Sam Punk is one of the original heroes of hard dance. Literally living and breathing dance music, he worked for other music companies and labels before starting up his own distribution, promotion and publishing companies, as well as his own studio and record labels. He’s back in London for a rare appearance at DHF’s 2nd Bday Bash on Friday 1 October @ Hidden, so we caught up with him for a long overdue chat...
DHF — short for Dirty, Hard and Fast — is fast approaching the terrible twos and who better to headline than one of the stalwarts of the hard dance scene? Playing alongside Scott Attrill, Luca Antolini, FJ Project and the DHF ressies Wragg and Log:One, Nick the Kid vs Louk, SHOCK:FORCE and Nutty T and Candyman01, who are playing together under their new Dirty Demons guise, this promises to be one of the biggest hard dance line-ups of the year to hit London.
When Luca Folco aka Candyman01 decided to relaunch Devon-based party DHF in London two years ago, even he had wasn’t aware of just what a monster he was about to create. Starting at Brixton’s Mass and moving to Hidden, nearly two years on he’s had some of the top names in hard dance down to play. But it’s not just all about the music at DHF: Luca and co-promoter Bubs make sure they put on one hell of a party, from the décor and lighting to the goodie bags, the best possible night out they can.
With the excitement mounting ahead of the 2nd Birthday Bash, we managed to get hyperactive workaholic Sam Punk to sit down with a vodka and answer some questions for his London fans…
You’ve been in the music game for a long time. When did you fall in love with dance music and what inspired you to start mixing records?
1986, when I bought my first singles and maxi singles. I then tried to mix them on my Thorens Turntable.
Your music is described on your website as “a mixture between hardstyle/hard dance, tech-trance and hard trance.” Please describe your sound.
Modern techno with influences of all styles to rock the dance floor.
As well as DJing all over globe most weekends you’re also one of the world’s leading hardstyle producers. How did you first get into making your own music?
It’s now over 21 years ago. I can’t remember anymore — too many bottles of vodka have passed through my brain!
You’re originally from Slovenia, where the oldest musical instrument in the world was found in a cave in 1995. Do you think this contributes to your interest in music? Who or what were your musical influences growing up?
My dad was a street musician. It’s in my genes!
I know from speaking to you when I was working on Upfront magazine a few years go that you are indeed one of the pioneers of the hardstyle scene. Was hardstyle a deliberate choice for you, or something that you fell into naturally over the years?
Hardstyle is for me only a part of hard dance. Now it’s a part of the scene. I was NEVER a pure hardstylist, I like all kinds of pumpin bass.
You’ve been playing at gigs and raves since 1989 and have toured everywhere from Canada to Croatia; what have been the dirtiest, hardest and fastest parties you’ve played at over the years?
My own nights in 1990–1992! There were no rules…
You founded hardstyle label Steel Records in 2004. Now the digital age has completely changed the way music is made, played, marketed and sold, what do you see as the pros and cons of being a label owner?
It is good that more music today is free, but it's only a promotion to get bookings. For me it's OK as I'm making tunes and getting bookings - so I'm getting vodka and earning respect.
As well as being a label owner, you also run your own marketing and promotion agency, distribution company, production studio and music publishing businesses. How do you ever get time to breath?! Again, how has the digital age affected the way you do business?
You grow with things and changes. I don’t think too much, you’re better off doin doin doin…
What’s your favourite piece of kit in the studio at the moment?
My old PC, my Doepfer Drehbannk, my old YAMAHA CS1X and my old school coffee machine!
Your Hardbeatz compilations are some of the biggest selling hardstyle CDs in Germany and you’ve released over 200 tracks on your own and other labels. What do you think makes a great track stand out from the rest?
Soul.
What are the dirtiest, hardest and fastest tracks in your CD wallet at the moment?
I like A.S.Y.S., Louk and Kidd stuff. But still a lot of classics and of course all Uberdruck stuff!
Does your Mum know that you’re the “Motherfuckin terrorist of bass”?! But seriously, are your folks happy with your career choice? Did they ever sit you down and try and talk you into becoming say, an accountant?
My Mom loves it! She wears a terror shirt!
Are you punk by nature as well as by name? Yes — 25 years ago… oi oi oi punk!!!
What do you like to get up to in your spare time?
Spending time with my lovely girlfriend and our dog Zeus! Relaxing and having a good time.
You’ve recently played in the Tunnel Area at the legendary Nature One festival, and at the Sounds of Nature festival in Sezana. How’s the festival season treating you so far?
It’s OK. I’m doing more studio stuff this year to hit the market with megablast in 2011!
Who are the dirtiest, hardest and fastest DJs and producers that you admire the most? Lenny Dee & M-Zone. Both are legends in my eyes.
Touring the world as a full-time musician and working as a label owner you’re constantly exposed to the best music around. What up-and-coming DJs and producers have caught your attention recently?
Busho, Robin Clark, Louk, Log One and of course FJ Project.
You’re one of the lucky few who can make a living doing what they love. What advice
would you give DJs and producers reading this who want to make it in the music business?
Learn, work and earn respect.
On Friday 1 October you’re coming to London to headline the DHF 2nd birthday bash, where your fans will have the rare luxury of seeing you play in a smaller more intimate venue. Will this change your set at all, or will you still bang it out like you would in an arena?
I never play the same set. It’s always a question of the energy. Live DJing is like sex.
What dirty hard and fast treats do you have up your sleeve for your London fans?
Don’t believe the hype and let’s say our prayers to the people who lost their friends @ the Love Parade 2010.
Finally, if we see you at the bar, what should we buy you to drink?
Vodka and orange juice.
Thanks for your time Sam! Looking forward to finally meeting you on 1st October!
Photos and artwork courtesy of Sam Punk. Not to be reproduced without permission.
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