Toxigen infects The Gathering Xmas and HF Vs The Residents Christmas Parties
Reported by Tara
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Submitted 22-12-06 01:08
Time to come out of the fog my friends and into the bright lights. It’s the festive season and clubs are pulling out all stops to thank their supporters for their fun and frolics throughout the year. Both The Gathering and HarderFaster are doing just that this weekend, with all manner of naughtiness afoot at The Gathering Xmas Party tonight at The Fridge and the HF Vs The Residents Christmas Party on Saturday afternoon from noon til eight at Turnmills. One dj going harder than most and playing at both parties is Gathering resident Toxigen, who’s playing back to back with Never Enough’s Stu Cox in the Techno Tunnel at Turnmills, after doing a b2b with El Greko at the Fridge at The Gathering Xmas Party.
When electronic music first starting taking over dancefloors, the mark of a good dj was often someone who could mix as many different styles as possible into one set, to reach out to as many different clubbers as possible. In today’s subgenred societies of minimalism it’s refreshing to meet the odd mixer who instead plays euphoric party music for all and sundry, depending on the time of night and the mood. One of these eclectic spinners is the Gathering’s Toxigen…
Hi Toxigen, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions after a big weekend. How’s it going?
Hello there. All is well thanks.
It says on your HarderFaster dj page that you play “uplifting or banging hard dance , full on psy trance , trance , techno , electro/funky house...” which pretty much covers most styles! Which genre did you start playing first and why so many different types of music?
The first records I bought were psy trance but hard house was what I started playing out. I play different styles because I’ve been through so many musical phases, it just became a natural thing to do.
How on earth do you stay on top of buying records for so many genres? Do you mostly buy records, CDs or download tracks from the net?
That’s because I don’t buy much clothes and trainers and stuff… Most of my money goes toward music-related things, like tunes, software, hardware etc… I do spend a few pennies on my girlfriend but I give her mostly my loving.
I usually buy vinyl and downloads but the hardest thing is the time spent researching the net for new (and old) music...
Do you play one style of music more than the others, or try and play them all as much as possible? If you could only play one style for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I play quite a few styles in every set but hard dance and psy trance is what I play the most. It wouldn’t be fair to choose one style because my taste in music changes by the minute….. But I’ll go for psychedelic hard trance… lol.
When did you first start mixing and when did you play out for the first time?
I started mixing in 1999 then I got my first set for The Gathering a few months later.
Your ‘Spy Trance’ demo was one of my favourites of 2006. Would you say it represents the Toxigen sound?
Well, yes and no. Yes because I usually play uplifting sounds in all my sets, but it doesn’t reflect on the way I play out. In a club I tend to play anything I think will go down well on the night.
Also when I record a set I don’t do any fancy tricks coz I want it to be easy to listen to at home…
You’re known for being technically brilliant and you’re evidently an awesome scratcher. Are you self-taught or were you given lessons?
I was self taught but I learned quite a bit by watching other djs do their stuff, usually stalking them like a vulture hiding behind the speakers…
What have been the highlights of your career so far?
Learning to produce my own tunes was definitely an achievement cos it takes so long to learn. Playing at places like The Fridge, The Rocket , Hidden and going abroad to play in Brazil etc. have also been highlights, but the things that make me proud of myself is when someone comes up and says that I did a good set…
With the end of 2006 nigh, are you planning on making any New Year’s resolutions for 2007? And beyond?
My New Year resolutions are to have more fun, produce more tunes and learn how to cook… Yummy for my tummy…
Which fellow djs and producers do you admire the most? And what up and comings would you like to see take off in 2007?
DJ MC Dri-Weave, because it was her who made me want to dj.
El Greko, for being one of the most confident and gifted djs around.
Q-Bert is simply the best.
As for producers — Astrix, Infected Mushroom, Kanzyani, DNA and Save the Robot are really on top of their game.
Up and Comings are Sixth Sense, Crysus (Micheal Dow), Scott Fo Show and Ashley James.
You’ve been interested in production for a wee while now. How did you get started in the studio and did it take you long to pick things up? What tracks have you worked on so far? Do you have any in the pipelines?
I got interested in production when a mate showed me how to use Fruity Loops. After that I moved to Cubase and it took me a few years to produce something decent, but I never quit. Slowly but surely I feel I’m getting there. I’ve finished quite a few tracks but my latest one (called ‘Weapon X’) is my best attempt.
Where do you find your inspiration to make music? Do you ever get writer’s block?
Inspiration always comes at the most unusual of times, I could be daydreaming at work or having a bath and suddenly a riff pops into my head, so it’s a matter of whistling it into my phone recorder so I don’t forget… lol.
I do get writer’s block, especially when I’m in front of the computer trying to produce a tune.
2006 has seen a lot of controversy surrounding Brixton clubs and whether some should even be left open. In your opinion, what does Brixton clubbing need to get back to its former glory when the Fridge was packed every weekend?
I think variety and forward thinking is important for the improvement of the scene, just as it was back in the day. I know we can’t stop some people from trying to destroy the scene, but I believe that with music we can change things and turn Brixton into that special place where we used to have the best time evaaaa……
What are your current top ten tracks to get the party started?
1 ‘Backorder’ — D Sigual
2 ‘Off the Assembly Line’ —Save the Robot
3 ‘Insane’ — Steve Murano Remix
4 ‘Closer to Heaven’ — Astrix
5 ‘Growling Machines’ — Rounders (Astrix Remix)
6 ‘Music for Tomorrow’ — Technikal Remix
7 ‘Global Phases’ — 2K Hard House Phases
8 ‘Imagination’ — Jon the Dentist Remix
9 ‘Radiostar’ — DJ The Crow Remix
10 ‘Night in Motion’ — Nostrum & FX Club Mix
What are your plans over Christmas and New Year’s? Have you finished all your Christmas shopping yet?
My plans are to do something unexpected with the people I love. Xmas shopping? I still haven’t started.
What did you get up to for New Year’s Eve last year? Do you know what you’re doing this year yet? What events are you looking forward to over the festive season?
Last year I went to Pendragon. This year I’m looking forward to play at The Gathering, The HarderFaster Christmas Party and Carnage Birthday. I’m also exited to be playing after the mighty Skazi on New Year’s day…
You’re a resident for the Gathering. How did you get involved with the Gathering crew? What’s been your favourite Gathering party over the last couple of years?
Yep, I’m really proud to be part of The Gathering from the start. We’ve always been friends so to be involved has always been a pleasure.
My favourite Gathering was the Halloween party @ The Fridge in 2004.
You’re playing back to back with El Greko at the Gathering Christmas party at the Fridge this Friday night. Do you have your set planned or will you wing it on the night? Given the number of styles you play, what kind of music can we expect from you on Friday?
I usually plan the first tune, after that it’s all about reading the crowd and adapting my tunes to El Greko’s so that the set flows nicely. I’m gonna go for hard dance, psy trance , and a bit of techno. Maybe I’ll play my bouncy remix of ‘Jingle Bells’ with my Santa outfit on. Safe.
Why should HarderFasterers reading this who’ve never been to the Gathering come to the Fridge on Friday night?
Borat say it’s nice……..
The Gathering
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On:
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Friday 22nd December 2006
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At:
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The Fridge [map]
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From:
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10:00 - 06.00
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Cost:
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£8 adv tickets/£10 paying guest list/MOTD
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Website:
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www.gatheringpromotions.co.uk
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Ticket Info:
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Email info@gatheringpromotions.co.uk
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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We celebrate a year of awesome parties with the Gathering Christmas party at The Fridge. The people's party brings you a night of uplifting hard trance, techno and psychedelic from headliners Chris Liberator and Sutekh along with all your favourite Gathering ressies. Come and celebrate Christmas with your Gathering family and expect the usual freebies, fluoro market, dancers, a fluffy and friendly crowd, awesome visual by Nuroptics and one of the best party atmospheres in London! Whether you make the party or not, we'd like to wish all our Gathering friends and family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! But don't expect any Christmas pressies unless you come to the party!
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Flyer:
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HF Vs The Residents Xmas Party
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On:
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Saturday 23rd December 2006
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At:
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Turnmills [map]
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From:
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12:00 - 20:00
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Cost:
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Free!! Nada!! Nothing!!
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Website:
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www.harderfaster.net
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Ticket Info:
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Just turn up and walk in. It's our Xmas gift to you.
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Yes folks, it’s that time of year again!
Tis the season to be jolly, drink and dance. Tis the season to PARTY!
Good boys and girls get presents. Bad boys and girls get the annual Harderfaster Christmas Party!
Last year we gave many of HFs own up and coming DJs the chance to play Back to Back with some of the world’s most established dance music DJs. Everyone that attended will remember the carnage that ensued and the quality of the music, atmosphere and general Christmas vibe that was projected from every smile on the happy clubbers’ faces.
Once again this year we aim to give all you boys and girls a present that is so big you can’t even fit it under your tree. In fact, it is more likely to make you want to get ‘off your tree’.
We've got some extra special presents lined up for you this year and four, yes FOUR rooms of music so you won't want to miss the party of the year.
Keep your eyes out for more information as Santa sends you more presents to unwrap!
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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. Euro Trance. Hard Trance. Tech Trance. House. Deep House. Funky House. Hard House. Prog House. Tribal House. US House. Vocal House. Deep Techno. Funky Techno. Techno. Breaks.
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DJ's:
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The full line up!
Hard Dance Surprise T1
Harderfaster, Party Proactive, Heat, Most Wanted, Storm, Logic, Cyberdog, Nu Energy Collective and Addiction proudly present:
12 – 13 Dean Zone Vs DJ Chimera
13 – 14 K Complex Vs Steve Smith
14 – 15 James Lawson Vs Ashley James
15 – 16 Garbo Vs K8-e
16 – 17 Shaf De Bass Vs James Jaye
17 – 18 DJ Steel Vs Steve Milton
18 – 19 Marc French Vs Tony Montana
19 – 20 Party Proactive presents Ed Real
Techno Tunnel: T2
Harderfaster, Deporpatas Records, SUF & minimun maximum, Techstyle, Zoology, The Gathering, Kinetic, Torque and Never Enough present:
12 – 13 Dj Paula Vs K.A.R.L.
13 – 14 Claire-voyant Vs Dan Jones
14 – 15 Marcopilf Vs Stakker
15 – 16 Toxigen Vs Stu Cox
16 – 17 Latex Zebra Vs Anita
17 – 18 Deporpatas Live PA
18 – 19 DJ Gas Vs Animatek
19 – 20 Dave Randall Vs Marcus Rich
Santa’s Trance T3
HarderFaster, Vaccine, Knowwhere, Electronic Sessions, Planet Angel, Boundless, Spangulation, Friendz and Puzzle Project proudly present:
12 – 13 David Brinson Vs Lil’Vik
13 – 14 Sly One Vs Alan Banks
14 – 15 Jurrane Vs Mat Lock
15 – 16 Phil Lankester Vs Kris Noble
16 – 17 Steve Hitch Vs Ped
17 – 18 Adam & The Ant feat. Stace
18 – 19 Vaccine presents a very Special Guest
19 – 20 Andy Bagguley Vs Adam Symbiosis
The House Grotto: Cinema lounge
Harderfaster, Moochin’, Hot & Spicy, Affinity, Push, Fundamental, LG4 and Clubtown present:
12:00 – 13.30 DeanJay Vs MJtheDJ
13.30 – 14.30 Funkdafogs Vs Sunny Side
14.30 – 15.30 Niall Gilliland Vs RolandLONDON
15.30 – 16.45 Giles Butler Vs Ilana Belsky
16.45 – 17.45 DJs and their Egos
17.45 – 18.45 Prozak Vs Markus Buhmann
18.45 – 20.00 Chris Cee Vs Benz
Plus many more surprises!
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Other Features By Tara:
Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast!
Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project
A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden
Telling Cosmic Tales with DJ Strophoria
Tom Psylicious aka EarthAlien takes 50 Spins Around the Sun: Raising Awareness Through the Power of Music
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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x x x x
nice one Toxigen. Wicked 
& wicked interview. Keep up the good work
