Reported by HarderFaster
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Submitted 03-09-08 12:14
At the forefront of the dance scene for 15 years, Gatecrasher has been instrumental in helping to shape the trance scene as we know it. From Crasher Kids, to the Summer Sound System to that famous Lion symbol, Crasher has been part and parcel for clubbers across the UK and later the world since it was launched in Birmingham in 1993. To help celebrate this year’s massive 15th birthday HarderFaster asked Brand Director, Dave Lee 15 questions.
Of course with spiritual home Republic still being refurbished following the devastating fire there in 2007, it falls to The Carling Academy in Sheffield to host the birthday celebrations. But before the festivities can begin, onto the questions!
Dave Lee
It’s the GC 15th birthday this year, what do you think has been key to the business to get you this far?
Creativity, originality and striving for perfection.
So why the move from Magna to the Carling Academy for this years event – is it purely for reasons of being back in Sheffield - and do you have any more Magna events in the pipeline for this year?
We have no current plans for Magna and it made sense with the new Carling Academy to run the birthday back in the home town.
It’s a bit of a Dutch take over in the main room. Do you think the Dutch do trance better than the Brits and why?
Historically the Dutch are better producers and have given us some of the best DJs up to date; the event is a nod to two of those DJs who have helped us over the years.
As a promoter what do you think you can learn form Dutch events, widely agreed to be some of the best in the world?
The production is fantastic as some of the various Dutch events show; we are always looking to how we can move that production element forward.
You had the well reported fire at GC One a year ago now, does the team feel like a phoenix from the ashes or has the rebuilding over the past year been difficult?
We will look to start on the Sheffield site next year to create the most cutting edge venue in the UK at that time.
What can a clubber expect from the new flagship venue being built and launched later this year?
GB is an amazing space that’s given us the flexibility to be creative and deliver an amazing venue.
This year’s Summer Sound System was beset by problems, mostly caused it seems by the weather! Obviously you can’t change that but is there anything else you think you could do differently for next year?
Possibly move the date later in the summer.
Is £10 extra on top of entry fees for parking at the event fair?
There is a massive infrastructure cost to hosting these events that needs to be contributed to.
With Gatecrasher Nottingham and Gatecrasher Leeds and the upcoming GB, you seem slowly moving towards the 10 sites around the country mentioned as a goal a few years ago. Do you feel the scene is stable enough to accommodate further expansion?
The UK market is fragile, however people will always want to be entertained and look for new forms and environments in which to do so.
How do you think the differences in music policy in each venue complement the brand and the other venues?
The venues offer a mainstream across the board policy for customers in a cutting edge environment. The venues are as much about the environment as they are about the music.
Music. Glamour. Flashing Lights. Is GB or Gatecrasher Birmingham designed to reinvigorate clubbing for the next generation?
All I can say is wait till you see it!
What challenges do you think you’ll face in Birmingham, especially going head to head with Godskitchen?
The venue is not about going up against GK, there are millions of people in Birmingham all of whom want a good night out!
You ran some Crasher parties in London at Heaven. Will the capital see a return or is that stretching the organisation a bit too much at the present?
Nothing is currently planned.
You’re out for a summer residency in Tenerife and Crete this year. How do the challenges of running a club in these locations differ from running one in Ibiza?
We work with local partners to ensure a smooth operation.
Scott Bond used to be a GC promoter, but is now inexorably linked with Wildchild, what are your thoughts on them and him?
Scott is a good mate and has been for the 10 years I've known him. I ran Slinky for seven years and worked with him many times in that period before I joined Gatecrasher.
Photos courtesy of Gatecrasher. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Gatecrasher – We Are 15
20th September 2008, Carling Academy
Sheffield
Armin Van Buuren / Ferry Corsten
Sied Van Riel / DJ Remy
One of the world’s biggest club brands, Gatecrasher is gearing up to celebrate its milestone 15th Birthday. Returning to its spiritual home in Sheffield on the 20th of September, Gatecrasher is preparing to ‘blow the roof off’ the Carling Academy in true birthday fashion. With a colossal line-up including, Armin Van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Sied Van Riel and DJ Remy, Crasher is set to commemorate 15 years of dance-floor dominance.
From humble beginnings to a world-conquering global club brand, Gatecrasher has continued to push boundaries and dominate dance music for 15 years. It’s reputation as a flamboyant, individual and hedonistic brand continues to grow and the Gatecrasher name remains emblazoned in the heart and soul of clubbers throughout the world.
The Gatecrasher lion has always sat proudly at the forefront of clubland, responsible of some of the most awe-inspiring, never-to- be- forgotten events."2000GC" Millennium Eve event at the Don Valley Stadium, road blocked events at the NEC and Summer Sound System are amongst the greatest events in club-history – “We are 15” will be the next. Combine 15 years of production know-how, 15 years of promoting parties and 15 years of working with the best DJs around and you’ve got the party of all parties!
Kicking off the celebrating in style in theCrasher arena is Dutch party starter and world number one, Armin Van Buuren. By now notorious for his euphoria induced sets, Armin’s worldwide appeal continues to thrive. But despite his mythical status, Armin remains grounded about his achievements and clearly loves producing and playing music above the accolades it brings. After his roadblock GatecrasherLovesNottingham gig, Armin will no doubt pull out all the stops for this birthday bash.
Certain to shake the foundations with some Dutch dynamite, Ferry Corsten returns following his hugely successful mix cd for Gatecrasher. Always a welcome addition to any line-up, his Crasher performances over the years have been legendary in every sense of the word. Also from Holland, making his Crasher debut is Tiesto protégé, Sied Van Riel. Having toured globally with Tiesto, the Dutchman is tipped for big things. With an arsenal of fine quality trance productions, Sied Van Riel is making huge waves in the industry and is set to make a massive impact on the scene. Completing the Crasher arena, DJ Remy is another debut who is hotly anticipated. Widely respected for his diverse musical selection, he blends tech, prog and trance into the mix. Certain to crank the birthday into gear, DJ Remy will ignite the celebrations in style.
Room 2 is hosted by Electrik Playground - Riley & Durrant’s new night which has been gathering momentum in Leeds and tours this summer at Tiesto’s Privledge night in Ibiza. Electrik Playground’s resident, Adam Sheridan will be bringing his box of bleepy, electro tech filth for an excursion away from his usual tech trance sound. With Hauswerks and Mark Maitland on hand to bring their special breed of underground toxicity, room 2 is set to go off with a bang.
VIP - Hosted by Hang the DJ.
DJs from Sheffield and beyond push the boundaries of music as we know it to bring you an interactive show case of the finest Electro, New Wave, Glitch, Electro Clash, House, Techno, Punk, Pop, Breaks and More...
Gatecrasher – We are 15
Carling Academy Sheffield
20th September 2008
10pm – 6am
Crasher Arena
Armin Van Buuren
Ferry Corsten
Sied Van Riel
DJ Remy
Room 2 - Hosted by Elecrtrik Playground
Riley & Durrant
Adam Sheridan
Hauswerks
Mark Maitland
VIP - Hosted by Hang the DJ
DJs from Sheffield and beyond push the boundaries of music as we know it to bring you an interactive show case of the finest Electro, New Wave, Glitch, Electro Clash, House, Techno, Punk, Pop, Breaks and More...
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