Pessimist & Vega with Tim Reaper (Future Retro) - 22 October 2025

Live from Bristol
103.7FM + Rinse.fm 
https://rinse.fm/channels/swu/

I got into the rave scene by seeing the likes of The Prodigy, Altern 8, Bizarre Inc, Orbital and Moby on the TV in the early 90s. Regular visits to the local record shops. Ended up me buying some decks. Being under 18. I spent a lot of my early years mixing on illegal pirate radio stations called laser fm, storm, frequency, choice and kiss 100 Worcester (not exile radio). Playing all forms of hardcore music under the name DJ Trauma. When old enough. I started playing out in the clubs. I mainly could be found in the second room at mindgames, zig zag's doing the drum and bass. I also got a booking at an event called Wrekweim. Which was my first appearance at the legendary Sanctuary night club in Milton Keynes in November 1996. I joined a dj agency after that. Which had mixed results. But I did do a few gigs in mainland Europe. One of the best being in north Germany. The rave was in this graffiti interior house which had a massive cellar. This house and also a music studio in the same German city were funded by a millionaire. So that the young people had some where to hang out and enjoy music. Pretty cool. I noticed the free party rave scene in Oxfordshire had a revival back in the late 90's. So I got the chance to play all my favourite rave and hardcore tunes from the golden era. Playing in many different environments like warehouses, fields, farm barns, boats etc. Amazingly I was at the first Truck festival (which i think is still going even now). I enjoyed many hassle free nights out in Oxford at top old skool events like depth charge. Also the source, a wicked drum and bass night that always had the best dj's. Typically after a few years the scene went a little backwards there. In part to the main clubs like the Zodiac and all of Oxford's iconic records shops closing down. Not to fear. I started my bi-weekly residency at Baby Simple in Oxford for many years (2007 to 2012) I kept things moving on. Performed for many promotions through the 2000s in the Midlands such as nu breed, pure x, timeless and illusion. Also appeared at various festivals including Glade. I have organised and put on a few events. Generally in Oxford and Worcester. Easily the biggest one I done was the colossal custard festival. Which was at the custard factory Birmingham August bank holiday in 2008. An all nighter with four arena's of drum and bass, tech house, acid techno, breaks and classic rave from the early days. But due to work and other life commitments. I did one last dj gig at the Bully, Cowley Road Oxford, early 2016. Then I called it a day dj-ing out. Music is my passion and the main thing is there's still so much new and old music to discover. I am on Soundcloud everyday. Don't really have a favourite tune of all time. There's just too many. But even now I still play the classic Prodigy experience album way too much. I bet you lot play it pitched up on the Technics like myself. Much love to everyone following me on soundcloud and also knows me in person. I have met so many dj's, mc's and artists over the years. Personality wise. The one's in the scene that you probably would of heard of. That I got on well with or met at least once are : John B, Stu Allan [r.i.p], Billy "Daniel" Bunter, Dj Vibes, Andy & Simon Bassline Smith, Glen Aston, Bryan Gee, Mickey Finn, Blame, Dj Lee, The Invisible Man, Brillo, Jason & Paul (aka Total Science), Mouly (Massive Records), Chris Energy,  Jay Jay & Mark C, Tera, Tango [r.i.p], Dj Warlock, Beau (Intense), Rob Vanden, Remarc, Eksman, Dj Freak, Hazard and Dj Spice (Music First) Dego & Mark (4 Hero), Goldie, DJ Ron, Keith Suckling, Shock C, Pete Parsons (Voyager) and even house dj Tall Paul Newman. Been lots of others I ain't been impressed with. Better not say who as i'll end up in trouble. Anyway massive respect to all rave goers and everyone making brand new old skool hardcore style tunes on the cloud. Loving your work. Respect due to all the internet radio stations for keeping the pirate vibe alive. I personally love jungletrain.net with the likes of Pete Devnull & Tim Reaper, Equinox, Djinn, Code, Greenleaf, Rumbleton, Josh Hill, Arnicvs, Krugah, Paludal & Jaja. Whats not to love. My soundcloud page is dedicated to the memory of my old pal Chris Savage aka Mr Sav. Who sadly pasted away January 2014. You may still find some of his classic jungle tekno and gramophone record shows here on soundcloud. So check them out.

Upcoming DJ gigs:
>>>see my IG<<<

@neoviolence label head (RIP), Prague based DJ, promoter (used to be) & electronic music enthusiast.
Radio host at @radiopunctum.
Resident DJ & booker for Groove Bar.

Pessimist & Vega with Tim Reaper (Future Retro) - 22 October 2025

SWU.FM