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Features
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Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | NEM3SI$ - 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! |
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Interview with Danny Gilligan
Reported by kafalicious
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Submitted 21-03-03 14:14
Resident at Riot, Twisted Hard and Ground Zero, Danny Gilligan had a big year in 2002 making the tough transition from up and coming to established DJ seem easy. With a recent production signing to the Heat label and regular slots at London's premier after hours sunday club, 2003 is looking like a huge year as well for the man who coined the phrase 'get the f*ck right in'. Read on for more....
kaf: Like many before you, you were instantly drawn to the scene after your first clubbing experience at Camden Palace. What was the first club you played at and how did it feel to finally get up there?
Danny Gilligan: Yeah I went to the Camden palace and my life changed that much is for sure! The night was Peach and a few friends and I decided to go for a night out as we had heard it was really good. As soon as I walked down the brightly lit tunnel I felt like this massive energy circulate thru my body, the Venue, Music and People were perfect. It’s a memory I will always cherish, watching the DJ’s be in total control of this huge venue inspired me to want to become a DJ. My first gig was on a Bank Holiday Monday in May 2000 it was a leaving party for a girl called Amanda.
Penny (before XLR8) was running it, I got the gig through a pal I used to go to school with (Ben Yong) as he was always out on the scene and managed to get me a set. I turned up to the Open Club in Tottenham Court Road and was blown away by the turn out of this party and again the energy of this group of people who seemed to all know each other? I played last set down stairs and enjoyed every minute of it, I haven’t looked back since!
kaf: Riot! of which you are a resident, has just been voted number one club in this month’s issue of Mixmag. Gotta be happy with that!
DG: Yeah its amazing stuff! Being voted Number 1 in what most people regard as the Clubbing Bible is a reflection of the hard work that a group of friends have put into what is the common denominator of there group, and that is simply throwing a great party and having fun! It is amazing to be part of something like RIOT! I feel very lucky.
kaf: How did your residency at Riot! come about?
DG: I went out one night with Nick Sentience to a gig he was playing at, we had a really good chat on the way there and Nick was giving me some pointers on life and sharing some of his experiences with me. I felt very vibe'd up and was really happy while Nick was playing, Ed Real turned up to play the following set, we indulged in a conversation about Riot we chatted away and Ed was saying that the next gig was going to be wicked and that I would like it especially, I said ‘wicked I will come along who is playing?’ he replied ‘yeah we have got a bit of Karim…… Lawson……Sentience…..and……………………….Gilligan!! .how do you fancy that then?!!’
Picking my Jaw up of the floor I simply said ‘Get the Fuck Riot In’! – I think it was meant to be ;o). One of the biggest influences on Ed’s decision I ‘hink’ was the support from my wonderful group of friends. I am extremely appreciative of there efforts for me, they have helped me achieve my goal and push me on to achieve everything else that is out there, I am really looking forward to what the future holds.
kaf: Tell us about your foray into producing!
DG: I am a learner first and for most! I did my first track with the talented and fast rising star Todd Tobias it is called ‘Blow My Mind’ and has recently been signed to HEAT Records. I was so happy with the finished product! (Thank you Todd for your patience) My Second Track I am doing is with the Legend that is Ali Wilson called ‘Cold Shiver’. We are making a few changes to it after presenting it to a label recently and hope to have it signed by that label very soon. So 2 out of 2 is a good start for me, ideally in a couple of years time I would like to do a full course into producing but first I need to find what my style is and what style I most enjoy writing, all the while though, I am learning though which is the main thing.
kaf: Who would you most like to collaborate with next?
DG: It would have to be Nick Sentience or BK; these guys are the guvnor’s in terms of quality production. I have dates to confirm with Ingo, Tim Priestly, and Greg Ferguson.
kaf: Career highlights thus far?
DG: The Camden Palace main room was my main goal when I set out to be a DJ. It was the place that changed my life so to play there would be the ultimate. I was gifted my chance by Mind Over Matter in June last year when I played 2.00-3.00 in the main room for the Birthday Bash. It was such a nice sense of achievement I had finally achieved my goal I set myself! Outside of my personal goals RIOT has been far and away the biggest highlight so far each time I get to play the Thunder Ridge sound system I get so excited and to have the crowd that Riot has makes it the most enjoyable place to play at. Last Year in May 2002 Ed Real booked me to play in Dublin with him, we were treated so well and to think that people are willing to fly you over and look after you so well when all you are doing is doing the thing you love is so bizarre! I had a shocker of a set though but think that was just the big occasion and my in experience at the time – I hope
kaf: Any lows?
DG: Everyone has there highs and lows, however if you can remember when the times were really good that memory will pull you through the bad times no doubt about it. If you are a strong person and can take the knock backs however big or small they may be then you will succeed, What it comes down to is hard work and dedication for what you do, my ambition and drive and most importantly positive attitude keep me moving forwards I have my goals and I know I will achieve them.
kaf: You’ve been around the Hard Dance scene for some time now. How do you think it has progressed?
DG: I have been on the scene for about three years now which isn’t a great deal of time however I have seen so much it feels like a lifetime ;o) For me the most important thing is that the scene is moving forward, styles are forever changing but that is what is giving us direction and like I say keeps us moving forwards. Every year or so I see this massive shift in people, Seeing as though our scene is pretty much made up of antipodeans who come over here on there travels and to party it seems as though the vibe in London never dies. The ‘crowd’, are as important as any other factor as it stays youthful it keeps it fresh. The scene isn’t just about those elements its now a culture, people live, eat and sleep this scene – Just look at HarderFaster!!
kaf: How do you describe your style? Take us through a typical set!
DG: Cross-Over-Energetic-Hard-Dance is how I would describe my style. One set can vary so much from the next it’s not funny! In my couple of years, being schooled by Ed and the Riot Crew I am able to select different style sets for the time I am playing its all about programming at the end of the day. A reason why I enjoy Frantic events is because they program there nights so well, a lot of time and effort goes into the clubber and taking them through the gears of a night.
kaf: Current inspirations?
DG: Current inspirations are:
DJ’s Andy Farley, Ian M and Chris Todd
Lady DJ: Tara Reynolds
Producers: Nick Sentience, BK and Todd Tobias
Up and Coming DJ’s: Simon Rutherford (Great presentation and sets), Paul Reeves (New Paul Glazby?)
Total Product: Phil Reynolds – Phil is the epitome of our scene!
Promoter: Twisted Mick
Vibe Machine: Ed Real (thanks for all your support fella!)
kaf: 2003: what’s on the cards?
DG: I am just going to put my head down and work hard with my DJ Bookings and Production. I hope to have four or five decent tracks out this year, most importantly though I am not going to forget how to have fun!
kaf: What top 5 tunes are doing it for you right now?!
DG:
1) Loaded – Energy Dai v Mike Kogglin – Planet K Records
2) Touch Me – Steve Hill V Shark Boy – White
3) Stay High – BK
4) Form – Todd Tobias – Elasticman
5) Panic Button –OD404 - Nick Sentience Remix – Katai
kaf: To MC or not MC, what’s your stance?
DG: Well before I attended Endorphin I would have said MC>? No Way!! However it worked so well for Nicki and her crew I was very impressed! Since then I have seen MC Majika do his thing at Hard House Academy and at 4 Elements in Holland and have to say it has built up my faith in using MC’s at Hard Dance events. I think it is more popular outside of London and in turn the UK, however it is catching on and MC Majika is the daddy at what he does! Using an MC gives the crowd a chance to get there energy back while the MC whips the crowd up introducing the next DJ, its all good and works well from what I have seen.
kaf: What do you feel makes a dj ‘great’?!
DG: Ask Phil Reynolds, he is a ‘great’ DJ. Phil Reynolds holds all the elements of what every other DJ strives for. Elements such as Crowd Interaction, Excellent DJ Skills, Personality, Flair, Track Selection, and Energy are what Phil has.
kaf: Current residencies; where can people catch you play?!
DG: Residencies include:
RIOT @The End
Twisted Hard @ The Fridge
Ground Zero – Venue t.b.c
I have played at ‘most’ London parties and continue to get booked by them. My best Parties to play at are Riot and Twisted Hard I love my Residencies. All the while I am venturing outside of London with various bookings coming up. The parties that elude me I will continue to work hard to get booked for. I have recently been booked for Peach Goes Hard at Camden Palace Main Room, which is in June, which will be a special gig for me once again. Eventually bookings outside of the UK are what I want, to play in Holland, Australia, NZ are goals I have set myself.
kaf: Finally, any words for the HarderFaster readers?!
DG: Get The Fuck Right In! ‘You inspire me to inspire you’ if you love what you do as much I love what I do, I think we could be in for one long party!! Thanks for all the support and Riot vibes you have all created making it the most talked about party in town.
With thanks to Danny Gilligan for his time.
Danny plays at the The End for the second part of the Riot! birthday special on Sunday 30th March. For full details click here.
Relevant Links
www.gtfri.com
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Other Features By kafalicious: Interview with Ingo Lab4: always keeping it real Hardhouse Anthems 4 Launch - Interview with Rob Tissera Searching for the perfect wave with Martin McHale Logic: Second Contact - 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.
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Comments:
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From: Stevi D on 24th Mar 2003 10:26.45 Nice one Mr Gilligan, u rock my boat. Take it easy and see in the box!!
From: Camden Nurse on 24th Mar 2003 10:44.14 Classic...What makes a good DJ? Didn't I do a thread about this? And didn't U come out with the same answer, as yet I keep forgetting to ask him. Chat later, see U Sunday!
From: Norris123 on 24th Mar 2003 12:16.27 Good stuff Danny boy.
From: Todd on 24th Mar 2003 12:29.03 Great interview geezer! and cheers for the kind words (your cheque is in the mail...)
From: Paul Reeves on 24th Mar 2003 12:53.28 thanx for the name check big fella
From: LOULOU(umustdoya)LINES-SCRASE on 24th Mar 2003 15:13.58 GTRFI
NOIIICE
From: NLB on 24th Mar 2003 15:41.56 Nice!
From: Ped on 24th Mar 2003 17:17.04 Nice one Danny boi!
From: Bagel on 24th Mar 2003 17:56.16 Good stuff Danny, no doubt we'll see plenty off you this year-keep it up mate
From: bunny on 24th Mar 2003 23:24.06 Excellent one Danny, after stomping to your closing set @ Riot last week + your set @ re-generate Saturday morning, can see wy you're doing so well + that you really do GTFRI!
From: TWISTEDMICK on 25th Mar 2003 12:06.22 Add your own comments about this feature here !
Hmm Interesting! keep up the good work.
From: V.J. 2012FX on 25th Mar 2003 22:04.06 Good luck mate
keep up the good work
From: Stefania on 27th Mar 2003 10:45.35 I remember those days at the Palace... especially when you gave me the wrong CD to give to Graham for you! LOL
Nice one babe... keep it up!!
Hugs & stuff x
From: The Crafty Butcher on 27th Mar 2003 12:37.08 Listen to you all, kissing his arse, it's sickening.
*joke*
Nice work Mr G, your making waves yet keeping your head screwed on tight. Great set at the last Riot, althought I heard your performance at Keith's was even better?
See you sunday
From: Foxy on 27th Mar 2003 14:37.22 Good Stuff hun, see you sunday
From: BISH~BASH~BOSH! on 11th Apr 2003 17:14.02 Wicked write up Danny....u can see my version of tings on http://www.totalmayhemuk.com
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