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Features
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| 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! |
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An interview with Ben Bennett
Reported by Gordon Darley
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Submitted 17-11-05 00:41
Lately the scene has been inundated with fresh talent giving the big guns a real run for their money. One member of this new school of hard dance whizz-kids is Ben Bennett. Having been on the scene little over year, he really stands out as something of a phenomenon in London, snapping up residencies one after the other, and being much talked about by all as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to playing high energy sets and producing some of the freshest hard trance for quite some time.
From the same clubbing background as the like of DJs Ali Wilson and Steelo, and other respected members of the scene such as JC from Taktikal, it was only a matter of time until Ben got involved and got his hands dirty…
Ben, sorry but I have to ask this and get it out of the way; is Ben Bennett your real name? If so, have you forgiven your parents?
People who know me best know the truth….!
But no, I haven’t forgiven my parents!
Now that that is out of the way, we can get on with the real questions… as I’ve mentioned above, you’ve been playing out since last October, where was this and how did it come about?
The set was for Elevation at the Deep Blue rooms of SEOne. I got the booking when a well known character, Steve Prince, was walking around Wildchild with a vague look on his face. He came up to me and asked if I knew who he was. I didn’t. I gave him a demo and off he trotted. Little did I know that he would give me the opportunity to play b2b with Ali Wilson in the headline slot! There were a few influential people there that heard my set, and things have just snowballed from there!
Cool. You seem to get around quite a bit in London, what are the most enjoyable parties you have played so far, and why?
Get around a bit? You make me sound like a slapper!!
I’ve played for a good few parties in London. Obviously the bigger parties like Wildchild are great fun and good exposure, but the likes of Puzzle Project, 123 and Zoology have been brilliant. I love the whole intimate club experience!
You’ve recently been a very busy boy in the studio, and I have noticed that ‘Their Plan’ that you did with Dave Mac (and of course K-Complex) has been number 2 in the chart on trackitdown.net for a while. Care to tell us how this studio combination came about?
Yeah, we’re all really chuffed with how well the track has been selling, so thanks to all who have bought it!
Dave first came up with the idea of getting into the studio with me when he had heard about my other studio work. He begged and begged until I gave in and agreed to get a track done with him.
Luckily, he is really good at making tea, so it was a perfect studio combo!
Seriously though…………….his tea isn’t that great!
One tune that has really been making waves in all the big rooms of late is ‘The Butterfly Effect’, which you produced with Greg Brookman. I can only assume that making that must have been an interesting experience…
For anyone that knows Greg knows all the stories and experiences that come with him. I can only say that it was indeed an ‘experience’.
The 2 days consisted of fry-ups, beer and far too many cigarettes.
Luckily we were in a smallish room, so he didn’t have the opportunity to get up to too much mischief, so I think the energy was concentrated back into the music.
Where did you get the ideas for this tune? I think it’s safe to say that there is nothing else quite like it.
Sometimes when going into a studio, you have a good idea of how you want the sounds and the layout of a track. Greg and I were both prepared… so didn’t have a bloody clue what to do!
Breaks were really starting to come to the forefront of dance music, so we knew that we had to incorporate them somewhere, and as we were putting the breaks in, the riff just started to fit around them.
It’s not a conventional hard dance track which is why we’re both really proud of it!
I also hear this is getting a release soon with another track you did. Can you give us any more details of this?
Indeed I can! It has been signed to Oblivion Records and will be the main track, with ‘Delusion’ (my track with Ali Wilson) on the flip. I believe this is due out very soon, so save up your pennies and buy a copy!
‘The Butterfly Effect’ also features as the 1st track on the Wildchild Album CD mixed by K90 & Little Gem, so to get that exposure for my first track is amazing!
Good stuff. Speaking of big events such as Wildchild, who I know you have already played for, rumour has it that you may well be playing at a few more in the coming weeks and months. Are these rumours true?
These rumours are certainly true. The end of this year is going to be very busy for me, as I’ve been given the opportunity to play for two of the larger promotions in London, Heat Evolution in November and Extreme Euphoria in December, as well as recently playing at Hard House Academy Puzzle Project (the event I co-promote) is also co-hosting the Wildchild birthday pre-party, along with a few other promotions, which should be a good laugh before the main event!
That leads us nicely into your event, Puzzle Project at the 414. You’re working with Mad Phil and Mattie C on this party. How did you come to be involved with the guys?
Pure misfortune!
I met Mattie when I first played out for Elevation, he’s a good bloke, and we kept in touch. We then proceeded to get repeatedly drunk together, and then I was asked by Matt and his long term partner in crime Phil to come on board to promote Swamp. It was decided that Swamp was a good party in its own right, but we all wanted more, so we launched Puzzle Project as a platform to bring big names to smaller venues. So far it’s been an amazing success!!
It has to be said that for a club such as 414, your line-ups are awesome, with Cally Gage, Ed Real and Greg Brookman at the opening and the Organ Donors, Ali Wilson and Mark Ashley at the second event. What was it that made the three of you take that kind of risk and book big names for a small venue? How well has it worked so far, and what are your personal expectations?
It was a risk that we were all prepared to take. It wasn’t necessary, but it’s working!
I know going to huge events with big names is brilliant, but when all you can see is a ‘dot’ jumping up and down behind the decks, some of the magic is lost. This is something we avoid by bringing these names to the more intimate 414.
With all the new talent around at the moment, the scene seems to be getting really exciting. Who has caught your eye over the last 6 months and who do you see doing well over the next?
Well I’m still relatively new to it all myself, but people who I have heard play/produce and I think are due big things include people like Mat Lock, Stu Cox, Seany Sean and indeed your good self.
The industry is thriving with new talent, and the promoters should help these talents grow, because at the end of the day, they are the real future of the industry!
Off topic now…. What is the funniest thing you have seen in a club?
Steelo!
Thanks for your time, Ben… if that IS your real name.
Is Darley yours?
Cheers mate.
Many thanks to Raymondo, Rhodesy and Scouse for the use of their photos.
Come and dance for Children in Need with Ben Bennett this Saturday 19 November...
Dancing For BBC Children in Need 2005
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On:
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Saturday 19th November 2005
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At:
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Turnmills [map]
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From:
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13:00 - 21:00
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Cost:
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£4 before 17:00, £6 Thereafter
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Website:
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www.trancendance.co.uk
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Ticket Info:
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You can purchase advanced tickets for this event at £6. You can do this either through paypal using the trancendance website, or you can do it through ticketmaster. You can also get joint tickets for this event AND Evolution for £20 through these sites as well.
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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Trancendance & Trance Odyssey proudly present "Dancing For Children In Need", The official pre-party for Heat presents Evolution @ Koko
Last year, Trancendance held a fundraising event for BBC Children In Need at Freedom in Soho. This year, they are back again, as the official Pre Party for Heat presents Evolution @ Koko in Camden, with the help of Trance Odyssey, this time with two rooms, and with a kick-ass line up. This is the third year of running the event.
Trancendance, or TND, which is the Brainchild of DJ & promoter DJ Gecko AKA Brian Jones and girlfriend Samantha, has recently moved from Potion, to The Southside Bar, where they hold regular free parties together with Guilt.
They have been going for two and a half years, originally starting out at a small pub in Southampton before moving to Supernova in Windsor, and eventually ending up where they are today.
Trance Odyssey are a husband & wife team consisting of Glyn (aka Trance DJ/producer David Glynn) and Jo, and are a spin off from Glyn's monthly internet Radio show on Rise FM.
I'm sure I don't need to explain Children In Need to anyone, or tell you what a good cause it is so get yourselves down to Turnmills on 19th November to help us raise loads if money for needy kids.
There are two rooms, with the main room, Trance, being host to the likes of Peach God Graham Gold, Knowwhere resident Adam White and Judgement Sundays and Charlyz Angels Resident Vicky Devine amongst others. DJ Gecko & David Glynn will be doing a b2b set, and we will also be treated to an exclusive Trance set from Hard Dance vixen Donna Birt.
The second room will consist of Breaks & Hard Dance, with everyones favourite hard dance vs breaks b2b partnership, Steelo and Seany Sean, as well as a host of others.
The event kicks off at 1pm and will terminate at 9pm, but don't even think of going home then, instead get yourselves over to Koko in Camden for some more dancefloor mayhem with our good friends at Heat who present Evolution. Early Bird tickets will be available from Dancing for Children in Need. Damian at Heat has pledged to donate £2 towards the total we raise for every Early Bird ticket sold at Dancing for Children in Need.
For more information contact brian@trancendance.co.uk
www.trancendance.co.uk
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Other Features By Gordon Darley:
A breakfast date with Andy Farley (and a free mix!)
The Organ Donors performing in nothing but marigolds? It must be Puzzle Project!
“What are you doing? Checking your e-mails?” DAVE the Drummer speaks out!
HarderFaster interview with Olly Perris and Andy T of Addiction Digital
Interview with John Kelly
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.
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Comments:
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From: K8-e on 17th Nov 2005 00:56.26
As a duo you guys both rocked at Zoology! Look forward to hearing you both play out solo. 
From: ~deleted1390 on 17th Nov 2005 08:35.41
You fool. 
Wishing you every success mate. You deserve it.
From: Danny Luu on 17th Nov 2005 09:09.33
Good work Bent Bennett.
From: steelo kuchiki on 17th Nov 2005 09:18.54
prick.
From: JC-TAKTIKAL on 17th Nov 2005 09:38.48
Great DJ/Producer, good friend and top bloke! Expect even biggers things from this man is 2006!
From: Less is Bat on 17th Nov 2005 09:52.44
 Big love to you badbarboy. Really good to see you getting some interview space. You're working hard to get what you want and keeping your head down n just 'doing it'. I have every respect for you x
From: Toomz on 17th Nov 2005 10:18.50
Nice one mate.
From: steelo kuchiki on 17th Nov 2005 10:19.06
i still think youre a prick.
From: Ickle H on 17th Nov 2005 11:16.33
Nice one Ben 
Looking forward to see what's in store for 2006 
From: Chris Shaw on 17th Nov 2005 11:47.58
Lookin Good Ben!!
From: Danny Luu on 17th Nov 2005 13:03.28
C
U
Next
Tuesday
From: bennett on 17th Nov 2005 13:19.26
hi guys/gals, thank you all for your comments
especially danny and steelo 
will see most of you at 'dancing for children in need' this sat! 
From: Dave Mac on 17th Nov 2005 13:30.01
ben bennett is weiner!! I shall be suing for slander, i never once made tea in the studio, it was always coffee. Bennett you WILL be hearing from my lawyer!
From: bennett on 17th Nov 2005 13:55.05
From: Steve Gillen on 17th Nov 2005 14:09.55
good stuff dude. Well done 
From: miss marie on 17th Nov 2005 14:10.51
Hey Ben, See you Saturday!! Look forward to finally hearing you play out! I'll try and drag Christine out........xXx
From: Nikki S on 17th Nov 2005 14:57.33
Top bloke! Cheers for having me down to play at Puzzle Project ... I had a fantastic night ... wicked crowd!
Nx
From: Rhodesy on 17th Nov 2005 15:05.59
Kewel interview Ben! And noice one for the photo shout at the bottom
From: Craig Paxton on 17th Nov 2005 15:34.05
Seriously funny bloke, and I don't just mean funny looking either! Crap laser skills though..
From: dean peters on 17th Nov 2005 16:19.31
Nice Interview Ben....After proving his obvious laser 'skills' in the 414 the other night, I heard he is having a laser installed in his living room at home so that he can communicate to people without moving his lips ie 'where is my dinner'....'why are you looking at me like that' etc etc....
From: Becka on 17th Nov 2005 16:27.20
Nice interview, a truly lovely bloke with many more greater things to come! Becks x
From: bennett on 17th Nov 2005 17:00.31
cheers guys
From: Glyn Waters on 17th Nov 2005 17:00.55
Yes Ben top syuff
From: Glyn Waters on 17th Nov 2005 17:01.49
(sp) STUFF!
From: Matt Smallwood on 17th Nov 2005 23:21.34
Yeah boooooooooooooooooy!! :o)
From: dean peters on 18th Nov 2005 11:19.10
Matty Smalls, I think your keyboard needs a bit of clean - appears your 'o' is getting stuck....
From: Cally Gage on 18th Nov 2005 12:44.48
Excellent interview babes.
Playing at Puzzle Project was ace and I'm glad that it's all working out for you.
Ben is an absolute pleasure to work with and a brilliant guy as well, looking forward to our b2b set at the Freeformation Xmas Party honey - bring it on!
From: bennett on 18th Nov 2005 12:47.56
thanks cally, that means mucho amounts!
roll on the 23rd! 
From: Gordon Darley on 18th Nov 2005 14:35.42
We love you Ben!!!
From: bennett on 18th Nov 2005 16:52.32
and ben loves you all back
From: little gem on 18th Nov 2005 21:15.31
nice one babe!!! keep up the good work dude!!
looking forward to having you down at Wildchild very soon for sure!
Big mwah! Gem xx
From: *antixa* on 19th Nov 2005 06:12.15
YOU GO BOY!!! 
From: snowqueen on 19th Nov 2005 15:57.26
nice1 ben..heard you play first ever at puzzle project, i must i do like your style enjoyed ur set very much.
Hope to hear you around soon.
lynn www.upandcomingdj.net
From: onthebass on 20th Nov 2005 04:53.01
Top work Bennett. Fingers x'd we see you playing in Oz in the near future.
From: Tina Martin on 20th Nov 2005 22:30.28
Nice work Benjamin!! See you on 26th
From: Stu Cox on 20th Nov 2005 23:19.29
Top bloke, wicked DJ, doing very well for himself at the moment and quite deservedly so  keep it up chap!
Cheers for the mention really appreciate your support and kind words
From: phil lankester on 21st Nov 2005 02:38.37
Who da f**k is Ben Bennett?
Seriously Ben, you will go far, well done mate!!!
From: Lisa B on 21st Nov 2005 13:14.07
Blimey never realised you were so popular Only kidding sweetheart ... Good Luck for the future babe really looking forward to having you down at Extreme Euphoria on Boxing day xxx
From: Mat Lock on 21st Nov 2005 16:33.54
Well done Mr Bennett !! Superb stuff mate !!
ps thanks for the mention
From: anushka007 on 22nd Nov 2005 18:21.21
Wicked interview
good luck with future plans - wish you all the best!
From: zero tolerance ben on 22nd Nov 2005 18:32.33
what a fucking ugly poof
topstuff bennett, bring on the puzzle massive
From: Becka on 24th Nov 2005 17:41.00
Bloody hell Mr popular!!
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