X-TREME DRUM ‘N’ BASS
Various Artists / Mixed By DJ Phantasy & Breeze

LABEL: #DCUK / All Around The World / Universal Music TV | FORMAT: Digital / MP3 / WAV| GENRE: Drum & Bass | DISTRIBUTION: Worldwide | CAMPAIGN: TV Advertised, Radio, Online & Print Campaigns | RELEASE DATE: 3rd February 2014

Monday 3rd February sees the launch of the eagerly awaited, explosive and game changing new compilation album project from international event headlining producers, DJ’s and industry leaders Phantasy and Breeze. Entitled ‘X-Treme Drum ‘N’ Bass’, the album covers the entire spectrum of music from the highly popular drum and bass genre packing in 42 unmixed tracks and 2 exclusive album length mixes of pure drum and bass goodness.

Contained within the album and mixes are a plethora of sought after tracks, drum and bass remixes and edits from established artists such as TC, Majistrate, Charlie Brown, Rudimental, The Harry Shotta Show, Mark Knight, Matrix & Futurebound, Mampi Swift, Sigma, Skibadee & Lily McKenzie, Dizzee Rascal, Tulisa, Modulate, Rizzle Kicks, Klip & Outlaw, IC3 and of course, fresh, brand new and previously unavailable material from Phantasy and Breeze themselves, forthcoming on their newly launched #DCUK label.

The album, available in a digital only format, will be released Monday 3rd February and available for purchase Worldwide from iTunes and all other noteworthy digital music retailers globally. The album will be Television, Broadcast Radio and Print Media advertised and released by internationally famed club and dance music label All Around The World, previously responsible for the Gold selling ‘Clubland’ and ‘Clubland X-Treme Hardcore’  CD compilation series and distributed Worldwide by global media giant Universal Music TV.

Officially marking the first volume in what hopes to be a series of best-selling albums in the genre, this will be the premiere of a drum and bass album project for the AATW label and the release of this highly anticipated project also signifies the first time an album of this nature has had content licensed and unlocked so that the title is available Worldwide instead of a nationwide UK only release.

The first mix is produced, compiled, mixed and edited by infamous drum and bass visionary DJ Phantasy, with over twenty years experience as a DJ, Producer and Event Promoter, Phantasy is also owner and director of the successful Easy Records label as well as an artist manager for leading agency Tempo Agents. Having produced over 300 of some of the biggest underground drum and bass singles, as a Producer and as a DJ Phantasy's concepts when it comes to original music have always been profound. His tracks are highlighted as thought provoking and always on the forefront of the cutting edge of drum and bass mastery. Consistently featuring the freshest co-producers, vocalists and collaborators Phantasy's well trained ear means his musical choices as a label manager, artist and DJ have kept him squarely at the top of his game.

This without doubt can be further proved by the consistency of his DJ diary which sees him both involved behind the scenes of and playing live at some of the biggest parties globally including ‘Innovation’, ‘Warning’, ‘Random Concept’, ‘One Nation’, ‘Moondance’ and many, many more. In fact, if you can name a drum and bass event brand, there is an almost certainty to the fact that he will have either played at or helped organise or even promoted said event himself. From mentoring artists such as Harry Shotta to challenging already award winning artists such as Mark Breeze to push the boundaries of crossing musical borders with fantastic results, there really could not be a better person to represent the drum and bass scene and bring the creative talent required to present that message to an international audience on an album that will almost certainly showcase the scene to a fresh new group of drum and bass future fanatics through the albums global distribution campaign.

Mark Breeze, like DJ Phantasy, also needs no introduction, better known for the majorly successful, Gold selling ‘Clubland’ CD compilation album series, Mark gained notoriety with top twenty UK chart success after a producing a string of hugely popular dance singles under his Breeze & Styles alias with equally celebrated DJ, Producer and long term production partner Darren Styles.

He then went on to headline a number of sold out stadium arena sized events as part of All Around The World’s ‘Clubland’ Tour internationally. Both Breeze and Styles, although working together still to this day, had also gained individual notoriety within the underground UK hardcore rave scene at its birth in the early 90’s where the two laid down their musical roots. This would lead them to become producers, compilers and mixers of not one, but ten editions the award winning UK compilation chart topping ‘Clubland X-Treme Hardcore’ CD album series for AATW and UMTV which to date has sold over a million copies.

This undoubtedly went hand in hand with headlining well reputed events as a main stage DJ spanning a two decade period for promoters such as ‘EDC’,‘WMC’, ‘BCM’, ‘HTID’, ‘Hardcore Heaven’, ‘Slammin Vinyl’, ‘Fusion’, ‘Dreamscape’ and ‘Helter Skelter’.

Like Phantasy, Mark has also been recognised as an industry pioneer. Having released hundreds of best-selling, chart topping singles across his twenty plus year tenure as an artist, some of which he was awarded a Gold disc for achieving record numbers of sales; Mark is also the pioneer and owner of cutting edge electronic dance and bass music record label FutureWorld which represents a coalition of some of the most recognised and talented producers and artists of today and also allowing Mark to oversee, develop and mentor the breakthrough stars of tomorrow.  His continuing love as a producer and DJ for 'good bass music', has been met with critical acclaim, thus proving that talent should not be pigeon holed to anyone particular genre and as his exceptional work here as a drum and bass producer on this album project shows - Mark is certainly no stranger to cutting edge production, hair raising performance or indeed dance music in all its various forms.

The combining of both these respective talents on an exclusive drum and bass album project has naturally brought about a meeting of like minds and as a product of their current collaboration, both Phantasy and Breeze have launched the record label #DCUK, which will encompass both individual and mutual drum and bass projects as well as, like their respective individual label projects Easy and FutureWorld, the signing and promoting of new talent, offering an additional platform in which top quality drum and bass releases can be promoted and sold. The label will be fully supported and have material distributed by All Around The World / Universal Music TV, adding a fresh and exciting new label imprint to the already massive AATW family.

All Around The World will publish and release the project internationally through Universal Music TV. The label is one of the leaders in the field of dance music, club anthems, commercial dance, R&B, UK hardcore and other off shoots and genres of popular music which now includes drum and bass. Having been responsible for the massively successful ‘Clubland’ album series and television channel, AATW often exclusively release music which has aided in the launch of the international career of many artists such as N-Dubz, Tulisa, Dappy, Charlie Brown, Mark Breeze, Hixxy, Darren Styles, Re-Con, Ultrabeat, Agnes, Martin Solvieg, Cascada, Benny Benassi, N-Trance and The Wideboys.

The company is also responsible for the ‘Clubland X-Treme Hardcore’, ‘Floorfillers’, ‘Dance Mania’ and ‘Ultimate NRG’ series, as well as labels 3 Beat Records and the newly formed #DCUK among others and currently operate a series of television channels on Satellite & Cable broadcasting networks which include ‘AKA’,‘ Planet Pop’ and the aforementioned ‘Clubland TV’.

Combining two of the biggest and most talented artists in drum and bass and electronic underground dance music today on a compilation album that represents the launch of a new record label and a cultural scene that is well attended in the hundreds of thousands on a weekly basis; and containing and combining tracks, remixes and edits of music by artists that have sold singles well into the millions, this, is the World premiere of ‘X-Treme Drum ‘N’ Bass’, two solid album length mixes, covering 42 tracks of pure bass music power, available from iTunes for the first time Worldwide on the same day. Order your copy today!

DJ Phantasy Mix
01. Altern8 ‘Activ-8’ (Phantasy Remix)
02. Krystal Klear Feat. Jenna G ‘Addiction’ (Danny Byrd Remix)
03. Jaydan ‘This Life’
04. Breeze ‘Radical’
05. TC ‘Do You Rock’ (Heist Remix)
06. Turno ‘Game Changer’
07. Klip & Outlaw Feat Fatman D ‘Leave It Alone’ 
08. DJ Guv ‘Mantis’
09. Majistrate ‘Inside 2014 VIP’
10. DJ Phantasy ‘44 Mag’ (Subzero XDNB Exclusive Remix)
11. DJ Phantasy & Coaxial ‘Shut Ya Trap’
12. Modulate Feat. Whizzkid ‘The Jungle’
13. Stylo G ‘Soundbwoy’ (Sigma Remix)
14. Supreme Being ‘Lost Souls’
15. Charlie Brown ‘On My Way’ (Phantasy & Dextone Remix)
16. Fuse ODG ‘Antenna’ (Nicky Blackmarket Remix)
17. Harry Shotta Show ‘Grey Goose Gang’
18. Rudimental ‘Right Here’ (Andy C Remix)
19. DJ Phantasy & Dextone ‘Mistakes’
20. Mark Knight Feat. Sway ‘Alright’ (Koncept Remix)
21. Rizzle Kicks ‘Lost Generation’  (Phantasy, Breeze & Dextone Remix)

Breeze Mix
1. Marco J Feat. Kat B ‘Hot Right Now’ (Breeze Remix)
2. Modulate ‘Hold Me Down’
3. Matrix & Futurebound Feat. Max Marshall  ‘Control’
4. IC3 ‘Never Change’
5. Metrik ‘Between Worlds’(VIP)
6. Mampi Swift ‘Soldiers’
7. A.M.C Feat. MC Phantom ‘Raise It’
8. Modulate ‘The Octagon’
9. Titch ‘Dumb’ (Breeze Remix)
10. DJ Phantasy ‘Life’
11. Kalimna ‘So Good To Me’ (Jaydan Remix)
12. Sigma Feat. Doctor ‘Rudeboy’
13. Mario J ‘Rattle’ (Coaxial Remix)
14. Skibadee & Lily McKenzie ‘Never Gonna Break’
15. Sway Feat. Mr Hudson ‘Charge’ (TC Remix)
16. Breeze ‘Mac-Gen’
17. Counterstrike ‘Empire’ (Audio Remix)
18. Verde Feat. Kiara Redford ‘Need U (100%)’ (Breeze Remix)
19. Dizzee Rascal ‘I Don't Need A Reason’ (Mampi Swift Remix)
20. Cahill & Kimberly Locke ‘Feel The Love’ (Reaxion Remix)
21. Tulisa ‘Young’ (Phantasy & Dextone Remix)

BUY IT NOW LINK FOR iTUNES: 
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/x-treme-drum-n-bass/id808735991

PREVIEW LINKS ON SOUNDCLOUD:
https://soundcloud.com/jmbpr/sets/x-treme-drum-bass-mixed-by

OFFICIAL TELEVISION ADVERTISEMENT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnXae-O7nbE

OFFICIAL RADIO ADVERTISEMENT AUDIO:
https://soundcloud.com/jmbpr/x-treme-drum-n-bass-mixed-by

For Further Media Information, Review Materials or Artist Interviews Please Contact:
Jon Brown
JMBPR
Tel / Mobile: + 44 (0) 7505 953 063
Skype: jonbrownepr
E-Mail: jonbrownjmbpr@gmail.com

# # #

iTunes

'X-Treme Drum N Bass' - Mixed By Phantasy & Breeze - Phantasy Teaser Mix

Catch Vinylgroover at the award winning HTID In The Sun 2014. Monday 16th - Monday 23rd June 2014, Club Colossos Complex, Lloret De Mar, Spain for 7 Nights of Sun, Sea & Hardcore!

BOOKINGS CLOSE ON FRIDAY 2ND MAY - DO NOT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO BE PART OF THE BEST WEEK OF YOUR LIFE!

HTID In The Sun 2014
Mon 16th - Mon 23rd June 2014 + 8th Night After Party
CLUB COLOSSOS COMPLEX, LLORET DE MAR, SPAIN
BOOKINGS: http://bookings.htidinthesun.com/
VIDEO FROM LAST YEAR: http://youtu.be/TKLBzZrbm9M
RSVP / INFO: http://www.facebook.com/events/544421528947810/
FULL FLYER: http://www.htidinthesun.com/sun14/htid_its_2014_mailer.jpg
LISTEN BACK TO LIVE RECORDINGS FROM PREVIOUS EVENTS: http://www.soundcloud.com/jmbpr 
***BOOKINGS CLOSE: FRIDAY 2ND MAY *** DON'T MISS OUT ***

Monday 16th June 2014 sees us do it all over again, make sure you are joining us for a bigger, better and louder award winning 7 days of Sun, Sea and Hardcore at Colossos this year.

DJ'S
DARREN STYLES
GAMMER
HIXXY
RE-CON
JOEY RIOT
KURT
KLUBFILLER
DOUGAL
KUTSKI
CHRIS UNKNOWN
BREEZE
SQUAD-E
MARC SMITH
MOB
TECHNIKORE
MARK EG
BILLY DANIEL BUNTER
ANDY WHITBY
CALLY & JUICE
SCOTT BROWN
RAMOS
SC@R
FRACUS & DARWIN
PETRUCCIO
MICHAEL SCOUT
ULTRABEAT
VIBES
VINYLGROOVER
ALEX PROSPECT
OUTFORCE
TYL3R
CHRIS FEAR
DJ C
FAT STEVE
DAVE CASTELLANO
J-MAC
NUTON
BUBBLE 
LADY DUBZ
RICKY D
BASSMENTAL

MC'S
WHIZZKID
STORM
WOTSEE
ENEMY
STATIC
MAYHEM
SKATTY
FRIKSHON
OBIE
MC B
THUNDA
REYNOLDS
RECONIZE
ENERGY
RUDE
LIVELEE

PRICES - CLUB ONLY
3 Nights - £99
5 Nights - £135
7 Nights - £160
However, book & pay early for discounts:
Before 30th Apr - £150 (Save £10)

PRICES - FULL PACKAGE
GOLD 7 NIGHTS: £360
SILVER 7 NIGHTS: £280
GOLD 3 NIGHTS: £205
SILVER 3 NIGHTS: £170
The 3 night package is only available Fri 21st - Mon 24th June

INFO
We're off to Sunny, Sunny Spain Y Viva HTID! HTID return to the world famous Club Colossos Complex for an amazing eighth year of HTID In The Sun - the only event in the World where you get Sun, Sea, Sex (If you're lucky) and HARDCORE for 7 fun filled days and nights! No other event comes close to the HTID In The Sun experience!

Expect the best sound, lights and lasers trucked in all the way from the UK. Full venue decor and themes each night and, of course, your favourite artists all through the week. This is the biggest event in the hardcore calendar and we don't cut corners!

All your usual favourites are here including the Award Winning Waterpark Party, FREE Foam Parties (with added UV paint for 2014), Yacht Parties and a brand new Beach Party. You really will be spoilt for choice! Tickets for all activities can be purchased in advance from http://www.theticketsuperstore.com/ or purchased from the Help Desk in Lloret de Mar (subject to availability).

All the information you need to get your mates together and book the holiday of a lifetime is right here so don't delay - get yourselves organised, get your booking made and book your flights to THE event of the year!

Remember: Bookings close Friday 2nd May 2014. If you don't have all the cash available now remember that EZ Pay is here to help - you can book now and make payments as it suits you right up until the booking deadline to pay for your holiday in the most convenient way possible.

Every year we see people post on Facebook & Twitter how much they regret not going and missing out... don't let that person this year be you!

HTID In The Sun 2014 Announcement: Activity Line-Ups.

All the questions we're currently getting are around the activity line-ups so, here they are. We are still confirming artists so there could be some additions and / or changes between now and June...

*Wednesday Yacht Party*
Squad-E
Marc Smith
Fracus & Darwin

MC's: Storm, Enemy, Obie

*100% FREE Thursday Beach Party*
(Includes Transport & Free Bar!)
Darren Styles (RBC Classics)
Hixxy (Old Skool)
Scott Brown
Technikore

MC's: Wotsee, Enemy, Energy

*Saturday Waterpark Party*
Re-Con
Breeze
Kurt
Mob

MC's: Whizzkid, Enemy, Static

*Old Skool Sunday Yacht Party*
Breeze & Dougal
Chris Unknown & Ramos
Billy 'Daniel' Bunter

MC's: Whizzkid, Static & Rude

Activity tickets can be purchased from http://www.theticketsuperstore.com/

NEW FOR 2014
UV PAINT FOAM PARTY
MASSIVE FREE BEACH PARTY WITH FREE DRINKS (including watersports, sound stage, food & drink) NOT SILENT DISCO!

JOEY RIOT & FRIENDS
Get harder night - Friday Night!

WATERPARK PARTY
The most talked about excursion we’ve ever offered! This amazing afternoon of hardcore and Sunshine in a massive Wave Pool is simply unbeatable and we’re pleased to be able to bring it back for 2014! A purpose built stage, hosting your favourite artists, overlooking a huge Wave Pool and Solarium is the stuff dreams are made of but we’re lucky enough to have access to Illa Fantasia for a whole afternoon where dreams become reality! Tickets for this excursion, which are subsidised by HTID, will be available in the lead up to the event from www.theticketsuperstore.com/ or you can purchase them from the help desk at Club Colossos.

BEACH PARTY
ALL NEW FOR 2014! We have access to an amazing beach close to Lloret De Mar where you can rave on the sand and enjoy the complimentary bar in the sunshine. The best thing? This will be a full-on outdoor experience and NOT a Silent Disco!

YACHT PARTIES
The ultimate way to cruise! We’ve chartered an exclusive Yacht that will sail along some of the nicest coastline in Western Europe whilst selected DJ’s and MC’s get you in the party spirit. This year there will be 2 sailings. Tickets for these excursions, which are subsidised by HTID, will be available in the lead up to the event from http://www.theticketsuperstore.com/ or you can purchase them from the help desk at Club Colossos.

NEW: UV PAINT FOAM PARTIES
As always, there will be 2 free foam parties where we take Club Colossos and fill it with foam whilst a selection of DJ’s and MC’s take to the stage and party with you. This year there will be the addition of plenty of UV Paint to take the events to the next level!

HTID BEACH BAR
The HTID Beach Bar is the place to be each day for cold beers and cool cocktails! It’s the perfect meeting spot the morning (or afternoon!) after the night before! You may even see some of your favourite artists down there enjoying the blazing sunshine.

WORLD CUP
World Cup games will be showing the Dream Sports Bar all week!

OTHER ACTIVITIES 
All along the beach you’ll find plenty of activities such as ringos, Banana Boats, Parasailing, Speedboat trips and much, much more. Also in Lloret De Mar you’ll find things such as Paintball, Go Karts, Amusement Arcades and much more.

Activity Tickets: http://www.htidinthesun.com/tickets

FANCY DRESS THEMES
We know that dressing up is a large part of the event for you and it helps the atmosphere to come alive. With this in mind feel free to take part in as many or few of the below themes as you'd like:

Kick Off: All Out Hardcore
Last Night: Hardcore Overload
Outta Space: Alien Ravers
UV Army: Salute To The Core
Zombie Horror Night
Red, White & Blue Night

Taking part isn't compulsory - there is no dress code for this event - but if you want to take part and be a part of something special you now have no excuse to not join in!

HOTELS
Your hotel will be of either a 3* or 4* standard, depending on if you choose the Silver or Gold option. All hotels feature comfortable en-suite accommodation in Twin or Triple rooms on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis. Most hotels offer the following facilities: TV, Telephone, Air Conditioning, Safe. Most rooms also feature a balcony or terrace to relax on!

Your hotel will also offer a selection of the following: Bar, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Solarium, Games Room, TV Room, Currency Exchange & more.

VILLAS 
If you’re part of a large group or simply want your own space, why not consider renting a villa or your own apartment? If you book early there are some real bargains to be had which will allow you to upgrade your holiday experience as well as save money!

Villas are ideal for groups of 6 people or more where you may get facilities such as your own private pool, private gardens, lounge with big-screen TV and more.

For smaller groups, there are lots of private apartments available in and around Lloret that offer luxury accommodation at bargain prices.

Remember, for both options you will receive a full kitchen, enabling you to cook your own meals at times to suit you, instead of having set restaurant meal times.

Prices for villas and apartments can start from as low as €69 per person, per week – a real bargain!

Sites to check:-
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/lloret-de-mar/
http://www.lloretguide.com/houses.asp
http://www.homelidays.co.uk/

FLIGHTS
The easiest way to travel to HTID In The Sun is via Ryanair direct to Girona (Barcelona) – (GRO) airport. Book your flight at http://www.ryanair.com

Flights are also available to Barcelona (BCN) airport with airlines such as http://www.britishairways.com
http://www.easyjet.com
http://www.jet2.com
http://www.bmibaby.com.
For an overview of flight prices, check out http://www.skyscanner.net or http://flightchecker.moneysavingexpert.com

REMEMBER – THE EARLIER YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT THE CHEAPER IT WILL BE. BOOK THEM AS SOON AS YOU’LL ABLE TO SO YOU GET THE BEST PRICES AVAILABLE!

TRANSFERS
When you book your HTID In The Sun holiday you may be offered transfers with us between the airport and resort. This depends on your flight days – the system will advise if they’re available. Important Note: Transfers are only available between Girona (Barcelona) – (GRO) and Barcelona (BCN) airports. We cannot offer transfers from Reus (Barcelona) – (REU). All transfers must be booked and paid for by 2nd May 2014.

SAFETY
HTID recommend that all attendees purchase Travel Insurance and obtain a free EHIC which you can obtain online at http://www.ehic.org.uk/

VIDEO & AUDIO
Klubfiller: Water Park Party
http://youtu.be/GqlCCKozckQ

Gammer Featuring Whizzkid & Static: Water Park Party
http://on.fb.me/11Zqndt

Gammer: Friday: Last 2.5 hours 
Part 1: http://youtu.be/r1yi3okLrQk
Part 2: http://youtu.be/b81jLDH-sbU

LOADS OF LIVE RECORDINGS AVAILABLE FROM PREVIOUS EVENTS AT: http://www.soundcloud.com/jmbpr

PICTURES 
Few pictures from 2013: 
http://on.fb.me/17lAhoe

Confetti drop Main Arena at HTID In The Sun 2013:
http://i.imgur.com/xqo788r.gif

Bookings: http://book.htidinthesun.com/

Tell your friends and spread the word: 
"It's all about HTID In The Sun 2014"
#HTIDInTheSun2014

FOLLOW VINYLGROOVER ONLINE:
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/djvinylgroover
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/scottattrill @scottattrill

FOLLOW ROBBIE DEE ONLINE:
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginialDetonatorRobbieDee
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/mcrobbiedee @mcrobbiedee
DETONATION BOULEVARD PODCAST: http://mcrobbiedee.podomatic.com

Follow JMBPR Online:
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/jonbrowntv
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/jonbrowntv @jonbrowntv
SOUNDCLOUD: http://www.soundcloud.com/jmbpr

Follow Hardcore 'Til I Die Online:
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/htid.official
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/htidhq @htidhq 
SOUNDCLOUD: http://www.soundcloud.com/htid-hq
WEBSITE: http://www.htidinthesun.com

HTID In The Sun 2014
Mon 16th - Mon 23rd June 2014 + 8th Night After Party
CLUB COLOSSOS COMPLEX, LLORET DE MAR, SPAIN
BOOKINGS: http://bookings.htidinthesun.com/
VIDEO FROM LAST YEAR: http://youtu.be/TKLBzZrbm9M
RSVP / INFO: http://www.facebook.com/events/544421528947810/
FULL FLYER: http://www.htidinthesun.com/sun14/htid_its_2014_mailer.jpg
LISTEN BACK TO LIVE RECORDINGS FROM PREVIOUS EVENTS: http://www.soundcloud.com/jmbpr
***BOOKINGS CLOSE: FRIDAY 2ND MAY *** DON'T MISS OUT ***

Vinylgroover & Robbie Dee 'Vinyl Only Set - Recorded At HTID Dreamscape NYE 2013' (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Welcome To The New Age: The Technical Difficulties Interview
By Jon Brown

Quite literally tearing through the barriers of all things breakthrough in the UK’s hardcore rave music scene, energetic, full on, crowd pleasing four man act Technical Difficulties (aka Ed, Gary, Lee and Martin), have been working extra hard to perfect their sound over the last five or six years as a group with fantastic results. Their productions have repeatedly topped industry charts with huge support from a now global fanbase and their work as a collective performing DJ act has seen them take UK hardcore by storm as they secure residencies and regular slots alike on main stages with the scene’s hottest promoters. 

With the likes of HTID, Hardcore Heaven, Bionic, Unity and many more picking up the phone to get the boys involved of late, combined with their repeat performances at Total Barnage and Rave Unity of which they are residents and an eagerly awaited debut artist album in the works; I caught up with the lads to see what all the fuss is about - as they prepare for a very busy weekend ahead at not one, but two gigs, both of which they have had a hand in - Apocalypse Vs. Core Unity in Southampton and Rave Unity at The Rooftop in Birmingham.  

Gentleman, how are you? We’re catching up with you after quite a whirlwind 2014 so far, we’re half way through the year, exactly how much has been happening in that relatively short space of time, give us the rundown?

“Good evening Mr Brown, we are all extremely well thanks for asking. Well, where shall we begin? The first six months of 2014 have been an epic rollercoaster from the 1st of January to doing this interview with you right now. Firstly we would like to touch on the DJ'ing side of “Technical Difficulties” as a collaborative act, where we have had our busiest start to a year ever! Not only has it been our busiest year for bookings, we have also been given some incredible opportunities to showcase our productions on some of the biggest stages to boot! 

To name a few, there was ‘Unity / Bionic / Hardcore Heaven’ in February at Motion which was absolutely insane; ‘Critical Mass & Raw Energy’ where we performed a four way back to back set with the Welsh legends - The Last Of The Mohicans in Leicester, again, rammed to the rafters. ‘Fusion:The Return Of The Legend’ at The Old Firestation in Bournemouth, being our hometown which was a sell out and where we entered a mix and were finalised from 300 entries into a competition, which we made the cut for the final ten and had the place rumbling with local South Coast bad boy MC Lixxy. 

Last but not least, we were warming up for some of the biggest UK hardcore legends in the scene today at our home ‘Total Barnage’ at the mighty Barn in Portsmouth that have so far included Kutski, Dougal, Breeze and Styles & Breeze upcoming in July. To top all of this off, we have been asked to perform at the ‘HH Award Winners Party’ at Hardcore Heaven in August at the O2 Academy Bournemouth, where we will be performing on the main stage, which we are completely ecstatic about! This holds a special place in our hearts for myself (Gary) and Lee, as this was the first super club that we went to back in our teens, so this will be an extremely memorable night for all of us.

On a production level we have been working harder than ever in the TD studio, working on perfecting our sound and the release of the eagerly anticipated Technical Difficulties debut album! The TD studio has also undergone a spring spruce and is sounding as crisp as ever to work in. We have also added two small football goals in there as well which was agreed by all parties, and as you know us, we like to piss about when we’re not working! 

We have also been working with an exciting new team and event brand called ‘Rave Unity’. This brand is all about bringing back the old ways from the early days of the rave scene, where only the music and the ravers mattered. The brand is also very determined on helping the new breed in the UK and offers hope to artists who are talented, hungry and looking to get their names out there, which can be a very difficult process with today’s bursting DJ and MC scene. Rave Unity consists of four genres and sub brands as follows:

Bass Unity = Drum & Bass
Classic Unity = Old Skool
Core Unity = UK Hardcore 
Unity Goes Harder = Hardstyle / Gabba

The team consists of Nick, Mandy, myself, Gary (DJ Axis), Jo Savage, Martin Sacree (Apocalypse Events / TDC), Apollo, Chris Shutts as our Art and Design Manager and obviously yourself Jon as the parties very recently appointed PR Manager. We will be putting events on all over the country and in Europe, so watch this space... big things on the horizon!

Lastly we have been working extremely hard on building our already incredible fan base which we truly are humble to everyone who comes and supports us when we're DJ’ing at gigs around the UK. The support that we are receiving has been incredible and we are always trying to give free tracks out, new mixes, and in return, we keep them updated with our crazy videos from our studio sessions and snap chats. Massive respect to all of you, you rock!”

Indeed and I thank you for the mention, I’m also wondering with the addition of Football Goal Posts if the album is actually getting finished this year? Ha,Ha. With all that in mind, did you think that two years ago you could see all that happening and in answering that where do you see yourselves, two years from now and where would you like to be, ideally?

“The answer to this question is no, we had no idea that we would be this far down the road two years ago, to where we are now. We have worked so hard to get to know all the promoters at the events, meet and say hi to as many ravers as we can and spend countless hours on perfecting our sound in the studio. We will be honest with you, this has not been an easy road, but we have always had fun along the way, not taken ourselves too seriously and had a laugh all the way!

Two years today, we would like to be headlining main rooms on the biggest stages. We would like to see our debut album do well and hopefully start working on a second album if anyone buys the first one (laughs). We would also like to be booked abroad, as this is something that we have never done, so definitely waiting for that phone call. Not too much pressure on you there Jon! (Laughs again).

Also it has been a pleasure mentoring some of the younger talented artists in the scene today, where we give our advice, tips and general feedback on mixes and so forth to aid them on their journeys through the jungle and we would like to see these artists on the big stage in the future, living their dream, like we are today!”

I have a booking for you on the Isle of Wight, does that count? Ha, ha. While we’re jesting, let’s have some fun, as there’s a few of you. Actually before we go ahead with that, want to clarify exactly how many of you there are and what part each person plays please...

“There are 4 of us in the crew...

Ed Ash – Head Producer / Studio Technician / Plays Piano / Guitar and the best dancer in the group.

Lee Boyce – Acapella Junkie / Vocalist Scout / DJ, General Dogs Body and Tea maker of the group.

Gary Lane – Pianist / DJ / Promotions Manager / Core Unity Promoter / Always taking the piss and joking about and official stresser outer of Jon Brown on important matters. Ha, ha.

Martin Sacree – DJ / Apocalypse Events Owner / Sound Technician / Events Management / General Charmer and brought in to the group to tap into the GAY scene to boost a new fan base!"

I’m glad we cleared that up. You forgot to add, reason why I have no hair left (coughs loudly) - I mean reason why I’m so happy and driven and focused! Right, fun stuff, in each of these situations tell us, out of the four of you who is most likely to...

> Cry at his favourite team winning the Cup – “Lee”
> Randomly think of something funny and then laugh uncontrollably in a really inappropriate place (such as a serious meeting or funeral, etc)... – “Gary”
> Spend half his time at the Gym... – “Ed”
> Behave most like a Rockstar – “Martin”
> Convince the rest of the group to drink Desperado’s and get so drunk you come up with a hard german trance, hardcore, drum & bass, jungle hybrid track in the studio (this actually happened)...
– “All of the above!”

Back to business and on the subject of production, what can we expect from your forthcoming artist album, what is there about it, that you feel, like your work as a live act, that sets it blazing apart from the pack; when can we expect to hear it and a rough idea on release dates?

“Well as you know we have been producing as a team for the last six years and our sound has changed a lot over the last eighteen months, which has taken time to perfect! When we set out back in 2008, we always said we would be original, keep it fresh, bring the epic earlier dance classic sounds from the 90’s into the 2000’s, using all of our experiences in music to mash it all up to what it is today. Lee and I (Gary) used to mix oldskool, hard house, hard trance, house, drum & bass, happy hardcore and now UK hardcore and Ed loves reggae, soul, jazz, electro, house and d&b. So I think you can now see where our sound comes from and add all this into the mix, then boom there is your TD Molotov Cocktail Concoction!

When we DJ live, a lot of effort and time goes into every set. We do a lot of research as to the club and the town that we are performing in and tailor each set to that audience. We have even started to record the sets that were going to perform and listen to them back, so that each mix has the biggest impact and the set builds from the start to the finish. We get a lot of feedback from ravers about our sets and how gripping they are, so I guess we’re doing something right! As for release dates, it's due this year, but that's all we're saying for now, keep eyes peeled and ears opened!"

I think that’s a fair statement and the results are very much speaking for themselves. You have an absolutely huge weekend coming up, with Apocalypse on Friday and then Rave Unity on the Saturday, you’re performing as artists, but also two of you have been very heavily involved in the organising of these events, want to tell us a bit more about what’s happening, what part you’re playing on the overall tour of the weekend, more info on the gigs and why everyone should be joining you at each (if not both) parties?

“Yes, this is a huge weekend for Martin and Apocalypse Events and The Rave Unity Team as Core Unity is joining up with Apocalypse in Southampton, this Friday (6th June) to bring you over fourty artists, twelve headliners of UK hardcore and drum & bass, across two clubs. A huge amount of promotion, time, effort, sweat, blood and tears has gone into this event, so I really hope it comes off and the ravers have an absolute blast! We are performing with the legendary MC Whizzkid for the first time, so you can imagine Lee and I (Gary) are extremely excited about this set! You don’t want to miss this!

On the Saturday night (7th June), Rave Unity takes over Birmingham at the Q club’s Rooftop venue where you can see Mampi Swift headlining the drum & bass room and Kurt headlining in the UK hardcore room. This has been a huge effort by everyone involved, as trying to put on an event out of your home town has been a huge challenge, but we’re all on this path to learn about promoting and we are all personally looking forward to representing RU in Birmingham! Hope to see you all there ravers!” 

Gents, thank you, I do believe you’re going to leave us with a mix to entertain in the run up to this weekend? Meanwhile we’ll ask that you also leave us with all the info to follow you guys online and keep up with you and see YOU at the weekend, hope everyone will be joining us! 

“Yup, as follows starting with the mix we’ve made especially for this interview and ahead of this weekend’s festivities Jon:

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES: WELCOME TO THE NEW AGE EXCLUSIVE NEW MIX (FREE DOWNLOAD)
https://soundcloud.com/jmbpr/technical-difficulties-welcome-to-the-new-age-exclusive-new-1-hour-mix-free-download

You can find out more about the events we’re at by hitting these links:

APOCALYPSE VS. CORE UNITY
Friday 6th June 2014 | 20:00pm – 04:00am | Roxx & Aura, Southampton 
RSVP / INFO: https://www.facebook.com/events/591823490900741/
TICKETS: https://www.fatsoma.com/home/#search=apocalypse&city=southampton&date=

RAVE UNITY
Saturday 7th June 2014 | 22:00pm – 05:00am | The Rooftop, Q Club, Birmingham
RSVP/ INFO: https://www.facebook.com/events/1423816187889834
TICKETS: http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/tickets/rave-unity/10030437

TOTAL BARNAGE PRESENTS PARTY FOR A POUND: THE SUMMER FANCY DRESS PAYBACK PARTY
Friday 13th June | 19:00pm - 01:30am | The Barn, Portsmouth
RSVP / INFO: http://www.facebook.com/events/252587064929082/
TICKETS: £1 entry, all night long, admissions on the door, limited capacity, first come, first served.

...and you can get more information on us right here...

SOUNDCLOUD: 
https://soundcloud.com/technicaldifficulties

FACEBOOK: 
LIKE PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Technical-Difficulties/209695825736146
GROUP PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/116067331876338/

TWITTER:
http://www.twitter.com</a>/gary_lane_30 @Gary_lane_30
http://www.twitter.com/edshocktdc @EdshockTDC
http://www.twitter.com/djleekb_td @Djleekb_TD
http://www.twitter.com/martinsacree @Martinsacree”

Words: Jon Brown
Pictures: Supplied by Technical Difficulties and are subject to copyright by the original photographers.

Technical Difficulties 'Welcome To The New Age' (Exclusive New 1 Hour Mix) (Free Download)

The #SWMovement guestmix from Clarkey , J-Delerious & Fluid MC taken from The Bassline with Stu Woods on 107.3 Alive 15/11/14 

Also included at the end of the mix is the exclusive interview with Hardcore Resurrection & SWM 's Ash Mealey.

Listen - Download - Share 

Clarkey J-Delerious & Fluid MC Alive FM SWMovement Mix With Ash Mealey Interview

Express FM Film Critic, Writer, TV Presenter, Journalist, Promoter, Co-Founder Of SOC, Remedy MGMT.

Jon Brown

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