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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! |
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Looking into the distant future with Avalon
Reported by Tara
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Submitted 16-03-10 16:55
One of full-on psy trance label Nano Records’ latest protégés, Leon Kane aka Avalon has come a long way since I first heard him play on the outdoor main stage at Waveform in September ’08. With the release of his first album ‘Distant Futures’ and subsequent launch party at The Crystal Experience at Area on Saturday 27 March, where he’s headlining alongside Ace Ventura, Rastaliens and Scorb, we decided it was also time to pin him down for an interview.
When you go out to a lot of dance music events regularly, it can sometimes get to the point when so long as the music is good, the DJs playing can be secondary to catching up with friends and enjoying the party in its entirety. So when a really good DJ/producer does come along and blow you away for his entire live set, it certainly makes you take notice. Avalon is one of those DJ/producers, guaranteed to take the crowd on an epic journey of uplifting, euphoric crescendos and groovy, driving basslines that will keep you transfixed to the dancefloor.
One of the highlights of Summer ’09 for me was the Sounds of Sunrise outdoors party, where Avalon played an incredible live set as we danced under the trees in the sun. Before that I’d only heard him at Waveform in 2008, when he was one of the few on the main stage who kept us outside the Tribe of Frog tent for his entire set. But as we discover below, he’s covered a lot more ground than just an outdoor rave in Willesden in the last 18 months….
Hi Leon, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for HarderFaster. For those who might not know you, could you tell us a bit about your background please? You originally started out into grunge and rock music, what inspired you to start playing psychedelic trance?
Well it all started off back in the ’90s. I played guitar in a grunge/rock band all around the London circuit and we eventually got signed. But due to unfortunate circumstances, the band split. After that I ended travelling India and Africa. It was there I first got tuned into trance music, at a Solipse party in Zambia, 2001. When I got back I met Party Possible (an outdoor party crew on the South Coast) and together we teamed up and put on some awesome underground parties — in forests, warehouses, fire stations, old casinos, wherever we could get away with it really. This was a magical time. It’s also when I first started to DJ and play out.
The first time I remember seeing you play at a festival was on the main stage at Waveform in 2008, and since then you’ve played in over 20 countries, including some of the world’s top psy trance festivals, such as Brazil’s Universo Paralello and Tribe, Romania’s Transylvania Calling, Burning Man in the US, South Africa’s Origin Festival and of course the UK’s Glade. What’s been your favourite and why?
Yes it’s become a full time job since then. When I’m not travelling around the globe, I’m in the studio making the music. It’s hard to choose a favourite, but Burning Man is definitely up there. Playing on a spinning platform high up in the air on a moving spaceship through the desert, with fire shooting all round us was pretty awesome!! Also Universo Parallelo 10 and the huge Tribe Parties in Brazil are some of the highlights of my career so far.
Having been out and about so much, you must’ve heard some of the top acts and up-and-comings around. Which DJs, live acts and producers do you rate the most at the moment? And who would you like to see break through in 2010?
Ok, my favourite DJs: are Dickster, Edoardo, Shane Gobi, Mack and Dimitri. I really feel they are amongst only a few that play consistent original sets. Live acts: Tristan, Laughing Buddah, Allaby, Freakuliser, G-nome. The break through act I would like to see are Tantrix (Freak Bizarre). I’m just about to start a track with them, look out for these guys!
You’ve recently produced an awesome track, ‘Teleporter’, released on your ‘Avalanche EP’ which made it into the Beatport Top 3. If you could teleport yourself anywhere in space and time, where and when would it be?
That’s a tough question. Well I’m not one to look back in life, so it would have to be a thousand years into the future, to see if we’re still on this planet!
What software and hardware do you like to use in the studio? Do you have a favourite piece of kit?
I’ve stripped down my setup these days. Software: Logic 9, all the UAD-2 plugs, URS, Waves, Native Instruments, Soundtoys and Linplug. For hardware: Nord Modular and Virus Ti are my main workhorses!
You’re in the process of launching your first album, ‘Distant Futures’ on Nano, which includes collaborations with artists such as Tristan, Dickster, Cosmosis.— all awesome producers in their own right. How do you go about approaching working with such stalwarts of the scene?
Well these guys are my friends as well as peers. I did a track with Billy Cosmosis for his album, so it was great to have him on mine. It was a lot of fun to work together with all of them; I feel this is where you learn the most.
You’re launching ‘Distant Futures’ at A.T.A.R.I. and Synthezion Records presents The Crystal Experience at Area on Saturday 27 March alongside Ace Ventura, Rastalians, Scorb, Cimi, Hamish, Sinan and many more. Why should readers come along to the party? Is there anyone else on the lineup you’re looking forward to checking out?
You should come to the party if you’re really in need of a good dance, as with this lineup it’s gonna blow you’re socks off! I’m really looking forward to Ace Ventura, as I’ve always wanted to hear him live. Also Further Progressions are hosting the other room, it’s gonna be awesome! And with 12k of opus blasting at you with these sounds, nuff said!
Looking at your MySpace you’ve got some awesome international events coming up in 2010, including the Honu Eclipse, Full Moon, Mafia Island and Aurora Festivals in Easter Island, Germany, Tanzania and Greece respectively. What else do you have coming up this year? And how can your UK fans catch up with you?
I’m really excited about the island parties, feels like it’s gonna be a proper adventure with those ones. Otherwise I have a Brazil and Japan tour coming up this year. Also possibly a new project — more on that soon.
As for the UK, I’m playing my first DJ set in well over a year at Acid Monkey. I feel it’s time to return to the decks. Also check Psychedelic Circle on May 1st, Sounds of Sunrise outdoors and let’s not forget the album launch with A.T.A.R.I @ Area on Saturday 27th March! I’ve just found out the album is out the day before, great timing!
Many thanks for your time Leon. Looking forward to hearing the new album at The Crystal Experience.
Thanks, see you there!
For more info about Avalon check out: www.myspace.com/avaleon
For more info about A.T.A.R.I. Project check: www.atariproject.com
Photos courtesy of Leon Kane. Not to be reproduced without permission.
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The Crystal Experience
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On:
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Saturday 27th March 2010
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At:
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Area [map]
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From:
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22:00 - 06:30
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Cost:
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£8 Earlybird SOLD OUT ; £10 Presale ; £16 Door
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Website:
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www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194546819015&ref=ts
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Ticket Info:
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★ BOOK YOUR CRYSTAL EXPERIENCE TICKETS ONLINE AT
WWW.ACCESSALLAREAS.ORG
or contact [Ash] 0752 3650 136
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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★ NEWS JUST IN...
A.T.A.R.I PROJECT have returned, in association with Israeli label
SYNTHEZION RECORDS to bring you THE CRYSTAL EXPERIENCE - an
event that will elevate the London Progressive & Psychedelic Trance
scene to the next level.
A tantalising array of audio visual stimulation will enchant your mind,
body and soul for 8 solid hours, over 3 rooms, with the finest live
acts/DJ's and performers this wonderful earth has to offer. Genres
will include Psychedelic, Progressive, Tech, House, Electro and more,
with room collaborations from high quality London brands Further
Progressions, Babies Events & Prohibition. There'll be sounds to suit
all ears.
London’s Club Area in Vauxhall will be the venue of choice for this
audio visual extravaganza. With a roof full of spectacular LED lights
and a hypnotically powerful full-colour laser, hidden corners and lush
wooden floors, dark hallways and sky high ceilings, you will be
teleported to another world. Expect to be surrounded by the most
amazing landscapes and space designs in the UK, supplied by the
immensely creative Global Village Productions.
Just for this event we are installing a brand spanking new, crystal
clear, Opus sound rig which will provide the fattest bass, the punchiest
midrange, and a truly crisp high end. Other treats include a shisha
lounge, wonderful stalls, luscious massage girls, random performers
and guaranteed drink specials, very rare in quality London clubs!
THE CRYSTAL EXPERIENCE will be the epitome of indoor festivals this
year... Inspired by our lust for quality in all things sound, lighting,
space design, decor, artists and entertainment!
See you on the dance floor!!!
★ ATTRACTIONS:
INDOOR FESTIVAL
3 THEMED ROOMS
17 DJ'S / 6 LIVE ACTS / 1 ALBUM LAUNCH / 4 SHOWCASES
STELLAR MUSIC
DRINKS SPECIALS TILL 2 AM: 2 BEERS FOR £5 and SHOOTERS @ £1
OPUS SOUND RIG
FULL COLOUR LASER
INSANE LIGHTING
GLOBAL VILLAGE DECOR
SHISHA LOUNGE
LUSCIOUS MASSAGE GIRLS
YOU & MORE
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Flyer:
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 - 
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Region:
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London
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Music:
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Trance. Psy Trance. House. Prog House. Electro House. Tech House. Minimal Techno. Electro.
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DJ's:
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The Crystal Experience line-up:
★ MAIN ARENA: PSYCHEDELIC & PROGRESSIVE
Hosted by A.T.A.R.I Project & Synthezion Records
ACE VENTURA **LIVE** (IBOGA)
RASTALIENS **LIVE** (PHAR PSYDE RECORDS)
AVALON ** LIVE / OFFICIAL ALBUM LAUNCH** (NANO RECORDS)
SCORB **LIVE** (TRICK MUSIC)
Devine Machine **LIVE / SHOWCASE** (A.T.A.R.I PROJECT /
VORTEX)
TIME AFTER TIME **SHOWCASE / UK DEBUT** (A.T.A.R.I PROJECT)
PRASTIX **SHOWCASE** (SYNTHEZION RECORDS)
FLOW THEORY (SYNTHEZION RECORDS)
★ ARENA 2: PROGRESSIVE
Hosted by Further Progressions Records:
CIMI **LIVE** (FURTHER PROGRESSIONS)
ACE VENTURA **DJ SET** (IBOGA)
HAMISH (FURTHER PROGRESSIONS)
NOLAN SHMOLAN (ARKONA CREATIONS)
SINAN
★ ARENA 3: TECH / HOUSE & PROGRESSIVE
Hosted by Babies Events & Prohibition:
ZIONOIZ **SHOWCASE** (SYNTHEZION RECORDS)
HAMZA & BRAD SK (VIRTUAL FUNK)
MARTIN B (BOOTLEG SOCIAL)
SEANO & JOSH (CARTE BLANCHE)
RETOX & EL BLADA (PROHIBITION)
DAVE IMPACT
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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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Comments:
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From: Nikki S on 29th Mar 2010 13:29.23
What a great party & cranking set! Looking forward tomore music from Avalon & Nano.
N x
From: Tara on 1st Apr 2010 21:44.44
Yes it was awesome wasn't it?! Hope to catch him again at Acid Monkey this Sat night 
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