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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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Dan ‘The Black Vest’ Maddams – Celebrating his new monthly residency with Bedlam
Reported by VinDiesel
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Submitted 03-02-05 12:11
The filthy pounding beats, the big cheeky grin, 'that' black vest, a can of Red Stripe in one hand whilst yelling such eloquent phrases as 'come on you f*cking c*nts - MOVE!' Any follower of the hard dance scene will immediately know that this is the caricature description of none other than Dan Madams. But in reality there's an awful lot more to write home about. Dan Madams has been at the forefront of the hard dance scene for almost ten years, with many an impressive accolade under his belt.
How many people have had the honour of starting out at legendary clubs like Sunny Side Up,
Trinity and Strawberry Sundae? His reputation precedes him; other than banging it out hard as you like, Dan is known for his impeccable technical skills, which you'd be hard pushed to find anywhere else. So in between living up to his reputation, swigging cans of Red Stripe, running the Feersum label, and his busy production schedule, it's surprising Dan can find the time to hold down a challenging day job. As if this isn't enough,
Dan has managed to land himself a much sought after monthly residency at Bedlam - the Daddy of all that's filthy, dirty, hard and banging! I caught up with Dan to find out about his career, influences, his new residency and find out a bit more about 'that' black vest.
How did you first get into the Hard Dance scene?
I started going out clubbing about 10 years ago, going to places like Clockwork Orange & Club UK and hearing people like John Kelly & Seb Fontaine play (these guys were playing pumping house back then). I was right into the handbag house back then. However, it was when I first heard the first Trade album (mixed by Tony De Vit and Malcolm Duffy) that I was first really introduced to the harder sound. The mix by Tony was unlike anything else I had heard - the tunes on there were so fresh (E-Traxx "Let’s Rock" was on there for example), the programming was immaculate and the energy that it created was immense. To this day, that mix CD in my opinion is without doubt one of the greatest compilations made - it was so far ahead of its time.
After listening to this mix I was hooked and started to go clubbing where Tony De Vit would play (Sunny Side Up, Vortex, Trade). At about this same time I bought my first set of decks and would try and purchase all the records that I would hear played in these clubs; all the early Tripolis, Jump Wax, Shift, Proekult etc. About 2 years after this I managed to get my first set at Sunny’s and the rest is really history.
You’ve now been asked to become a monthly resident for Bedlam. How do you feel about this and what can we expect to hear from you?
I am obviously really flattered to be asked, as well as very excited at getting my teeth into such a cracking monthly residency. The thing that I really love about Bedlam is the whole package it has to offer; the venue is superb, the music policy is perfect, the crowd are so friendly and up-for it, and the professionalism and effort that the crew put in to making sure that it all goes off so well is second to none. I have to quickly say that Chris , Ging and Mikey (the promoters) are without doubt one of the most genuine and friendly people, let alone promoters, you could ever wish to meet - just really decent people!
I am also excited about this residency in that there are going to be four residents playing every month (will leave you guessing on the other 3 monthly residents), all of whom will bring something a little different to the table. I can say that the other 3 DJs are all quality DJs in their own right and I’m sure that coming together we can help take Bedlam up another level.
In regards to what you can expect to hear from me, depending on what time of the night I am playing, it will more than likely be quality, up-front, hard, driving, filthy house. Saying that, it all depends on how the crowd are reacting, but from playing the last couple of Bedlams I’d say they always seem to be up for the banging stuff. I am hoping that along with the other residents I can help define the Bedlam sound, which definitely seems to be veering towards the harder-edged stuff - a bit like what Marc French & Ian Betts have achieved with the uplifting pumping trance sound for Heat.
You’ve played at almost every high profile club in the UK, any particular favourites?
I have been fortunate enough to play at some wicked clubs around the country and choosing a favourite is always difficult. I would have to say that Cheeky Little Monkey in Bournemouth stands out and always brings back very fond memories. The club wasn't in a great venue but the atmosphere in there was always electric and I built up a great rapport with the crowd over the years - they were a bunch of fu*king nutters down there - well worth the 3 hour drive.
I also have to say Storm in Coalville - I've only played there a couple of times but I have always had an amazing time there - the venue is lovely with a really responsive crowd that really knows how to party.
I must also give a shout to London clubs Sunny Side Up/Mind Over Matter & Trinity because although they’re not really around anymore, they definitely helped get hard house/dance on the "straight" map in London - in their time these clubs were awesome.
How do you feel your style has progressed since you began Djing?
When I first started playing 8 years ago I was more into the party/bouncy sound. Over time it has gradually got tougher and, I would say, that in the last 3 or 4 years my sound has definitely moved to the harder tip. Although my DJ style could be described as banging filthy hard house, it is definitely not as tough as the likes of Karim or Casper (I’m probably described as quite fluffy compared to them). I am currently playing a lot of stuff by Justin Bourne, Marc Johnson & collaborations that I have done with various people. I will also occasionally play a banging hard trance track if the mood and time is right. I think it is really important to enjoy and believe in what you are playing and not just to play what is the "acceptable" thing.
How has this influenced your progression production-wise?
It has influenced it 100% - The main reason for me to go into the studio is so that I can make tunes that I can incorporate into my sets and that will hopefully go down well on the dancefloor. That's why the music I was producing 6 years ago was a lot more on the party edge than the stuff I make now. I listen to what I was making back then and smile at how much my production has changed - I've gone from bouncy basslines to now making proper driving hard house.
What are your long-term goals?
On the DJing front I would really like to have the opportunity to play at some of the major hard dance events around the country that I have yet to play - Slinky, Sundissential, Dance Academy, Scream, Extreme Euphoria, Wildchild, Twist. It would also be good to play at Frantic again as well (been too long Will).
I would also really like to DJ more overseas - I got a small taste of it in the last couple of years when I travelled once to Japan and another time to Oz to play - you just can’t beat visiting a wonderful country that you may have never visited before, as well as DJing in a completely different environment.
On the production front, as long as I continue to enjoy making the music and feel that I am still improving then I am happy.
I hear you took a month off from Djing and production to concentrate on exams. What’s this all about?
I actually took 2 whole months off to take some fund management exams (I work for an asset management house) which felt like a bloody lifetime. It was well worth it as I just found out that I passed - still suffering from the hangover now. Taking that amount of time off from not playing in clubs is hard as people can forget easily what you are about - you do need to be out there playing etc all the time to continually make an impact. People do think it’s quite funny that I have this kind of double life in that I'm all suited and booted during the day and then by night the "black vest" comes out.
So do your bosses/colleagues know about your other job?!
I thought they didn't know about it until my boss (quite serious guy) asked me out of the blue where I was DJing that weekend - you can imagine how much my face dropped on hearing that. It then came to light that he had seen me surf a certain site called "harderfaster" and then went on himself to have a look. He was fine about it although I am now only a lunchtime surfer of the net. I would really like to be able to do the DJing full time even if it’s for a year so that I can really give it 100% but unfortunately it doesn't pay the mortgage or the romantic meal for two at the local Harvester 
You’ve worked with some prolific producers recently, who do you think is worth keeping an eye on?
I've been fortunate to work a lot with Alex Calver over the last 12 months and I have to say he is a very talented fella who can produce quality tracks across the board, whether it’s hard house, techno, hard trance, funky etc. It will be interesting to see what he comes out with this year, now that he is more focussed on his techno sound, although I am hoping to persuade to him to produce some more hard house with me at some point! I also think Colin Barrett is worth keeping an eye on this year and although I have yet to work with him, he is definitely someone who I would love to team up with at some point in the future.
Who are your hot tips for 2005?
In regards to producers that are coming through the ranks there are a couple that I am definitely keeping tabs on - Graham S (talented little fu*ker from Scotland who’s only 18 years old), Tik Tok (great techno/hardhouse hybrid producer) and finally Aftermath/James Nardi and Julian Dwyer (these cheeky chaps are really coming into their own now with some quality filth). Apart from keeping an eye on the three above, obviously Alf Bamford is making some waves on the trance tip and I think Carl Nicholson has got some serious hard trance armoury up his sleeve as well.
On the DJ front I think Ben Stevens will really come through into his own this year and make big impressions on the main stage - really nice lad and a top notch DJ. I've also been hearing some good things about Steve Maynard and he could possibly be the upcoming DJ to make an impact on the scene this year
You own the Feersum label, are there any projects you’re working on?
I do own and run the Feersum label with my mate Darren Zebadee. Since the demise of Alphamagic a couple of months ago we have had complete control (funding etc) of the label and although a little stressful from time-to-time, it is all good. We've just had our first release (George E vs DMF) since being independent, and it seems to be selling well. Our follow up release will be out in March which has me teaming up with George E (engineered by DMF) on one side and WMD (aka Alex Calver) on the other. Both are banging hard housers that seem to have had a good initial response - fingers crossed. Following this we have a collaboration with two of the scene’s brightest new producers, Tik-Tok and Daley with Graham S on remix duties.
Is there anything else in the Madams CD cabinet apart from filth?
My wife keeps saying that I am narrow-minded when it comes to listening to music and that all I listen to is hard house - she is probably right to a certain extent. The thing is, if I'm not going through new tunes to play out, I’m listening to tracks for potential Feersum releases - I just don't have much time to listen to other stuff. Saying that, I did buy the Scissor Sisters, Mylo & Gwen Stefani albums recently.
What do you think about the increased popularity of web clubbing forums such as HF? How do you think they have affected the clubbing scene?
I think it has had a huge impact on the scene. I think it can be a very powerful form of media which in some ways can be very good but also at times can be detrimental.
For example I think it is great that so many people can have such easy access to what is going on in dance music and also for them able to express their views on clubs/DJs/music.
It is also a great way of meeting like-minded people and I know that a lot of people on harderfaster have made good friends with people on the site.
On the other hand though, it can create problems if people use it in a manipulative manner. The problem is that we all work in a "selling" industry & whether you are a promoter, DJ, artist etc you need to make people aware of who you are, and I sometimes think that people can misuse these forums to achieve that. I’m probably sounding completely hypocritical as I'm sitting here being interviewed and obtaining some kind of publicity myself.
If everyone who ever lived was alive and could DJ, who would you choose to play a back to back set with?
That’s easy – it would have to be the late great Tony de Vit. When he passed away I was only really just starting to play out so I never even got on the same line up as him. To play B2B with him would be a fu*king huge honour – the man was the main reason why I got into this in the first place and is truly inspirational. On a less serious note I also wouldn't mind playing with Sarah Jessica Parker – she’s got a cracking ar*e and I reckon she would be very good fun to play with
Photos sourced by Vin Diesel
BEDLAM presents "Looney Tunes"
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On:
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Friday 4th February 2005
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At:
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The Fridge [map]
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From:
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10pm-6am
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Cost:
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£12 Before midnight/£15 after
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Website:
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www.nightclubbinuk.com/bedlam
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Ticket Info:
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£10 Paying Guest List Before 1am, E-mail: bedlamevents@hotmail.com
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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This is a crazy world we live in and without our passion for Hard Dance we’d surely go insane!
This month Bedlam gets animated with some of the most exceptional characters in the Hard Dance scene today!
Our very own resident Justin Bourne will spin furious filth faster than a Tasmanian devil! Sure to devastate the dance floor…
Giving us a roadrunner for our money this month is guest Wile E Coyote Marc French with his box of Acme tricks…Beep Beep!
Lucy Fur is a bad ol’ put-t-tat! You dirty guys sure are gonna love her dirty beats, oh well, you’ll find out the very hard way…OK BUB?!
Resident Pepe Le Peu Dan Madams will mesmerize you with his je ne sais quoi! You little pidgeons, it is love at first sight is it not?!
Dickon Laws is suuure gonna get that cwuddy wabbit! Making his debut for Bedlam and shootin’ some shots, this hard hittin’ Yankee pulls no punches…you’d better say your pwayers varmints!
Now looka, I say looka here! Pay, I say pay attention boy! The Power Hour belongs to Foghorn Leghorn Neil E who’s gonna warm the roost! You hear me?!
Alex Parsons...this is where this ingenious little black duck gets despicable!
Room 2 this month is hosted by Cyberkitten. These party animals will sure show you how to rock the spot!
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Flyer:
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Other Features By VinDiesel :
Bioshokk Triplicity: Matt Melody speaks to Webbo, with VinDiesel taking notes to make the magic three
Across the divide - It's Alex Mac and Zeebra Kid
Alf takes the Technikal View
Cheers! ReFre5h is 2
Get attracted to Magnetix
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: Ben Stevens on 4th Feb 2005 11:44.57
Thanks for the kind words mate!
Great interview!
From: Steve Gillen on 4th Feb 2005 11:53.36
Great interview Dan. Top bloke and legend on the decks!
From: George-E on 4th Feb 2005 12:00.28
You wife thinks your narrow-minded because your a bender Mr Madams...LOL! Good stuff fella - keep up the good work! The again...maybe I should get married too..???? ;-)
From: carl nicholson on 4th Feb 2005 12:11.23
Legendary bloke! I have climbed the ladder alongside this bloke and all i can say is he is one of the most genuine guys i have had the pleasure to work with! And after 7 years of know him! WORLD DOMINATION IS NOW IN EFFECT!
From: Lunar chic on 4th Feb 2005 16:09.42
Dan is a legend! Really down to earth and unpretentious, he's one of the best DJs I've heard in a long time. He doesn't big himself up at all, though he's got a lot more to shout about than most others! Glad to have you on board son, you ROCK!!! 
From: Tina Martin on 4th Feb 2005 16:14.32
Great interview Chris  and lookin forward to seein the man in action tonight behind the decks
From: Toomz on 4th Feb 2005 19:04.57
Harvester? Last of the big spenders eh Daniel son haha!
From: Danny Gilligan on 5th Feb 2005 10:55.30
niceone Danny boy wheres my fucking cd!
From: K.A.R.L. on 5th Feb 2005 11:07.39
Top interview Chris. I remember Dan from the days of Sunnies/Feersum and spent a few messy Sunday mornings in Insomniacs in his company. Top bloke...
From: GROUP 185 on 5th Feb 2005 11:08.54
ee's a nice bloke and a wikkid dj
From: James Nardi on 5th Feb 2005 16:44.42
Well done Dan. Cheers for the mention mate.
From: Steve Maynard on 5th Feb 2005 20:26.54
Nice interview, a very well deserved residency!!!
Thanks for the mention aswell
From: Type 1 on 7th Feb 2005 13:12.36
Dude your a legend!! wikid interview!
From: Lizzie Curious on 7th Feb 2005 15:06.39
Dan - you rock! Had so many blinding nights out at Feersum! An absolute pleasure working with you in the studio too. Keep up the good work and hope to see you soon...
From: Neats on 7th Feb 2005 17:48.18
Nice one Dan
P.S might be time to change the wardrobe x
From: Matt Smallwood on 7th Feb 2005 19:23.50
Nice one shlaaag booooy! :-)
From: kittykat6 on 7th Feb 2005 20:12.57
Well I think the interview was wicked, he is everyting people say he is, legend and top dj. But good interview Chris and Ginger
From: Chris Humphreys on 7th Feb 2005 23:49.55
Dan's da man!! One of the best hard house dj's out there for sure and a good mate.
'The Black Vest' 
(Interview was by Chris Vin Diesel! >>Spot on)
From: blondie on 8th Feb 2005 10:14.34
Well done Chris, great interview
From: Jo Bright on 8th Feb 2005 14:13.10
Well done,daniel my son!.... Giving the punters wot they wanted was always my priority when doing the sunnys line-ups,back in the day!!!..... Always knew i'd got it right with you!.xx
From: Paul Allen on 8th Feb 2005 18:04.08
Blimey, I though you were too old for all that hard house nonsense Dan! I thought you'd moved over to the fluffy side ;-).
From: Stevi D on 8th Feb 2005 19:41.51
KEEP IT REAL
From: Amanda FB on 10th Feb 2005 15:06.34
From one c*nt to another. Nice to see another bus stop photo too! Love ya Madams. FBxxxx
From: Broken Helen on 12th Feb 2005 20:54.44
long time no see you old slag! keep it coming, xxx
From: ~deleted7155 on 15th Feb 2005 13:52.15
Dan, your a complete Git. But I loves ya... 
From: Rob Kane on 23rd Feb 2005 20:54.52
Nice work matey, keep it up! There'll be nobody giving you grief about bounce at at Bedlam, that's for sure! 
See ya soon!
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