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Features
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Busy boy Danny Gilligan gets ready to apply the pressure at Blast vs Convergence
Reported by benz
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Submitted 28-11-05 18:33
One of the busiest DJs in the hard dance scene, Danny Gilligan holds down residencies for Party Proactive, Twist, Hue and Blast as well as guesting at clubs across the capital on a regular basis. A testament to his ability, these four residencies have afforded him the opportunity to test new sounds and develop his style over the past couple of years, and now at the tail end of 2005, he’s probably more successful than he’s ever been.
His production career also continues to flourish — productions with scene greats like Phil Reynolds, Alex Calver and Greg Brookman build upon his already solid work with Ingo, Todd Tobias and Ali Wilson. His versatility and love of the full dance music spectrum makes him one of the most exciting DJs on the hard dance circuit. While his sets fuse elements of techno, hard house and hard trance, the underlying theme is always tough, thumping beats that are built for dancing to.
It’s been a while since I ran into this sound old chap, but I caught up with him recently for this interview ahead of his set at the next chapter in the Blast vs Convergence series at Hidden on December 10th. Well the “catching up” was a little one-sided perhaps but at least I won’t have to ask him any questions next time I see him...
Hi there Danny. Last time we spoke to you, you were gearing up for a set at Hard House Academy back in February. What’s been going on in your world since then?
Hi Benz, yeah 2005 certainly has flown by that’s for sure! HHA back in February was good and I really enjoyed playing in the foyer, for me that is the most rocking room in Brixton Academy. Since then I have been playing out each and every week. 2005 has been a year of change for me, like most DJs on the scene we all hold down jobs during the week and I felt is very important for me to be happy in what I do for a day job so in June of this year I decided to leave my job and had some time to reflect upon what I wanted to do next. I am now a very happy Recruitment Consultant and life is extremely good! I have a job, which I am very happy in and also now have my weekends back and I feel brand new. My previous job I had to work every Saturday and every third Sunday as well as during the week, add to that the amount I was DJing (between 2 and 5 times a weekend) I can honestly say that I felt like I had aged by about 10 years! Lol! But I am pleased to say I have struck a balance, which I am very happy with now. My quality of life has certainly improved and I now feel my 26 years of age again.
Have you been in the studio at all recently? Have you got any other projects up your sleeve?
Due to getting my Monday–Friday career back on track I have only had two outings to the studio this year, one with Alex Calver and the other with Ingo.
Alex Calver and Danny Gilligan — ‘Risin’ and Ingo and Danny Gilligan ‘It’s About The Groove’ will be out on Proactive Records sometime in the near future but I have had some time to reflect upon my production career and I will certainly be getting my arse into gear for 2006.
2006 will begin with a remix of one of Ian M’s best pieces of work in my opinion. Ian was kind enough to give me permission to do this but I need to present it to the big man first to get his nod of approval I will be looking to do a remix with Ingo for this and by the way it isn’t ‘Crazy Pills’. Other than that I would like to do a track every three months for 2006.
You were well known for having got very far on the hard house scene without ever recording a demo. Is this still the case, and why did you never do one?
I recorded a demo for Twist last year, which was given away to Twist members and at the events to help promote the party and also myself. Other than that is had been 3–4 years of going out each and every weekend and meeting as many promoters as possible I quite literally networked my way around the scene to get the chances to get me to where I am today. I will be doing a demo for the start of 2006 so keep your eyes open.
How are you feeling about the state of hard house as we approach 2006?
Hard house has lost its edge slightly; we rely too much upon the same faces to deliver the quality music have been used to over the last few years. I always look forward to the releases of BK, Sentience, Farley, Glazby, Johnson, Calver, Oz and Dom but I would like to hear more of the upcoming talent. Tik Tok has been making decent stuff lately which I have been well into. However the crowds never let me down especially at Twist, they must be the hardest stomping crowd in London. The music gets heavy but it really is cutting edge and delivers week in week out.
Would you agree that compared to several years ago, there seems to be a lot less fun and cheekiness in hard house productions and a lot more of a serious, dare I say it “mature” type of sound? Has hard house lost its fun factor?
As the scene evolves so do the producers that make the music. Music back in 2001, 2002 was pretty funky, bouncy and in a way fun. These days the high level of production skills that go into tracks is more interesting, intelligent and well thought out. Personally I prefer it how it is today, when it is done right it sounds great on a decent system and is a pleasure to play. I’m a big fan of well produced music. If you can mix it up a bit by playing some of the old, some of the current and some of the future music I fail to see how you can go wrong as a DJ in a hard house club.
December 10th will see you rock the house down at Hidden for another tasty edition of Blast vs. Convergence. How do you think this event will fare in this new venue?
I think the new improved Hidden is an excellent choice for Blast vs Convergence. All of the Blast vs Convergence parties have been a total success and this will be just the same. Will and Steve are two of the hardest working promoters I know and whatever they put there heads together on will be a success so I am very excited about playing in the filth arena for this event.
When and where was the last edition of Blast, and what was it like?
The last instalment of Blast as a stand alone event was at the Fridge and was a fantastic party as they always have been.
How would you describe a Blast event? Do you think it has certain distinguishing characteristics?
Blast is a party! The DJs that play there have all played together for some years now so we all have a great understanding of what level the intensity should be at for the next DJ. I usually play before Ian M, as we seem to compliment each other’s styles from hard to harder. Red and Blue play the fun side of hard dance which always goes down a treat between 11–1am, other than that we have guests in that will fit in for first set and between 1–3am. All in all though the party flows in an upward direction so that the finale is really something to remember!
You are playing in the hard house room at this event. Which sounds and genres are you generally covering in your sets at the moment? What’s really exciting you?
My sets have got tougher but still have a groovy edge to them. I have been pretty influenced by Ian and Karim at Twist and felt I was ready to take it up a level. The reaction I have been getting certainly has been a good one but I always remember to play a classic here and there but most of my sets these days are upfront. Decent hard house excites me full stop — I can’t stand music that doesn’t have any soul, if that makes sense?
What about outside of your DJing? What music do you find yourself listening to at other times?
I have been listening to quite a lot of John Lennon lately. As far as dance music goes anything and everything, I love it all.
Which other upcoming gigs are you really excited about at the moment? Looks like you are a very busy lad, with 12 gigs in the next month!
For December I am actually playing 20 times. It’s my busiest December ever but I am very much looking forward to it! Some of the gigs I am very excited about are:
Blast v Convergence @ Hidden, Dec 10th
Freeformation Free Party @ Hidden, Dec 23rd
Knowwhere @ Heaven
Proactive @ Fire (b2b with RIOT! Resident Baz from Type 1)
Twist V Frantic — New Years Day Night
Colours @ Fridge — Christmas Eve
Hue @ Coliseum — Christmas Day night
Wildchild @ Canvas — Boxing Night (b2b with Steve Maynard)
Twist — New Year’s Day Morning
What was the last tune that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up?
There have been many, can’t nail it down to just one…
When was the last time you felt overcome with emotion?
Not overcome but certainly made me think a lot about how short life can be was when the bombs went off on the tubes, it was a day I don’t think many of us will forget, in turn this definitely made me realise you have to have as much fun as you can as you never know what tomorrow brings. I personally was on the Central line and my train got stopped at St Paul’s at around 9.10am which is like 2 stops from Liverpool Street and everyone had to get off, that was close enough to make me realise and feel the way I do about life.
When was the last time you laughed so hard that you cried?
When I was listening to you mix Benz. Only joking dear boy.
Up yours Fanny! What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s ever given you?
Always maintain your air of swarvness.
Suaveness perhaps? And finally, what has been your most enjoyable night out this year? What made it so special?
Probably when I played my three-hour showcase at the Fridge. Having a night to play for that length of time main room was a real high for me and enjoyed every minute of it.
Thanks to Danny and Daf for the pics
Blast vs Convergence
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On:
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Saturday 10th December 2005
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At:
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Hidden [map]
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From:
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22:00 - 6:00
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Ticket Info:
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Very limited Early Bird Tickets only £10 + BF
Saver Tickets £12 + BF
Standard Tickets £15 + BF
More On The Door
Frantic HQ (No Booking Fee) 07949 618 035 / amanda@franticuk.com (Buy 5 Get 1 Free!)
Ticketweb: 08700 600 100 / www.ticketweb.co.uk
Clubtickets: 0870 246 1840 / www.clubtickets.co.uk (Buy 5 Get 1 Free!)
Vince Coach/Tickets in the Midlands 07835 626 226
4Clubbers www.4clubbers-shop.net / 0870 0423 581
Never Enough Maria 07813 684 399
Cyberdog Camden Markets 0207 482 2842
Frantic Tickets are now available with a discount for Tidy FC Members from www.tidyfc.com / 01709 710 022
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More:
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BLAST – The hottest new Hard House night to emerge in London in the past few years!
CONVERGENCE – Frantic’s legendary Harder little sister!
It’s back and it’s bigger and better than before! After a storming first installment at The Fridge back in July, London’s Hard House giants Blast and Convergence go head-to-head for another night of unbeatable Hard-edged entertainment. 3 rooms of the filthiest Hard House, the most euphoric Hard Trance and the dirtiest House and Electro in the stunning setting of London’s brand new Hidden. It’s the ultra-slick multi-arena venue that everyone’s talking about, and combined with a line-up this good there’s nowhere else you should rather be this December!
Hidden is the ultimate choice for a more intimate party showcasing a wide range of exciting dance music beats. 3 rooms featuring state-of-the-art lighting and laser technology, super-cool air conditioning and the crystal clear Turbosound soundsystem, several bars, extensive seating, and even a courtyard area for chilling out under the stars! And to make the experience even more magical, we’ll be bringing in extra lasers, VJing and décor to make the venue perfect for a night of harder entertainment.
Our carefully chosen line-up reflects the best of both Blast and Convergence’s residents and favourite guest DJs, perfectly blending hot new talent with established legends of the scene. Hard House pioneers like Karim, Ian M and the unstoppable Justin Bourne! Blast’s finest Steve Maynard and Danny Gilligan! Frantic’s unbeatable Cally Gage and Lucy Fur! Northern superstars Alex Kidd and Wid & Ben! Classic Hard Trance from Spencer Freeland! An exclusive House set from Phil Reynolds! And so much more! The line-up for each room has been carefully selected to provide only the finest dance music talent. No fillers, no 2nd bests – if this lot don’t get you dancing, no-one will.
And to complete this superb Xmas package, everyone attending will receive a wristband allowing discounted entry to London’s number 1 afterparty Twist – just 2 minutes walk away from Hidden at Factory!
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Other Features By benz:
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Coburn bring their live show to UP^^
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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: Nikki S on 28th Nov 2005 19:04.15
Fanny!!!! GTFRI xx
From: Letty Bird on 28th Nov 2005 20:11.15
LOL @ Fanny!! Indeed Nicki, GTFRI!  xo
From: steelo kuchiki on 28th Nov 2005 20:13.03
nice read. big up mr gilligan, see u sat. the lincoln will be in attendance too 
From: paul jack on 28th Nov 2005 22:13.48
boooooooooooooowai Danny - am proud to have you as my resident!
From: Hannah Wild on 28th Nov 2005 22:27.25
Nicki - You took the words right out of my mouth!
From: Zoelee on 28th Nov 2005 23:30.54
Excellent Stuff Danny!...Seems like an eternity since you were with us Looking forward to the 10th! 
From: dani d on 29th Nov 2005 02:04.50
Good staff Danny
From: *cheeky chick* on 29th Nov 2005 08:34.14
cant wait for the 10th
Danny's sets just get better and better 
From: Richard Launch on 29th Nov 2005 10:32.10
Nice one Danny.
From: Gordon Darley on 29th Nov 2005 10:44.13
Pimms o'clock my son, Pimms o'clock. Nice read
From: benz on 29th Nov 2005 10:59.57
Is it just me or did Hannah just say that NickiS took the Fanny right out of her mouth?!?!?!?!? 
Top interview my man, good to see you on form on Sat
From: Lisa B on 29th Nov 2005 11:18.16
Always a favourite of mine just a shame don't get to hear him as often as i would like xxxx 2006 will definitley be different !!
From: Lizzie Curious on 29th Nov 2005 11:56.36
nice one fella!! hope to see you soon :-)
From: Jennie B on 29th Nov 2005 12:38.47
Wicked interview babe!!!!!!
So glad that I get to work with you every week at TWIST!!!
See you sunday for the Birthday!!!!
From: Stevi D on 29th Nov 2005 13:21.52
Top bloke, quality dj, definatley one of the hardest working dj's on the scene and deserves all the credibility he gets! Nice one Danny BoY!!"
From: HorHey on 29th Nov 2005 14:42.52
Glad to See your a Resident at two of my FAVORITE Promotions Twist & Blast
From: Craig Paxton on 29th Nov 2005 14:49.47
You knows it Danny Boy..
From: Type 1 on 29th Nov 2005 16:42.30
leg end- get in! looking forward to our b2b! baz
From: Billy Farrant on 29th Nov 2005 17:11.17
Nice one Danny Boy... You the man!!
From: sunvisordude on 29th Nov 2005 18:07.02
great interview. i really like your sound these days, danny
From: Karl Schmidt on 29th Nov 2005 22:30.31
Rock on bro and keep it up!!!
From: onthebass on 30th Nov 2005 04:01.28
G.T.F.R.I. Danny Fanny! Top interview
From: Steve Maynard on 30th Nov 2005 12:47.14
Good stuff Smilligan!
From: Hatsta on 30th Nov 2005 12:54.19
You fookin LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEGEND mate !
From: Donna Birt on 30th Nov 2005 13:23.59
Niiice one babe!
From: MR KETley on 30th Nov 2005 16:17.49
aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhhhh Gilligan!
loving your work(woot)
From: Matt Smallwood on 30th Nov 2005 16:29.11
Nice one Gilligan ya little ledge!
From: Alex Parsons on 30th Nov 2005 18:56.56
Noooiiiiiiiiiiiice one Gilligan!!
From: Anastasia_k on 30th Nov 2005 21:22.33
Excellent interview honey... I have enjoyed hearing you play for the past few years and i am very proud to have you on our team honey... Love you lots 
From: sweetness on 30th Nov 2005 23:14.32
Fab interview hun, you know how much I love your sets, I always try and make sure I dont miss them at TWIST. Although you are changing your style which sounds excellent, I am still a MASSIVE fan of your old style as well so please dont change tooo much!! See you on Sunday x
From: MR_S on 1st Dec 2005 10:52.50
 Girlygan, Girlygan!!!!
From: Brad Thatcher on 2nd Dec 2005 15:42.16
Great stuff Danny.. Well done..
see you out and about soon
From: spangledwench on 2nd Dec 2005 16:48.45
Fanny Smelligan strikes again... I said... NICE WUN BRUVVA! You is well wickford my dear boy. And Benz - when are we gunna get our A's into G and frikkin hook up man?!
From: *charlie*! on 6th Dec 2005 15:06.12
G.T.F.R.Illigan
Wickford stuff Gilly-Gone-Wrong.
Your sound has progressed so much recently babe, you legend, love ya tonnes as you already know, its a pleasure working with you, having you as a best mate and a resident for Blast and Twist. I knew you could do it, I have faith in you (pardon the pun ) may 2006 be an even better year for you, YOU DESERVE IT!
From: Tom Basquil on 7th Dec 2005 14:14.31
Great read Dannyboy, keep it up son!!
From: Dave Austin on 7th Dec 2005 19:08.01
Nice one Danny...looking forward to hearing those new tunes mate.
From: anushka007 on 8th Dec 2005 23:00.23
great interview and what a great a great DJ
From: zimbolicious on 12th Dec 2005 05:53.52
blue eyes
From: Nathan. on 12th Dec 2005 12:13.02
Keep at it mate, hope to see you on our sunny shores again
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