave is the love of the music. That's why we're here, why you're reading this now, why we all have such strong opinions on Dubcore and Drumstep and Powerstomp and whatever else comes about. Music should, first and foremost, emote. And as I watched Billy 'Daniel' Bunter, a rave legend, at 5am at The Common stage on Sunday morning at Glastonbury play virtually every type of rave music possible (although my journalistic skills were not as well honed after a bottle of vodka and several beers, so I could be wrong there), I couldn't have been prouder to say that I love music, and I love Hardcore.

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Current Classic Track of Choice:     Billy 'Daniel' Bunter & D-Zyne - Ride Like the Wind
(and, as a bonus for you modern music lovers, check out the 2009 version)

Hardcore Feature: Top 5...

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Top 5: Hardcore Songs You've Never Heard

There are the obvious classics, and then there are the obscure gems that only few have heard: we take a look at some of the best Hardcore that you have probably never heard (and should have made the effort to)

In this digital age, some would say it has never been easier for music producers to get their songs online and to have them heard by thousands of people. Thanks to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and a host of music selling sites including iTunes and Amazon, as well as dance-specific pages such as TrackItDown or Juno, it is easier than ever to put your music online. But having it heard is another thing altogether. Especially in the Hardcore scene, everyone would have themselves as a DJ and producer. This is both one of the genre's biggest strengths and weaknesses in equal measure. On the one hand, everyone can express themselves and be involved in the music, and there is always that opportunity to find the diamonds in the rough. However, with ever more content comes sometimes decreasing standards of production and also saturation of the market to breaking point. The supply of songs can sometimes far outstrip the demand. 

This can also mean that, over the years, some great songs sometimes do not get quite the prominence that they deserve, as they may not have been promoted or played enough for people to recognise. Here, we salute five of the best UK Hardcore tracks that slipped through the cracks. 

Fretman - Jackhammer

Jackhammer is literally a hammer of a track, with a four-to-the-floor style melody that is incredibly catchy and a bassline that fits right in with the current sound of UK Hardcore, despite being released in 2011. Fretman is probably best known for his 2009 track with Alex F "Fire", but shows that his production standards can still reach the highest heights.

Crazy 1 - Happiness (Is Music)

Now producing mainly German Trance, Crazy 1 dabbled in UK Hardcore in early 2010. Massively uplifting, "Happiness (Is Music)" has a fantastic, uplifting arrangement and a riff which, despite not being well known, sounds like you've heard it before. This song is so rare, even online, that the only link I could find for it was in a mix over on DJFez.com. "Happiness (Is Music)" is the first track in the mix. 

Edit: Crazy 1 has been in touch with The Hardcore Review's Twitter page to point out that there is actually a YouTube video of "Happiness (Is Music)", which you can check out here

DeeJayBee & Compulsion - The Outlaw

The Outlaw was one of my personal favourite songs from when I first heard it in late 2004, and one of the major tracks that pushed me into the scene in general. I was probably too young to understand whether or not it was popular at the time, but searching for it online makes me doubt it was too well known. From the now defunct Infinity Recordings, DeejayBee and Compulsion (also known as the mastermind behind "The Call") created a fantastic track, brilliant melody and one of the absolute best introductions to any UK Hardcore song ever. If you can find it online, you need to hear it.

Al Storm - Bustin'

Although Al Storm (also known as Black & White) is well established in the Hardcore scene, this track somehow made it through the cracks. I remember hearing this and thinking how brilliant the creativity was on this track, using a simple, minimalistic main melody and bit-chip effects to accompany. Perhaps the reason for its' lack of playing time is because the bass is flatter than most UK Hardcore you would usually find, but I find this complements the track perfectly. Massively underrated and underplayed.

Steven Davidson - Need That

Finally, a song so rare I can't seem to find any trace of how it sounds on the internet. One of the best examples of what I like to call "squeak-core"; that scratching high-pitched repetitive riff that gives the highest energy to a room. The cut-offs on some of the tune and bass notes add to the bounciness of the track, and the come-down phase in the middle of the track makes you dance around wherever you are. 

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Current Classic Track of Choice:     DJ Stompy - Come Follow Me

Hardcore Update 06/05/2013

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Bits and bobs from Hardcore

A selection of things for you to peruse...

After attempting several times over the last few days to write up this blog, it's finally arrived. Apologies for the lateness (as I announced the blog was up on Thursday on Twitter last week), so let's get on with it!

Viva Las Hardcore

Darren Styles has recently been announced on the line up for a huge dance festival in Las Vegas (the Electric Daisy Carnival) which features some of the biggest names in dance music, including Benny Benassi, Avicii, Calvin Harris and Sub Focus to name just four of the dozens included on the bill. This is a huge coup for the UK Hardcore scene and gives the recognition of a major international festival to the genre. But does this mean we in the UK will begin to lose the top of our bills at events nationwide? With this news and the announcement by DJ Gammer that he has recently acquired a working visa for the USA, along with DJ Brisk's relocation to Australia, many UK-based fans are likely concerned.

Radio Whizzkid

The latest edition of Kutski's Radio 1 show featured MC Whizzkid discussing the latest developments for FutureWorld records, including what the thinking behind the decision to collaborate on a label was and more. To sum up, Whizzkid said it was all about ensuring there was a label with regular releases with the guaranteed highest quality. He also suggested FutureWorld were looking to do their own events as early as later this year. He did stress that the scene needs the diversity from other labels and artists and that they were not against bringing other producers in for projects or events. There was an excellent mix on the show from the guys at FutureWorld which you can still check out here.

Bank Holiday Madness

I was planning to sum up some of the exciting plans there were in the UK Hardcore scene for the Bank Holiday weekend, but seeing as I haven't been able to post until today, it seems a bit pointless. Rest assured some of the events looked outstanding and I hope everyone involved has enjoyed them.

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Current Classic Track of Choice:   Scott Brown vs Rab-S - Now Is the Time 1995 Mix

Hardcore Underground 6 Announcement Reaction

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Is Hardcore Underground's new offering the spark to ignite?

With the widest variety since Bonkers at its peak, Hardcore Underground 6 could be the most relevant offering this decade - provided the execution is right

The Hardcore Underground label recently announced their sixth outing, "Hardcore Underground 6", which has been given a vague 'summer' release. The line up has been announced as follows:

Disc 1: Scott Brown & Al Storm
Disc 2: Fracus & Darwin
Disc 3: CLSM & Entity
Disc 4: Thumpa & Obie

The majority of talk amongst the Hardcore scene since the announcement of the new album has been the inclusion of Scott Brown, which has been met with near-universal acclaim. Brown is still a huge draw in UK Hardcore, despite not being much involved in it for more than 2 years, and is likely to attract a large following to the Hardcore Underground brand for the first time. 

The excitement of Brown's involvement is clear, not least because he has produced arguably the most iconic music this scene has ever heard. A list of the man's greatest hits would be in most people's favourite all-time tracks, such as "Definition of a Bad Boy", "Pilgrim", "Elysium" (the original version, no vocals please...) and "Turn Up The Music", to name but four (I struggled to whittle that down to four, I should point out). However, Brown's productions started to feel a bit jaded and repetitive towards the end of his run in the late-2000's, which saw forgettable tracks such as "Bring That Shit Back" and "Sex Machine". But just before he disappeared altogether, he left us with some gems that showcased just how good his modern productions could be, particularly with Al Storm in tow on the songs "Run to Me" and "Show", but also solo with "The Grunge". With Al Storm by his side once more, the expectations are very high.

CD2 was likely the most predictable, with Fracus & Darwin in once more to do what they do best. Fracus & Darwin have presided over some of the most consistent mixes in the last few years in the UK Hardcore scene, so what I'm really hoping to see is them push a few boundaries in terms of variation. They normally pull this off pretty well, so I am excited for this mix too. The Hardcore Breaks CD (disc 3) will likely continue on from the understated HU Breaks album (mixed by Gavin G) released last year and with the seasoned veteran CLSM ("Drifting Away", "John Peel (Is Not Enough)") and Entity, who produced one of my favourite tracks of all time (from the original Hardcore Underground album, "Fallout"), this should be phenomenal. Thumpa, who always puts together good Freeform mixes and has a great ear for top tracks despite not producing much himself, teams with Obie for the final disc. Obie has worked on a plethora of sub-genres before, but most recently with Squad-E on his recent solo project "Exposed". Rumours suggest the disc will likely be predominantly Freeform, although he has requested new material from up and coming producers in everything from Upfront to Makina. The notion of using up-and-coming producers means that, regardless of output, this disc will have a unique twist. 

All signs point towards this album being a shifting point for the fledgling label. With juggernauts such as Scott Brown & Al Storm on board and reliable veterans such as Darwin & CLSM behind it too, HU6 could pose a genuine challenge to the Clubland series as the number one choice of album for Hardcore fans. The key to their success is all in the promotion and variation of the product. HU6 needs to be able to showcase the many sub-layers of UK Hardcore, including Freeform, Gabber, Breaks, Dubcore and Upfront. If they can knit these together, they may just begin to stitch the fabric of the UK Hardcore scene back together, and make people realise that good music is the key, not the sub-genre. 

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NEW FEATURE ALERT

Every time I post, I will now also share with you a track from days gone by that I love and am listening to at the moment. You can only move forward and progress once you know where you came from!

Current Classic Track of Choice: DJ Seduction & CLSM - Causing a Heart Attack