Home News What's On Annual Poll Photos Forums DJs Features Music Venues Reviews Links

Features Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! N-Kore talks Jean-Michel Jarre, unfinished tracks and fatherhood! Celebrating International Women’s Day and Ten Years of Psy-Sisters with Amaluna A Catch Up with John Phantasm ahead of his upcoming set at the Tribal Village 4 Day Outdoor Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! 'The Maestro that is Tristan talks barn owls, Shazamming and keeping it Psychedelic ahead of his upcoming performance at the Tribal Village 4 Day Event in Kent 6-9 May 2022! DJ talk with Psyrenzo ahead of his debut set at Tribal Village, the Steelyard this Friday 14th January 2022! TENZO aka Overdrive talks freely about launching his new act which will be showcased at Tribal Village, Steelyard on 14 January 2022! A long overdue catch up with JourneyOM ahead of his next Tribal Village party this Friday 14th January 2022 at the Steelyard, London! Goa based party animal and artist extraordinaire Nirmal talks punk concerts, metal sculptures, flying and rippin' it up on a High Tide! DJ Wired talks to us about the Rise of the Hope and parties, ahead of his upcoming set at Tribal Village on 14th January 2022!

The Berettas Do It Better! Reported by Harderfaster / Submitted 12-11-08 22:00 Having established themselves back in their home country of South Africa, dynamic duo The Berettas made the move to the UK. Joining up with the HF Ibiza trip this summer to try their hand at winning the DJ competition, not surprisingly due to their great ability, they won and now we bring you an in depth interview with the two ahead of their headlining slot at Thirsty Thursdays early next year! You won the HF Ibiza DJ Comp. How does it feel to have such great prizes ahead of you for 2009? Adrian: Really excited. The prizes are massive! Not only is there a really good excuse to head back to Ibiza next, but we also have a warm up slot at Koko for Heat to look forward to. When we came here on holiday a few years back we went to Clockwork Orange at the then Camden Palace and really loved the venue. So it's been on the "DJ set to-do list" ever since! AND the best bit. we get to headline a Thirsty Thursdays! Ash: Oh my word, when we found out that we had won I could not believe it! My heart was beating so fast that I thought I was going to faint! You probably remember that Adam!? This is such a great opportunity for us. So yes, we're definitely looking forward to our prizes! Can't wait to go back to Ibiza and not to mention playing at Koko! We'd both just like to say huge thank you to Harderfaster for the opportunity. What can we expect from your headlining slot at TT early next year? Adrian: Probably much of the same as at the competition... a bit of house.. some electro. Mmm maybe we'll dirty it up a little more though! We couldn't haul out any of the tougher stuff at Kanya could we? Ash: Dirty it is. People will just have to come and see us in action and why we won this competition. What kind of planning went into the mix that you did for the comp? Adrian: Haha. It's actually quite funny. We definitely planned our set in terms of knowing which key tracks to play at certain times, but we left slots for spur of the moment type stuff. When we ran through the set at home there were certain tracks I played so that I could do some scratches or samples. But Ash ended up playing those! Ash: Yeah, half way through our Kanya set I said to Adrian, "you were meant to mix this tune weren't you?!" We were having such a good time we didn't notice. There's always a bit of planning that goes into our sets and often this causes the most arguments between us! There'll always be certain tracks that we each want to play. But it's all a laugh though. We like to know before hand how our set will progress, but leave gaps in case we need to head off in a specific direction. What was it like for you playing at the Kanya Beach Bar? Adrian: Can't describe it really. It's been a dream to play out there. We were both just trying to savour each moment. Hopefully there'll be more opportunities in the future to play out there again. The view from the DJ booth has got to be one of the best in the world though. Ash: It has been one of my dreams to play in Ibiza. I always said that if I played out there I would have fulfilled my dream and could stop DJing! But I love DJing too much to stop though so that's never going to happen. Playing at Kanya not only was a dream come true, but as Adrian said the view from the DJ booth is out of this world! The entire day was just so cool though. And the other DJs; the two Matts, Adam and Miles all played wicked sets as well. You were pretty well established back in Cape Town, tell us a little of your time out there and how you got to that position? Adrian: Well I was pretty lucky to get into DJing when the so called rave scene was growing. It was still hard work though because even back then there were so many DJs. At its peak, Cape Town was supporting four or five rave clubs and I was lucky enough to play at them all. The Gallery, Studio47, 96Degrees, Dockside, Pure; these clubs may be familiar to some. This led to residencies with top production companies and meant I got to play alongside top international DJs when they toured SA. Ash: Adrian was DJing for a few years before I started and always wanted to teach me. At first I wasn't really interested, but eventually I said yes and have never looked back! My first set was a solo set for a New Year's Eve Party in 2000. So nerve racking! A year or so after that we started playing back to back all the time and that worked really well. The crowd loved our energy and soon there weren't many events where we weren't on the line up. We had the opportunity to play alongside some of the best DJs around; Lisa Lashes, Anne Savage, Fergie, Mauro Picotto, Paul Glazby, Cosmic Gate, Eddie Halliwell and many more. What are your best memories from playing back home? Adrian: There are so many. Cape Town really has an up for it crowd. Some highlights though; Opening for Mauro Picotto. Touring with a then up 'n coming DJ superstar. Eddie Halliwell. Most New Year's Eve parties were massive too. Getting to know Spencer Freeland and Marc French when they were out there was also a treat. Ash: The best would have to be when I supported Rachel Auburn. I played to a packed club and everyone was just loving it! Another was when Adrian and I played a remix of Sweet Dreams and the entire dancefloor sang along going crazy - a la pop concert - goose bumps! But then there were also some really small venues that we played at, or even house parties that awesome. What made you relocate to the UK and how have you found it here so far? Adrian: We both reached a level where, although we loved Cape Town and its scene, we felt we needed to see if we could take it to the next level. And what better proving ground than the UK. We were also always interested in starting up a label and it just made sense to be here. It's been really tough though. We've basically had to start at the bottom again because no one knows us here. Having said that we're always bumping into Saffas wanting to know where and when we're playing here. Ash: This may sound corny, but this is so true. We came to the UK to live our dream and our passion for music and DJing. It was tough leaving friends and family back home, but we needed to see if we were good enough to make something for ourselves here. Just being in London won't necessarily mean it's easier to make it, so we prepared ourselves for a bit of a slog. Like Adrian says, we have had to start at the bottom, but we are fighting our way to the top! Watch this space! What do you think when you compare the UK clubbing experience with the South African clubbing experience? Adrian: Everything's just on a larger scale. Even with the so-called down sizing in clubland here, it is still much bigger than back home. We're also spoilt for choice here. Back home you'd probably have an international DJ around four or five times a year. Having said that though South Africa is an awesome destination for a holiday and to fit in some clubbing as well. Of course I'm a little biased when it comes to Cape Town, but there are some really great venues in Johannesburg and Durban as well. Ash: The scene in SA isn't as diverse as here, but the people are always so up for it. In the UK everything is so much bigger in terms of production, venues, crowds! Cape Town is brilliant in summer though. You can party all night and then head off to the beach to sleep off the hangover! Cape Town has a massive outdoor psy trance scene, so in a way you can find some things out there that you can't get here. You are married to each other, how do you find this affects the DJ dynamic? Adrian: It just works for us. We have similar music tastes most times! We also compete with each other in a good way though. We're always trying to out play each other. We're our own harshest critics though. We're basically extremely lucky that we're both into DJing and share a passion for it. Ash: It is so true. We are always trying to out play each other! I usually win, but when Adrian starts to scratch I am out! We have such a close relationship (even after 10 years together) that we just know how to work well together. We have always had similar taste in music and we feed off of each other's energy. What got you both together? Adrian: I'll let Ash explain. I might forget a detail or two! Ash: My good looks and Adrian's charm! Haha, we actually knew each other for about two years before we starting dating. We met through Adrian's cousin in a club funnily enough! You play a wide range of musical styles, why is that and what is your favourite style overall? Adrian: We've always been torn between the harder stuff and house. Back home we were known for hard dance. But we would always just buy music we really liked, whether it be hard dance, trance or house. Since moving here we've made a conscious effort to clearly separate the two; so it's The Berettas for house / electro and Ash vs AdrianB for tech-trance / hard trance. I'd say I gravitate more towards electro though. Ash: My first love is hard dance, but in this industry you have to be versatile. We just LOVE music, what else can we say! You are also getting together some smooth tracks yourself. What has pushed you into the arena of production? Adrian: I grew up playing in bands. Even made a cheesy music video or two in my time! When I got into DJing I sold all my keyboards and gear to buy decks and vinyl! Then after a few years of DJing I wanted to get back into production. By that time technology had moved on so much it was a case of starting all over again. There's just so much to learn! I think I had worked on one of the first versions of Cubase, so soft synths, plug ins etc weren't around in my band days. We're just having fun with the productions at the moment, trying out different stuff. Who knows we may hit onto something big! Ash: The production is all Adrian. I only add a few suggestions here and there which usually work, haha! You call yourself "Positive role models for many clubbers." What is it about yourselves and your act that is so positive? Adrian: We found that back home we were kind of in the spotlight. Hard to believe I know! It was quite weird walking around a mall and having clubbers come up to you and on a few occasions actually having to sign autographs! We were very conscious of the fact that some people could actually look up to us, so we always tried to portray a positive image and promote a balanced lifestyle that included clubbing. Ash: We were always approachable and took the time to speak to clubbers and up and coming DJ's. We always tried to be professional because back home we were regularly in the spot light. We ran a website for about 3 years that eventually became a bit of a platform for local DJs' and clubbers' issues. We also tried to give a little back and gave lessons, advice etc. It's the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, do you have anything special lined up for it? Adrian: It's an exciting time for SA. We're really rooting for the powers that be to pull it off. We'll probably go home for tournament and perhaps even support England for a game or two! There's bound to be massive parties going on around that time as well, and it would be great to get involved. Perhaps a HF tour?? Ash: Just for the record. it's soccer! Watch out for The Berettas at Thirsty Thursdays in 2009! Photos courtesy of The Berettas. Not to be reproduced without permission. Share this :: : : : Follow HarderFaster :: Other Features By Harderfaster: HarderFaster Awards 2016 - The results are in! HarderFaster Awards 2014 - The results are in! Lashes, Dimples and the Brighton Music Conference HarderFaster Awards 2013 - The results are in! HarderFaster Awards 2012 - The results are in! The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable. Comments: From: Stephan Hoffman on 13th Nov 2008 13:47.46 Hey Guys. Very cool interview! Good luck with the up comming gigs. Keep it going:> From: AdrianB on 14th Nov 2008 11:50.41 Thanks Stephan. Big thanks to the HF crew as well! From: Barry Cooke on 15th Nov 2008 18:25.32 Awesome interview guys... Good luck with things to come. From: Pathfinder on 16th Nov 2008 21:08.29 Good luck you two. See you soon xx From: AdrianB on 17th Nov 2008 12:38.37 thanks everyone! From: Just Badger! on 17th Nov 2008 22:07.32 You guys rocked it out there it was good to be playin against ya as it were :-) From: capeclubber14 on 19th Nov 2008 10:26.30 This is rubbish..... You guys can't go and tell people what the South African scene is like when you have been gone all these years!! the scene has changed big time since you guys left!! the people who you left trampled have been rebuilding it! As for being good samaritans in cape town and being "looked up to" goes.....you guys were rude and arrogant all the time..... i know a guy who was just starting out to DJ , an up and comer and adrian made a total idiot out of him right in front of Lee Haslam!!! AND another guy who started out djing who really looked up to you guys wanted to talk to you and you guys totally ignored him and made him feel like an idiot too..... WHO DOES THAT????? does that deserve autographs and interviews??? i dont think so! those people you left in your dust just to stay on top are the ones that are on top now, with NO THANKS to you..so we thank you for your support guys!! keep rocking....you will go far with that attitude..... From: AdrianB on 19th Nov 2008 10:33.58 ha ha ha... capeclubber... that just made my morning! Come say hi to us when we're back in december... we'll ignore you! From: capeclubber14 on 19th Nov 2008 11:02.43 and you do it again...really mature.... and you need a reality check about having to give out autographs like ur a celeb here in cape town!! you weren't at all , nobody in cape town not even the big boys like Gavin Fitchie had it like that so wat makes you think you guys did?? do you think we are that clueless here??? From: DJ Ash on 19th Nov 2008 12:28.16 We must have made such an impact on your life, so much so that you have found it necessary to take the time and write lies about who we are and what we stand for. People who know us will know that we are not at all like you have described. Perhaps you should come and speak with us when we are back home in Dec (playing at Liquid for NYE) so that you can find out for yourself what we are like. Ash From: Ashley James on 25th Nov 2008 16:56.06 From: Wezley_J on 25th Nov 2008 20:37.46 Well, Well, Well...... Seems like old habbits die hard. For someone that is claiming that this is all a bunch of poppycock, your attitude certainly conveys a very different message. To be honest adrian, you are not helping your cause here mate. Instead of defending your position, why dont you eat some humble pie and try to address the problem, even if it is just a matter of perception, let me ask you something.... what are you doing to change this perception? From: capeclubber14 on 27th Nov 2008 08:03.09 @ Ash - why would you just say i'm lying..is that to protect this amazing image you are trying to create for yourself. Do you really think you are that important that anybody would try to track you down and poke fun at you??? A friend mailed this to me saying "look at this JOKE" because he knows you as well!!! @ adrian....listen to wesley.....look at your attitude and your comment back at me.....that merely proves my point!!!! i will be at liquid NYE but it wont be for you...it will be to support the new leaders of the scene, the guys that you will be WARMING UP for!! the guys that you trampled to try to get to the top, which obviously didn't work...... From: capeclubber14 on 27th Nov 2008 08:11.05 @ Ash - why would you just say i'm lying..is that to protect this amazing image you are trying to create for yourself. Do you really think you are that important that anybody would try to track you down and poke fun at you??? A friend mailed this to me saying "look at this JOKE" because he knows you as well!!! @ adrian....listen to wesley.....look at your attitude and your comment back at me.....that merely proves my point!!!! i will be at liquid NYE but it wont be for you...it will be to support the new leaders of the scene, the guys that you will be WARMING UP for!! the guys that you trampled to try to get to the top, which obviously didn't work...... From: AdrianB on 27th Nov 2008 13:37.36 @ CC... I sent you a pm a while ago to sort this out because you really do have a misguided view of us. But seeing as you haven't responded and are hiding behind an alias I have no choice but to have our last word on this issue in public… Firstly, my initial response was levelled as such (I was being facetious) because I thought that this couldn't be serious. Clearly you are. Secondly, I'm not sure where you got this Lee Haslam incident from. I've never spoken to him in my life, so I'm not sure what it is you think I did. Either you are mistaken, or this happened with another local DJ and not me. Thirdly, we genuinely always took the time to speak to any new DJ if they asked for advice etc. If per chance we did not give the attention to your friend that he expected we are sorry. It definitely wasn't intentional. He is more than welcome to come talk to us in December to clear this up. And have a few drinks on us. This invitation is extended to you as well. Fourthly, if you actually read the section about us signing autographs... I say that we were surprised by the attention we received ("Hard to believe, I know.") I never said we were celebrities... "and on a few occasions actually having to sign autographs!" Emphasis on FEW. Anyway, I'm not apologising for saying that, because it is true. Actually... on one of the last nights we were playing in CT, two people had t-shirts made with us on it, which we had to sign for them. These are all very real experiences. For the record we never trampled on any DJ to get where we were back home. We had to work just as hard as the next DJ for our slots. To be honest this all just sounds like a bit of sour grapes and jealousy. We were relatively big fishes in a very small pond. There were others as well (Jason47, Richard, Dimitri, Basil etc). We also had to prove ourselves against the top DJs when we first started. Perhaps you were just a little jealous that we got to do what we loved every weekend, playing at big events and getting paid for it! But hey, no hard feelings from us. The olive branch as it were is extended to you and your friend. Just a last point: we're glad the scene has moved on, and that there are new DJs. In fact we don't mind opening up for the new breed if that is what will happen. In fact we look forward to it. We were extremely complimentary about CT in our interview. And we look back on our time DJing there, the clubs, and clubbers with very fond memories. Hopefully we'll have a few more this December. We really do hope that you do come speak to us, because we really aren't like you described. @ Wezley_J… Do we know each other? Have you actually met Ash and I? Please read what I've said to CC. We're more than happy to talk things over with you as well. There’s absolutely no need for me to “eat humble pie” about anything in the interview. The only “humble pie” we’ve had to eat is having to start right at the bottom over here. We left so much back home, moved here to a much bigger scene, with so many more great DJs. But we’re not bitter towards any of them over here who are more successful than us at the moment. That’s just life and how things work. @ Both. We won't be drawn further into this online. We've stated our side, so people who read this can make up their own mind. If you'd like to continue this debate, feel free to talk to us personally or send a PM.

All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective companies. All other content is (c) 2001-2024 HarderFaster.

Terms and Conditions | Privacy Statement | Text Mode