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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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Interview with Richard Launch
Reported by HarderFaster
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Submitted 09-06-04 20:39
Australian born Richard Launch is one DJ currently enjoying a rapid rise through the ranks as his name appears on flyers all around London's finest dancefloors including high profile sets at Frantic, Riot and Heat. As one of the new breed of DJs offering the versatility to play both the hard stuff as well as drop in a funky house set this approach seems to have paid off with his newly crowned residency at Hardware and the successful launch (ahem) of his own funk night Groove Factory. Mr Launch soon plays the main room at the Frantic Euphoria Album launch so what better time for us to get acquanted....
It’s fair to say that 2003/2004 has seen your London profile go through the roof. With sets at all the major London players, turning your hand to funky & hard sets, Hardware Resident and more you are now one of the scenes best kept secrets. Has it been a roller coaster ride?
It certainly has been..! I never thought things would take off so quickly and I can only thank my friends for support and encouragement as well as Frantic and Heat among others for the opportunity.
Like many of the up and coming DJs in London at the moment you are from the Southern Hemisphere. Did you mix before you moved to the UK?
I had been mixing for 2 years before I left Sydney to go travelling and after landing in London and setting myself up, I gradually realised how much fun the hard dance scene, and London for that matter, is. I was lucky enough to have a flatmate who had decks and I could continue to develop my skills over here (cheers CD!).
You’ve played at Frantic, Heat, Convergence, HardHouse Academy and many more this year already. Are there any major London scalps that you still aim for?
There certainly is and at the top of the list is Riot!. Riot is so much fun and ever since I stepped foot in The End I knew I wanted to play in the main room. Logic and Twisted would also definitely be at the top of my list as they are both quality parties that I always have a great time at.
Musically you’re known just as well in London for both the Funky House & Hard Dance scenes. Do you ever see yourself drifting more toward one sound than the other?
People always ask me what I prefer playing and I can’t really nail it. I enjoy the skill involved with playing Hard Dance as it is quite technical and you have to be more precise with your track selection otherwise you will lose the crowd. House on the other hand is a more enjoyable style to play because, as a DJ, its more relaxing and fun and your not heads down at the mixer for a whole set. I guess in the future I may focus on shaping one particular sound, but at the moment I am still relatively young as a DJ so I’ll stick to both.
Do you think that Funky House promoters may be turned off because you are also recognised as a Hard Dance DJ and visa versa for Hard Dance promoters?
I can only hope not. A DJ is a DJ at the end of the day and he or she mixes music together for the enjoyment of others. Obviously promoters will look inside their scene first and foremost, but if they hear a DJ play a genre that they are not normally recognised for – and do it well – why should they be overlooked….??? I was blown away when Andy Farley played a House set at BK’s album launch – outstanding..!
You where made Hardware Resident earlier this year. Although it has stopped going weekly and has moved into a more exclusive format it was a much-coveted residency – where you surprised when you got the call?
I was very excited and definitely surprised to asked to be a resident. I am looking forward to see what is in store for Hardware this year.
The Frantic Euphoria Album launch sees you take to the Main Arena long side some of the best Hard Dance artists in the world including Lab 4, K90, Anne Savage, Phil Reynolds & Andy Whitby. Do you relish the challenge or is it nerve wracking for you?
It’s a great honour to be on the same line-up as Phil, Tara, Anne and Justin so I’m relishing the challenge ahead of me to deliver a quality set.
There are large sections of the Dance community who think Live Acts are very important but others that think it should be left to the DJs. Are you a fan of Live Acts?
I am a firm believer that live acts are a big draw card in our scene. A Live PA always provides a different energy and form of expressing dance music. There is a great deal of debate about Live acts not actually being live and this can only be damaging to our scene’s reputation. You have to look past that and see what the act is doing for the crowd, night, club or scene. Give credit where it is due..!
Will you be hanging around to see any of the Live Acts at the Frantic Euphoria Album launch?
I’ll be larging it down the front..! See you there..!
You are one of the founding members of the promotions outfit ‘Munters Inc.’. Firstly, apart from the obvious, any particular reason for the name?
It’s just a play on the name of the movie Monsters Inc. The name was thought of when Phil, Paul and myself went into the studio one morning to write a house track.
Munters Inc. first project is Groove Factory near Earls Court. It sees a host of Hard Dance artists crossing the divide to Funky House, including Phil Reynolds and Paul Henry – what was the motivation for launching the brand?
Me, CD and another mate had been putting a few parties on at the venue last year and only ever told our friends about them as it was usually a birthday or another reason to celebrate. Paulie and Phil started to come down and play and we got talking about what potential it had. We all wanted a platform to play House as well as keep playing Hard Dance in clubs and so Groove Factory was born. We are looking to expand into a more accommodating venue shortly and already have collaborations with Becomeone and Frantic in the pipeline so the second half of the year is looking good.
With your mixed Funky & Hard Sound you must have a variety of inspirations – can you tell us who these are?
I am fortunate to have a fantastic group of friends inside and outside the scene who provide me with advice, support and more importantly laughter and good times and I gain most of my inspiration from them.
In Hard Dance I look up to legends Phil Reynolds, Nick Sentience and Andy Farley. I have also gained a lot of knowledge from Paul Henry and Danny Gilligan. Worthy of mention are two Australian DJ’s called Nik Fish and Pee Wee Ferris who I grew up listening to in Sydney.
On the House side of things when I was younger I listened to early Armand Van Heldan, Bob Sinclar and even a sprinkling of Sasha & Digweed. More recently The Ignition Crew, Miguel Migs and Olav Basoski have influenced my sound as its more chunkier and dirty which is what I’m shaping it to be.
Many thanks for taking the time to speak to Harderfaster Richard.
Thank you and see you all on the 19th….!
With thanks to Amy+Anders, Joeyxx, HouseGuy and Andy T for the use of their photos 
The FRANTIC EUPHORIA Album Launch Party
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On:
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Saturday 19th June 2004
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At:
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The Rocket Complex [map]
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From:
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9pm - 6am
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Cost:
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500 Early Birds £10+bf / £15 +bf thereafter / More on the door
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Website:
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www.franticuk.com
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Ticket Info:
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ADVANCED TICKETS:
500 Early Bird Tickets: £10 +bf
Standard Priced Tickets: £15 +bf
More on the door.
(Students £10 b4 11pm with ID)
The Five ways to get your tickets:
1. Frantic Office
Credit / Debit & Cash Sales // XL Group Discount (1 free per 5)
Call 07949 618035
2. Ticketweb
Credit/Debit Card Sales // 24hr Hotline & Online Sales
Call 08700 600 100 or logon to www.ticketweb.co.uk
3. ClubConnexion
Credit/Debit Card & Cash Sales // XL Group Discount (1 Free per 5)
0870 246 2050 or logon to www.clubtickets.com
4. Cyberdog Stores (London
Camden: 0207 4822 842
Covent Garden: 0207 836 7855
5. E-listlondon.com
Online ticket purchase and advance guest list booking: 07908 809 077
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Remember when each trip to a club was an adventure? Remember when entering a venue was like being transported into another world? Frantic are here to take you on this journey! A journey to a wonderful Theatre of Dreams with no less than 4 beautiful arenas and a totally unique outdoor Garden of Paradise!
Once again Frantic is proud to present another clubbing first for their thousands of happy, fun-loving and supremely friendly clubbing army! The Frantic Euphoria Album Launch will be the first underground event to use the whole of the Rocket Complex for many, many years! This is amazing 19th Century Theatre has a breathtaking Main Room that will leave you literally lost for words. With a massive Main Stage and a beautiful engraved ceiling this is where Cinderella would come if she liked Hard House!
The Outdoor Garden of Paradise is like nothing else in London clubbing. Looking more like a club in Ibiza Town this is really something special. Two specifically built marquees will be the site of Frantic’s first ever blessed out, chill out zone and there is a special walkway that is surrounded by ponds teeming with fish and wildlife with plenty of comfy seating, a world beating chillout soundtrack and its very own bar this is a whole new way to go clubbing! This is where SummerClubbing04 really starts!
The whole new venue will be powered by 60,000 watts of next generation sound, 3 huge lasers and enough lighting to give the National Grid a supply problem! We are proud to present the three biggest PA’s in Global Hard Dance. Never ever seen before on the same stage at a Frantic event and unlikely ever to appear together again for the whole of 2004 at any club anywhere, how can you even think of missing this gig?
One Theatre of Dreams. One Garden of Paradise. The 3 biggest Live Acts in the World. 1500 of the UK’s greatest clubbers. And you with the biggest smile you will ever wear in a club.
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Flyer:
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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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Comments:
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From: Danny Luu on 10th Jun 2004 18:30.07
Good work Tinks.
Can you still remember Farenhite? 
From: Dom on 10th Jun 2004 21:00.34
Who in the fuck is Richard Launch? 
Good work cobber - everywhere I turn you're names on the flyer which is no mean feat Ibiza here we come 
From: sunvisordude on 10th Jun 2004 22:27.44
well done and good luck in the future
From: Darz on 10th Jun 2004 22:54.24
Well in Launchy, see ya in Ibiza!!
From: The Scene on 11th Jun 2004 04:04.23
Nice one matey. I look forward to checking out 'Groove Factory' when i get back 
I have issues with your comments about a hard dance crowd being more discerning about tune selection than a house crowd but we won't go into that now
From: Danny Gilligan on 11th Jun 2004 08:15.57
It's all Golf Richard mate! nice interview geezer!
From: Craig Paxton on 11th Jun 2004 08:26.00
Nice one Launchy, thoroughly deserved mate. The only way is up..
From: spangledwench on 11th Jun 2004 08:49.11
Wicked interview babe good work, GTFRI! (Munters Inc??!! HAHA)
From: Frantic Dickon on 11th Jun 2004 09:38.20
Richard launch is one of the most enthusiastic Djs around. Always a pleasure to work with, keep up the good work Tinks and we'll see you next saturday!
From: Janie Mac on 11th Jun 2004 09:55.19
LOOK AT YOU - YOU'RE FAMOUS!! Nice one honey! xx
From: Minx! on 11th Jun 2004 10:09.56
Well done babe.  And to think I knew you before you were famous......dancing like a loon with ya top off at Camden Palace.....still have the piccys too!!!
From: emmahardware on 11th Jun 2004 10:10.57
Add your comments here !
From: emmahardware on 11th Jun 2004 10:11.30
Wicked interview ! Can't wait to see u largin' it up in the main room next weekend !!
From: Stevi D on 11th Jun 2004 11:00.47
Nice work my boy!
From: Rainey on 11th Jun 2004 11:13.19
Good interview, liking the sound of these new parties keeping things fresh, can you bring them south of the river?!
From: DJChewy on 11th Jun 2004 11:23.42
Top work and well done mate thanks for playing with Thirsty DJs over the last year  & look forward to Ibiza next week 
From: *cheeky chick* on 11th Jun 2004 11:53.01
wicked stuff,see ya nxt wkend
From: Karl Alexander on 11th Jun 2004 11:58.05
Nice one Richard !!!
From: Tony.P on 11th Jun 2004 13:44.58
great stuff mate, was nice to meet you at wildchild, i'll come and see you in the main room next week
best of luck
From: Latex_Zebra on 11th Jun 2004 14:09.48
Nice one mate.
From: Andyking on 11th Jun 2004 14:32.09
Well played launchy.
From: cd on 11th Jun 2004 18:20.33
schott bro!
From: ~deleted3264 on 11th Jun 2004 21:10.34
Good stuff mate...well deserved
From: Paul Reeves on 12th Jun 2004 21:55.04
wkd interview m8y, best of BRITISH for the future
From: Merc on 13th Jun 2004 07:16.11
I thought he was born in England!  Fishy, fishy, fishy! Well done, gorgeous! 
From: Bianca on 14th Jun 2004 10:19.02
Wicked interview Tinks! Your gonna be huge babe!!!
xxx
From: Richard Launch on 14th Jun 2004 10:55.31
Thanks everyone for your great comments and good times we have had this year.
From: Tin Tin on 14th Jun 2004 11:05.48
Hey Tinks! a true Gent, even if your aren't from our shores! keep it up mate, bright futures are ahead!
From: Rich O on 14th Jun 2004 12:34.32
Top work Tinks!! Great interview mate!
From: SassyNassy on 14th Jun 2004 13:14.25
Great interview, Tinx ~ I look forward to shaking my ass at Munters Inc soon-soon x
From: zimbolicious on 15th Jun 2004 12:12.12
Well deserved Mr Launch! Have fun in Ibiza and hopefully we'll see you spinning a few at riot With the makeup B2B with Ms Banx
From: Maria. on 15th Jun 2004 16:09.44
A wicked review from a wicked, hot, sexy as fock DJ ! x
From: Donna Birt on 16th Jun 2004 16:00.04
Nice one babes... excellent work xx
From: robyne on 16th Jun 2004 16:33.49
Keep up the good work babe x
From: maliksta on 16th Jun 2004 19:26.51
Yo Bruv. Jonna Lomu checking in From Los Angeles
Great article and glad to see you are still tearing up the dancefloors in London . All the best and keep in touch.
Malik
From: Mike Devine on 17th Jun 2004 15:02.03
nice!!! c ya in Ibiza mate...
From: Red5 on 17th Jun 2004 16:11.09
All I can say is that it couldn't happen to a nicer bloke - Tinks is an all-rounder, and another Aussie making his mark on London.
Top stuff mate
From: Zana Mills on 17th Jun 2004 23:27.10
Yah you!!
From: Elz on 22nd Jun 2004 12:34.51
Great interview Tinks. Good to see you doing so well!!
From: HouseGuy on 24th Jun 2004 14:05.45
nice one!!! Richard have a bash in Ibiza...
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