Hidden Core vs Hookd vs Impact Recordings is just over 2 weeks away and this one-off charity event is hotting up to be the talk of the town. With 3 rooms of Hardcore, Hard House and Hard Trance there is something for everyone at this very special night. One of the headlining acts of the Hookd - Hard House Arena - James Nardi took some time out to tell us about 2009, what he’s got planned for 2010, news about his forthcoming album Killer Hurts Recordings Vol 3 and an exclusive Hookd mix!

What did you do for NYE?

As funny as it may sound I actually turned down 3 DJ bookings on NYE & spent it with my family. We
have a young daughter & a boy on the way, so for me family is more important & fun then ever.

When and where did you first play out?

My first proper DJ set was at Heaven in London back in 96 when I was about 17. I was a resident on a pirate radio station called Phoenix FM & the guy who ran the station knew the manager at Heaven & helped get me on there.

Will Frantic remembers you from the days of Savage at Jacks. What was so special about this party?

Haha.. yeah, I’ve known Will for a very long time. We actually met on the dance floor of SW1 Club during the late 90’s whilst Tony De Vit was playing. I remember chatting to him outside afterwards & he said he was planning on starting his own club night soon… a few months later Frantic was born.

Savage was a club I was resident for around 97/98. This was an amazing party where I got to play alongside some of the best DJs/producers from back in the day.. Blu Peter, Baby Doc & SJ, RR Fierce etc.. Savage blossomed around the same time as Frantic & Fevah did in London. They all had a pretty large antipodean crowd & we all know they like a good party. Lol

Tell us about your forthcoming album?

Killer Hurts Recordings Vol3 is set to be a biggy hopefully. This time I’ve gone for 10 tracks rather than the usual 8, so it’s even better value for money. It’s an unmixed DJ friendly CD & features myself hooking up with people such as Superfast Oz, Disturbed (from New Zealand), Tom Basquil, Matt Capitani a remix from Valex & another from Manik (NZ)

I’ve been getting some amazing reactions back from the select few who were sent the promos.

Paul Glazby: “F*ckin Savage!!!”
Justin Bourne: “An absolute monster!”
Ed Real: “Banging Sh*t!!”

How is your label going?

The label is going pretty well considering the general lack in sales across all genres.
I switched from doing 5 years of vinyl to CD with digital downloads a few weeks after the CD release.

I never get too ahead of myself & only want to release new, fresh music that hasn’t been hammered by everyone for a few months first, so most of the tracks on the next release will be new & mostly unheard before. I think the label has quite a distinctive sound & we've managed to keep our fan base over the past few years.

We are coming for Dinner, what's on the menu and will you cook?

Yes, I am the cook of the house & I do a mean chilli with nachos. Next Friday good with you? :)

What has been your best international experience?

I’ve a had a number of amazing tours, but the two that stick in my mind are:

My first time to Australia, I was booked for a warehouse event in Adelaide along with Karim. It was a proper old school underground event in a disused building on an industrial estate. The day after we went to see kangaroos..haha!

2 years ago I played at the Fevah 10th Birthday event in Wellington, New Zealand. This was immense!! Over 1000 people in the main room going nuts to hard house. I’ve made some great friends down there & have a good following, so it’s always a pleasure going back.

Any holidays planned for 2010?

I’ve had to put my 2010 Oz & Nz tour on hold as we are expecting our second child in June & would feel guilty jetting off knowing what I have to leave behind, so maybe at the end of the year I may do something, we’ll see.

Which DJs inspired you to start DJing?

I honestly can’t remember. Back when I was in collage it was something I always wanted to be able to do. When I was submerged in the London hard house scene as a clubber in the Nineties Pete Wardman & TDV became to 2 favourites who I most looked up to.

Can you still mix on Vinyl?

Haha.. yeah I guess I can, but to be honest I haven’t mixed on vinyl for at least 4 years now.

What track never leaves your Box?

SJ – ‘Shiver’ (Ian M remix)

Thanks James, make sure you don’t miss his set on Saturday 13th March in the Hookd Arena at Hidden.

For those who want a sneak preview to the new album check out the free mix from James Nardi here:

James Nardi - Stay Hook'd Mix 2010:
sendspace.com

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