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Up close and personal with the Extreme Nicki S
Reported by Jamie McCarogher
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Submitted 17-11-06 14:47
Nicki S is quite possibly the hardest working woman in the whole of the hard dance scene. Not only does she head up the massive tidy and Extreme dj rosters and not only is she one of the founders of one of London and the UK’s most forward thinking hard dance nights, Innovate, but she’s also a damn fierce dj in her own right.
Arriving in the UK with little more than a backpack and a whole load of ambition, Nicki has made her mark across the hard dance scene. She is passionate and energetic and her reputation on the London party scene is second to none. After scorching through some of London’s premier clubs with sets to make your knickers drop, Nicki is often to be found at the heart of the huge after-party scene, affectionately known as ‘crack-ons’.
In between dj bookings, international phone calls, two hour train journeys each way to work, her own sets, flyering, promoting and partying, we caught up with her, demanded she sat still for half an hour, gave her a cup of tea and then gave her the third degree as to what it’s like to be the Australian whirlwind that is Nicki S…
So Nicki, you’re playing in the massive Innovate Extreme Showcase room at this Saturday — how excited are you to be in the new venue of the Renaissance Rooms?
I’m very excited. I’m a Renaissance Room dj virgin! Up until now Innovate’s home has been at the Fridge but we are always looking for ways to keep the party fresh and exciting. Teaming up with Twisted and presenting the Extreme Showcase at a brand new venue is going to do just that!
Innovate really is your baby. How much of a proud parent are you?
Innovate’s a three-way baby with Craig Paxton, Nick Sentience and myself …. That sounds really wrong! I am a very proud parent. I have a very demanding and high pressure day job with Tidy DJ Management and Innovate is a great release and a great avenue for being creative. The parties are fantastic, the music is on another level and my favourite djs are always playing plus my friends are always there. You can’t get better ingredients than that for a party.
What goes into putting the night together? How do you decide which djs to showcase and which not to?
The Innovate catch phrase is “Inspire — Create — Innovate” and we base the ethos of our events and dj bookings on just that. This means that we try to showcase the artists that have been an inspiration to us or others, artists that create their own music and artists that aren’t afraid to push the boundaries.
Our residents Nick Sentience and Phil Reynolds have been two of the most inspiring, creative and innovative artists in hard dance. They’re guaranteed crowd pleasers, their sets are flawless and they are top guys to boot. I couldn’t imagine putting on a party without them. We also try to push and promote future talent like the very talented Ali Wilson, MDA & Spherical, Olly Perris … and I’ve got my eye on Ashley James and Technikal for some dates in 2007. On top of that we try to get someone a little special down to each event just for some thing a bit different but quality. In the past we’ve had the likes of Mac Zimms and Joti Sidhu, and we’ve got some great acts up our sleeve for 2007.
But for this event we’re showcasing the crème de la crème of hard dance: the artists that have built the scene from the ground up. They’re responsible for creating the biggest anthems in hard dance and they have rocked dance floors world wide … BK, Nick Sentience, Andy Farley, Phil Reynolds, James Lawson, K90, Lee Haslam, Ian Betts and co …. Can you tell I’m excited???
How has the night changed over the years? Do you think it’s become better?
When Innovate started the hard dance scene was very one dimensional, as in most hard dance clubs started at 150bpm banging hard house and got harder and faster from there. We want our nights to encompass all types of 4/4-beat dance music which is on the tougher tip. If we can find the right acts we’ll start off with big fat pumping club grooves (techy, housey, electronic club tunes) and progress into some uplifting trance, then up and away into hard dance with a spot of new age psy trance thrown in for good measure. We are very particular about musical programming and putting the djs on at the right time for their musical strengths. As a result of this Innovate has a very dedicated following and our parties reflect that by going from strength to strength. You will see regular friendly faces along with an open minded and up-for-it crowd.
The whole premise behind Innovate is to let djs push the limits and experiment with different styles. Who’s been the most innovative act you’ve ever had and what was it that made them so special?
Nick Sentience — he’s pure genius on the decks and in the studio. I believe Will Patterson (Frantic) said Nick has produced “more classics than the National Art Gallery”. He has been at the forefront of the hard dance scene since he exploded onto it in 2000 when his first release (and many to follow) hit the airwaves of Radio 1. Since then he has remixed and produced the biggest anthems in hard dance and continues to lead the way with his groundbreaking album and DVD project ‘Universal Language’. Coming up soon is the release of his follow-up club album ‘Dance Planet’ So watch this space or check out www.nicksentience.net.
Over the past years we have given Nick free reign to experiment and push his sound at Innovate. During this time he has shown us his scope by both dj’ing and performing live, he’s done three hour sets, 4 dex and fx sets and even two sets in one night (one electro-tech-house style and the other banging hard dance and trance).
How important is it for djs and producers to push the boundaries of what they do?
You’ve always got to aim high and try to push yourself, it’s the only way you will evolve. It’s obviously not going to be much benefit for a dj to go down the wrong path and loose their fan base or to push the boundaries in a direction that they’re not truly passionate about. But I think it’s very important to push yourself. That might be by experimenting with your style, trying to produce your own records, hunting down rare or unique records or practising your mixing skills. If your heart’s in it then pushing the boundaries and aiming high will happen naturally.
What innovative things are you planning to do behind the decks on the 18th?
I’ll be dropping some very tasty, groovey, electronic high energy hard dance/psy trance cross over stuff straight out of Israel. I only know of a handful of other djs in the UK that play this stuff. It’s guaranteed to may your arse shake. Plus there are some hot bootlegs that I’ve got up my sleeve.
Where do you see Innovate going next year?
We’ll be moving to our new home for 2007 — Shepherd’s Bush Empire! It’s an amazing venue, an old theatre with a big auditorium, lots of levels, a big stage, fantastic sound rig and lighting system in a great area of London. On the musical front we’ll continue to push great club music and get in some new, exciting and cutting edge guests as well as push the hottest new talent.
You’ve been involved in dance music for a really long time. How has the scene developed over the years — do you think it’s in a better or worse state than say 10 years ago?
10 years ago the scene was very underground and had a cult-like following that sprang from the days of rave, free parties and the underground gay scene. The police cracked down on the free parties and moved people into the clubs and as we can see by what has been happening to clubs all around the country, with so many being raided and closed down, the police are now trying to control partying in clubs and crack down on that. It makes you wonder, are they trying to break our spirit and control our freedom?
I feel that clubbing has become commercial. This is the natural course of anything that becomes massively popular. However, there are some very big and successful brands that still put on amazing events from the heart, like the Tidy Weekenders.
I personally miss the good old days of clubbing from a Thursday till Monday morning. But it could be just me that’s grown up and taken on a lot of responsibilities. We’ve all experienced that club scene out of Human Traffic where the two clubbers are chatting about how the music was so much better, the people were friendlier etc. … yet when a munted and sweaty stranger sits down next to you, you blank them or tell them to go away.
On the music front, 10 years ago the music was very fresh and anything that cutting edge and new would always create an impact. The scene really peaked in 2000/1 with BK and Nick Sentience re-shaping the music and putting out a series of monster tunes that took the sound of hard dance around the world. I still love all of those ‘classic’ tunes but when listening to the productions that Ben and Nick are coming out with today they’re production levels and quality have moved on in leaps and bounds.
There are a lot more kids having a crack at producing their own tunes today as the cost of computers and the software to produce is very affordable, which is great for getting new blood involved and expressing creativity. The downside to this is that the majority of the tunes being released now have been produced in bedrooms and not mixed down in professional studios by experienced engineers. It also seems that any Tom, Dick and Harry can put out a track digitally which decreases the overall quality of the tunes released in this genre. It just takes a while to look, but the gems are still out there.
Who have you worked for over the years?
*I promoted my own night Endorphin at the Fridge back in it’s hey day.
*I promoted a very underground club called Release with BK and Andy Farley.
*I was label manager and A&R for Quality Trax.
*I have been promoting Innovate for the past couple of years.
*Earlier this year I Joined the Most Wanted DJ Management team and now manage the Tidy and Extreme dj rosters.
*But before all that I studied Clinical Medicine and majored in Pharmacology and Nutrition …. Go figure!
What does your day to day job at Tidy & Extreme Management entail?
Wheeling and dealing!! Ha ha … It involves a lot of admin and organisation. I am looking after the diaries of 12+ very busy international djs including the Tidy Boys, Lisa Pin-Up, Nick Sentience, BK, Rob Tissera, Edison Factor Live, The Colonel and more. I take all their bookings, contract their gigs and organise UK and overseas tours.
2007 will see the launch of the new Tidy Boys Big Night Out Tour. This is going to top anything that has been done in hard dance to date. We’ll also be launching the queen of hard house, Lisa Pin-Up’s, own brand tour night.
You’re not only a savvy business woman but a well travelled international dj and producer. What are some of the most exciting place you’ve played in the world?
I’ve been very lucky that in the short 2 years that I’ve been dj’ing I’ve played in America, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Ibiza and here in the UK.
What’s the most extreme thing you’ve done so far?
Ummmm (blush) … there’s quite a few things that I probably shouldn’t mention on a public forum! Over the years I’ve got up to all sorts of mischief. I’ve partaken in all sort of extreme sports, moved to London (from sunny Australia) with just a backpack and not knowing anyone here, having a place to live or even a job! Let’s just say the weekends get crazier and crazier.
How extreme would you be prepared to go to promote a night or a dj?
Well I wouldn’t get nude and paint the club logos all over my body and streak down Oxford Street. But for this event we have come up with some fantastically extreme competitions and prizes such as zorbing with Phil Reynolds and flying (BodyFlight) with Nick Sentience!! You can view a video of it on www.innovateuk.net.
If you fancy trying your luck to win this prize drop me an email and I’ll tell you how! (nicki@innovateuk.net)
If people don’t know already, you’re from down under. Do you miss the land of Oz or has England become your home now?
London is definitely my home. I love it here. I am very lucky I do get to travel home once or twice a year.
Do you watch Kath & Kim? What kind of Aussie accent is that, your equivalent of a Brummie???
Ha ha … Kath & Kim are so funny. They are proper Australians. I guess they would be the equivalent of a Brummie!
Honestly — do you like Vegemite?
I love it! There’s not much better than Vegemite and cheese on toast or crackers. Definitely better than Marmite.
Have you ever been up close and personal with a poisonous snake or spider?
On many occasions. I grew up in horse country (which lucky for me was only a 30min drive from the nearest hospital). We have some very poisonous creepy crawlies. I’ve been bitten by a couple of huntsman spiders (big ugly hairy tarantula things — not poisonous but hurt like hell and are very scary) and a King Brown snake (which can be fatal). Luckily I put a tourniquet on my leg and pressure bandaged it and road my horse over to my next door neighbour who drove me to the hospital.
What’s the best thing about Australia?
The sunny weather, good food and friendly people.
What’s the worst thing?
The spiders! And a minority or close minded people that have only lived their life on an island.
What’s the best thing about the UK?
The clubs! The diversity of people. The fact that although there are so many different cultures living here it is a relatively peaceful country. And it’s a very easy place to travel to/from.
What’s the worst thing?
The arsehole terrorist groups living here, trying to disrupt our free way of life.
Well Nicki, thanks very much for sparing us some time out of your hectic schedule. We’ll let you get back to it!
Photos courtesy of Nicki S and Crimson — Crazy Fool. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Nicki S will be appearing at the following event:
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Other Features By Jamie McCarogher:
HeatUK: The 6th Birthday: Reviewed
The Olly Perris brain-picking sessions ’06: Innovate preview
Innovate 2nd Birthday reviewed
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: Richard Launch on 17th Nov 2006 15:09.55
From: Hannah Wild on 17th Nov 2006 15:17.06
N! Give me a call when u get a chance babe
x x x x
From: Lucy Fur on 17th Nov 2006 15:24.32
Lovely lady and not a bad dj  .........
From: the Greg on 17th Nov 2006 15:36.59
 ... Wicked Interview! ... 
From: Alan-Banks on 17th Nov 2006 15:46.12
Nice interview - keep up the hard work 
From: KrAzB on 17th Nov 2006 16:12.03
Wicked interview! Nicki has to be one of the nicest people on the scene and an absolutely wicked dj to boot! Best of luck for the future mate, can't wait for your set tomorrow!
From: mostwantedkat on 17th Nov 2006 16:35.12
good girl, bring it on baby!
From: Elz on 17th Nov 2006 17:39.45
Wicked interview babe.. Go Innovate!!!!
From: Matt Smallwood on 17th Nov 2006 17:59.40
Nice one Nicki, top bird!
From: WEBBO on 17th Nov 2006 18:37.42
well done nicki was good to see you ( a few times ) last weekend 
From: Maria on 18th Nov 2006 00:35.47
Go go Nicki...wicked interview! Looking forward to make a good one tomorrow at Innovate vs Twisted. 
From: Mark. on 18th Nov 2006 10:54.53
Great girl, great interview.
From: Ashley James on 18th Nov 2006 11:40.25
Go Nicki! Absolutely lovely girl and a great DJ. See you soon
From: Dave Austin on 18th Nov 2006 15:53.59
Cool interview Nicki. It's been a pleasure knowing & working with you since those Endorphin Days. See you tonight.
From: Tina Martin on 18th Nov 2006 18:13.05
Great interview.. is there anything this girl can't do?!! 
From: dani d on 19th Nov 2006 16:02.33
Nice interview Nicky, absolute fabulous work
From: JennieRix on 19th Nov 2006 22:21.17
Well done babe! Lovely interview, and a wicked wicked girl. kEEP UP THE GREAT WORK
J
xx
From: Olly Perris on 21st Nov 2006 01:20.42
Wicked interview! Nicki is not only an absolute legend but one of the best people to work with in the business.
Thanks ever so much for the mention Nicki, you're an utter star and you deserve every success
From: onthebass on 21st Nov 2006 03:38.42
Top work Sis Cya both next week in Oz 
From: Danny Gilligan on 21st Nov 2006 09:32.51
great interview babe x
From: sexyminx on 21st Nov 2006 15:26.59
Wicked interview & wicked  Glad all is going well for you. Keep up the good work and see you very soon 
From: Ali Wilson on 21st Nov 2006 15:59.39
Nice one Nicki, a true legendette!
From: mattpickup on 21st Nov 2006 16:10.35
great interview babe
From: Gordon Darley on 21st Nov 2006 17:15.04
Wicked interview Nicki (and Jamie). Big up yourself long time and t'ing!!!
From: Stevi D on 22nd Nov 2006 14:38.44
Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet in there. A massive inspiration to alot o dj's and up comings. You got the hole package babe, i've told you this countless times, miss ya, love ya and keep rocking the world!!
xxxx
From: mattboyslim on 22nd Nov 2006 15:17.36
dribbles
From: tidy_kieron on 23rd Nov 2006 01:47.55
Good Read, now will you return my call? ha ha ha ha
See you soon x
From: kimba_lee on 23rd Nov 2006 07:41.26
Great interview, absolutely gorgeous lady and one of the soundest people I met in London. Come back to Oz, with you and Tara here then you could really shake things up here. Keep up the good work.
From: Busta on 23rd Nov 2006 08:47.50
bring it the fuck on, nice work lahady
From: clodagh-techno tramp! on 23rd Nov 2006 10:08.39
You Go Girl! Luv Clodagh xx
From: spangledwench on 24th Nov 2006 16:23.14
Noice wun sista, hehe... gutted you won't be partying with us this weekend, hope you have a spanktastic time in Oz babe and look forward to seeing you when you get back, miss ya - p.s. when are we going horseriding??! Wench xxx
From: Nikki S on 13th Dec 2006 19:50.23
Wow ... just logged into HF after getting back from Australia. Thanks heaps for all of the wicked feed back and lovely comments. Have a great Xmas every one!
Mmmmmmwwwah x x
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