:: INTERVIEWS :: ED REAL

1). How are the preparations for the Hard Dance Awards going? We’re in the eye of the storm this week; voting has gone very well this year with the amount of votes coming in on the up and tickets sales for the ceremony on 29th Feb have beaten targets! Next week we’re inside the two week run up to the party of the year so it’ll be all hands to the pumps. Particularly in terms of vote counting and organising the ceremony as we obviously don’t know who’s gonna win til we tally up! All to play for this year from what I can see.

2). What is the reason for the new Northern location? Sheffield is in the heart of the country and we wanted to showcase the best of hard dance in a part of the UK where fans who haven’t been able to come to London for the last two years can go to. In terms of hard dance, two of the most prolific labels; Tidy and Vicious Circle are based in the area and the city has more than earned its stripes with clubs like the legendary Insomniacz having it hard since year dot.

We’re looking forward to meeting hard dance fanatics from; Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Liverpool, North Wales, Newcastle, Birmingham, Scotland and beyond! So come show your colours…

3). Please tell us more about The Plug. It’s a three roomed venue that’s perfect for raving! Nearly 2000 hardcore party folk can have it until breakfast in safety and comfort. The sound system feels like a hurricane and the lights look like cosmic explosions! The venue serves as the premier live and club space for Sheffield and the calibre of acts that perform are premier – check the website; www.the-plug.com

4). Who will be presenting the awards? Once again I will be representing the award organisers Trackitdown.net and we’ll be presenting the three ceremony sections and we’ve invited some real characters along to announce the winners; Andy Whitby, Alex Kidd, Kutski, Garbo, Organ Donors and Tidy promoter Kieron Gallagher will all be making an appearance and tearing open the golden envelopes. I think the scene is benefiting at the moment from some charismatic personalities and so we’re looking forward to some fun and celebration live on stage!

5). Are their any new categories this year? Nope, over the last five years we feel that we’ve honed down the proceedings so that things are running hot.

6). I understand that there will once again be a CD album to coincide with the awards mixed by yourself, can you tell me more about your contribution to disc one and what we can expect from it? It’s a world first as far as I know! In addition to the Ed Real disk filled with favourites from the last 12 months voted for by the fans, we’ve asked seventeen of the most important players of 2008 to select their own prediction and compiled then all together on disk two. The likes of BK, Alex Kidd, Lisa Lashes and many more have given us a sneak peak into their CD wallet and pulled out a gem each. No one has taken this unique approach to compiling an album and it really gels with the fact that the Hard Dance Awards is about the WHOLE scene.

7). The awards have been running for five years now, how important are the awards to the hard dance industry? This year we’ve seen so many promoters put together their own e-flyers, banner adverts and hype towards the awards that I think we can surmise just how important it’s become to careers and egos! From my perspective it’s really the only exercise that brings all strands of the scene together on neutral ground. There’s friendly competition to claim a coveted trophy and it will help validate your hard work but moreover the Hard Dance Awards is a once a year chance to get together in the same place and let your hair down.

Personally I speak to everyone in the scene all the time but the awards party is that chance to see everyone in the same place. Positive!

8). What do the winners win? The highest accolade anyone in hard dance can hope to achieve – the chance to crown themselves the best in their field. The best thing about this is the fact it’s voted for by the fans – you are all the King Makers!

9). Is there still time to vote? How can people vote? Hit up the super-hot www.harddanceawards.com website and make yourself heard. While you’re there check out interviews, Top 10’s, the ultimate legal download store powered by Trackitdown.net and vital event information… on the partners page we have a resource showcasing all the main players in the scene with their company information. It’s a state of mind…

11). Any idea on how many people have voted? More than last year…

12). Is the awards for a select few or can clubbers come too? Last year 4000 hard dance fans came to make some noise and enjoy the celebration at Brixton Academy. However, tickets are selling fast for the 29th Feb at The Plug in Sheffield. Check out www.ticketweb.co.uk quick sharp. Coach travel is available from all over the UK so check the www.harddanceawards.com website for details – see you on the dancefloor!

13). Who would get your vote for Party Animal of the year? Very good question… when I get down I like to get down with Organ Donors or Alex Kidd – they know how to have a good time!