We sent out some questions asking how 2003 was, which song the DJ / producer liked, and some other questions. We got answers from John OO Fleming, Astral Projection, Cass, Pole Folder, Judge Jules, Jon O'Bir, and many, many more!! Read on...
Here are all the answers, just click on a name, and it'll take you to the right part:
Thank you to everyone who took time to contribute!
Robert Nickson
1. How has 2003 been for you? It's been great! I had my first release together with Dave and I met lots nice of 'industry' people.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? I've had lots of great moments, but one of them was at the 'A State Of Trance 100' party in Bloomingdale. That's where Dave and I got our first copies of 5th Dimension and it was actually the first time we met in person. I also met dozens of other cool people there and had a great time :) Worst moment... seeing labels like Bonzai and Hooj go down…
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? I suppose it's inevitable that 'As The Rush Comes' is the song of 2003. It has some great remixes and it seemed like everywhere you went you'd hear it at least a couple of times.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? 2003 has been a great year for new producer/djs. A lot of people (me included) got their first tracks/remixes signed last year. There's lots of new talent coming along. Also the return of some producers that seem to have disappeared for a while, like Agnelli & Nelson and Vincent de Moor.
5. Anything else you want to tell us? All the best for 2004.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? Getting drunk on free booze :)
Don Diablo
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 has been my best DJ year so far, I played @ big festivals like Dancevalley, Innercity, Impulz and I travelled to countries like the USA, Japan, Australia, Brasil, the UK and of course Israel. In 2003 I was also signed to the ID&T label and I have been working on my first artist album for them which will be released this year. Besides this I was able to work on music for a Dutch movie, an American commercial for Nike and a theaterplay which was a thrill for me. I also founded my own label this year to push other acts into the future (www.refuelrecords.com). And last but not least I had the honour to start a monthly show on national radio (Radio 3) as well.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? The best moment was the first day of the year when I played @ the Millenium Dome in London for Ministry of Sound, a 1.5 set turned into a 3 hour set and the crowd went crazy. I don't really have a worst moment, of course I've some shitty gigs and some bad days, but all in all you could say this was great year!
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army, a great example of how you can make something brilliant without big budgets and a smooth production team. Back to basics, just the way a lot of other stuff should be.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? I was impressed by everything in Rio de Janeiro: great weather, great atmosphere and beautiful women, I know where I am moving after my retirement!
5. Anything else you want to tell us? All the latest newz about my music, dj-sets and video's can be found on www.dondiablo.com
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? I stayed in Holland and attended three parties in every corner of the country, after that I stayed in bed for two days!
Andy Bagguley
1. How has 2003 been for you? Fantastic, Hectic, Exciting...
2. Best moment of 2003? Getting to DJ alongside some of the biggest names in the DJ circuit and getting to play tracks out at clubs that I had produced and getting named by Jules as "Best undiscovered DJ of 2003" in DJ Mag!!!!!! Worst? Not really had one!!! A great year!!!
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Probably the biggest of the year: Motorcycle!!!! Such uplifting vocals that you can forget everything when you play that to hundreds of clubbers and they're all singing at you!!!
4. What did amaze you the most this year? How down to earth the big name DJ's are when they meet you!! Top people!!!
5. Anything else you want to tell us? I'm gonna make 2004 a big year for me!! I have never just sat around and expected things. I earn them!!! And this year I want more!!!! :)
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? DRIVING!!!! Playing twice at Passion in Coalville and catching up with a few mates elsewhere in between!!!
DJ Danjo & Rob Styles
1. How has 2003 been for you? Very good, we consider it our best year so far regarding our DJ-ing and producing activities. We succesfully (re-)released several tracks (Witness, Anticipating / State of Thrust, Aragon / On The Verge, Indulge / The Silver Lining), we signed to both major companies Armada and Bonzai (where we started our new project "Primer") and we launched our radio show "Playground". We also did some nice remixes, one of them will be released in february 2004.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Let's start with the worst thing: the fact that BPM Dance stopped releasing, was pretty bad. We spent a month arranging things with BPM and other parties to keep our records (Witness and Anticpating) in stores. We're glad we can say that that is all behind us now.
Signing to Armada and Bonzai were definitely two of the best things that have happened to us in 2003. Another thing we'll never forget, is Tiësto playing our track Witness at his Gelredome performance 'Tiesto in Concert'.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Danjo: I guess it has to be Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes. This song is totally different from the "standard trance" and Gabriel & Dresden have proven not to be one-hit-wonders... Big respect!
Rob: I certainly agree. The quality of As The Rush Comes still gets me excited every time I hear it. The videoclip however, is probably the worst video of 2003. ;-) There's another track that I want to mention: Andain - Beautiful Things. It's out there for quite some time now, but the Photon Project and the Gabriel & Dresden (Unplugged & Tech) remixes that have been released in 2003, really blew my mind. Certainly in my top 3 of 2003.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Danjo: The fact that MP3 is getting bigger and bigger and if you look at that, the scene probably will be destroyed within 4 years if nothing will be done about it. The "download generation" does not know what damage they are causing for the producers, who must make a living out of this. Sales have dropped enormously and not only for vinyl itself but also for compilation cd's, which is a very important asset! Respect the scene and buy the vinyl or cd, if you like the track... :)
Rob: Mmm I don't see things that pessimistic regarding mp3. I just think vinyls and CD's are way too expensive, which keeps downloading an interesting option. But that was not the question ;-) What did amaze me the most? Well, I'm not easily amazed. ;-) The 'best moments' described above were pretty amazing, but I hope the most amazing moment still has to come this year... a big event DJ-booking for example! :-)
5. Anything else you want to tell us? We hope that 2004 is going to be even bigger for the dance scene and that we can do some more remixing and releasing. Furthermore we would like to establish ourselves more as a DJ-Team and get some international bookings. Basically just continue what we are doing: having fun and producing some kick ass tunes! Updates about our activities can be found on www.djdanjo.com and www.robstyles.com
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? Rob: We threw a party with a group of friends, the usual celebration stuff ;-)
Danjo: I went to Paris with my girl and just made it back on time to Holland, where I have spent it with my parents and my girlfriend's parents.
E-Sound & PM - Mozes & Edd
1. How has 2003 been for you? Amazing ! ! 2003 was an implication year for us!
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? The best moment for us was, when our first record released (the remix we did for Jaron Inc.) Certainly our own track released afterwards with another 2 remixes. We weren't ready for it and it came by surprise.
Worst? Can't think of one..
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? We think that, Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes, Armin remix is the most fit for 2003 since it been hammered in every chart and we listened it everywhere. Generally we really liked the vocal in the original version, however what Armin did for this track is unbelievable!
4. What did amaze you the most this year? The big progress of the Israeli artists in the Trance genre..
5. Anything else you want to tell us? We hope that 2004 will be a year of peace and lots of success to everyone..
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? We played at different gigs over Israel.
Jon O'Bir
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 was an amazing year for me! so much has happened, fingers crossed 2004 will be just as good!
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best moment had to be spinning on ASOT 100 for 30 minutes! I could name loads more best moments! Thankfully there were little worse moments!
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? In my opinion 2003 has been a brilliant year for Trance and Progressive! I could name 10 + more tracks as my number 1 tune of this year, so hard! Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes has given me so many amazing memories though.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? There are so many amazing 'unknown' producers out there that are destined for great things! They need to be signed up!
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Watch out for Perry O'Neil in 04! In fact I could name about 100 more watch out for's?! Just watch out! Hah.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? It was spent at Godskitchen with Armin van Buuren and Gabriel & Dresden! An awesome night was that!
Bastian (from Ernesto & Bastian)
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 was a hectic year for us, lots of changes, lots of new productions and releases.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? The finishing of a new track after hard work is always a "best moment"
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Really a fan of Neo & Farina`s - Mona Lisa Overdrive
4. What did amaze you the most this year? That everyone was picking up a b-side of a record of us: Who`s the Starter. We didn't think it was that great!
5. Anything else you want to tell us? We hope that Trance music is going to change in 2004.We really don't like most productions at the moment, So much the same, productionwise, melodywise, structurewise. We want to say: take a risk, be different!
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? Doing nothing really. Bastian was sick and Ernesto was waiting till the night was over, he hates December feasts
Avi from Astral Projection
1. How has 2003 been for you? Unbelievable year, one of the best good nrg`s / killer parties all over the plant ... in the personal life: we have got divorced - girls we are free now :-) yes !
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best moment in Mexico & full moon festival Germany. Worst (very sad moment) Cosma dead in Goa 10/2/03. He was one of the best people I've ever met!!! A real friend!!! And a very intelligent musician ... sad !
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Astrix - Scientific Reality... This track opened a new line of full-on psychedlic goa trance. And this is for me the best combination - 145 bpm / killer party / good vibes / I`ve found all of this in this track. There are so many tracks, but u ask me to pick only 1 :-( I love plenty of trance bands & I love to play them as a DJ & to get inspiration into our music! It's good to be open !
4. What did amaze you the most this year? wow ... let me think ... :-) Hard question man ... wow ... Everyday for me it's an amazing day ... it doesn't necessary have to be gigantic things ... to see the Sun everyday, and to see my Baby -Amit - smiling & happy to see her grow up ( she is almost 5 years old ) this is for me the amazing thing !
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Trust in trance ;-)
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? In Yugoslavia Belgrade ... amazing unbelievable party ... full on / killer / wOw !
Andy Prinz aka Astura
1. How has 2003 been for you? It's been a very good year for me but also a quite stressful one. Living from making music not only means that you're sitting in your studio all day long. No, it also means that you have to make tons of administrative work in your office. The whole controlling and promotion processes take so much time - I really need to find a manager, soon - lol. After having produced so many national DJ's (Tatana, Jaro,..) I concentrated mainly on my own new projects such as AYION (together with Solid Slide, on Misja Helsloot's label First Second) and ASTURA (solo project on Fundamental, best label on this planet - Raz & Auke rule!!!). Besides that I produced the track "Crystal" for DJ GREENHEAD (Drizzly, Godskitchen) and "Sparkling temptation" for TIMEOK (Above the sky). But an even bigger challenge was the chance to produce a remix for the holy Perpetuous Dreamer project, the "Future fun land 2003" - Astura remix. I'm so proud and happy that I got this opportunity. Unfortunately at the end of 2003 I had some trouble with my health - all due to the constant stress; simply worked too much so my body showed me my physical boundaries.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best moment: a) Seeing / Hearing DJ's like Tiesto, Darren Tate, Armin, .. playing my tracks in their sets!!! What a feeling! b) Signing to Fundamental c) The summer of 2003 Worst moment: feeling dizzy for nearly 3 months because of all the stress from 2002/2003
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Oh, that's hard to say. Guess most people will say "As The Rush Comes" - lol My favourite is "Liebe" by Schiller (from their new album). It has so much strength & power, although it's not an uptempo song. Definitely a killer tune!
4. What did amaze you the most this year? a) That a democratic country like the US could start a "preventional" war in the 21st century without having proof for anything and the whole world just watched it. What a shame.. I mean, Saddam was a bastard of course but isn't Bush, too..? I'm happy being one of those "old Europeans". b) the best summer ever
5. Anything else you want to tell us? a) Keep real trance alive!!! Techno & Trance is a cultural, spiritual & peaceful thing. And never forget: It's not all about material matter, money and consumption! b) I also want to take this opportunity to thank all the music lovers & DJ's out there who supported me during the past years. BIIIG thanks, especially to my girlfriend Katja, my familiy and my best friend Angelo aka Solid Slide. c) Don't believe the hype!
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? I enjoyed NYE with a couple of friends at a private party with lots of alcohol and food - simply a fantastic one! (let's not talk about the morning after, hahaha)
Hiver & Hammer
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 was a very strange Year. So many things have changed. Quit Everyone was complaining about the bad Situation all over the world. regarding our business the main problem in 2003 was the unprofessional work of major companies and the powerwin of Urban Music. So 2003 was a year with lots of highs and lows - not one of our best years.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best: DJ gig at New Years Eve at Velfare in Tokyo Japan. Amazing Japanese people! Worst: Seeing very good, trendsetting dancelabels disappearing from the market and watching Mr. Bush talking about mass-destruction arms.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? This is very difficult but this difficulty was characteristic for 2003. The variety of styles was bigger than ever. We think the simplicity and effectivity of Benni Benassy - Satisfaction was amazing. An outstanding production that worked around the Globe.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? How fast techno and trance got kicked by urban hip hop. When you went in 2002 in the big clubs (Germany) they played 80 % dance music and 20% black beats - in 2003 it simply turned. This very fast evolution was amazing (not in a positive way!). Once more the USA influences our way of living.
5. Anything else you want to tell us? We look very positive into 2004. We have to join all our forces to keep the dance music alive around the globe. We're all part of a big movement that's worth fighting for. We'll start the year with our first Hiver & Hammer album that'll be released in February. Hope you'll all like it :-) We wish all the best to everyone for 2004! Keep on rockin'.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? After 5 years High Life at New Year's Eve we decided this year to celebrate it with our best friends at Hiver's House. Was very nice by the way.
Judge Jules
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 saw club attendances and crowd quality improve over 2002, after all the negative things that were being written over the so-called 'demise' of dance culture, it was actually a very good year with some extremely good tunes... one in the eye for lazy London-based journalists who couldn't have been further off the mark with their negativity.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Seeing my Xmas mix compilation sell 130,000 copies. Seeing Scott Bond part company with Gatecrasher, the club he set up.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Ferry Corsten - Rock Your Body Rock... a fusion of trance, breakbeat and techno... there have been lots of interesting fusions of style this year.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? David Beckham proving he can actually play football on the world stage.
5. How did you spend your new year‚s eve? Playing at the 15,000 capacity 'Together as one' event in Los Angeles.
Miika Kuisma
1. How has 2003 been for you? Well, I got married and had 1 month honeymoon in tropical islands and Asian cities, nice! Also 2003 really was turning point for my career. Finally all those years of hard work paid off.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? There was so much good stuff but probably the best days were when AR52 - TimeGate / Hibernation came out. Also studio sessions with John Fleming here in Finland and my gig in MoS party / Stockholm. And the summer in general was awesome, that weather ;) Worst moment was when my honeymoon ended and I had to go back working..
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Scott Bond vs Solarstone - 3rd Earth. When I heard this for the first time on Armin's Essential Mix I almost cried. It was few years ago since I heard something like this tune. Definitely the best track of the year (along with Holden's Nothing). Also I felt that this track was the first *big* tune that didn't based on that overused-cheesy-supersaw. (thumbs up!)
4. What did amaze you the most this year? The biggest shock was the fact that Hooj Choons and Bonzai went down...
5. Anything else you want to tell us? 2003 was also awesome year for the Subtraxx Collective. The crew got so much bigger and our DI.fm show has been doing extremely well :)
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? I was so drunk.. I'm glad I didn't kill myself with booze or the explosives, didn't puke though ;)
The Flash Brothers
1. How has 2003 been for you? It was great! We had many singles released, had a few good remixes, signed forthcoming new trax for 2004, recorded our first UK released mix CD on Silver Planet Recordings, played our live show + Shmuel DJ sets worldwide.. It was pretty good then.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best - playing our best live show at Mayday Budapest in Hungary at the end of last march on our euro tour. Worst - at the same week missing WMC in Miami & the Yoshitoshi party we were invited to play at Club Space with Deep Dish, Danny Howells & others..
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Paul Jackson - The Push (Underwater) - cause it's really sophisticated house music, which includes progressive in it, trancy sounds, groove, real piano .. Really fresh stuff we supported since march & most of the year.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Hooj Choons records closed the label unfortunately after 10 years of excellent work & contribution to dance music. We had the honour to be one of the many artists who released there a single (Hazy March / Captured).
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Check out our new mix compilation out now in the UK on Silver Planet Recordings. It's called 'Flash Brothers Presents Fear Of A Silver Planet Vol.2', and it follows the 2001 mix CD from James Holden... Some great music there from the label.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? Had a cool local party here in Tel Aviv
John Askew
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 has been an exciting year for me, but it has also been extremely tough in terms of vinyl sales etc. So many cool labels have shut down etc. however, I think everything now seems to be back on track, so I am very much looking forward to 2004.
2. Best moment of 2003? There were so many...but being asked to do my own show on Kiss was pretty cool. Also playing at Homelands, Creamfields and Cream's birthday party. My own birthday party at The Gallery was also an amazing night. Worst? My computer crashing during the summer - just before I backed up 3 months of work. I lost 7 re-edits that were going to be my secret weapons in my gigs for the rest of the year... but hey, I learnt my lesson! That said, I have never felt so low in all my life.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? There have been far too many amazing tracks in 2003 for me to just pick one. I have had loads of really special, memorable moments this year - each one to the background of amazing music. It is moments like these that help to remind me why we put up with all the wankers, all the politics and all the shit that this industry is infested with. At the end of the day, the music is what matters. Nothing else. But unfortunately, there are too many gangsters involved in the running of the dance music scene, who could not give a fuck about the music and who are only there to fill their pockets.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Playing new places where everything is so new and so fresh. Places like Venezuela, Brazil and several places in Eastern Europe. I also loved playing in Scandinavia where the crowds are also really energetic and exciting, but I guess the most exciting thing for me this year was the number of amazing young producers who have emerged. There are some seriously talented people whose passion for music is pure and I am really excited about working with some of them. There are loads of amazing releases scheduled this year for Kompressed and also for Discover, so watch this space. ;-)
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Look out for my new label - Kompressed Records which will launch at the end of February with a wicked track called "Few Days" from Russian trance pioneers Sensorica. It will also come with a John Askew remix on the flip, which I am just finishing now. Also, look out for the first release from Discover for 2004 - Thomas Datt's amazing "2v2" - again with a John Askew remix which some of you might have heard me playing out.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? I played at Inside Out at the Arches in Glasgow. It was fucking mental and I can't wait to go back at the end of Feb. The Scottish crowd know their music and they know how to party - like it was their last day on earth.
John OO Fleming
1. How has 2003 been for you? Very good, especially being voted number 27 DJ in the World! I also gained a residency at Arc in New York.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best: Remaking Astral Projection's - Mahadeva. I reckon this is my best track to date...will be released on JOOF next month. Worst: This year seemed to get swamped with anthems and big tunes. I have a unique sound that is neither of the offormentioned, so it was quite hard work playing amongst this lot!! I stuck to my guns and have a strong following though!!
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Mahadeva. Because I found myself musically in the studio.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Ibiza...where has the magic sparkle gone :(
5. Anything else you want to tell us? My label JOOF Recordings has flown through the roof this year!! I love my label and am proud of it. We don't release 'Big' tunes just classy ones and we've got a strong fan base for doing that.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? In Ankara, Turkey. Played an aammmmmmmaaazziinngg party to 2000 people.. wow!!
Pole Folder
1. How has 2003 been for you? I spent all of my time focusing on the production of my first artist album. I also started DJ'ing outside of my homeland, Belgium. It was an exciting year! I met some great artists - Junkie XL, Shelley Harland, Lemon8, Satoshi Tomiie………… When I look back I can say that 2003 was a good year!!
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? The worst was maybe when one of my digital mixing desks crashed in the summer time. I lost snapshots of a lot of tracks and I couldn't use my studio for a few weeks. I felt like I was in hell.
The best moment was probably when I saw Lou Diamond Phillips in the movie "Stark Raving Mad", talking with my music playing in the background. It was a fantastic moment, I was totally blown away.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? The song I listened to the most in 2003 was a rock song. "Go With The Flow" from Queens of the Stone Age. I definitely want to do a remix of this track. I'm sure it could be massive in clubs.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? To sign autographs for the first time maybe. No, more seriously I think it was to be invited to play with CP @ Guadalajara. To be so far from my homeland because of my productions was incredible.
5. Anything else you want to tell us? You can expect a lot of things coming your way this year. 2003 was a little quiet. Although my 2 releases did well (Dust on Bedrock and "Moon In A Blue Sky" on Sunkissed). I was preparing everything for 2004. So look out!!!
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? I got back from a gig in Greece on the 31st December in the afternoon. I also had another gig in Greece the weekend before. The gig for the 31st in Corfu was cancelled so I took the opportunity to spend this time with my girlfriend. Anyway the best party at this time of year in Belgium is on the 1st January @ a club called "La Rocca". I went there with a lot of friends and we left the club full of alcohol at 1 PM. This was a great start to 2004 J
Shane54
1. How has 2003 been for you? It's been a pretty busy year for me. It's impossible to fit everything here, the biggest project was when I produced a full soundtrack for a Hungarian prime time-reality show (on RTL Hungary).
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Only one word can come into my mind: Budapest Parade. Playing on a truck stuffed with 50 BEAUTIFUL half-naked chicks, and surrounded with thousands of people, is something I'll always remember.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes. This was the most hyped song I've ever seen, and hey, it was the dance record of the year without a doubt.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? The new rise of trance music. Look at the top 10 DJs list: there are more tranceheads in there than ever. And they got the highest ranks! It's amazing.
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Just an advice: don't let some shiny drumbeats fool your taste, always go for the quality tunes!!! ;o)
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? I was playing on a huge festival, and I played a lot of new stuff, which was unheard in Hungary before. The crowd was very up for it, and it was an incredible night.
Orkidea
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 must have been the best year so far for me. I released my debut album 'Taika' here in Finland through Universal Music. My resident club Unity had an amazing summer with three parties on a beautiful island in front of Helsinki. On the production front the Super8 vs Orkidea remix of Aalto's 'Rush' got really good reactions and I produced my first full movie soundtrack of 35 tracks for a 2 hour film. I was voted DJ of the year here in Finland which was nice... It was a busy yet very rewarding year.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? There were too many great moments to pick just one! Gigs in Stockholm (with Tiesto in March), VIVA Club's 1st Birthday in Toronto, HI&LO Launch in Amsterdam, DJing in Cairo and Sevilla and a party by a beautiful lake near Frankfurt were all amazing and will be highlights of this year to me... I can't think of any bad moments now! It's been all good!!
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Probably the Cosmos remix of Coldplay's 'Clocks' will bring best memories of this year in mind. I first heard it while DJing with Sander Kleinenberg in Cairo and I have such nice memories of that gig. Later during the summer I played it maaaany times as closing track at my gigs. Other tracks that represent the year 2003 best for me would be Astrix's 'Massive Activity' and Holden & Thompson's 'Nothing ['93 Returning Remix]' which both represent trance at it's best to me: energetic, underground, psychedelic, quality production, dance floor friendly. All in all 2003 was musicwise VERY good.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Quality of Finnish electronic music in 2003 was simply stunning! Slusnik Luna, Beatpusher, Aalto, P.O.S, Beetseekers, Super8, Dallas Superstars, Faraway Project, U&K, CosmicMan aka Matti Laamanen, Modulation, Simon Templar, Darude... The list of Finnish trance producers releasing material was looooong. And I believe that there's plenty more coming during the next few years.
On the music production front there were many great new products released last year. Logic Platinum 6 sequencer, Spectrasonics Atmosphere and Trilogy soft synths, Ableton LIVE were in active use at my studio.
5. How did you spend your new year's eve? I was DJing in Helsinki. I played a 5 hour set together with Renaissance DJ Ian Ossia. The event took place at legendary Finnish warehouse venue Nosturi and the party was a blast. A nice way to start a new year!! Ian is one my all time favourite DJs (and such a nice guy too!) and it was great to play together with him.
Tony (from Above The Sky Records)
1. How has 2003 been for you? Yeah not a bad year at all. I am happy with the way the label has continued to develop and also I am really happy with our new sub-labels 020 Records and Captured Music. These have been getting some great reviews and support as well.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Getting engaged to my girlfriend of the past 6 years, Agneta! And the worst would have to be the sad reality that some of the scene's best labels went bankrupt due to music ripping.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Tough one, but as far production goes and innovation I still find Marco V's - C:Del*Mp3 / Solarize an absolutely fantastic record.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? The resurgence of trance and with it all the crappy trance that got washed up with the tide.
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Please, please support your favourite artists and labels by buying the vinyl. MP3 culture is killing the scene quickly (yeah, yeah heard it all before I know, but it's true!). You'll have nothing to rip if everyone goes out of business!
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? I was playing for Heat at the Brixton Academy in South London.
Phynn
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 has been a great year for me. After working on my music a lot, I finally got some tracks signed. I also graduated from High School last summer, that was really nice too. :)
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? The best moment of 2003 was getting my first record deal. I've been working towards that for the past 2 years, and the time was finally there.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? I guess that would be Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes. That was the most popular track of this year I think.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Tiesto In Concert. It was great to see how many people came to see 1 DJ, in a packed football stadium. Incredible :)
5. Anything else you want to tell us? I think you're doing a great job with the website, keep it up!
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? I had a gig in Schijndel (near Eindhoven). I played a 6.5 hours long back2back set with my friend Fictivision. Photo's and tracklists can be found on my website (www.phynn.com).
James Talk
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 has been a year of learning.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best: signing my first track Worst: none to recall
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Beatles - With A Little Help From My Friends. I think the title says it all.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? James Holden's music.
5. Anything else you want to tell us? I like Curry.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? With my friends.
Ton TB
1. How has 2003 been for you? It was a great year, a lot of productions like Three Drives-Air traffic, DJ Ton T.B.-Electronic Malfunction to name a few.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Playing on Dance Valley
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? I think Tiesto with Traffic I like that one.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Nothing special
5. Anything else you want to tell us? No, I want to produce and play more gigs this year.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? I played at the Big Bang in Breda the Netherlands together with Cor Fijneman, Dazzle and Montana.
Cass (from Cass & Slide)
1. How has 2003 been for you? Possibly the worst year ever. Both my father and my Grandmother passed away.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best moment, having my missus say yes to my proposal of marriage. Worst, see above.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Outkast - 'Hey Yah', because it shows that you there is still so much room for innovative, creditable, well produced dance music (even if its roots are hip-hop). This record, together with its video were head and shoulders above everything else for me.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? That every time somebody said, 'look on the bright side, things can only get better', they didn't.
5. Anything else you want to tell us? These are not the droids you are looking for.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? In an East End bar with about 20 friends wondering where 2003 had gone to.
Gwill Morris
1. How has 2003 been for you? A good year. Although you might of heard little from me production wise, I have been storing up a few things that are out early new year. I have sorted a few new record deals and branched out a bit. I played some awesome gigs, travelled the world and thoroughly loved every minute of it.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Adelaide, Summer 2003. Best and worst and most confusing. Ask the Fabric Adelaide crew. Evil.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Nathan Fake - outhouse. Coz it rocks, and its lovely, and it blew up the speakers when I first played it out. Perfect.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? That I survived Adelaide.
5. Anything else you want to tell us? No. It's all a secret, so I'd have to kill you if I did. Actually buy my records. Time on Skyline in Feb, Forme on SOH / Hooj sometime soon, and Delta of Venus remixes on Silver Planet in April.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? Chillin with my favourite people. Drunk.
Adam Spears
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 was alright, yeah.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best: Getting my hair cut. Worst: Sleeping on beautiful mornings.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Dntel - Don't Get Your Hopes Up... because it's a realistic song. Ha.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Sociology of Everyday Life with Dr. Williams
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Hello.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? Dancing, rapping, yelling, and all kinds of fun at a party deep in the woods.
David (at CP Recordings)
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 has been very good.. Our label has come to light pretty well, its starting to get some good recognition.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best moment… Digweed playing Night Vision.. Was probably the start of it all.. And then watching it climb the balance charts. worst.. Hearing that a track we signed had already been leaked to MP3 - a long time before it was supposed to be out.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Greedy Planet by Blue Haze - think everyone really loved this techy blended with warm/light ambient sound... a great track.. deserved respect.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? What a close knit community there is on the GU board... its something special!
5. Anything else you want to tell us? 2004 will be great for many reasons, digital downloads will really kick off.. and.. watch out for Blue Room Project - they will explode!
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? At home with the family...was nice to get away from the stress!
DJ Precision
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 has been a very excited year, with loads of positive things... Played on a lots of big events overseas, started my own label, did a lot of remixes and so on... and I am still healthy :)
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? The first release of my own label in my hands. Worst? Not worth mentioning it!
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Too much... Not mentioning 1 single record, would do harm to others!
4. What did amaze you the most this year? That vinyl still is selling more and more... Everyone complaining about lower sales, we @ only-djs.com see a big increase
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Keep on supporting DJ precision, Somatic Sense and only-djs.com in 2004
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? Finally after some years of NOT being home, this NYE was saved for my family!
Envio
1. How has 2003 been for you? I will always remember 2003 because my first big steps into the world of music as an artist were taken during this year. Besides this, which I must say meant and still means a lot to me, this year as been just as any other year; Going to school, the gym, spending time with friends and the music of course.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? The only moment I really remember well is before the summer, when I suddenly was contacted by a lot of labels who were interested in a couple of my tracks which had been sent out. I was very shocked (in a good way) because I was really not expecting something like that. Unforgettable!
I can't remember any specific bad moment in my own life, but violence and warfare is an everyday thing for a lot of people on this planet which makes me feel very bad sometimes, because far from enough people are trying to help (including me as well, unfortunately). I will really try to do something if I get the chance one day in my life!
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Holden & Thompson - Nothing (Original and 93 Returning Mix), because it's the most creative (!), emotional, summery, and joyful track I have ever heard and it brings back so many memories from the summer!
4. What did amaze you the most this year? The candidates of the governor election for California, and especially when Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected as governor. Wicked world ;-)
Music-wise it must be the amount of trance parties which were arranged here in Sweden. Quite a lot of them compared to last year and many of them were very successful. I hope it will continue like this so trance-music wont be branded as underground anymore, both in Sweden and the rest of the world!
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Happy New Year everybody! Enjoy life and everything that comes with it ;-)
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? I went to a club in central Stockholm with some wicked party-people! The atmosphere and the people were great, simply a great evening.
Robert Gitelman (G&M Project, 2 Players, Robert and Jaron)
1. How has 2003 been for you? This year was great: a lot of produtions from us & a lot of good tunes from all the artists.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? It's really hard to find only one moment, one of them was that ID&T took Robert Gitelman to the Sensation Anthem
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Marco V - Del:/mp3
4. What did amaze you the most this year? My son's first words.
5. Anything else you want to tell us? I wish to all the people: be happy & don't stop to party but don't forget to take care off yourself.
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? With my wife & son after that in three gig's I wish to all the people what I wish to my self
A lot of love & respect
Airbase
1. How has 2003 been for you? It has been a good year! A lot of releases, and good support from the big jocks. I was hoping my DJ career could have went a bit better, but I hope 2004 will be my year as a DJ as well!
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best moment would be when Armin signed me to his label, even twice. Also got heavy support on his show and at his gigs. Armin is one of my biggest sources of inspiration and it really is a compliment to know he is supporing my music, also thinking that its good enough to suit his label.
Worst thing of the year is that I realised that I can't go into music production on full time. Still very hard to live from the money you make on just producing. To mix producing up with DJing is the way to go, and I have good hopes for 2004.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Questia - Crystal Clouds. My all time favorite producer Vincent De Moor made a complete comeback with a track that sounds so fresh and updated!
4. What did amaze you the most this year? How amazingly hyped a track can get only through discussions among trance listeners on the internet. What track? As The Rush Comes of course! :)
5. Anything else you want to tell us? I'm experimenting quite a lot with styles and sounds, so you will have to be prepared for some strange, still trancy stuff this year. But don't be afraid if you are into my regular Airbase sound. A new Airbase single will be finished, the first in over a year.
6. How did you spend your new year¹s eve? The way it should be, with my best friends!
Mark Dedross from The Gift
1. How has 2003 been for you? 2003 was a great year for me as I finally got recognised for my productions and have now been signed to M.I.K.E. Music which included becoming part of the Scanner Records production team. And also getting to number 1 in the official Dutch dance chart....
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best moment of 2003 was teaming up with M.I.K.E. in Belgium to produce Love Angel and working in his studio... Amazing stuff - The guy is a legend The worst - There where some bad moments but nothing worth mentioning.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? I think it would have to be 'Frenzy' by 'Haak'.... I wasn't ready for this track but after downloading it from a link that Haak posted on a forum, I was blown away and had to contact him.... This led to Haak coming to London where we collaborated on a project called Maharishi for Scanner Records. So not only was Frenzy a great track but it also created a superb partnership...!!! :-)
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Seeing my name on Nyana.....That put a big smile on my face!!!
5. Anything else you want to tell us? I'm moving to Spain in March.
6. How did you spend your new year¹s eve? I spent it with my family at a very exclusive hotel in the UK... It was very normal but very nice!!! :-)
GTR
1. How has 2003 been for you? Over in a flash!
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best: getting to play at some fantastic clubs both in the UK and around the world. Worst: some legendary record labels going under.
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Solid Globe - North Pole, great memories of this track throughout the year.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? The few producers out there that are still making fantastic, well produced, credible trance.
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Nah...
6. How did you spend your new year¹s eve? Playing to 4000 people with Pulser at Twisted NYE in Vancouver, Canada.
Christian Rusch
1. How has 2003 been for you? Essentially, this has been the year when my career has gone from non-existent to on it's way to actually perhaps, over the next year or so,becoming an, in the trance scene, established composer and producer. It has at times been a real rush, as I essentially started writing and producing music semi-seriously in November of 2001 and by early 2003 stood with contract in hand and the promise of an Above & Beyond remix of Greg's and my very own Epic. Since then I've not only had the chance to work with Greg again on both more original productions as well as remixes, but also to explore other production partners, my own solo career - venturing into the world of down-tempo, writing two "chill-out" remixes for Armada - with exclusive tracks for highly esteemed producers / DJs such as Markus Schulz and Tony McGuinness, as well as remixing for artists such as Scarab (Airbase), Masters & Nickson, Mike Shiver, Envio, Oracle and others. 2003 has for me perhaps not necessarily been a year filled with a great number of - for me - very memorable tunes, but rather a year of great personal growth, not only in the way I appreciate music, but also in the way I feel I've been able to take my own productions to a level which they earlier I could not reach; now better expressing that which I have captured within,not yet having understood how to express fully.
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Best Moment: Finally getting Epic signed to Anjunabeats. Greg and I had for a while almost given up on ever getting her signed, but all of a sudden a few labels got in touch and wanted to sign it. Worst moment: Musically, not sure... possibly that gig in J?nk?ping this summer, eh lads? ;) You just had to be there to fully understand the misery. *chuckle*
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? That would probably be the Midway remix of Solar Stone's "Solar Coaster". Great track with a great vibe to which I've had some great times with close friends; definitely my most memorable track of 2003.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Sadly, not much amazes me nowadays, musically I can honestly not think of one single thing off the top of my head. *ponders a bit* Possibly discovering more of Nitin Sawhney's work; for those of you who haven't heard his name, he is an artist well worth checking out.
5. How did you spend your new year¹s eve? I spent NYE at home actually as my two closest friends had gone away for the holidays, my dad and brother being abroad and myself just feeling half-hearted about making too big a fuss over that particular evening. So I ended up having a delicious dinner with my mother, watching a movie, writing some music and then finally nodding off to the late night film. All in all a peaceful NYE, but a damn good one at that.
Mark Sixma from Octagen
1. How has 2003 been for you? Turbulent, a year of changes, started living on my own, been very busy with music (though not so much with dance music).
2. Best moment of 2003? Worst? Moving to an apartment with two of my best friends. Worst, hmm every day I have to pay the rent :)
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes, (also the remix of 'Beautiful Things) The arising of Gabriel & Dresden, can't wait to see what they will bring us this year.
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Dj Tiesto, winning awards all over the world (even MTV award)
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Not much, keep an eye out for me, maybe I'll make some good trance tracks in the future...
6. How did you spend your new year¹s eve? In bed sleeping... NOT, started it off at a party of a friend of mine, after which we went downtown to enjoy some good dance music in the "Spock" (used to be Tiesto's homebase)
Mark Norman
1. How has 2003 been for you? A lot of things happened in 2003. As you might know we joined Blackhole Recordings and here we had a good succesful first release! Stream received a lot of positive reactions and reached the nr 1 position in the Dutch Dance Charts (the 4th release in a row) Also our Silk release reached high in the charts and had massive plays from every topjock worldwide! Even Starr, our third project is doing well in the charts currently and hopefully we can continue this in future!
2. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? A song which represent 2003 is a difficult one but I think it a new song of us which we finished last month! It is a project which we worked together with a female singer and the title is 'Change Is Coming'. A lot of good things happened with us the last year and we believe that a change is coming! As you look to our bookings and remix schedule a lot is changing! We are now more busy than ever and we hope that 2004 will be a fantastic year!
3. Anything else you want to tell us? A lot of nice things are planned for 2004! The last few weeks we spend a lot of days in the studio, working at our projects and remixes. The new Mark Norman single is due to come out in March and already hyped enormously.
Also we start a new project: Alexander Gustaff. The first single 'Sexmachine' will come out in February at US Based Terra Traxx recordings! Along with a Mark Norman remix this is gonna blow your mind! As a deejay we joined Prime Time Management / Nu star agency and thanx to those guys we have nice gigs in future. January 31th we will perform at the enormous Trance Energy festival at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht (30.000 clubbers) and in February we will make our UK debut at the legendary Passion club. Also other gigs worldwide are confirmed and we really hope to see you there!
6. How did you spend your new year¹s eve? New year we did a superb gig at a small event which was amazing! Only 300 people but what a party, the reactions of the crowd were fanatastic! A lot of good friends and people we love were there!
Brian Stillwater
1. How has 2003 been for you? A good year other then the fact that the music industry has suffered a lot of financial stress!
2. Best moment of 2003? I try to make every moment the best moment of my life. Worst? Finding out that Robert Smith of The Cure collaborated with Blank & Jones instead of myself! ;)
3. If you could pick out one song that represents 2003 which would it be and why? "7 Nation Army" by The White Stripes, it's a full on anthem that mixes a 4/4 beat with raw rock and roll!
4. What did amaze you the most this year? Live performance by Radiohead at Giants Stadium in NY.
5. Anything else you want to tell us? Roodels!
6. How did you spend your new year's eve? Drinking Belgian Ale with my girlfriend in hometown Baltimore.
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