Hard House History

In this episode of Hard House History , Paul Glazby sits down with Glynn Tolley for a brilliant journey through more than three decades of dance music, club culture, production and promotion. Glynn's story begins long before the superclubs and packed dancefloors. From making pretend radio shows on a reel-to-reel recorder as a child to DJing school discos, saving for his first pair of Technics and eventually warming up alongside the likes of Sasha, his route into dance music was anything but conventional. The conversation moves into Glynn's early production career and Within a Dream's "Where Is the Feeling?" , a record that sparked major-label interest and eventually found its way to Kylie Minogue . Glynn shares the remarkable story behind the track, the record-industry politics surrounding its original release, and how Kylie eventually recorded her own interpretation. Then comes Leeds. Glynn recalls becoming involved with Sundissential , initially helping create a safer environment for clubbers before becoming increasingly involved behind the scenes. From there came Funkessential and, following one of the more colourful chapters in the story, the birth of Kiss Da Funk . What followed was an extraordinary period in UK clubbing. Glynn and the Kiss Da Funk team brought David Guetta to the north of England before he became a global superstar, booked Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso before Swedish House Mafia existed, brought Eric Morillo back to Leeds and even became the first promoters to bring Avicii to the UK . There are plenty of classic behind-the-scenes stories too, from club politics and financial gambles to Ibiza madness and the characters who made the era unforgettable. Finally, Paul and Glynn discuss the resurrection of Kiss Da Funk after almost 12 years away, and why a generation of clubbers is finding its way back onto the dancefloor. Join the History Hit play and hear the stories behind one of UK clubland's great success stories, told by someone who was right in the middle of it. And if you were there the first time around, Kiss Da Funk is back, with the next event at Mint Warehouse on 26 September. #HardHouseHistory #GlynnTolley #KissDaFunk #PaulGlazby #UKClubCulture #DanceMusicHistory #HouseMusic #Clubland #DJCulture #RaveCulture

Some DJs have been part of dance music history, while others have helped shape it. In this episode of Hard House History , Paul Glazby sits down with the legendary Judge Jules for a journey through more than four decades of clubs, radio, raves, Ibiza and electronic music. Jules takes us right back to the beginning, from discovering electronic music through acts including Human League and Heaven 17 to experiencing the sheer power of New Order on a proper club sound system at Camden Palace. From there, his musical education took another huge turn with visits to New York's Paradise Garage and an introduction to the emerging sound of house music. The conversation uncovers the unlikely origins of the Judge Jules name, born while Jules was a law student promoting unlicensed parties and often finding himself the one tasked with speaking to the police. Those early events, his love of rare groove and old-school hip-hop, and a chance encounter at Clink Street would eventually help launch one of British dance music's most enduring careers. Jules and Paul explore the acid house explosion, Kiss FM, the move to BBC Radio 1, the legendary broadcasts, Ibiza and the creation of Judgment Sundays. They also discuss the harder side of Jules' sound and why the lines between trance, techno and hard house are becoming increasingly blurred again. There is plenty of reflection too. Jules talks about the importance of luck, preparation, and staying relevant; the responsibility a DJ has to the crowd; and finding the balance between educating and entertaining a dancefloor. He also explains why, after four decades, he is still searching every week for records with that elusive "magic factor" . The conversation also moves into his remarkable second career as an entertainment lawyer, returning to study while still DJing before ultimately becoming a partner in his own firm. From underground parties to Radio 1, Ibiza superclubs, law and an MBE, this is the story of a career that continues to evolve. JOIN THE HISTORY If you love hearing the real stories behind the DJs, clubs, records and moments that built our scene, like, comment, share and subscribe to Hard House History . For bonus episode content, exclusive Paul Glazby mixes and more, join the YouTube Members area or Patreon . #HardHouseHistory #JudgeJules #PaulGlazby #HardHouse #DanceMusic #TranceMusic #Radio1 #Ibiza #RaveCulture #ElectronicMusic

This episode of Hardhouse History is about far more than records, DJs and dancefloors. Paul Glazby sits down with 19-year-old Hugo from The Test Lounge for a deeply personal conversation about family, loss, musical discovery, and carrying forward something his dad, Chris, started purely for the love of music. The Test Lounge began with a simple idea. Chris wanted to dig into his incredible record collection, play the music he loved and share it with anyone who wanted to listen. It wasn't about followers or creating content. It was about spreading happiness and excitement through music. Following Chris's sudden passing, Hugo found himself surrounded by thousands of records, a DJ setup and an extraordinary musical legacy. Despite an unsuccessful attempt to learn to DJ with his dad when he was younger, Hugo decided to try again. Hours of practice eventually produced that first proper mix, almost perfectly timed with Fergie walking through the door. With encouragement from Fergie and two close friends, Hugo eventually decided to bring The Test Lounge back, this time putting his own personality in front of the camera. Paul and Hugo talk about the staggering breadth of Chris's collection, from hard house, Trippy Traxx, Positiva and Defected through to Michael Jackson, Prince, Elvis, NWA, Beastie Boys and Frank Sinatra. For Hugo, exploring those thousands of records has become a musical education in itself. There's also plenty of talk about Fergie's influence and support, Hugo's love of the harder sounds, his first vinyl DJ set at the Spin reunion in Birmingham and the unforgettable feeling of watching a dancefloor actually dance. That experience also brought home one of his Dad's strongest beliefs: put the phones away, forget about the DJ and enjoy the music. For Hugo, that philosophy is now at the heart of what comes next. The Test Lounge started with Chris. Hugo isn't trying to replace that story. He's carrying it forward while beginning one of his own. JOIN THE HISTORY Discover the story behind The Test Lounge, hear Hugo's journey into DJing and celebrate a musical legacy being passed from one generation to the next. Listen to the full episode of Hardhouse History now, and if you love the stories behind the music, follow the podcast, share the episode and help us keep Hardhouse History alive. #HardhouseHistory #TheTestLounge #HardHouse #HardHouseMusic #DJCulture #VinylDJ #DanceMusicHistory #FergieDJ #UKHardHouse #DJLife

This week on Hard House History , Paul Glazby sits down with one of electronic music’s most distinctive and enduring artists, Nick Bracegirdle, better known as Chicane. It might seem like a slight detour from the harder sounds normally associated with the podcast, but for Paul, Chicane's music has always been part of the story. After weekends spent hammering Tony De Vit and hard house, records like Offshore provided the perfect Sunday comedown. What follows is a fascinating conversation with an artist Paul describes as one of the Balearic sound's Godfathers. Nick takes us back to the music that shaped him, from Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis and Vince Clarke to Tears for Fears and Simple Minds. At the heart of it all are melody, emotion, and Chicane's unmistakable mix of sunshine and melancholy. The pair dig deep into the story behind Offshore , including Nick's childhood summers on the Isle of Wight and his attempt to capture the strange sadness of summer coming to an end. From there, they explore the explosion of club culture in the 1990s, when underground dance records suddenly started crashing into the charts. Brilliant stories run throughout, from Chicane originally touring with a full live band rather than DJing, to performing alongside an orchestra and working in the studio with artists including Bryan Adams, Tom Jones, Moya Brennan, Cher, and Jewel. And then things get particularly interesting. Nick speaks openly about the controversy surrounding Calvin Harris' Blessings and its perceived similarities to Offshore , explaining the sequence of events from his perspective and why the situation became so personal. Thirty years into Chicane, Nick is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. He discusses his new 30 album, a packed touring schedule, his return to Australia, and why he believes AI, streaming and direct-to-fan music could radically change the industry. This is Hard House History stretching beyond hard house and into the wider history of electronic music. JOIN THE HISTORY Whether Offshore soundtracked your Sunday morning, Saltwater takes you straight back to the dancefloor, or you simply love hearing the stories behind electronic music's biggest records, this episode is essential listening. Subscribe to Hard House History, share the episode and join us as we continue documenting the people, records and moments that built our scene. #HardHouseHistory #Chicane #NickBracegirdle #Offshore #Saltwater #ElectronicMusic #DanceMusic #TranceMusic #Balearic #ClubCulture

This week on Hardhouse History , Paul Glazby sits down with one of the most distinctive names to emerge from the UK hard trance scene, K90, aka Mark Doggett , for a journey through more than 25 years of music, clubs, live performances and an ever-evolving creative career. K90's route into electronic music was anything but planned. A mate losing his job, a Commodore Amiga and a free music-making program eventually led to a four-track hardcore EP being signed to Kickin' Records within six months. From there came years of learning, experimenting and doing whatever work was necessary to fund the dream. Mark takes Paul inside the evolution of the K90 sound, from his early love of electronic music and The Prodigy through acid trance and ultimately the records that would define his career. And, of course, they talk Red Snapper . Mark reveals the brilliant story behind one of hard trance's most enduring anthems, including how a record label mix-up meant the track we all know as Red Snapper was actually supposed to be called Genetic . Even more remarkably, it wasn't originally considered the lead track. Twenty-five years later, people are still requesting it in his sets. The conversation also dives into K90 Live , his love for Frantic and KOKO, Daedalus Records and the career-defining Urban Anthems , featuring tracks including Deliverance , Red Snapper , Chemical Love and Breathe . Mark also drops a tantalising hint about a huge project being created for the album's 25th anniversary. But K90's story didn't stop on the dancefloor. Today, Mark's career also includes composing orchestral music for film and television, including work heard on the BBC and MasterChef . He explains how he moved into scoring, writing to picture, working with live musicians and why sometimes the most powerful piece of music in a film is no music at all. From underground raves to orchestral strings, this is the story of an artist who has never stopped evolving. This is K90. This is Hardhouse History. JOIN THE HISTORY Whether you remember hearing Red Snapper the first time around or discovered K90 years later, this episode is packed with stories from one of Hard Trance's most enduring artists. Subscribe to Hardhouse History, share the episode with your old rave crew and join Paul Glazby as we continue documenting the artists, records and stories that built the scene. #HardhouseHistory #K90 #HardHouse #HardTrance #RedSnapper #UrbanAnthems #PaulGlazby #UKHardHouse #HardDance #RaveCulture

This week on Hard House History , Paul Glazby sits down with Edele Andaya , a lifelong raver, DJ and passionate champion of the music who has gone from discovering the London club scene as a teenager to launching her own events and carving out a new chapter behind the decks. Edele's journey into Hard House started early. At just 15, she found herself walking into Fahrenheit, a tiny Hard House club tucked behind Heaven, and discovering a world she didn't know existed. From there came weekends at Frantic, Hard House Academy, Convergence and the clubs that defined an incredible era of London nightlife. But her journey behind the decks began through much more emotional circumstances. After her friend Stuart's passing, Edele tried his decks for the first time and discovered an instinctive connection to mixing. By 17, she was determined to own a set herself, eventually convincing a record shop employee to sell her a discounted pair of Stanton belt-drive decks after proving she could actually mix. Paul and Edele look back at the DJs and producers who shaped her sound, including Tony De Vit, Lisa Lashes, Anne Savage, the Tidy Girls, Karim, Phil Reynolds and, naturally, a certain Paul Glazby. They also explore the changing art of DJing, from vinyl and Technics to burning endless CDs, CDJs, USBs and the modern-day anxiety of standing in a booth praying Rekordbox has actually done its job. Edele discusses her residency with Peach , her work with Dexter, and her confidence in launching her own Aldaya events. After her first party sold out, the concept is now growing, including a move to the legendary XOYO and a commitment to giving upcoming DJs an opportunity to perform. There's also talk about social media, supporting new talent, her evolving musical style and her work in the studio on a new version of Dreams with The Neck Breakers. And, somehow, there's even time for an Ibiza rescue cat with its own passport. JOIN THE HISTORY From teenage raver to DJ, promoter and producer, Edele’s story represents what Hard House History is all about. Hit play, subscribe, share the episode and join us as we keep the stories, characters and music of the scene alive. #HardHouseHistory #EdeleAndaya #HardHouse #UKHardHouse #PaulGlazby #HardHouseMusic #RaveCulture #ClubCulture #HardDance #DJLife

In this Special Edition of Hard House History , Paul Glazby sits down with Ves Asenov , creator of Raveolution , a new platform built by a raver, for ravers. Rather than looking back at the history of hard house, this special episode looks at something that could shape its future. Originally from Bulgaria, Ves found his way into the UK club scene through trance before Jasmine and Tina introduced him to hard house. He quickly fell in love with the music, events, atmosphere and, most importantly, the people. There was just one problem: organising a rave crew was chaos. Who's going? Who's bought tickets? Where are we staying? How are we getting there? After 15 years working in web programming, Ves decided there had to be a better way. Enter Raveolution . Ves takes Paul through the platform, including how to create rave crews, organise events, share memories, follow artists, and connect ravers, DJs, and promoters. They also discuss Skiddle integration, artist profiles, notifications, privacy, international expansion and plans for a dedicated mobile app. JOIN THE RAVEOLUTION Check out Raveolution, get your crew together and discover what Ves is building for the future of the rave scene. https://ravevolution.com/ #HardHouseHistory #Raveolution #HardHouse #HardDance #RaveCulture #ClubCulture #UKHardHouse #Ravers #DanceMusic #PaulGlazby

Bryan Kearney returns to Hard House History for an Inspirations episode that goes far beyond the records themselves. Joining Paul Glazby for the second time, Bryan opens up about the music, memories and real-life experiences behind three tracks from his career, revealing how inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. First up is his remix of Flash – Frantic Theme , a record forever connected to the Irish club scene and Bryan's early days attending venues such as Dublin's legendary Temple Theatre. From Mark Kavanagh destroying Creamfields with the original to producing his own version on a basic home hi-fi system, Bryan explains how a classic record became part of his own musical journey. There's even an exclusive story involving the track's infamous "drug addicts" vocal and perhaps the most inappropriate gig at which he could possibly have played it. Then things get considerably deeper. Bryan reveals the remarkable story behind All Over Again , his collaboration with Plumb. Created during a period when he was processing the sudden loss of his father, the track became a way of turning grief into something positive. He explains where its musical inspiration came from, how Plumb's vocal transformed the record, and why listeners continue to connect with it so deeply. Finally comes Kaia , arguably the most personal record Bryan has ever made. Bryan takes Paul through years of fertility struggles, IVF, major surgery, miscarriage and ultimately the birth of his daughter Kaia. He explains why the original project was simply called "Why?", how the finished record became the closing chapter of an incredibly difficult period, and why his daughter's actual heartbeat was incorporated into the track. It's funny, brutally open and incredibly moving, while offering a rare look at the human experiences behind electronic music. JOIN THE HISTORY These aren't simply stories about records; they're stories about the moments that created them. Subscribe to Hard House History , share the episode with someone who lives for dance music, and join us as we preserve the stories behind the tracks, clubs and people that built our scene. #HardHouseHistory #BryanKearney #PaulGlazby #TranceMusic #HardHouse #DanceMusicHistory #IrishTrance #ClubCulture #ElectronicMusic #TranceFamily

Some records define an era, and some artists help create an entirely new movement. This week on Hard House History , Paul Glazby welcomes German electronic music pioneer Mijk van Dijk for an unforgettable conversation that traces the evolution of trance, techno and rave culture from the streets of Berlin to dancefloors around the world. Known for the timeless classic Schöneberg , Mijk reveals the real story behind one of the defining records of the 1990s, explaining the difference between the original release and the legendary Marmion remix that became a UK club anthem. Along the way, he reflects on how a generation of producers weren't trying to fit into genres; they were simply trying to create sounds that had never existed before. The conversation explores Mijk's musical influences, from Prince, Heaven 17 and Detroit techno to the unique atmosphere of West Berlin before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall. He shares incredible stories about the birth of Berlin's club culture, the first Love Parade, abandoned warehouses becoming legendary venues, and how labels like MFS Records helped shape what would eventually become trance music. Paul and Mijk also compare the evolution of the German and UK dance scenes, discussing iconic clubs, underground movements, Tony De Vit, Baby Doc, hard house, hard trance and the way different countries inspired each other throughout the 1990s. The episode also brings things right up to date, covering Mijk's recent collaborations with Baby Doc, the Microglobe Collective, and the growing challenges facing club culture as venues continue to disappear across Europe. It's a passionate discussion about why clubs still matter, why dancefloors create lifelong memories, and why innovation remains at the heart of electronic music. Whether you discovered Schöneberg back in the 90s or you're hearing Mijk's story for the very first time, this is an essential episode celebrating one of electronic music's true innovators. Join the History If you love hearing the stories behind the records that shaped generations of clubbers, make sure you subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a fellow dance music fan. Every listen helps preserve the history of the music we all love. #HardHouseHistory #MijkVanDijk #PaulGlazby #TranceHistory #BerlinTechno #LoveParade #HardHouse #ClassicTrance #ElectronicMusic #DanceMusicPodcast

Paul Glazby sits down with one of the true pioneers of the underground, Choci , a producer, label owner, record shop operator and DJ whose influence helped shape the foundations of acid house, acid techno and the harder sounds that followed. Long before genres were neatly labelled, Choci was making music, running record stores in the heart of London's Soho and releasing groundbreaking records that inspired an entire generation of DJs. In this fascinating episode, he takes us back to the birth of the UK underground, sharing incredible stories from the late 1980s when acid house exploded, the Roland TB-303 changed electronic music forever, and record shops became the beating heart of dance culture. Paul and Choci dive into everything from early warehouse parties and the discovery of acid house to the evolution of Choci's legendary labels, including Chewns, Public House, and VCF Records. Along the way, they discuss legendary producers, Chris Liberator, Dynamic Intervention, Blue Peter, the acid techno family, the rise and fall of vinyl culture, and how social media and AI are changing DJing forever. The conversation is packed with hilarious stories, heartfelt memories and plenty of nostalgia, including tales from the Summer of Love, London's record shop scene, learning to produce with nothing more than a 303 and a drum machine, and why Choci still believes community is at the heart of underground music. Paul also reveals the personal impact Choci's iconic remix of Beyond Motion had on his own DJ career, making for one of the most genuine and emotional moments ever featured on Hardhouse History. If you love the history of rave culture, acid house, hard house, vinyl collecting and the stories behind the people who built the scene, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Join the History If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your mates. Every share helps preserve the stories of the DJs, producers and pioneers who built the underground scene we all love. #HardHouseHistory #Choci #PaulGlazby #AcidHouse #AcidTechno #HardHouse #RaveCulture #VinylCommunity #DanceMusicHistory #ElectronicMusic

Hard House History welcomes one of the true storytellers of UK dance music, Kirk Field , and what unfolds is one of the most fascinating journeys ever told on the podcast. Long before he became the bestselling author of Rave New World and Planes, Trains and Amphetamines , Kirk was a struggling musician who found himself homeless, broke and searching for direction. Then one phone call changed everything. Working behind the bar at the very first illegal acid house raves, he witnessed the birth of a movement that would reshape music, culture and an entire generation. In this episode, Kirk takes Paul Glazby behind the scenes of the legendary warehouse parties, explaining how underground events were organised, why hydration trucks were just as important as the DJs, and what it was really like travelling in convoy to secret rave locations around the M25 during the legendary Summer of Love. The conversation also explores how Kirk accidentally became Mixmag's first rave reporter, documenting a scene that mainstream newspapers completely misunderstood. From travelling across Europe covering dance music history to creating Radical Escapes and pioneering clubbing holidays with Fever & Frantic, Kirk shares stories that only someone who truly lived the era could tell. Paul and Kirk also dive into the success of the recent Tidy Weekender, why the hard house community remains one of dance music's strongest families, and why authenticity will always beat fashion. Along the way, you'll hear incredible tales involving Ibiza, Hamburg, 9/11, Saddam Hussein's family, Blue Marlin, Lisa Lashes and the many twists that have made Kirk one of dance music's greatest storytellers. If you love rave history, hard house, trance, club culture and hearing the stories behind the stories, this is an episode you simply cannot miss. Join the History If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Hard House History , leave a five-star review and share it with your rave family. Every download helps preserve the stories, memories and people that built our scene. #HardHouseHistory #KirkField #PaulGlazby #HardHouse #RaveHistory #AcidHouse #Mixmag #ClubCulture #DanceMusic #Tidy

Goodgreef wasn't just another club brand; it became one of the defining names of the UK hard house movement. In this episode of Hard House History , Paul Glazby sits down with Barry Goodgreef to relive the incredible story behind one of the scene's most influential promoters, event organisers and talent managers. From sneaking into clubs as a teenager to launching Goodgreef in Manchester at just 18 years old, Barry shares how a passion for music evolved into one of the biggest hard dance brands of the 2000s. He takes us behind the scenes of those unforgettable nights, the famous collaborations with Sundissential, the rise of the agency business, and the challenges of navigating the changing music industry. The conversation explores the golden era of hard house, why Goodgreef succeeded by doing things differently, and how iconic venues, legendary DJs and passionate clubbers created memories that still resonate today. Barry also reflects on working alongside names like Eddie Halliwell, Alex Kidd, Kutski and Andy Whitby, while discussing how today's DJs face a completely different landscape driven by social media, branding and constant online engagement. Paul and Barry also look back on unforgettable moments, including the Tuxedo Princess boat parties, the Goodgreef Extra Hard cruises, the agency's birth, and the incredible resurgence of hard music that has brought many legendary artists back into the spotlight. If you lived through the early 2000s rave scene, or you're discovering hard house for the first time, this episode is packed with stories, nostalgia and honest insight into one of dance music's most important eras. Join the History If Goodgreef was part of your clubbing journey, or you've got memories from those legendary nights, we'd love to hear them. Subscribe to Hard House History, leave us a review, and share this episode with the friends you stood beside on the dance floor. Every story helps preserve the history of our scene. #HardHouseHistory #BarryGoodgreef #GoodGrief #PaulGlazby #HardHouse #DanceMusic #ClubCulture #RaveHistory #UKClubbing #ElectronicMusic

This week on Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with one of the true pioneers of the UK dance scene, Blu Peter. Long before hard house had a name, before the superclubs, and before packed festival stages, Blu Peter was helping shape the sound from the DJ booth at some of London's most iconic venues. From starting behind the bar at Heaven to becoming the resident DJ at Garage and the legendary Final Frontier (FF), this episode uncovers the story of a man whose influence reached far beyond the records he played. Blu Peter reflects on the early days of London's club culture, discovering his unique musical identity, and why emotion has always been at the heart of every set he's ever played. He explains how warm-up sets became the perfect training ground, why energy is more important than flawless mixing, and how simply being yourself is the key to becoming a great DJ. Paul and Blu Peter also dive into the birth of the Reactivate series, the evolution of New Energy, shopping for vinyl in London's legendary record stores, and the unforgettable atmosphere that made FF one of the most important clubs of the 1990s. Along the way, they share stories about Tony De Vit, Mrs Wood, Sister Bliss, Judge Jules, E&M, Leftfield, Sven Väth, React Records, and the incredible people who helped shape an era that continues to influence dance music today. The conversation also explores why Blu Peter walked away from chasing commercial success, his philosophy on creativity, and the exciting announcement of brand-new music being released decades after his pioneering work first inspired a generation of DJs. Whether you discovered him through Reactivate 10, Final Frontier, or you're only just learning about one of dance music's true innovators, this is an episode packed with history, nostalgia and genuine insight from one of the architects of the underground. Join The History If you loved this episode, make sure you subscribe to Hard House History, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend who remembers the golden era of UK clubbing. Every listen helps preserve the stories that built our scene. #HardHouseHistory #BluPeter #FinalFrontier #Reactivate #HardHouse #DanceMusic #ClubCulture #PaulGlazby #DJHistory #ElectronicMusic

This week on Hard House History, Paul Glazby catches up with one of the scene's most intriguing success stories, Scott Forshaw. Many hard house fans will remember Scott as the teenage producer and DJ who burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s, playing Storm, Frantic and the legendary Weekenders before most people his age were even allowed through the door. But while many artists stayed within the boundaries of hard dance, Scott's journey took him in a completely different direction. Now based in Dubai, Scott has built an incredible career that has seen him amass over 40 million streams, play alongside some of the biggest names in dance music, and perform for crowds of over 100,000 people. From opening for Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris, and Martin Garrix to an unexpected encounter with Jennifer Lopez, Scott shares how a bad week in the UK led to a life-changing move to the Middle East. Paul and Scott dive deep into the evolution of club culture, the differences between old-school hard house and today's VIP bottle-service scene, the realities of ghost production, songwriting camps, and social media DJs, and why being pigeonholed can be both a blessing and a curse. There are plenty of laughs along the way as the pair reminisce about Storm, Insomniac, Frantic and the golden era of hard house, while discussing ADHD, Metallica, family life, and the challenges of balancing creativity with commercial success. It's an honest, funny and fascinating conversation with a producer who quietly became one of dance music's most successful exports. Join The History Enjoyed this episode? Help keep the stories alive by subscribing to Hard House History, sharing the podcast with your mates, and leaving a review. Every download helps preserve the legacy of hard house for future generations. #HardHouseHistory #ScottForshaw #HardHouse #PaulGlazby #DanceMusic #ClubCulture #DJLife #MusicProduction #HardDance #ElectronicMusic

This week on Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with one of the most respected names in the hard house scene, James Lawson. From learning classical guitar as a child and dreaming of becoming a rock star, to helping shape the sound of hard house during its golden era, James takes us on a fascinating journey through his musical life. The conversation explores his early influences, from Metallica and Guns N' Roses through to the underground rave scenes of Leeds, Manchester and London. James shares how a chance win in a DJ competition helped launch his career, the move to London that changed everything, and the formation of Edison Factor with studio partner Matt Williams. Together, they would go on to create some of the scene's most memorable productions, secure releases on influential labels, and perform live at major events, including Creamfields and Global Gathering. Along the way, James reflects on working with legendary figures such as Andy Farley, Lisa Lashes, Steve Hill, BK, Nick Sentience and Justin Bourne. He also reveals how a career opportunity at Ministry of Sound unexpectedly helped him take the leap into full-time DJing and production. Beyond the records and club nights, this episode dives into the friendships, opportunities and moments that helped define an era of hard house culture. From London after-parties and Ibiza adventures to festival stages and studio collaborations, James offers an honest and insightful look at the highs, challenges and lessons learned throughout a remarkable career. The conversation finishes with a thoughtful discussion about success, mindset, creativity and why being ready to embrace opportunity can make all the difference. Whether you followed James Lawson and Edison Factor from the beginning or are discovering his story for the first time, this is a fascinating chapter in the history of hard house. Join the History Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, follow and leave a review wherever you listen. Every download helps preserve the stories, music and memories that built our scene. Share this episode with a fellow raver and help keep Hard House History alive for future generations. #HardHouseHistory #JamesLawson #PaulGlazby #EdisonFactor #HardHouse #HardTrance #Frantic #Twisted #Creamfields #ClubCulture

This week on Hard House History , Paul Glazby continues his deep dive into the story of Sam Townend, picking up where Part One left off and exploring one of the most turbulent and fascinating periods in modern hard house history. From the rise and fall of the Ideal brand to the rebirth of Tidy, Sam takes us behind the scenes of the events, decisions and challenges that shaped the scene throughout the 2010s and beyond. He shares the reality of promoting hard house during a period when the genre had fallen from its commercial peak, the success of the legendary Tidy XX celebrations, and the Tidy Boys' emotional farewell tour. The conversation then turns into a collection of unbelievable promoter war stories. From the infamous "Tiny Boys" disaster at a Tidy Weekender to gang-related chaos at another weekender event, car chases through a holiday park, death threats, lockdowns, and one of the most bizarre stories you'll ever hear involving an urn and a dancefloor, this episode delivers some genuinely jaw-dropping moments. Sam also opens up about the challenges of running large-scale events, dealing with local authorities, navigating licensing requirements, surviving the COVID years, and the devastating impact of losing long-time venues such as Prestatyn. Despite every setback, his passion for music and the community never wavers. More than anything, this episode highlights why hard house has survived for so long. It's not about money, fame or status. It's about creating unforgettable experiences, bringing people together, and giving people a place where they truly belong. As the story reaches 2026, Paul and Sam prepare to welcome a special guest to discuss the next chapter in the continuing story of Tidy and Hard House. Join The History What was your favourite Tidy Weekender memory? Were you there for Tidy XX, Tidy Resurrection, Prestatyn, Southport, or one of the legendary reunion events? Drop your memories in the comments and let us know where your Hard House journey began. #HardHouseHistory #PaulGlazby #SamTownend #TidyTrax #TidyWeekender #HardHouse #ClubCulture #DanceMusicHistory #UKClubbing #HardHouseFamily

In this episode of Hardhouse History , Paul Glazby welcomes back one of the true pioneers of the hard house movement, Baby Doc, for an honest, hilarious and deeply nostalgic conversation about the evolution of underground dance music. From the early North London rave scene through to producing some of the most iconic hard house records of the ‘90s and 2000s, Baby Doc reflects on the creative chaos that helped shape an entire generation of club culture. The episode dives into legendary clubs like Trade, Heaven and Camden Palace, stories from the studio with names like John the Dentist, Sister Bliss, Tall Paul and React Records, plus behind-the-scenes memories of working in iconic studios alongside acts like Oasis and The Chemical Brothers. Baby Doc also opens up about his production process, explaining how classic tracks like Bangers and Mash , Ploughman's Lunch and Yum Yum came together during an era where sampling technology was limited, creativity mattered more than plugins, and producers fiercely protected their sounds. There's a fascinating discussion about old-school hardware, Zip disks, remix culture, and how modern technology has completely changed music production. The conversation also touches on his latest music with Mike Van Dyke, upcoming releases on Perfecto Fluoro, and why he's currently enjoying making faster, melodic dance music again. Along the way, there are plenty of funny stories, classic clubbing memories and raw insights into what made the golden era of hard house so special. JOIN THE HISTORY Were you there for the golden era of hard house? Did you dance at Trade, Heaven or one of the legendary London all-nighters? Let us know your favourite Baby Doc tracks, club memories and stories from the underground scene. Subscribe to Hardhouse History and help preserve the DJs, clubs and music that built a movement. #HardhouseHistory #BabyDoc #HardHouse #PaulGlazby #Trade #ClubCulture #90sRave #DanceMusic #UKRave #ElectronicMusic

In this episode of Hardhouse History , Paul Glazby sits down with one of the most influential names in UK hard dance history, Phil Reynolds. From buying his very first set of decks in the early ‘90s to helping build the legendary Frantic brand from a small birthday party into one of London’s biggest clubbing institutions, Phil shares an honest and detailed look at the golden era of club culture. The conversation dives deep into the rise of Frantic, the impact of Aussie, Kiwi and South African clubbers on London's hard house explosion, and the unforgettable nights at iconic venues like Bagleys and Camden Palace. Phil reflects on the pressure of his first gigs, learning to DJ without YouTube tutorials, hunting for rare vinyl in London record shops, and how mixtapes helped build underground club culture before social media existed. Paul and Phil also unpack the evolution of hard house itself, from the importance of musical progression in clubs to the changing drug culture that shifted dancefloors throughout the 2000s. There's a fascinating discussion about why modern daytime events and reunion parties like Rewind and Frantic have become so popular with an older generation of ravers reconnecting with the music that defined their youth. The episode also explores Phil's production career, including working with legends like Nick Sentience, running Impact Records, and creating crossover trance and hard house tracks that became anthems across the scene. There are brilliant behind-the-scenes stories about studio sessions, vinyl culture, record-shopping rituals, and the politics of the UK clubbing industry during its peak years. More than anything, this episode captures why hard house meant so much to so many people. It's about community, identity, friendship, and the feeling of walking into a packed club where everyone is there for the same reason: the music. JOIN THE HISTORY What was your first Frantic memory? Did you ever rave at Camden Palace, Bagleys, Escape From Samsara or one of the legendary London all-nighters? Let us know your favourite memories, tunes and moments from the golden era of hard house. Subscribe to Hardhouse History and help preserve the stories, DJs and dancefloors that shaped a generation. #HardhouseHistory #PhilReynolds #Frantic #HardHouse #PaulGlazby #CamdenPalace #UKClubCulture #HardDance #VinylDJ #RaveHistory

In this episode of Hard House History , Paul Glazby sits down with one of the true workhorses of the hard house scene, Sam Townend. From his early days as a wide-eyed clubber listening to Mark EG and M-Zone tapes, through to becoming one of the key figures behind Tidy, Sam shares an honest and fascinating look at the rise, evolution and survival of hard house culture. The conversation dives deep into the golden era of clubbing in Leeds, the madness of Sundissential North, and the unforgettable energy of venues like Europa, Evolution and The Orbit. Sam talks about discovering tracks like Justin Bourne's Drop The Bass and the moment hard house truly clicked for him. Paul and Sam also explore what made the scene so special, the diversity of the crowds, the chaos of the weekend lifestyle, and why hard house still grabs people in a way few genres can. There are brilliant stories throughout about hustling demo tapes, networking in clubs, surviving the scene's decline, and eventually working his way into Tidy itself. Sam opens up about joining Tidy during one of the brand's most challenging periods, taking over after Lee Haslam and trying to guide the label through changing trends and industry uncertainty. It's a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the reality of keeping a legendary brand alive while balancing passion, business and personal ambition. More than anything, this episode is about dedication. Sam Townend represents the people who kept hard house moving long after the mainstream spotlight faded, and his love for the music shines through every minute of this conversation. JOIN THE HISTORY What was your first hard house club experience? Did you ever rave at Sundissential, Trade, Tidy Weekenders or one of the legendary Leeds nights? Drop your memories, favourite tracks and club stories in the comments. Subscribe to Hard House History and help preserve the stories, music and legacy of the scene. #HardhouseHistory #SamTownend #Tidy #HardHouse #PaulGlazby #SundayCentral #ClubCulture #UKRaveScene #DanceMusicPodcast #HardHouseHistoryPodcast

In this episode of Hardhouse History , Paul Glazby sits down with true scene pioneer Rachel Auburn , and what follows is a fascinating journey through the birth of hard house culture in London. Long before hard house had a name, Rachel was immersed in the underground club scene through fashion, art and nightlife. Starting in iconic London clubs like Taboo and Delirium during the mid-80s, she found herself surrounded by legendary figures including Afrika Bambaataa, Judge Jules, Sister Bliss and the infamous Trade crowd. Rachel opens up about how she accidentally fell into DJing while working in fashion design, eventually becoming one of the earliest female DJs to break into the London club circuit. From Heaven and Garage through to Trade, she explains how those clubs shaped her sound and inspired her to start producing records that would eventually become hard house classics. The episode dives deep into tracks like Fee Fi Fo Fum , Machine Man and her collaborations with producers including Paul Masterson and Amo. There are brilliant behind-the-scenes stories about sampling, remix culture, and the early studio process, including how one random vinyl thrown into a crowd became the vocal that launched one of her biggest records. Rachel also reflects on the rise of women in dance music, though she makes it clear she never saw herself as “a female DJ”, just a DJ trying to make the best music possible. It's a refreshing perspective from someone who helped shape an entire era without ever chasing the spotlight. Packed with stories about Trade, Tony De Vit, Tidy Girls, club culture and the evolution of hard house, this is a must-listen episode for anyone who loves the roots of the scene. JOIN THE HISTORY What’s your favourite Rachel Auburn track or remix? Were you there for the Trade era, Heaven, Garage or the early Tidy years? Drop your memories, favourite tracks and stories in the comments. Subscribe to Hardhouse History and help keep the scene's legacy alive. #HardhouseHistory #RachelAuburn #TradeClub #UKHardHouse #TonyDeVit #TidyGirls #RaveCulture #DanceMusicPodcast #ClubCulture #HardHouse