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Features 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!

Being Bettsy — interview with SW4 star Ian Betts Reported by Macavity / Submitted 23-08-05 15:47 It’s been an incredible 18 months for Ian Betts. In that time he’s gone from being a favourite on the underground London party scene and playing cool but small parties such as becomeone and Sleepless to appearing on the same line-up as the likes of Tiesto, Marco V, Armin Van Buurin, Sasha, John ‘00’ Fleming and Paul Van Dyk. In the last 15 months he’s not only played the opening party at Cream Ibiza twice, he’s stormed Europe’s biggest dance festival, Dance Valley, played alongside Sasha at South West Four and become a HeatUK resident. Not only that, but the first track he ever produced, Love Resurrection, got immediately signed to Masif, was played on Radio One’s Dance Anthems and Steve Hill’s hard mix of it was short listed in the Hard Dance Awards for being the best tune of 2004. If that’s not enough, he’s found time to produce a few more records which have gained airplay from the likes of PVD, Armin and Jon O’Bir and he’s launched a trance label Six:Thirty Records — so named because Ian and a friend decided that 6:30, in the evening or the morning, was the best time of the day. In fact I remember a couple of years ago when some friends and I were joking with Ian (probably at 6:30 in the morning) that when he was famous we would become The Ian Betts International Support Team. Little did we know at the time that this would become a reality. I’ve since heard him play in Ibiza and Holland and he’ll soon be playing the White Isle again alongside Tiestoand Eddie Halliwell at The Cream Amnesia Closing Party. He’s also appearing at South West Four this weekend so I took the time to ask him a little bit more about what it’s like to be Ian Betts and find out a little bit more about that famous Amnesia DJ booth. Ian Betts Describe your music for someone who’s just landed from another planet. Driving uplifting euphoria with bags of energy and fun. This weekend you’re playing South West Four, a daytime festival on Clapham Common alongside Carl Cox, Sasha, and Digweed. You played there last year. How was it and what’s special about it? Last year’s SouthWestFour was a pretty special day — it was like one of the big dance music festivals had descended upon a corner of south London for the day! The weather was beautiful, the crowd were so up for it, and all three stages were rocking — you couldn’t have asked for any more! It’s a unique event for London because it does have that outdoor festival atmosphere with a DJ line-up to match and levels of production that you only get at the biggest events. This year should be even bigger and better! You’ve had an incredible year. Lots of people are talking about you and seem to be playing some pretty big parties. How’s it been for you? Do you have a highlight? It’s already been an amazing year for me and there’s still so much more yet to come — things have been pretty hectic and it has felt like I’ve been caught up in a whirlwind at times, but it’s been so much fun. Highlights so far would definitely be playing both days at Dance Valley, travelling to Ibiza with Heat and playing for Cream @ Amnesia, and the Heat/Gallery party at Brixton Academy to start the year. What’s it really like to play in the Amnesia DJ Booth? It is quite special. There looks like there are lots of switches. It looks quite scary to me! Haha! It’s one of the best DJ booths in the world to mix in — the setup is (as you’d expect) superb with crystal clear monitors, lots of space and everything laid out perfectly. The sound system at Amnesia has to be heard to be believed, it’s phenomenal The booth is also in a great location as well — you can see the whole of the main room, when the club is in full flow the view is something else! Is it nerve racking looking out on to the crowd? What do you do to combat nerves? There’s certainly nowhere to hide — the first time I played there one of the Heat promoters came onto the platform to speak to me, made it about halfway across to where I was, took one look down at the crowd and hurridly scuttled back to the safety of the backstage area; when I asked him about it afterwards he said he got too scared by the number of faces looking up at him. I’m very lucky in that I don’t really get nerves anymore. I played most of my very first gig on one deck as someone had spilt orange juice on the other and it packed up, so after that baptism of fire nothing can ever be as bad! You’re playing the closing party on 22nd September before Eddie Halliwell and Tiesto. Are you excited or nervous? Most definitely excited! Playing at one of the best clubs in the world for one of the best promotions in the world alongside two of the biggest and best DJs in the world and it will be this season’s last party — what is there not to be excited about! Rumour has it that you’re a bit partial to ‘slow motion’ dancing. What is this and will you be demonstrating it at Cream? Haha! I’m not sure where that rumour has come from. It was something I did once for a laugh with some mates and it kind of caught on — it’s nothing more than really going for it but just in super slo-mo, if you can a get a group of you doing it all together at one time you can get some pretty funny reactions. What do you intend to be doing after your set. Will you be staying to enjoy the rest of the night? Oh yeah, most definitely! I love the Cream nights at Amnesia and I’m sure there'll be some familiar faces about the place that it will be cool to catch up with, it’s usually a very social event. You’ve recently played at the massive Dutch dance festival Dance Valley. What was that like and how do Dutch festivals differ from the UK ones? It was an incredible weekend, the whole event was such a spectacle as well as being really professionally organised and managed. Just being part of it as a DJ and playing to about 5000 people in the Eurogrooves tent was pretty mind blowing, but the sight of the main stage at the end of Saturday will be something I will never forget! There were just under 60,000 people there and everyone was having a great time, despite the mud! You’ve recently been in the studio lots. What have you been cooking up for us? I’ve recently completed the remix to Kuffdam & Plant’s new single ‘Skyline’ which has been getting great reaction on promo in the least couple of weeks, then I've been working on the fourth Six:Thirty release — ‘Purgatory’ by Elude which I'm also remixing. I've been working seperately with Ollie Leighs and Matt Williams on follow up tracks to the first ‘Ayana’ and ‘Neotechnic’ releases, and I’ve just been asked to remix Matt Darey’s new tune which I’m really excited about! Finally I’ve got my latest solo production ‘Sonica’ which I’ve been tweaking and polishing... I’m also planning to launch a digital arm to Six:Thirty Records in October. Called Six:ThirtyDigital it will be a sister label providing tracks in digital format only. It will give me the opportunity to launch many more tracks. What’s the best thing about being a DJ? There’s so much to enjoy about being a DJ — being paid to travel round the world and be responsible for creating the soundtrack to someone’s night out, the reactions you get to dropping a new track, exposing new music to like minded individuals — it’s a job I love! Ian Playing Dance Valley Who’s your DJ hero? Steve Lee, who was the resident at the Gallery in London when I was a fresh faced clubber and played the last set every week for about three years, and every single week he blew me away. He is the reason I started DJing. Thanks Ian for your time. To find out more go to www.ianbetts.com or www.sixthirtyrecords.com Photos courtesy of Ian Betts. Dance Valley shot by Matt Niederberger from Digital Frontier Share this :: : : : Follow HarderFaster :: Other Features By Macavity: Ben Coda Gets Ready for Glade Festival The Tidy Boys are Back To Clean Up London David Minns Tells Us Why South London is The Place To Be! Russia's No 1 DJ, Bobina Springs into London Ali Wilson - From Harderfaster to Carl Cox's Favourite Producer 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. Comments: From: carl nicholson on 23rd Aug 2005 16:27.00 LEGENDARY! From: Richard Launch on 23rd Aug 2005 16:36.13 Top stuff Ian. From: Andy T on 23rd Aug 2005 16:54.07 Absolute Legend From: Stevi D on 23rd Aug 2005 17:05.18 NICE WORK IAN! You've definately achieved the dream of which most of us can only dream to complete! From: Craig Paxton on 23rd Aug 2005 17:10.18 Ask him to sing "I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts".. One of the most deserving, genuine, honest, talented and entertaining people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Keep it up Bettsy. From: Jurrane on 23rd Aug 2005 17:17.44 A supremely talented DJ and producer who thoroughly deserves every bit of success that comes his way. Congratulations Ian! From: Danny Gilligan on 23rd Aug 2005 18:04.01 good stuff Ian! From: Red5 on 23rd Aug 2005 18:21.04 I second that Amanda. Great bloke + DJ/Producer. Love Resurrection still sends shivers down my spine. From: Annabel on 23rd Aug 2005 18:25.50 I think all the founding members of the IIBTST will be at SW4 on Saturday, so we better get in some cheerleading and Slow Motion Dancing practice in. From: The Scene on 23rd Aug 2005 18:30.23 Top man - deserves every success. A Castle Pardey legend too From: ~deleted1390 on 23rd Aug 2005 19:13.09 Top DJ and a very nice bloke. Now taking the baboons of confusion to a Global audience. From: gravitational pull on 23rd Aug 2005 20:07.09 Good interview. Its good to see nice people succeed From: Oliver Leighs on 23rd Aug 2005 20:35.41 Go the Betts! :P From: Nikki S on 23rd Aug 2005 20:37.45 Wicked interview! And well done Bettsy on all your success. I'll third Amanda ... Tops bloke and fantastic DJ. I wish I could be there for the Cream closing party! Nx From: Stevie on 23rd Aug 2005 21:17.34 kerwalitee Geeza, top DJ, Barmy Army stalwart, does a blinding Geordie impression too, are there no ends to this mans talents? Good on you mate! From: Joanna McEwen on 23rd Aug 2005 21:54.05 well done Ian. you've done us proud x x x From: Amanda FB on 23rd Aug 2005 23:19.13 Still one of the most down to earth and amazing djs in the business. You really deserve all the success you have had Ian. Keep it up!!! Amanda xx From: Macey on 23rd Aug 2005 23:24.30 Nice One Bettsy! You deserve it mate. Lookin forward to yet another massive week in Ibiza for the closing parties. From: ~deleted9534 on 24th Aug 2005 00:03.47 Brilliant Bettsy - see you at SW4!! :-) Scarily can relate to the 'International support team' part although change it to 'International DJ groupie' as I've now seen you in Melbourne, Holland and of course London! From: Dubster on 24th Aug 2005 07:44.10 Was fantastic to be part of the UK support in the front row at Dance Valley waving like nutters at ya. Easily the best set of the first day and certainly started dance valley up properly for all of us. You got my vote in the top 100. Roll on more Betts in coming years! From: KrAzB on 24th Aug 2005 09:26.51 One of the most talented dj’s around at the moment, he keeps getting better and better every time I here him some absolutely belting sets at innovate and what a set at Dance Valley! Probably one of the nicest dj’s in the business aswell! Completely agree with dubster, he will definitely be getting my vote for the top 100! All the best for the future bettsy!! From: timmyd9 on 24th Aug 2005 11:36.35 Fantastic guy, fantastic dj,...just shame about the trance Evidence that great things do indeed happen to great people From: Lozz on 24th Aug 2005 11:36.37 Awesome stuff so far - looking forward to Cream! From: Little Miss Hayley on 24th Aug 2005 12:51.34 Jeez, am I looking forward to Cream! First time in Ibiza, seeing undoubtedly one of my absolute fave's, it's gonna be special. Your sound and your fun energy always hits just the spot for me on the dancefloor. Well done for all you've achieved mate. See you at SW4! From: dean peters on 24th Aug 2005 12:57.00 Well done Ian. You deserve all the good things that are coming your way. From: minimoo on 24th Aug 2005 12:57.40 Nice one babe, good one you Hope to bump into you soon From: shazzabazza on 24th Aug 2005 13:24.09 *Beams with pride* Well done honey - so very proud of you From: Tin Tin on 24th Aug 2005 13:24.55 All of the above and then some, every success is not only deserved but fully earnt! From: Pandora S-K on 24th Aug 2005 13:37.56 Your an inspiration to us all Betsy, well done for getting the recognistion you so greatly deserve, you stuck to what you believed in, and in the music you play - which has got you where you are today... "Things can only get better..." (as D Ream said....and no I didn't buy the single...) From: Maria on 24th Aug 2005 17:04.48 From: K.A.R.L. on 24th Aug 2005 17:44.29 Well done mate. You deserve every success for all your hard work and sticking to what you believe in...... From: Tina Martin on 24th Aug 2005 19:00.13 Congrats on all ur success Ian babe! Ur an absolute diamond and brilliant Dj, looking forward to seeing you at cream!! From: ~deleted3264 on 24th Aug 2005 19:32.05 A top bloke who oozes talent. Legend Betts From: Dee on 24th Aug 2005 22:53.47 Yay for you Ian. Just thinking - how about a slow dancing version of 'bunch o coconuts'... From: Ian Betts on 24th Aug 2005 23:12.09 Wow, thanks guys - I don't know what to say Hope to see you all at one of the SouthWestFour events this weekend From: CheesyJim on 25th Aug 2005 04:18.03 From Sleepless at 354 Old Street to Dance Valley and Ibizia - what a ride! Naht se fookin' bad Bettsy, Le Chapeau Dorro and I will be indulging in a soucon of GTFRI in honour of IBB! From: zimbolicious on 25th Aug 2005 04:39.44 Hopefully next time you come to Perth The Dj's scare easily here with me pulling faces during their set From: Thrive on 25th Aug 2005 09:32.17 Nice work Bettsy... still pumpin it like the days of Sleepless @ 414 and those oh so messy Sleepless Sundays :-) When are you heading back to Oz... we have Hat as a new addition to the OZ crew so expect to see ya soon. Clyde From: Thrive on 25th Aug 2005 09:41.12 Nice work Bettsy... still pumpin it like the days of Sleepless @ 414 and those oh so messy Sleepless Sundays :-) When are you heading back to Oz... we have Hat as a new addition to the OZ crew so expect to see ya soon. Clyde From: Thrive on 25th Aug 2005 09:41.30 Nice work Bettsy... still pumpin it like the days of Sleepless @ 414 and those oh so messy Sleepless Sundays :-) When are you heading back to Oz... we have Hat as a new addition to the OZ crew so expect to see ya soon. Clyde From: Charlie Bradley on 25th Aug 2005 10:20.28 legend and a total inspiration! From: Brad Thatcher on 25th Aug 2005 12:33.40 Well done.. Bettsy...you're an inspiration and you rock.. absolute legend..!! See you Sat'dy From: Alix on 25th Aug 2005 12:55.08 You've gone from the back room at Feersum to playing at some of the best parties in the world - fantastic DJ who always has time for a smile and chat with anyone. You deserve every second of your glory! From: Lizzie Curious on 25th Aug 2005 14:35.53 Ian - you rock! One of THE most fantastic, nicest, talented DJs I know xx From: STACE on 25th Aug 2005 14:58.24 NICE 1 MATEY! I'LL BE DOWN AT SW4 FLYERIN FOR KNOWWHERE, SO C YA THERE! From: Annabel on 25th Aug 2005 18:09.02 Vote Ian Betts for the DJ Top 100 poll From: Lysa on 25th Aug 2005 19:44.50 Fair play Ian Betts, you played a great set at Dance Valley, I couldn't stop bouncing! You've got my top vote for DJ top 100 poll. Long may your success continue From: Hels on 26th Aug 2005 09:40.40 YOU LEGEND !! .... your the BEST BETTSEY !!! From: ck on 26th Aug 2005 13:02.17 The man is a legend. And he does some good impressions too From: spangledwench on 26th Aug 2005 13:32.23 Bettsy you ROCK dude!! Wicked interview hun, hope to see you soon for one of your famous cockney crack on renditions... ;o) Mwah xxx From: Dom on 27th Aug 2005 01:22.04 Library pictures From: Not Marcus on 28th Aug 2005 11:40.31 Great interview. Nice one Bettsy you´re a mate From: spanky on 30th Aug 2005 11:30.46 Dunno what all these people are on about, mate...??? You're alright, I guess... xx From: jonnymain on 1st Sep 2005 21:32.45 LEGEND. Knew you'd get to the top mate - you, Andy, Tim and the rest of the Sleepless crew gave me my best clubbing moments and memories. Long may you be responsible for dancefloor chaos! From: Dizzy Lizzie on 2nd Sep 2005 15:45.30 I think he's rubbish. And a right git. ;o) From: flatspin on 4th Sep 2005 19:59.16 Nice one Ian ... looking forward to having you down at Flatspin, Bristol on Sept 16th! Woo hoo! From: sexyminx on 21st Sep 2005 02:00.02 Wicked interview - well done Mass to Ian for being such a legend and wicked Was wicked to see ya briefly at SW4. Keep up the good work & see ya very soon xx

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