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Features
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| 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! | | N-Kore talks Jean-Michel Jarre, unfinished tracks and fatherhood! | | Celebrating International Women’s Day and Ten Years of Psy-Sisters with Amaluna | | A Catch Up with John Phantasm ahead of his upcoming set at the Tribal Village 4 Day Outdoor Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! | | 'The Maestro that is Tristan talks barn owls, Shazamming and keeping it Psychedelic ahead of his upcoming performance at the Tribal Village 4 Day Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! | | DJ talk with Psyrenzo ahead of his debut set at Tribal Village, the Steelyard this Friday 14th January 2022! | | TENZO aka Overdrive talks freely about launching his new act which will be showcased at Tribal Village, Steelyard on 14 January 2022! | | A long overdue catch up with JourneyOM ahead of his next Tribal Village party this Friday 14th January 2022 at the Steelyard, London! | | Goa based party animal and artist extraordinaire Nirmal talks punk concerts, metal sculptures, flying and rippin' it up on a High Tide! | | DJ Wired talks to us about the Rise of the Hope and parties, ahead of his upcoming set at Tribal Village on 14th January 2022! |
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Faster Harder Gorfy: interview with HF's Massive pin-up
Reported by HarderFaster
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Submitted 18-06-08 20:56
Our very own HarderFaster resident, Miles Gorfy kicked off 2008 by returning to DJing from a brief dance music sabbatical. In true HF style, after playing all over the UK at top hard dance events, he’s retired then come back stronger than ever, now being signed to Massive Music Management who’ve not only given him a regular radio slot, but are inadvertently promoting him as a gay pin-up. Meanwhile he’s set to take Ibiza by storm with the rest of the HF DJ crew next week. With Massive putting on their own charity event this Saturday 20 June at Hidden for two very important causes — Breast Cancer and the Burma cyclone disaster — and his birthday bash at Thirsty Thursdays on Thursday 3 July it was definitely time our resident was treated to his first interview. Plus it now looks like he might finally have his first booking at a big outdoor festival, Dance Island...
Originally a hard dance DJ who played full-on hard and pumping trance with uplifting hard house, Miles has returned with a few more styles in his record bag — house, minimal, hardcore and even a recent dabble in psy trance. But how did this drum & bass and rap-loving Essex boy first get converted to the hard beats?
It all started growing up in Essex, where a young Miles got into indie at school, and then whatever music he could get his hands on out raving in the weekends—usually Chicago house and hip hop. Then he went away to City Uni in Angel and got into hip hop even more. At 21 he came straight out of Uni and spent the last of his loan on a set of decks. Moving back to Essex, he discovered D&B had arrived, and got to work learning to mix hip hop and D&B. Fortunately the house scene had also got stronger, and with house being so much easier to mix than D&B, I guess we could say he hasn’t looked back. As he describes it, ‘I’ve had my decks for 13 years now! Imagine the number of hours I’ve spent behind those decks! I used to spend an hour every single day!’
And the hard work paid off, with Miles playing seriously for six years. Perhaps most important to this up-and-coming DJ in those early days was the time he spent playing for underground pirate radio station Renegade FM, where he started off with a weekly two hour radio show that soon turned into much more. He recalls: ‘Around Christmas time Renegade decided to go from being a D&B station to playing different styles; all kinds of dance music and go full time. Now they had to throw the roster open to all styles. I’d played a gig in Chelmsford for a lad who said to them that if they wanted a guy who could play hard house and trance Miles is your man. I was supposed to be interviewed, but they offered me the Sunday morning breakfast shift straight off. It started at 6am and went until 8am — the graveyard shift! But had to move it as they found people were setting their alarms to listen to hard house! I loved it—used to get up and chat pure filth on the mike and bang out hard house and trance. When they rescheduled I had prime time slot. But it wasn’t the same—the breakfast slot was definitely the one to do!’
So why did this come to an end? As Miles diplomatically describes it, it became ‘quite a difficult commitment. First, what you’re doing is illegal and in my day job I can’t have a criminal record. Second, driving off into the pitch black in the middle of the night can be difficult. You’re followed by cars with surveillance cameras so if police arrive, you’re nicked! But mainly it was moving to London. I’d said if I was going to make the move I’d show a big commitment and move out of DJing at the same time. So I quit before I moved to London…’
No Limits
There must have been some pretty big weekends that led up to that decision being made, I wonder? ‘Yeah’, he smiles. ‘The worst one I did was playing in Brixton on Saturday night, and as I was still living in Essex it took an hour to one and a quarter hours drive to drive back to the radio station around the corner from my flat to do the 8am–10am shift. Then it was back to Brixton to play some afternoon slot at somewhere like one of Scouse’s morning/afternoon sessions! I played hard as nails. But I always mixed up different styles — in fact Paul Divine said never heard me play the same set twice! I’d forgotten about the No Limits days! The most fun I ever had was playing to a packed Fridge with dancers, screens and lasers!’
From Essex D&B to playing banging hard house on the main stage of the Fridge in just six years is quite an achievement. I’m curious to find out what influences played a part in his musical development? ‘Growing up I was very into stuff like Public Enemy, Ice Cube, NWA — very much gangster rap’, he recalls. ‘Before that Todd Terry, Mr Lee, old hip hop and house DJs and the tribal and Chicago house scene. I didn’t know a lot about it in those days and was just picking up odd tapes here and there: hip hop tapes like NWA and Mr T. Club-wise, Glazby and JFK are my biggest influences’.
From NWA to Glazby seems a fairly big musical leap to me!? ‘Yeah’ he enthuses, ‘I saw Glazby at Insomniacz and he was the most exciting thing I’d ever seen. I’d been at Gatecrasher with my girlfriend and we left to go and see him play, my mates didn’t know why! Glazby was a great as can be, you never see him get anything wrong. He’s as technically correct as a DJ can be. JFK really knows how to party, you see him bouncing around, he sings, dances, sings all the great tunes. I’ve seen him turning up to play with Ferry Corsten when they were dressed like boxes —now that’s what I want to see. Someone putting the fun back into the club!’
So this clubbing connoisseur doesn’t find it as much fun now? ‘No’, he sighs. ‘That’s where clubbing had fallen down in recent years. They say things are cyclic and now it’s moving towards tech — dull, prog, techy. All the fun has gone and it was the fun that brought me into it! When I go to a club I want to have fun. I want to laugh, joke, smile and dance!’
He does get more enthusiastic again when I ask about music production. ‘I’ve started remixing with Allan Seventh Heaven. I’m very much into the ’99 trance sound. That’s the trance I grew up with and to be fair that’s what’s influencing me now. Finding good uplifting records. Plenty of energy to it, which is what got me into trance.’
What was it that made him turn to hard house and trance, I wonder? Is that what he first played out? ‘The very first time I played out was at a friend’s birthday party in a pub because they wanted someone into music who could do the job. My first big club gig was Sundissential. I got picked up by Madders because he knew about me. We had friends in common with Charlotte Birch and our sets overlapped by half an hour. I remember I saw her set at the beginning then half-way through my set her and her boyfriend Gaz rock up right to the front and the room went off!’
That sounds like one hell of a way to kick of a promising DJ career! but surely there have been other career highlights? ‘Oh yes! At the Frantic Christmas Party in 2003 I was the second slot on the main stage. Ian Betts warmed up. My other big memory was Polysexual in Birmingham, going up against Lisa Lashes in the main room and me in the second room. Of course No Limits at the Fridge for the quality of their production and having so much fun on the main stage. And getting to play for Milk.’
With so many highlights already achieved, what goals does he have for the future then? ‘To die happy! That’s part of why I’m getting back into it! I’d been there, done that and played big gigs. When you’ve played a full house at Camden Palace it doesn’t get much bigger than that in the UK. I realised I wasn’t going to play any big festivals. I don’t want to do an artist album. I just want to get people to dance a lot. One person or a thousand people dancing their hearts out just wants me want to play music for them. I love watching people enjoying themselves. If I can make that happen… It’s not about personal goals, just about watching people enjoy themselves! Personal goals — none! I just want to make people dance again!’
Aha, so we’ve finally gone full circle and figured why he’s making a comeback. As he explains it: ‘DJing never really left me. I had to quit for my own well-being. The reasons were politics and on top of that had some health issues — a couple of cancer scares — and I needed to sort out my personal life. All these contributing factors meant it was time to have a break. On top of that, there were political issues. It was a big thing for me to love something so much and then give it up… it was quite emotional for me. There was a lot going on. But it never quite left me. I played a 10 hour set at a house party. People just kept asking me to play. Then HF asked if I’d do the Christmas Party, which I couldn’t say no to! HF had been a big part of my clubbing life for the last four years so I thought it was about time to give something back. I played that gig and told Ads it was time for a new ressie! I told Ads I’d be on board and now I’m back.’
And how does HF Ibiza fit into all this? ‘When I was coming on board I’d already been approached and saw it as a good opportunity. It’s a great place and somewhere I’d already had a good time. It’s somewhere I could go out at 28 and have a good time with my extended friends, so something I couldn’t really turn down. I can’t think of anything better than going away with all my friends. Good music, good times, let’s make it happen!’
In the meantime, things have taken off in other departments, with Miles being signed to an agency. ‘Yes that’s right’, smiles. ‘I’ve joined the Massive Music Group in Germany. They’re a trance label primarily run by Jeanne. I played for Jeanne three years ago. As she put it, she’s ‘Never forgotten me!’ I was just chatting with her and she told me that despite the agency not taking on any new acts she was prepared to represent me. It’s someone I wanted to get on board with because it’s a non-profit agency, because any profit goes to charity.’
As often happens in these situations, things started to snowball and soon Miles was having tracks sent to him. ‘When I started up playing again Jeanne sent a load of tracks from Massive. There was a track called ‘Gun’. This was put out with all proceeds going to cancer. On my first mix out online I put ‘Gun’ on and then ‘Lighting’. Jeanne realised we had the same attitude in life and offered to pick me up on the label. Massive do weekly shows on Dance Radio and as such I have a monthly slot trancing it up!’
So it’s all about trance now, I ask? ‘When I first started clubbing I was into house but it wasn’t really me. Then I moved into trance and grew up DJing and clubbing to the likes of Gatecrasher. As I started playing trance, it really took off and hard house had really taken off too. I’d then taken steps to be a hard house DJ, playing trance and playing hard house. As I was getting successful hard house was the big sound and it’s still what I’m into, hard house and hard trance is still what gets me going, but nowadays my sound is pushing house and trance. The opportunities aren’t there to play hard trance any more. Trance is doing very well and it’s where I started. Things tend to go full circle so I’m back where I started!’
What was the story with the Thirsty Thursdays psy party then? ‘TT were doing a psy trance night and as one of the ressies they asked me to play psy trance on basis that I’d played everything from d&b to hard house so should be right. I spent six days learning what it was! I thought the result was OK. I really enjoyed it and I’d like to play some more.’
Finally, what’s next in the world of Miles Gorfy? ‘Production’ he smiles. ‘It’s something I always wanted to do, but never found the opportunity to do it. Since living in London I’ve got to know Seventh Heaven and sat down and seen what he does and how it works. Now we’re partners and I want to work with him and do something. Massive want us to do a remix of Steve Morley’s ‘Crossroads’, which is coming out in June. There’ll be more remixes while I’m learning the trade. I don’t have a musical bone in my body but I’m giving it my best shot!’
Photos courtesy of the HarderFaster archive, Massive & Miles. Not to be reproduced without permission.
HarderFaster Ibiza
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On:
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Friday 20th June 2008
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At:
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The HarderFaster Studios [map]
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From:
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Cost:
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3 people sharing a s/c studio £349 / 2 people sharing a s/c studio £399.
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Website:
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ibiza.harderfaster.net
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Ticket Info:
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Reserve your place now for one of the highlights of HF’s busy 2008 calendar for just £99. Just call Nick at Vacation Club, our host on the Island and remember to quote HarderFaster to get the special rate. Lines are open 9:30 – 5:30 Monday to Friday on 020 8780 5551.
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More:
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Kick starting on Friday 20th June you can now join the HarderFaster crew and friends for 7 or 10 days of madness on the fabled White Isle!
With a great location exclusive to HarderFaster, some special surprises in store and a proper HF knees up can you afford not to go?
Stop press: During Ibizan Heat, HarderFaster will be co-hosting Room 2 at Euphoria on Tues 24th with Dave Pearce, Anne Savage and guests.
The wristband and Itaca card
As part of your Ibiza package you’ll get yourself a wristband which will entitle you to plenty of free parties.
Please note that the wristbands will not be available to anyone who books outside of the Ibiza tour this year.
The inclusive parties are:
A daily Kanya party 1300 – 2000
Fri 20th June - Kayna Beach
Sat 21st June – Fiesta Del Agua at Es Paradis
Mon 23rd June – Ibizan Day Party at abandoned zoo ( inc complimentary return coach) plus afterparty.
Wed 25th June - Fiesta Del Agua at Es Paradis
You’ll also gain access to the Itaca Ibizan Heat Card which entitles you to savings of up to 40% when buying a round of drinks!
HarderFaster are also organising some very special parties exclusive to HF Ibiza guests and DJs! Watch out for more details.
Plus you’ll have access to discounted tickets to a range of other parties which include:
We Love Sundays at Space
Judgement Sunday at Eden
The Ibizan Heat Boat party
Tranz Ibiza at Eden
Armada at Amnesia
Cream Opening Party at Amnesia
Wonderland (Pete Tong & Groove Armada) @ Eden
Manumission at Amnesia
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Flyer:
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Region:
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International
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Music:
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Trance. Euro Trance. Hard Trance. Tech Trance. House. Deep House. Funky House. Prog House. Tribal House. US House. Acid House. Soulful House. Tech House. Soul.
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DJ's:
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Adam Symbiosis
Miles Gorfy
Pathfinder
Matt Dahl
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**TT pres. Miles Gorfy & Friends**
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On:
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Thursday 3rd July 2008
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At:
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Thirst [map]
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From:
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19:00 - 0300
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Cost:
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FREE Till 11PM
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Website:
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www.harderfaster.net
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Ticket Info:
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FREE ENTRY TILL 11
Mention HarderFaster for free entry after.
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More:
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Thought last month was good? Think again as we present to you the next in our TT Residents birthday specials. And what a line up we have for you this month. Phew, it’s got us sweating just thinking about it.
Heading it all up is Miles Gorfy. The prodigal son returned to the dance music and HF fold to help relaunch TT and hasn’t he done well since. Signed to Massive Trax, about to rock Ibiza and now *shock* it’s his birthday!! Make sure you’re at the front to catch some of his lucky dust.
Joining him are two very special guests playing extended sets. Remember, over the summer you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere other than massive clubs and festivals around the world or right here at TT!
Billy Daniel Bunter has been at the forefront of the dance scene for more years then most of you’ve had hot dinners and still he goes on with his new media company recently launched, Can You Feel It Media, along with radio shows, CD releases and of course the Tasty birthday party upcoming.
We’ve got another scene stalwart in the form of Ed Real ready to rock you into Friday. With his online record shop branching out across the globe and gigs from Dance Valley to Bangface to Riot! and others a warm memory for many a clubber, this storm in a DJ booth is a veritable global crowd pleaser.
Finally rounding off the line up for the month of July, Adam Symbiosis will be warming things up with some tasty, chunky beats.
As always we have some great drinks deals at the Thirst bar:
For the whole night you can also treat yourself to:
£2.50 for selected bottles of beer
£2.50 for a vodka and mixer (not redbull)
£11 bottles of wine
£2 tequila or sambuca shooters
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Flyer:
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Region:
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London
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Music:
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Trance. Acid Trance. Euro Trance. Hard Trance. Tech Trance. Old Skool. Deep House. Funky House. Prog House. Tribal House. Vocal House. Electro House. Electro.
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DJ's:
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Miles Gorfy – TT Birthday boy
Billy Daniel Bunter – Tasty / Can You Feel It
Ed Real – Riot! / Trackitdown
Adam Symbiosis – Resident
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Other Features By HarderFaster:
HarderFaster Awards 2016 - The results are in!
HarderFaster Awards 2014 - The results are in!
Lashes, Dimples and the Brighton Music Conference
HarderFaster Awards 2013 - The results are in!
HarderFaster Awards 2012 - The results are in!
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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can't wait to go 'old skool' stylee at Dance Island 
