The Interview: Rediscovering the Rave
LSM: Let’s start with something light. Can you share a fun fact about your EP and the Return of the Vibe label?
DJ Nightmare: Absolutely! Here’s a quirky one: the EP was originally going to be called “Weaponised Wax”! And about Return of the Vibe – if you notice the vinyl in the label illustration, it has “T2” on it. That’s a nod to the record shop I worked at in the ’90s.
LSM: Fascinating! How did your journey into music begin?
DJ Nightmare: It all started in 1992 with my love for Rave music and culture. I was living the Rave life, working at an independent record shop, DJing at events like Destiny and Obsessed. I even released a vinyl on Hechtech records. But as the ’90s ended, so did my rave career.
LSM: What sparked your comeback?
DJ Nightmare: The pandemic in 2020 was a turning point. Influenced by DJs like Jedi, who were reviving the rave scene, I rekindled my passion for music. Collaborations with artists and engineers like Devastate like Stu Chapman (watch out for our forthcoming release on ROTV) have been incredibly rewarding.
LSM: Any shoutouts you’d like to give?
DJ Nightmare: Definitely! Big thanks to X-cess for his work on the EP, everyone at Defstar records, Return of the Vibe, Cantina Cuts, and the DJs and fans who’ve supported me. Their love is what drives me to keep creating.
The Review: A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Take on Rave
Transitioning from our insightful interview, let’s delve into your latest EP with X-cess
“Stormy Love” opens the EP in true ’92 rave style, blending Eurodance and House elements. The track is a symphony of big vocals, grand pianos, and robust beats – a nostalgic yet fresh sound.
“Baddest DJ” pays homage to the era, modernizing it with heavy amen breaks, LFO stabs, and time-stretched vocals. The dreamy drop, reminiscent of Bicep, adds a contemporary twist.
“Getting Hot” dips into Italo House influences, with Black Box-esque pianos and vocals interspersed with hardcore midsections. It’s a vibrant fusion that feels both retrospective and forward-looking.
Finally, “Sleng Teng” updates the famous Reggae riddim with a distinctive bassline, akin to SL2, and a familiar piano riff. This track is a celebration of its roots, complete with a Rodigan sample.
A Rave Renaissance
In conclusion, this EP is not just music; it’s a journey through time, blending the old with the new. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of rave culture. As our interview revealed, the passion and history behind each track make the EP not just a collection of tracks, but a narrative of revival and reinvention. For those who’ve lived through the rave era, this is a nostalgic trip. For newcomers, it’s an invitation to the vibrant world of rave. Keep an ear out for DJ Nightmare’s future releases – they promise to be just as exciting!
