Saturday 7th November sees the UK’s biggest Ibiza Warehouse party and Reunion at Victoria Works Leeds. Before his much anticipated performance in the ‘Judgement Sundays vs Digital Society’ Arena, we caught up with one of the headline acts, Trance legend - Matt Hardwick.


Hey Matt, Hope your well – How has 2009 been for you so far? It’s been a busy 12 months on the DJ front, from what we hear – Any interesting gigs that stand out?

I think that the Mayday gig in Dusseldorf has to be up there. The production was out of this world and I played on a killer lineup with Paul Van Dyk and Jules. Aside from that, the catering was amazing and both myself and my manager each ate for two.


The ‘Kill the Lights’ Label has gone from strength recently, and has had some great releases to date. What do you think has been the key to its success so far? And can we look forward to any upcoming Matt Hardwick material in the near future?

Yes, its blown me away if I’m honest. I was approached by Askew about 18 months ago to put together a label under the Recoverworld umberella as he felt that mine was a sound that was not really covered by the group of labels. We have worked hard at unearthing new talent and the releases to date have been amazing (if I do say so myself). We are launching my own KTL podcast next month and are releasing a “1 year of KTL” compilation in November too (yes, its been a year already). My next release will be a track called “Impossible” which will feature remixes from John O’Callaghan and Ben Gold, both of who are smashing it at the moment.


You’ve been a regular guest at Judgement Sundays @ Eden in Ibiza for many years now (Judgement recently celebrated its 10th year on the White Isle), What do you think sets out JS from the rest when it comes to putting on the biggest parties?

Aside from the lineups, I suppose that Jules heading up the brand is really what sets it aside from the rest. He is such a magnetic character and I think that this rubs off on the JS events. His enthusiam and hard work have been pivotal. He is the hardest working man in dance music - end of, and I think what he has managed to do is re-create in each event the freshness that there was about the scene in the Late 90’s. If you could bottle that, you would be a millionaire…..


You’ve also built a close association with Leeds very own Digital Society – Tell us about the impact of this emerging brand on the UK Trance scene? (Some would say already very much an established one!)

Suffice to say, I am one of Digital Society’s biggest fans. Its been great to see the brand grab the scene by the scruff of the neck and put on a series of killer parties with lineups that showcase the best new and established talent around. I cant wait for DS to put on its first festival (DS Fest anyone??).


So, with this November seeing these two super brands come together for a one-off massive warehouse party with the likes of Jules, Patterson, Tyas and yourself to name but a few on the bill - any words of wisdom for the masses?

Get your tickets early as I don’t want to have to go “cap in hand” to DS on the day grovelling for guest list places when the event has sold out!! Cant wait guys, see you there...


Thanks for your time Matt – roll on November !

Tickets:ticketweb.co.uk