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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! |
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Carl Nicholson gets possessed for the Colours Halloween special
Reported by The Fridge
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Submitted 25-10-06 15:33
Having been making music for well over thirteen years now, it’s safe to say that Carl Nicholson is one of the top djs and producers in his field of uplifting hard trance and beyond. A prolific producer, he’s just started his own digital label — CN Recordings — so he can continue to experiment with the multi-genred fusion of sounds he does so well. But rather than just being a knob twiddling producer behind the decks, he’s also one of the most energetic and innovative djs you’re ever likely to see play. With Carl back in London town for the Colours Halloween special this Saturday, where he and production buddy Ilogik will be showcasing their latest monster releases, we decided to have a word with the man himself to see what he’s got in store…
Hi Carl, thanks for taking time out to answer some questions for HarderFaster. You were last featured on HF in March of this year. What’s been happening in the work of Carl Nicholson since then? Has 2006 been treating you well?
Well quite a bit has happened since March, my tracks have been featured on seven hard dance compilations, I’ve had gigs up and down the country, including Extreme Euphoria, Twisted, Blessed and Hard Trancelation, got a residency at Regime in Reading (which is causing a huge buzz in the south), plus I’ve had a few overseas events including my favourite place in the world, Amsterdam.
You’re in the process of launching your new digital download label. What’s it called and what’s the philosophy behind it?
The label is called CN Recordings and the philosophy behind it is that I have over the past year or so been trying to do something different with hard dance. I’ve been fusing it with elements of many other genres, including tech trance, techno, hard trance and breaks. But the problem with doing something different is it scares the labels a little, as they like to sign the tried and tested formula of tracks because they are a safe bet, CN Recordings isn’t like that, it’s about pushing the sound and the scene that little bit further but keeping to the concept of dance music.
My first release gets its full release on 1st November, the tracks in question are collaborations between myself and Ingo (‘Your Time is Up’) and myself and Chrysus (‘XEON’) and both are getting quality airplay from the Tidy Boys, Charlotte Birch, Little Gem and Jason Cortez. These will be available from Trackitdown, Tidy Digital and Audiojelly.
Do you class yourself first as a dj or as a producer? If you could only be one, what would you do?
I would class myself as a dj first as that is where my producing strained from, it was a natural progression, I think if I could only do one, dj’ing would win hands down every time.
You’ve got a couple of new tracks in the pipelines for tidy and Ilogik’s Elasticman label. Can you tell us a bit more about those tracks or do we have to wait for their release?
Well my third Tidy release came out on September 25th and featured ‘The Shining’ and ‘All Aboard’ and seems to have pretty much sold out already, which is good news! Both have been charted by Lisa Lashes, the Tidy Boys and Wid & Ben to name only a few, which has really pleased me.
My new Elasticman is my first collaboration with Chrysus called ‘2DANCE2’. This will be out mid November with what could possibly be the best Ilogik remix ever. I am so chuffed with this track and it has destroyed every dancefloor I have unleashed it on, it’s absolutely devastating!
You’ve been dj’ing for around 13 years now. What would you say are the highlights of your career?
The highlights of my career had to be promoting and dj’ing at the first ever official London Tony de Vit memorial at Brixton Academy and getting given Tony’s Trade Record Bag by his dad Ray, getting a residency at Fabric for DTPM, playing Glastonbury Festival and my Global Panic OZ/NZ Tour.
What goals do you have for the future, dj and production-wise?
Goals, hmmmm, well I really want to start playing at the larger more well known parties again like Frantic, Heat UK and Goodgreef. I love playing the smaller gigs and I always will, but I feel that I am now ready to take this scene by the horns and reach my zenith. Production-wise, well I’m gonna keep making the uplifting, driving Carl Nicholson material you have all come to expect, but will be taking it up to the next level and experimenting quite heavily.
You’ve played at some wicked clubs around the world, including Ibiza, the States, New Zealand and Australia. What’s been your favourite place so far? And where would you still most like to play?
My favourite place I have played so far was Brixton Academy’s main room, the atmosphere was electric. But my dream place to play would be the main room at Turnmills, I have held on to that dream for 12 years now and show no signs of giving up, lol!
Having been around the scene so long, you must have some great stories from back in the day. Were you a clubber or a raver? What’s the craziest party you’ve ever played at?
I started as a raver at hardcore raves like Fantasia (Tesco Warehouse), Seduction (Lido, Margate) and Raindance (Jenkins Lane), then progressed to clubbing at places like The Gallery, Strawberry Sundae and Sunny Side Up. The craziest party I ever played at was a Reclaim the Streets NYE gig where they broke in and took over the Social Security Building in Gray’s Inn Rd, Holborn. 5000 people, 7 soundsystems and a multitude of hippies with dogs on hairy string with their own electric heaters plugged into the walls, now that’s what I call a party! hahaha!
Who or what would you say were your greatest musical influences growing up? And now?
My greatest musical influence when I was a child was Jean Michel Jarre. My mum took me to the Docklands concert when I was 11, the sound coupled with the lasers and Special FX were hypnotising, I had never before seen anything so beautiful in all my life and I knew from that day forward that this was the sound that I wanted to grow with. From there my biggest musical influence of all time spawned in the form of Tony De Vit. My god, I had never seen a dj control a crowd to such madness, so I studied him with a fine tooth comb, and that is where I got my funk to frenzy type of programming. It’s all about telling a story through music and taking the crowd on that journey with you.
You’ve got an amazing discography and have been involved in the production of countless tracks. Where do you find inspiration? What, in your opinion, makes a great track?
I find my inspiration through my own life story. All the vocals that I use from films etc. I pick because they mean something to me: i.e ‘Times Like These’ was representing the hedonistic part of my life at the time; ‘Blueprint’ represented the end of an era in my life; ‘Your Time Is Up’ represented the fear of terror that was being unleashed on the world at the time; “Shining” represented one of the best chapters my life when my Grandmother was still around; and “All Aboard” was a reflection from the part of my life when I moved out of home at a very young age. So you see, these tracks really mean something to me and I find it easier to write when I have a serious passion for something.
Over the years you’ve been producing production technology has changed significantly. What has this mean to you in practical terms? What software and hardware do you prefer to use in the studio?
This has meant that the romance has died with making a track somewhat. I originally used to take 3–4 sessions to make a track, then when Pentium 4 came in and the onboard VST was born it made it possible to create a track in a couple of hours. Since my “Track-a-Day” schedule I have slowed down again and found that romance again, and now it takes me about 3 sessions again to get it all just right. I prefer to use Logic with Novation, Virus and Roland Hardware, and Trilogy, V-Station, Phatt Boy and Glitch as software, to name but a few
The hard dance scene has been through some rough times lately, but things seem to be on the rise again. In your opinion, what does the scene need to inject some life into it?
I personally think it needs real stars again, people who have spent many years as djs, done their warm ups, and waited for their turn quietly in the shadows. It’s so easy to get on the band wagon these days, all you need is good marketing and a familiar face to promote you, and you are “The God of This” and “Messiah of That”, but through all the spin and profile, if you put these people head-to-head with the people who have learnt their craft from the bottom, I have a very good idea who would shine brighter and I think you do to!
Who are your top djs and producers of all time?
Producers:
Tony De Vit
Paul van Dyk
Moonman (Ferry Corsten)
Technikal
Greg Brookman
djs:
Tony De Vit
Rob Tissera
Carl Cox
Paul van Dyk
What up and coming djs and producers do you rate at the moment?
Technikal has to be my first choice. Alf really has come on in leaps and bounds and I am really chuffed for him, it couldn’t happen to a nicer bloke.
Secondly, Chrysus. Micky has a wicked ear for progression in music, and again is a top lad.
Thirdly, Grant Molloy, I have virtually taught this guy everything I know about dj’ing and he is proper tearing it up at the moment, I feel like a proud dad lol!
Fourthly, the mighty Aftershok, I have followed this kid since he very first began and believe me when I say that this boy produces pure electricity.
And last but not least, my brother Ricky Nicholson, he’s been going to college for two years studying music technology and of late his production has been getting very impressive. I’m just waiting for the chance to be able to air his stuff, and I really can’t wait!
What 5 records aren’t leaving you box at the moment? Or have you converted to CD altogether? If so, what tracks are rocking your world right now?
1. Marc Dawn — ‘Expander’/Aftershok Rmx (CDR)
2. Carl Nicholson & Chrysus — ‘2Dance2’/Ilogik rmx (Elasticman)
3. Carl Nicholson — ‘Bring it Home’(The Last Song) (CDR)
4. Carl Nicholson & Chrysus — ‘XEON’ (CN Recordings)
5. Drunken Monkey — ‘E’/James Lawson Rmx (AATW)
You’re back at the Fridge this Saturday night to play at the Colours Halloween special. As you’re no doubt aware, the Fridge has been through a lot recently, but is now back on the up and up again. What are your favourite memories from the Fridge over the years? If you had a million pounds to spend on it, what would you do?
My favourite memory from the Fridge has to be at Escape from Samsara, I used to love the nutters that used to go and watch Oberon play, very amusing stuff. Also I have to mention the girl that was trying to mount one of the small trees outside the front of the Fridge that time, I almost cried with laughter!lol
If I had a million pounds to spend on the Fridge, I’d build an elevating dj platform that could surf over the crowd and have 6 white lasers shooting out of the sides of it. Also I would re-decorate it to give it that “magical forest” feel!
With this Saturday being Halloween and all, do you have any special scary surprises prepared? Have you got a costume sorted or will you just be rocking up as your ‘evil’ self?
Well I don’t think I’m gonna be fancy dressing it, but I will certainly be having it like a man possessed lol!
Finally, what advice do you have for the up and coming djs and producers reading this?
All I can say is, no matter how many doors close in your face, which they will in this scene, keep going and keep your self belief. Never give up and never take no for an answer — look at me, I am living proof, 13 years later and I’m still not where I want to be, but I will get there in the end if it’s the last thing I damn well do.
Colours does Halloween
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On:
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Saturday 28th October 2006
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At:
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The Fridge [map]
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From:
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2200 - 0600
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Cost:
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£12 early bird Tickets, £14 advance tickets, MOTD
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Ticket Info:
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For advance tickets please email to ClubColours@hotmail.co.uk
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More:
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Special edition - Halloween, this month and brings you the very best of uplifting and bouncy hard dance to London’s number one dance venue the Fridge. Just review the pictures from our last event so see what you will miss out on!
Come and see for yourself, you will not be disappointed. Our unique party atmosphere combining our resident stage performers, impromptu performances, our unique helium balloon treatment special production FX, pryros coupled with the overall production values of the Fridge should not be missed. We are planning to double the scanning lighting together with additional lighting throughout the club and a full colour laser. This is not simply another party at the Fridge, it is Colours!!!
Ilogik returns once again to grace our decks at the legendary Fridge. This man certainly needs no further introduction. If you haven’t seen him you simply don’t know what you are missing!!
Carl Nicholson’s recent monster releases on Tidy will be showcased at Colours. One of his biggest tracks of the year, Blueprint (Taras Theme) and new releases (Shining and all Aboard) will hit the famous Fridge sound system. And this is not to mention all his unreleased tracks as well! He will be on tour in China for 3 months in December, and we are glad to have him before his departure.
We welcome back Tom Basquil to Colours. Tom, who many of you know from Twist, will be playing a slightly more bouncy set but still in is his unique style. Come and see the versatility of this guy for yourselves and you won’t be disappointed. Tom is no stranger to the Fridge as has performed main room on many occasions.
We are delighted to be able to welcome back Rachel Harvey from Australia. She is a massive DJ in Australia, and has played in many clubs around Australia including sets that include John Digweed, Carl Cox etc.. It is our privilege to engage her to delight us with her fantastic range of tunes from bouncy, uplifting, hard trance.
And of course, our headlining residents Red and Blue (Twist, Frantic, Hue, TranceSpectrum) and currently holding an amazing number of residencies will be returning with their unique mixing style coupled with their wide spectrum of music that takes you through bouncy, uplifting and classics, but all with their hard driving sound. These guys just have to be seen!
Colours give you a night tailored to take you on a true musical journey that progresses smoothly through the night, not a mishmash of ill sequence DJs that so many other clubs just throw together.
We have purposely decided that we will go with a team of quality DJ’s that are unique in their style and mixing, and who have proven ability in progressing the night smoothly. All working together for that very special musical journey we promise you.
We are striving to provide everybody with a clubbing family, for all to enjoy and be one. Simply, the place to be with your clubbing family.
Colours is about the perfect world that we all want to live in. Equality for all. Peace for all. Colours is a true Polycultural and Polysexual club, a club for all, a club of tolerance, and most importantly, a place to party on that musical journey we promised you.
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Other Features By The Fridge:
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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: Ali Storm on 26th Oct 2006 03:23.58
nice interview mate, glad things are still going strong over there!
From: ajay on 26th Oct 2006 12:26.08
Wicked interview - look forward to seein you again soon Carl!
From: Miles Gorfy on 26th Oct 2006 13:32.06
Good work Carl, might see you there.
From: WEBBO on 26th Oct 2006 16:46.15
Interesting read and great interview , keep up the good work carl 
and  : at the mention of " tree fucker " , that girl was crazy 
From: K.A.R.L. on 27th Oct 2006 19:17.08
Definately a legend of the London scene. I remember seeing Carl play at Sunnies, Mind Over Matter etc etc. Good to see he is still contributing to the scene.
From: danni j on 27th Oct 2006 19:32.42
cringe
From: Matt Destination on 28th Oct 2006 13:26.20
That was a good read =) Cant wait to see you play at our event on the 3rd mate, I reckon you'll tear it up.
From: dani d on 28th Oct 2006 17:38.57
Witcked interview,a true legend in industry!!!Keep it high !!
From: DANNY TAPPENDEN on 5th Nov 2006 14:40.48
Wicked mate, glad i met ya, you're one funny
geezer, be cool if u were still out more 
OI OI from Trisha too!!
From: Lizzie Curious on 6th Nov 2006 13:53.48
Nice one Carl!
From: anushka007 on 6th Nov 2006 22:00.50
 I am so glad I went and see you play at Colours, that was great show Sir and perfect beginning to my weekend. I salute you again 
See ya around
From: AVFX on 7th Nov 2006 10:59.21
nice to see ya still at it bro, always had faith in and and always will go out my way to help spread the word about ya wherever i go!
your a diamond geezer in my books and always will be
love light and megabytes from NYC
AVFX
From: sexyminx on 21st Nov 2006 16:42.48
Wicked intweview, nice one Carl. Keep up the good work and see you soon 
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