DHD & SPARKLE… THE INTERVIEW!!
(by Lyrical Groover MC)

Right then ravers. I’ve taken a little time out on behalf of the mighty EPIDEMIK to interview two artists who are performing back to back together at the next event… this Saturday the 7th of November @ Area, Vauxhall
Without further delay let’s just get straight down to business… with the Squad!

Shalom DHD…
"Shalom my holy lyrical brother, bible blessings with lashings of Holer."

Konnichiwa Sparkle…
"Konnichiwa Lyrical-san"

You guys are both known as individual artists, but are also becoming all the more noted for your group the HARDCORE HIT SQUAD. Tell the readers a little background info on the Squad, who the members are, and what speciality each person brings to the table when performing under the Hardcore Hit Squad banner.

DHD: " The Hardcore Hit Squad was formed purely out of accidental love. (Like the BEST things in life!)- I first met Mr S and Aki (retired..) when out at one of my first History Of Hardcore events at Jaxx, with Amy! We were introduced by the legenary pair Littlelegs & BLucky – Bless x. We all had a great laugh and generally hit right off from then on.. I can’t remember how but after having a few chats with Mr Sparkle we met up at one of my new found residencies of the time: Lost In Luton- a nice little do run by Sir Martin Rise. It was at one of these events that whilst at the bar sampling the local Luton Wrong Bow that Mr S suggested that D.H.D should do a set with himself. I initially thought yeeah - bouy – that’s a top idea! And it literally roller coastered from then on! "

" JUST after we had spoke about this (back in the good ol days of Happy Nation Radio being the leaders in net radio- which you remember well too...!);) Mixman phoned me up asking if I wanted to do a guest show on a Thursday after Ruff Trix.. Sadly I had no resources so then I immediately belled up Mr S and it was set as a date..! I was on the train faster than a rat to a packet of crisps..Vinyl all the way and our first show we pulled in over 100 listeners!!! We instantly found out that we clicked as a D.J / MC team! And vice verser (As Mr S is a top host on the mic too!);) It wasn’t until our 2nd show and my journey on the train from Hitchin when I was formulating new rhymes for the set, that it came into my head – “Everybody head nod- nod to the Hit Squad” – “The Hardcore Hit Squad”... That show which we also pulled in over 90 listeners I started to shout it out loud – and the chat room responded and from then on it was born! "

" We then spoke about how we both wanted to help more people in the scene as we both had tried So hard to get responses from promoters etc but no one listens.. After the group on D.S.I we soon met: Sonik & Speed. Two dynamic D.J’s that have it ALL to offer on the decks. They formed a partnership with Sparkle for a while but soon went off to do their own thing leaving Sonik with us. (BREAKING NEWS – and this is EXCLUSIVE TRUST ME!) I have heard from a very reliable source that Sonik & Speed may be getting back together sometime soon so: WATCH THIS SPACE...! "

" After this and I can’t remember how or where – Mr S will have to fill you in on this one! The mighty Greg Peaks joined us, guested on H.N – totally blew our minds on the decks and became a mod of the D.S.I group! "
" Alexxxxx Rave Machine it was just right that he be a mod – and the same with Spikey nut nut lol! – Basically in my eyes for very different HARDCORE reasons: BOTH Raving hardcore legends! This was all in around erm late 2006 – 2007...It’s a bit hazy to be honest bro.." ;)

" Seany Tee was our first MC to be part of what we do! Again I met him at Lost in Luton, he’s a talent if there ever was one – a blinding MC and nowadays he can make a good track in the studio and mix like no other hardcore brother....TRUST ME! "

" At one of the Happy Nation events then held at Club Life, I finished a set and when stepping off the stage I was met with a guy giving me a C.D.. I was like cheers bro! ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ was on, I thought FUCK this shit! I put the C.D on and had a nice surprise thinking it would be a mix C.D – It turned out to be a compilation of unmixed tracks by none other than D.J Prospect... Each one holding a unique sound and something totally different – ‘Sunshine on My Shoulders’ came on and that was it! – Blown away wasn’t the word bro!!! – I was on the moon man! After calling Sparkle and telling him plus playing it down the phone, I called Prospect and basically told him how it was! It goes without saying as every day - he just gets stronger and stronger in ALL hardcore parameters, the guys going all the way and one day will own part of the hardcore TOP! All my current tunes have been by him and I’m proud of all of them. DEEP respect. "

" Dave Pinnacle has joined us recently – and believe it or not we were friends with him at Lost in Luton too!!!! Dave is outstanding both on the turntables and likewise in the studio! Yet again, with a totally unique sound to his production. If you hear a track by: Peaks, Pinnacle & Prospect it’s nothing short of detrimental! ; ) We have recently had Buzzman join us too! This is exciting stuff for us! One of London’s and Eruption F.M’s finest hardcore selectors he is well and truly part of the Squad! – POW! "

How long have you been performing individually, and how long have you known each other? And is there any truth to the rumours that you are somehow related through a link with an internet bride?

DHD: " Sorry I answered allot of this in the above question! Lol – I have been MCing since 1994 when I first ever got into the music. . .I began mixing on the decks in 1997... I THINK it was either late 2006 or somewhere in 2007 when I first met Mr Sparkle...It’s a bit hazy to be honest mate – too many free beers! Ahh – I think that we are most defiantly related but no it was neither of us with the internet bride...." ;);) *jokes!

Sparkle, although your artists name is a tad feminine for a dude, the style of Hardcore you play could no way in the least be categorised as ‘Girlcore’ Describe your sound and the direction you want to push your sets in the future.

" For me, its all about the 'London Town Hardcore Sound' which embraces everything from the breakbeat piano era of Kniteforce Records and Vibes & Wishdokta...

to the cutting edge upfront vibes from the likes of Ruff Trixx, Raw Elements, Rikka Jam, DJ Prospect & Pinnacle etc. (too many to mention).

I was born and raised in London and my first rave was Laberynth Dalston Lane, with Billy Bunter and Jimmy J playing week in week out. My mate who first took me to Laberynth, Japanese hardcore DJ Pink Elephant, introduced me to DJ Uraken who pioneered the first monthly hardcore rave in Tokyo, the legendary Hardcore Kitchen. Till then I didnt even know that hardcore existed in Japan and that was the start of the Japanese hardcore connection. I started buying Japanese hardcore vinyl in 2003 (there wasnt much of it about tbh), but it wasnt until last year when I got cdjs, that I came across loads of upfront J-Core choonage ready to drop in my sets. J-Core ranges from vocal pop-core, breakbeat to gabba and 200bpm+ speedcore. This wide range of styles suits me as a DJ and when mixed in with the London Town Hardcore Sound, it allows me to offer something a little bit different for the raver. "

DHD, if I’ve got the Tom Sauce, you’ve got the Soy Sauce… then what has Sparkle got? ;-p
Simples... ; )

Now DHD you come from a Jewish origin, and Sparkle you come from an Asian origin. What influences, if any, do you guys bring from your culture in to your sets when performing?

DHD: " What a GOOD question! – Well I certainly bring a defiant flair to my sets!!! ;) I’m not sure if that’s the Jewish in me or just being a HUGE Vibes fan!?? ;);) OIOI!!! Lol I try and keep my D.J sets happy and rushing as possible, now with the invention of C.DJ’s it’s all about the new and exclusives which I seem to have MORE of than when I was playing totally vinyl.. I would like to say Epidemik will bear witness to this when I step up!... (With FULL on Jewish flair!) "

SPKL: " Japanese hospitality and a couple of choice J-Core cuts for that oriental flava. "

Sparkle, if Kim & Aggie from ‘How Clean Is Your House’ came round to do a show at your flat. at a rating from 1 to 10, what do you think they would give you after removing their shoes at the bottom of the stairs and entering your lair?

" Firstly, thank you for respecting the ancient Japanese tradition of taking shoes off.
I should score high in the studio as long as I dont clang, but the bathroom... thats another matter. "

DHD, we all know you’re London and proud (we’ve seen you wearing enough t-shirts emblazoned across the front). If you were by some freak chance to become the Mayor of our great capital. What sort of measures would you put in to place to help boost the London club scene?

" Hahahaha - For starters I would lower drinks prices in the majority of clubs in London… I’d get an army of midgets to cater for all the bottle top openings…. And put into action part of the message that Sparkle’s new tune sends out - but you’ll have to wait until you hear it to know what I’m banging on about ; )
I’d legalise balloons again, (but then again it is fun doing them on the sly at certain events wa!) I’d probably end up giving away free drinks too, but hey it’s all in the name of fun!!!!!!!
And for a laugh I’d ban a few people who I’m not keen on lol as I’d view them as: Hazardous to a good clubbers rush! ;) I’d also build a purpose built warehouse place you know like the Sanctuary (rip) and get some top nights running with a nice mix of sounds! Wahey - can I be mayor for year???? Hahaha!
Oh and out of the budget - it would be low entry and everyone still gets paid! - HAPPY DAYS! " ;) CHEAPER - NOW!....

Sparkle, after the rave scene. What’s next for you?

" Weddings, birthdays and Bar Mitzvahs. I'm gonna put an ad in the local paper: 'Give your party a SPARKLe! Mobile Disco Hire' - Thats where the moneys at ;) "

DHD, as an all rounder (DHD is known as an MC, a DJ, a writer and is even becoming recognised as a producer). Who are the people on the scene right now who are inspirational to you?

" Right another top question bro, ALWAYS:D.J Vibes - he’s an inspiration as he STILL plays impeccable sets from A1 track selection to blasting tracks of diversity that represent the times of what we are up to now, in terms of hardcore, and he has been doing this musically since day 1. And as he says - ‘If you Don’t Give it a go’ … Ha! Enuff said! “

“From an MC perspective it’s a whole different microphone;) - I’m not just saying it but: your good godly self! Lmao - nah seriously you’re a holy testament to us all bruv, endurance, delivery and crowed hosting - and you know I’ve seen you in some lyrical situations and you always hold it down pound for pound! - I have been following more of the new age MC’s for the first time this year, and it has to go to Enemy. I have seen the guy perform several shows and each & every has been flawless. "
" What I’m trying to say here is he has it down to a T. And in terms of progression for my self I have learnt loads on the basis of working in front of a live crowed!!! In this bracket I also include Joey Riot - Lethal Theory as when him and Enemy performed at Livin Hardcore - they took the roof off the place and it was a perfect set in my eyes. The interaction between D.J & MC - plus they have a laugh, whilst having a laugh with the crowed too! - Is'nt that just waht it's about!?

"I can’t mention ,many others as I don’t listen to many as I like to remain fresh for my own sets if that makes sense -though saying this: CUZEN - MC (work on the regular with the mighty MIDJE)is an MC that I can actually sit down and listen to hours of a set with him MCing too… His style and flow is unique and well I reckon all you need to do is tune into Krafty Radio on Wednesday from 8.00pm onwards and you’ll see: ‘Lyrics that are infectious, and are spreading round like swine flu’ …."

" I have also started working on a back to back tip with MC Woody! - This is just a different level, we have great fun and it just seems to bounce in front of a crowed!!! There’s a few drum & bass MC's on Force F.M a local station over here, the MCing style -yet again- has changed SO much - and I’m hearing grime style lyrics over D & B - but it works so why not!?? ;) Prospect gives me loads of boosting up, and health musical influence and so does Greg Peaks - Greg is exceptionaly good with good hard honest feed back, this all helps with my timing in rhymes etc and again and also loads with my live style performances. I’m still listening to loads of old skool too, a Herlter Skelter recording trust it's a POW..., D.J Scottie he's put together an amazzzing old skool mix- '89'- '92' this will be launched on line shortly so keep in tune crew ! It’s endless maan - as I am a predominantly upfront hardcore MC it’s just keeping cool with my flow to the styles of the times. You your self have always helped - and I do have to personaly thank for my interview style & new tecnique here on line.. - bless” x

" MC Thunder is another new MC that is slowly coming forward. I recently listened to a demo or two from him. He's already played B2T, we've been talking since he first started out a couple of years ago. I'm hoping that it will only be a matter of time until I can sort him out a few bookings with us. His style is good as is his flow - he has bags of potential and sounds confident too"

" D.J Distortion (Ballistic Beats!!!) ALWAYS mate! This guy has helped and influenced me more than many people actually know... He was the first to point out ways about my MCing technique, who then introduced me to the mighty MC Mayhem - (who is another TOP draw lyric master -pow 2 ya brother!!) And well really after a few chats with Distortion that it was when I really stepped up in the scene. - DEEP respect bro. I also have to add: D.J Distortion is one of the MOST HARDCORE people that I KNOW!!! - And that's saying some thing!"

" Lady Brock has to get a mention too- she mixes Dub Step into Harcore, enuff said. There really are soo many people who influence me in many ways!- I do strongly belive that I am my biggest influence, in regards to drive asnd determination - it's all ravin garvey baby!"

Same question to you Sparkle. As a DJ and a producer, who are the people on the scene right now who are inspirational to you?

" My crew are inspirational to me.

First off, Greg Peaks is simply an amazing DJ. The BEST.
DJ Pinnacle's productions are just pure quality, and his recent signings to Thin'n'Crispy and Rebuild Music among others is testament to that.
DJ Sonik with a K is rock solid on the decks and mixing with these guys has helped improved me as a dj no end.
Seany Tee is also one of my fave mcs when he makes one of his rare appearances to the studio, but he's also a shit-hot DJ and producer, and over the past couple of years has come up with some exclusive killer cuts which do not leave my cd case.
Our newest member, DJ Buzzman (Eruption FM) who also used to play on Dream FM back in the day is a proper oldskool mix'n'blend DJ with that essential happy hardcore selection. He got the choons maan!
DJ Prospect, to me is a big part of the future of UK Hardcore. Above all he's got the right attitude to take him to the top and is one of the most exciting new artists in the scene.
The man like DHD, not just with his lyrical gift and writing skills, but also as a DJ and producer is inspirational, time and again. He is the reason why we are all here together, as one crew.

Outside of my crew, if I had to pick my fave DJ, it has to be Vibes too.
Also deep respect goes to another artist representing London (well, Essex... more specifically, Harlow), thats the Rizla Dizla and the Ruff Trixx Crew. Rizla gave me the opportunity to cover his show on Eruption FM last year which led to a regular slot on one of London's most respected FM pirates. To me Rizla is the great all-round playa, mc, dj, and the perfect radio host!
Catch Rizla's show every Sunday @ 6 on Eruption 101.3fm, and stay locked for Sc@r & Ulift straight after ;) It's a London ting "

Sticking with the London scene, Rikka Jam also deserves a mention. Tentun and Dangerous from the Rikka Jam crew describe it as, 'Happy Hardcore for the 2009ers'
Breakbeats, piano, vocals, cheeky samples... reggae ! I'm lovin this label at the mo. "

We have already established that you regularly perform together, as well as individually. What is it about you two mixing together that really seems to click? (other than DHDs jaw when he’s on a ‘mission’)

DHD: " That jaw just doesn’t stop - does it! ? ;) I’d say defiantly our styles of hardcore & music that we play, and above all we hold the same values and beliefs about the scene too. What Mr Sparkle holds on the turn tables is strictly untold. He is at a level where he is slowly adapting what he does in the studio and on his radio sets to playing out live - it’s all good and just getting stronger!
We can be playing a set and I can keep it generally happy, he steps up and will KEEP it happy - if say for instance Mr Sparkle decided to switch a D & B track in - it would be at the right time, we just bounce off each other and this makes it cool in the skool. " :D
(There goes my jaw again…)

Sparkle, if there was no Hardcore music in the world. What sort of music do you think would then be your first love?

" Jazz. I'm a big Miles Davis fan. "

DHD, where do you wanna see yourself in say 2 years time?

“ Ahh.. Two years time. Once again I find my self sitting here thinking intently lol.. Nope that’s just lack of food at 6.00am ;) I have to big up: once again to the Billy Daniel Bunter! Simply as you MUST READ his interview… The question where I ask him about what advice he would give to some one wanting to advance within the scene - this answer is the answer.
This year (once again) I have had SO much B.S it really is unbelievably UNREAL! So on Bill’s advice and I DO take it… I’d say: Still MCing (at an even BETTER level) - If that’s possible… Having my new digital labels flourish some what and their releases making ravers, artists and everyone happy! Some tunes released on recognised labels- Can You Feel It for starters… Maybe to even have an event of some sorts on the go too.. To most defiantly be happily engaged to Amy : ) To have my finances sorted out once and for all. To still be happy in what I am doing musically! - HAPPY DAYS! ” ;)

Sparkle, legend has it that on each and every leap year, you go on a pilgrimage to a mystical fountain of youth. Where you dance naked and cavort with demons from hell in a ritual which lasts for several hours to obtain everlasting youth. Is it true that you are in actual fact old enough to be a Granddad? Granddad…..

" This is all true. Do you want a Werthers Original ? "

DHD, do you wish some of Sparkles youthful looks would rub off on you, or would you rather save that for an interview with the Gay Times?

“ It seems to be a plain fact that by looking at photo’s from when I first started MCing to NOW, that I am clearly getting younger, so sadly I don’t need any of Sparkles youthful looks.
As for the Gay Times - they have approached me several times now (as allot of my bookings are in the Vauxhall region) but sadly I have been busy working on a new act for my part time hobby as an usher & choreographer in a midget flea cinema & circus, it’s a bit pushed for space but the ice cream is FANTASTIC. ”

So guys, in your own words, what is it you feel that makes Epidemik stand out amongst the many events that go on up and down our beloved country?

DHD: “ Without a doubt for me it’s the PERFECT blend of music across the board. ANY ONE trying to fault it can simply fuck off. Even if I wasn’t playing there I’d go to rave. The crowd are the BEST, every one is happy all night long the vibe is good - I think as it has retained it’s unique vibe from yester year which is very important these days. Allot of the events seem to shy away from this due to one thing and another, but Epidemik maintains that level which is remarkable in it’s self.
- I mean RED ONE & SHIMON…..MC SHABBA….ROSALLA….You look at the last one - Skibba was there with a set and a Live P.A’s to blow ANY ONES MIND! - Billy Daniel Bunter & Twista- with a dance show of some of London’s finest which was the BEST that I have personally seen to date!… We can then go back to the Ministry days when I first got recruited (BLESS to D.J Upfront..) and it was happening then too- and way back!!!! - It’s always been electric in the musical sense. Big up Grant (The guvvnar!) & Epidemik H.Q Spuddy & Pauly & Mr S, Bashy - Wiked T.V - every one that does this it’s top draw for your musical floor maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan ! -POW! Lol ”

SPKL: " Basically what he said !
14 years in the rave game and stronger than ever. Nuff sed. "

What time are you guys performing in the Hardcore arena at Epidemik and is there anything the ravers should be keeping an ear out for in particular during your set?

DHD: “ You know the score - even if we DID know our set time, we cannot reveal that information….;) Just stick around and you will see us step up and play some of the finest hardcore form past to present with a London Town twist…;);) POW! ”

SPKL " its gonna be all about the London Town Hardcore Sound ! "

Guys it has been great talking to you. But it’s time for me to wrap this up…. Time is of the essence. Do you have any final words for the ravers of Epidemik?

DHD: “ Yeah - bring ya horns & whistles - standard but DON’T forget ya lighters, let them shine !
And:

It’s Epidemik - it’s too good to miss, add it on your internet - favourites - top of the list, everybody jump up, guaranteed to bubble & twist, time to buy a double drink - you know you cant resist, from the house, old skool to hardcore, it’s strictly specialist, so with a happy smile upon your face, it’s time to spread the word & represent with fancy dress THIS!!!!!!!! ”

SPKL " RAVE ON! "

So there you go ravers. That was a little look in to the lives of two of Londons most exciting perfomers. All that is left for me to say now is this……

“Remember, remember the 7th of November…."

Peace, love and off licences… Lyrical Groover MC
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