The inimitable Karim has successfully carved out his own niche in the hardcore underworld of dance music for more than a decade and a half.

The Extreme Machine is a relentless promoter of his passionately held musical beliefs, and he has been championed throughout his career by everyone from the late, great Tony de Vit to Paul Glazby.

As uncompromising as the name of his record label Do Not Bend suggests, the far-sighted Karim has relentlessly pioneered his own exceptional style which has been often copied but never equalled.

The French native of Moroccan origin has amassed a cult-like following of staunch supporters for his ability to push peak-time dancefloor disorder to its most anarchic and enjoyable.

Karim sets are unwavering: nasty and filthy pleasure trips of unique music more often than not created or re-created exclusively for his masterfully moulded mesh.

No tune is safe from being Karimified: from Michael Jackson's Billie Jean to Joe Inferno's Tribal Church, the list of anthems freshly remodelled for the ace's club excursions is endless.

As a producer and remixer, the fierce funkster is responsible for more than 250 forays into turbo-charged pandemonium including seminal hard house hits such as Don't Fuck With Me, Cheap Rent, No Women Allowed, You Have Control and Clean & Heavy.

What's most admirable about his staying power is the fact that this lengthy career has been carved out chiefly through his own three independent powerhouses: Tuff Trax, Unfknblvbl and the aforementioned Do Not Bend.

A true clubbers' DJ with an innate sense of what works on a hardened dancefloor, Karim's a party animal at heart, a larger-than-life character born to take centre-stage.

In 2007, the hard-NRG hero has taken his brand of intense raw filth to Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, and added SNAT and Insekt to his British residencies.

His long-term pole position at London's premier after-hours party Twist is running at five years and counting. Few turntable technicians can surpass such consistency.

But consistency has always been a crucial component in Karim's constant progression, and with the launch of an eagerly-anticipated album of rarities 'Unreleased Projects Volume 2' and a new digital label towards the end of 2007, he will show that he is a more formidable force than ever.

Well Karim this is your 3rd time now at Hi Oktane. You were there at the very 1st one back in Oct last year, can’t believe it’s been a year already!

1. So are you looking forward to the Big 1 on November 21st?

Definitely, Hi Oktane is one of my favourite parties in the country, so I can't wait to play there again.

2. What have you got in store for us Karim fans. I know you have been busy in the studio recently, any new gems to unleash on the night?

This year has been amazing, I never produced as many records ever. I've been on fire literally ! lol

3. What do you think of the line up we have install, do you think we have picked the right guys to throw the perfect 1st birthday party?

The thing with the team at Hi Oktane, you're always very consistent with your line ups. The line up for the birthday party seems incredible. Well done.

4. Karim we all know that you have your own unique style, it’s completely different from anyone in the hard house scene. Try and some up your style in 3 words?

Tough, Funky, Relentless

5. Are there any other artists you are looking forward seeing play on the night?

I have known Brow for years and still haven't managed to listen to a set of his properly, so this should be interesting. Besides that, with such a line up the music is going to be quality from start to finish, all the djs involved are wicked.

6. This 1 is for me :0) are you going to be digging out any Karim classics on the night, if so have you got any in mind?

Every gig I go to , I always bring 6/8 hours of music with me, even though I sometimes play just an hour. I enjoy dropping an old classic in my set, and people seem to love it too. So yes, I will definitely drop one....not sure which one though

7. If there was 1 DJ you personally would like to see on a future Hi Oktane line up whom would that DJ be?

Hi Oktane has seen the best djs playing for their parties, just carry on doing the good work Adam.

8. Finally, I’m very happy to have you back to celebrate our Birthday, is there anything that we can have waiting for you on the night to make it that little bit more special for yourself?

As long as the sound system is good and the clubbers are having it, I'm happy as Larry!

Cheers Karim, we look forward to seeing you on Friday

Adam M

dj-karim.com
profile.myspace.com