With many popular releases on huge European labels under their belts, including Garlic Breath Tosser on Future Sound Corporation and System Shutdown on Sys-X, Audio Damage (Nik Zupan) and Luke Spellbound (Luke Dubauskas) spent years representing the Australian sound on the international hardstyle scene. However in 2007, they decided to take this to the next level, creating their own label, Aussie Hardstyle Recordz. Our reporter had a chat with them about how it all started and how they look into the future.
By: Tim Dawes
Q: Both of you had very successful careers prior to starting up Aussie Hardstyle, including releases on big labels like Sys-X, DJS Records, Hardnation Records, and Future Sound Corporation. What was it that made you to decide to create your own label?
A: For so long we have both been doing our own things for overseas labels, yet the scene here in Australia wasn’t getting the attention it deserved. The initial mindset for Aussie Hardstyle Recordz was to showcase local talent and help build up hardstyle in this country. After a number of releases it has slowly grown to what it is today and we are quite proud of the achievement.
Q: You’ve had releases from many artists from both Australia and overseas, including Bioweapon, D-Mind, and Hardforze. What is it you look for in the artists you sign?
A: To be honest when we look out for new artists we just want the tracks to be pumping. We don’t always look for big or well-established artists (everyone has to start somewhere right?) So if you think you have what it takes then please drop us a line via our website Aussiehardstyle.com.
Q: Aussie Hardstyle Recordz has just had release number 33, from Sydney group Tha Artistz. How does it feel to get this far? What would you say has made the label so successful?
A: Yeah, 33 releases is quite an accomplishment we think. It feels good to be honest and what feels better is that there is more to come. The sound of the label has evolved along with hardstyle itself. When we listen back to some of the older releases you can really hear a change in the sound so we are excited to see what the future holds.
AH033: Tha Artistz - Unafraid
Q: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom to give to aspiring Australian producers, as both established artists and label owners?
A: It is really important to finish your songs first before sending them out. Also, never give up. If you get rejected a hundred times it doesn’t matter, keep writing and keep sending it out. Most importantly, labels are looking for originality. Make sure to bring your own flavour to your tracks.
In addition to producing and running Aussie Hardstyle Records, both Nik and Luke are very well established DJs in the Australian hardstyle and hardcore scenes.
Q: Luke, you got the opportunity to perform at Defqon 1 in the Netherlands this year. What was that experience like?
A: Defqon.1 Holland was amazing. It was great to DJ and party in the country where hardstyle originated, and of course to experience the number 1 hardstyle festival in the world. Most of the music I played was from Aussie Hardstyle Recordz, and the tracks were received well. Can’t wait to go back there again!
Luke Spellbound at the Purple stage of Defqon.1 NL 2011
Q: Nik, you will be playing on the Blue stage, and Luke, you at the Black stage as your hardcore act Spellbound, what can we expect from these sets?
A: Nik: Expect some banging hardstyle with a mixture of newer and older tracks as I'm teaming up with Aussie hard dance veteran Nik Fish.
A: Luke: I will be playing a massive Dutch & Italian party gabba set, it's going to be epic!
Q: Aussie Hardstyle Recordz is showing no sign of slowing down. What is coming up for you guys as artists, and for Aussie Hardstyle Recordz?
A: More tracks! Well, the next few releases are set so we are just waiting for a few minor things before they come out. The next release will feature a collaboration between Luke Spellbound & Audio Damage called Revenge. It will also feature a D-Mind mash up remix, which is really cool and unique.
Another big track we have TBA is Audio Damage – Angel of Death, of which you can check out the preview below:
By: Tim Dawes
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