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Features
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| Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - 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! |
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Farewell Tara Reynolds — preview to 14 hours of Bedlam
Reported by VinDiesel
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Submitted 28-09-05 00:46
She has graced the decks of some of the finest hard dance events for the past 6 years. She has had a celebrated career that started off in London and has gone all over the country and around the world to places in Australia and Canada.
She has grown to be one of the biggest and established hard dance djs and producers in the UK, but now sadly Tara Reynolds has decided to call time on her stay and her UK DJing career and return to her home country, Australia.
One of the very last times we will hear Tara play will be at the upcoming Bedlam at Fire club where she will be alongside many established hard house legends, including Lucy Fur and Dan Madams.
We caught up with Tara for a chat about her career, the highs and low, and her future plans...
Tara first of all thank you for taking time out from your hectic schedule of farewell events to chat to us. How are you doing?
I’m doing really well thanks, although my head is spinning with the organisation I’ve had to put into my move. Do you know how much planning it takes to move to the other side of the world?!
Let’s start by asking why you decided to return back home? (Apart from the fantastic weather & the great beaches!)
The overriding reason is that I don’t want to live so far away from my family any more. When my sister, who I’m really close to, announced in March that she was pregnant, I cried my eyes out at the thought of missing another family event and missing this huge occasion. That was the catalyst for me deciding that it was time to head home. I mulled it over for a few months but decided for definite around July/August that I wanted to move back to Australia.
What made you get into DJing in the first place?
Having an enormous love for the music and having a boyfriend who was a DJ primarily. Once I started messing around on his decks I was hooked and was never off them.
Describe the different styles that you mix in and which is your favourite?
All the music I play comes under the ‘hard dance’ genre. I play hard house and techy hard house and hard trance. It depends what mood I’m in as to what is my favourite. Sometimes I love nothing better than thrashing it out at 155bpm, other times I love slower, groovier tunes or more uplifting tunes.
How hard did you find learning to mix in new styles?
Not hard at all. The styles I play aren’t so wildly different that they necessitate learning to mix differently. I have dabbled in house which I find really easy to mix too.
Has becoming a DJ enhanced or reduced your enjoyment of clubbing?
It hasn’t really done either — it’s kind of replaced clubbing. It’s very rare that I go out clubbing these days. If I’ve got a night off I’d rather go out for dinner or go to a friend’s house than go to a club. On the very odd occasion that I do go to a club I’m not playing at, I have a great time and love getting lost in the music. The problem is that once you are a DJ it’s so hard to just listen to the music without thinking, “wow that was a great mix” or “those two tunes work really well together” lol!
Describe the experience of your first ever gig? Where did you play? Who else was playing that night?
My first ever gig in front of an audience was at a house party. I hated it! I was so nervous I was nearly sick. I hated every second I was on the decks and I even asked the next DJ to come on early to relieve me of the stress! I think Phil played that night but I can’t remember who else. My first proper paid gig was at Fevah at the Tube. I think Skol might have played that night, I can’t remember who else unfortunately.
How did you feel after your first gig?
After the Fevah gig I was buzzing. I think I was relieved too that I’d got through it without making any major fuck-ups!
Who has been the greatest influence on your DJing career?
Paul Glazby and Andy Farley. I look up to these two so much. I just love their mixing style — long, smooth, perfect mixes. I’ve never been one for doing lots of trickery. I can appreciate DJs who do it and it’s definitely a good thing to have DJs who all have different approaches, but it’s just not the way I like to mix. I try to mix like Farley and Glazby but I don’t think I’ve quite achieved their level of perfection! I also love their innovation and how they are constantly ahead of the game.
You’ve done quite a few back-to-back sets including a great one with Caroline Banx at Camden Palace. Have back-to-back sets improved or increased the range of your mixing/enjoyment of sets in any way?
It really depends on who the back to back is with. Some of them work really well and some just don’t at all. The first back to back that Glazby and I did was great fun — we built it up really well and our music worked so well together. I did a couple of back to backs with Justin Bourne in the early days and they went really well too. I’ve done others, which haven’t worked as well, and they are just plain hard work because you spend the whole time wondering how the hell you are going to follow the record the other DJ has just put on! You can’t be selfish when you play back to back — you have to take into consideration the style of the other DJ, otherwise its just going to sound messy.
You played around the world as well as the UK including places such as Canada and Australia. Of all the countries you’ve played in, which was your favourite?
I’d have to say the crowds are the best in New Zealand. They are just so up for it and so appreciate that you’ve made the journey. Some of my best DJing experiences have been in New Zealand. Japan was also good because it was just so different. I mean once you’re actually in the club it’s pretty similar but the whole experience of being in Osaka was amazing.
A lot is said about feedback from the crowds… whether in person or through forums such as HarderFaster. But who do you think is best placed to give a critique of a dj’s performance? A clubber, a DJ or a promoter?
Good question Chris! Ultimately its the feedback from the clubbers and the dance floor — you realise pretty quickly if you’re playing music the crowd don’t want to hear. It’s a cliché but people really do vote with their feet. Forums such as HarderFaster are obviously a great thing but some members hide behind their aliases and say some really terrible things. You know as a dj that you’re up for being criticised but when this criticism becomes a personal attack or a discussion about your private life (or whether you’ve had a boob job!) then that’s when it’s gone too far.
A promoter is well placed to give a critique however they may not always be entirely objective. They do hold the power to re-book or not though!
As for the dj themselves, djs know when they’ve played a good set so can critique their own performance, however ultimately I think it’s the club-goers who give the most valuable feedback.
In 2003, you starred in your very own event ‘TaraTime’. How did it feel to have an event organised round you?
It was amazing and definitely a highlight of my career. I can’t describe the feeling I got when I played my last tune and everyone gave me a big cheer. It was such a big moment for me.
Ok let’s say you have the chance to promote your very own dream event. You can pick from any djs in the country, host the event at any venue, and select any style of music. What would be your choices and why?
For the venue, I’d have it at DC10 in Ibiza. I’d have the DC10 residents playing their sexy house for the first part of the day, and then I’d have Justin Robertson play his dirty electro for hours and hours until it got dark. Then I’d have Mistress Barbara followed by Carl Cox. Then to finish the night off I’d have Farley and Glazby back to back hammering it out. That would be my dream event. Who cares if it’s a mish-mash of styles — it’s only a dream…
You recently played at Creamfields alongside some big name acts. Tell us like what it’s like to play to a crowd of thousands in the outdoors compared to the confined, sometimes intimate surroundings of the club?
Well it wasn’t really outdoors, it was in an arena. I loved it! It was definitely one of my favourite gigs of the year. The arena was absolutely rammed and the crowd were awesome to play to — so responsive and appreciative. The hour flew by and I didn’t want to come off!
You’ve produced around 11 tunes. What was your first tune that you produced?
My first one was ‘Ignite’ with Steve Blake.
How did you feel the first time this tune was played in a club? Did you jump up and down and scream… or did you run to the back of the dancefloor and hide!!
I think the first time I heard it out was at Solid Sunday when Phil played it. It was a great feeling to hear it played out, although I was holding my breath willing the crowd to react well to it — which they did thank god! The biggest buzz about that tune was when I got a text from BK telling me he loved it! I was still really star struck back then and couldn’t believe this superstar producer loved my tune! I think I kept the text for months!
Who have been the greatest influences on your production career?
I can’t really cite an influence when it comes to production. I just approached each tune differently and had an idea of how I wanted it to come out. I’ve had lots of good advice over the years but there’s not really one person who I’d say was an influence.
You’ve worked with some of finest producers on the hard dance scene, including James Lawson, Ali Wilson, Steve Blake and Paul Glazby. Who is the current batch of producers that you haven’t worked with but would like to?
I’d love to do a tune with Anne Savage. I’ve been really lucky to have worked with some incredibly talented producers already. Making a tune with Glazby was a very long-held goal so I was incredibly happy to have the opportunity to do it. The tune’s ace too! (If I may say so…)
If you heard a remix of one of your tunes that didn’t do it justice, in fact completely ruined your original hard work and artistic effort. What would be your reaction? Would you be tempted to get in touch with the producer… or smile through gritted teeth in a club if you heard it?
I’d have to smile through gritted teeth. If I was the label owner and I asked someone to do a remix and I didn’t like what he or she did, I’d contact them to discuss what we could do about it. However as just the producer I’d have to grit my teeth and cop it sweet. A bad tune to me is a wicked tune to someone else — it’s all subjective.
A lot of people say that hard house is becoming a dying genre. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think that hard house is still an important part of the hard dance scene?
Yes definitely. I know hard house is suffering a little at the moment but it will make a comeback. It just needs an injection of originality and with all the seriously talented people making tunes, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time until this happens.
Do you think there is a lack of good production material out there?
No, I have loads of wicked new stuff sent to me on CD and I am certainly not struggling for great new material. It all depends on what you’re into. There are some producers like Tim Clewz and Chris Hoff who are brimming with fresh ideas and it’s only a matter of time until they are the stars they deserve to be. People just need to embrace the new sounds they are producing.
When you head back home, do you intend to continue DJing?
Yes but not full-time like I do now. I would like to DJ, say, two weekends a month and have two weekends off. I’m getting too old to do it all the time!
Do you intend to continue your production career in Australia? If so will it be for Australian labels, or the labels in the UK you presently record with?
To be honest I haven’t really thought about that. If I come back to the UK to do a tour then I would like to book dates with the likes of Maddox and Glazby, but as far as producing in Australia goes I haven’t looked into it at all yet.
What do you like to listen to outside of hard dance, especially the day after you’ve played a/many set(s)? Do you like listening to a bit of Chopin in the garden with a glass of wine, or jumping up and down to some Guns and Roses?
Both! I have very diverse taste in music outside of dance music. I am really into Green Day at the moment — their American Idiot album is amazing! On the other hand, I also listen to Il Divo and G4! I am definitely going back to my rock roots at the moment though and love head banging to thrashing rock music!
Next month sees you play one of your final performances for Bedlam. Have you got anything special planned for your set?
I will probably play a few signature tunes, and I might even be a bit self-indulgent and play lots of my own productions. Other than that I just want to play the best I can so that people remember me for the right reasons and I go out on a high note!
What do you think were the key factors in your successful career over the past few Years?
I’ve often thought about this and asked myself why I made it to where I did. I think initially it was my timing — there were so few female DJs playing out and even less playing hard. I was definitely a novelty and that helped me get gigs in the early days. I think being consistent was a key factor too — I’ve been told that many times. Something else that is very important and has helped me a lot is being approachable and down-to-earth. The clubbers love it when you make time for them and this will increase a dj’s popularity enormously. I’ve never thought I was special and have never acted arrogant because it’s just not in my nature. I think that has gone a long way towards my success.
What have been the highlights and lowlights of your career so far?
There are so many! Off the top of my head, highlights include: being signed to tidy, Taratime, my first Tidy Weekender set, all my sets at Slinky in Bournemouth, having the crowd chant my name in the foyer at HHA, playing at Decadance in Wellington NZ to the best crowd I have ever played to. That’s just some of them… I could go on for ages!
There have been some lowlights too unfortunately, most of them brought on by my own lack of self-belief. It’s not a problem now but it was in the early days and I used to beat myself up if I did one dodgy mix. I nearly gave up DJing so many times because of this! And being shafted by promoters too — that’s happened a few times and it’s not nice. Sometimes DJing isn’t as glamorous as it looks and being in a hotel room on your own in a foreign country can be a bit lonely.
Now let’s say for example you relaxing on a sunny beach in Australia with a cocktail. The phone rings and it’s the biggest promoter in the UK offering you a headline slot… would you consider a comeback and playing for your loyal army of fans in the UK?
Yeah I would for sure. I’m already thinking about coming back and doing a tour sometime next year. Nothing is definite yet but the thought is there and I will investigate it further next year.
If you had to change anything over the past 10 years in your career, is there anything you would have done differently?
I wouldn’t have been so tough on myself that’s for sure! And I would have done more production too. I did a lot in the first half of 2004 but then I lost interest and didn’t do anything for six months, which isn’t a good move at my level. But what can you do when you lose interest? Otherwise I’m pretty happy with how it all went. Getting signed to tidy is a privilege so few enjoy and it lead to lots of incredible things, so overall I’m really happy with how it all progressed.
Tara thank you so much for chatting to us. I amongst your many many fans look forward to hearing you play again!
Thank you and see you at Bedlam!
Photos courtesy of Tara Reynolds, Brad Scanlan and VinDiesel.
14 Hrs of BEDLAM - Goodbye Tara Reynolds
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On:
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Friday 30th September 2005
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At:
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Fire [map]
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From:
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22:00-Noon
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Cost:
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FREE Before 11pm/£10 After/£5 Entry after 5am
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Website:
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www.bedlam.mfbiz.com
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Ticket Info:
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Free entry guest list before 11pm: bedlamevents@hotmail.com
Info: 0207 2410213 / 07958 107096
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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This month Bedlam says "Ta-ra" to Tara Reynolds as our Hard House queen heads back to sunny Oz in October. After being a much-loved Bedlam resident for nearly 2 years, she will be sorely missed, and we want to make her farewell appearance one to remember! One of the most popular stars in hard dance today, she has become a firm favourite with promoters and clubbers alike, so come down and say your goodbyes as Tara headlines Bedlam for the last time!
Bedlam will also be the launch of the newest addition to the Orange Empire, newly finished fourth arch, Fire 2. With the magnificent Mirror arch open and packing a 5k enhanced soundsystem, new flooring, intelligent lighting, new chill-out areas, innovative DJ positioning and the friendliest door-team south of the river, Fire is quickly becoming Vauxhall's first ever super-club!
To celebrate, we're offering FREE entry before 11pm, that's FREE entry to 14 hours of cutting edge Hard Dance in the hottest venue in London! After this it's only £10, with discounted entry after 5am of just £5!
The Mirror arch will be hosted by Norwich favourites Roobarb, alongside fresh London based Brazilian brand Maloka Deluxe, showcasing some of the best underground DJ talent around!
Please note that the entrance to this event at Fire 2 will be at the back of the venue, through the car park. There will be directions signposted on the night.
14 HOURS + 22 DJs = BEDLAM!
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Flyer:
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Other Features By VinDiesel:
Bioshokk Triplicity: Matt Melody speaks to Webbo, with VinDiesel taking notes to make the magic three
Across the divide - It's Alex Mac and Zeebra Kid
Alf takes the Technikal View
Cheers! ReFre5h is 2
Get attracted to Magnetix
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: onthebass on 28th Sep 2005 04:25.27
All the best with the move back to Oz Miss T and I'm sure it will be a move you won't regret....and a big thankyou for all the wonderful memories you gave so many! I think I still have a mix of yours (for Endorphin.UK promotion) that might have to get dusted off again soon!
Hope to see you play somewhere in Oz soon 
ps. Top interview Vin.
From: Kenzie on 28th Sep 2005 05:44.35
What a wicked read! Was there when ya played decadance in welly, top set, top night!
Hope that now your movin back down under we might get to see ya cross over the ditch a little more often 
From: Nomi Sunrider on 28th Sep 2005 07:04.02
Nice interview Chris of really cool and well liked lady who always had time for a quick word and a photo. Will never forget the conversation we had after Laboratory . All the best Tara for the future down under.
From: Not Marcus on 28th Sep 2005 08:57.33
Nice interview Chris  Good luck on your travels Tara, you'll be missed by everyone in the scene 
From: Lars on 28th Sep 2005 09:53.12
Good luck Tara and all the best for the future
From: Jacob on 28th Sep 2005 10:35.02
I look forward to catching Tara one more time at Bedlam!
From: Lunar chic on 28th Sep 2005 11:27.00
Great read Chris! Really enjoyable and informative read! We're all gonna miss Tara, but we'll make her last set at Bedlam one to remember!
From: Stevi D on 28th Sep 2005 11:35.30
Thanks to Tara for believing in my and giving me my first booking when Jamie Duncan couldnt make it!!!
From: Type 1 on 28th Sep 2005 13:52.16
Dream event at DC10! Good girl!! u Knows it!
From: Jennie B on 28th Sep 2005 13:59.44
A great lose to the scene!
I remember following Tara everywhere she played in london the cook in Acton and the black and white room in Camden I would be there everytime with my mates and then I remember her first main room set!  Tara time is def the best set that sticks in my mind.
By far the best female dj that the scene has and I hope that we do see Tara's tours next year!
  
From: Rainey on 28th Sep 2005 15:27.08
Tara Time was a great set apart from ...! Only joking! Good luck back at home Tara, I am sure you will love it. What time is this Bedlam set does anyone know? X
From: battiraver21 on 28th Sep 2005 16:59.05
WICKED INTERVIEW TARA!!!!!! GOOD LUCK IN AUS! HOPE BEDLAM AFTER PARTY IS AS MUCH FUN AS IT WAS AFTER TIDY 10TH BIRTHDAY
KEVIN AND NIC!
From: Nathan. on 28th Sep 2005 18:17.46
Good luck back in Aus, looking forward to seeing you play when i go back
From: maliksta on 29th Sep 2005 05:45.40
To Tara!
I remember the 1st time you played at Fevah at the Tube, I swear you must own the most ripper Tony De Vit Albums ever..
Wish the you the best back in Oz.
Much love from Japan
Malik
Ps
I stopped eating whole plums...
From: kp on 29th Sep 2005 07:57.20
great interview Chris. Good luck Auz
From: Lucy Fur on 29th Sep 2005 08:00.55
Tara babe you will be missed- thanks for all your support over the years you really are a superstar
From: Cally Gage on 29th Sep 2005 08:19.20
I wish you all the luck in the world with your move back home, I'm sure its the right thing to do - look at all the amazing things that you have done since living here in the UK and all the great memories that you have to take back with you.
You are an amazing DJ Tara and I have also had the pleasure of knowing you recently as a friend too, you will be greatly missed within the scene - what will we do without you?!!
Take care, big hugs and loadsa love.
xx
From: K8-e on 29th Sep 2005 12:38.29
Great interview Chris. Really interesting. I still remember my mate buying me "Mercy" for Christmas and me worrying it was a bit too hard  then deciding it was a BELTER of a tune and clearly I should be playing more dirty hard house. Definitely a loss to the UK scene but a gain for those down under. Good luck Tara
From: Chris Humphreys on 29th Sep 2005 19:33.41
Tara will be playing from 03:00-04:30! Can't wait...hope we don't cry! 
From: Dave Austin on 30th Sep 2005 06:33.00
Wicked interview Tara. We will all miss you when you leave.
Best of luck for the future & I'll see you down at Bedlam tonight.
From: Anja on 30th Sep 2005 07:58.27
What a star!
London's loss will be our gain, you're always welcome here in Melbourne! And just in time for summer! Advent*jah with Tara & Glazby..... most excellent
From: HeatUK. on 30th Sep 2005 08:54.43
Hey Tara bon voyage! You always performed brilliantly for HeatUK in the foyer, enjoy the land of Oz and we hope to see you back here soon. Damian x
From: VinDiesel on 30th Sep 2005 10:56.14
Thank you guys for your kind , postive comments on this inteview. It was a honour for me to interview one of my idols who i have closely followed over the past few years. I look forward to tonight and to Tara's farewell set at Bedlam . See you on the dancefloor! 
From: Aaron Baskerville on 30th Sep 2005 11:19.27
Good luck back home Tara... Now anyone for dim sims ?
From: zimbolicious on 30th Sep 2005 12:57.47
See ya when you get here, good luck with the move  and being an auntie
From: Donna Birt on 30th Sep 2005 13:00.12
Hey Tara.
Wishing you all the best back home in Oz. Follow your bliss babe!
From: Lizzie Curious on 30th Sep 2005 15:54.38
what a lovely interview, honest and refreshing. all the best back in Oz Tara, I still remember how you totally rocked it for us at 'come' on more than one occasion! xx
From: Richard Launch on 30th Sep 2005 16:00.58
All the best Tara, good luck back in Ozzie mate.
From: Tidy Robyn on 30th Sep 2005 16:08.17
I've always greatly admired your courage and I think you are an inspiration to anyone who may lack a bit of self confidence. Stay lucky and be happy. You will be missed immensely my bestest pal. xx
From: karl davis on 30th Sep 2005 16:26.21
lovely person and great dj, defo be missed by all, i am gutted i cant make this event, all the best safe home
karl
hardsounds
From: sunvisordude on 1st Oct 2005 12:51.04
take care, tara! thanks for the PM. look after yourself, never let go of the music! i wish u all the best! in clubbing spirit, thomas x
From: sunvisordude on 1st Oct 2005 12:52.20
+ thanks for the many great nights at camden palace back in the day.
From: Steve Hill on 1st Oct 2005 16:01.29
Legend! A big loss for London - a Masif gain for Oz / NZ! Look forward to seeing ya!
From: mad miss hell on 2nd Oct 2005 06:56.43
All the best Tara. U r the only female DJ out there who i have really looked up 2. U will b missed.
From: Luckyfuka on 4th Oct 2005 12:47.26
See ya Tara. as sunvisordude says - thanks for all the wikkid nights upstairs at camden and in the foyer at Brixton and then mainrooms everywhere. a huge talent who always has time for the punters! good luck and all the best for the future MOTHERFUCKER!!!
From: Neats on 5th Oct 2005 11:24.45
Congratulations on your top efforts in the hard house scene 
Best of luck in the future.
From: Busta on 5th Oct 2005 12:37.33
Spot ya in OZ !!!
From: Prozak on 6th Oct 2005 11:20.07
Goodluck Tara, me thinks you'll be back!
From: SonikBloo on 8th Oct 2005 18:27.28
Great Interview Chris, well done! Sorry to see you go Tara, I've enjoyed your sets so much, will miss you, best of luck in Australia!
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