The Nu Energy Collective - At the forefront of Hardcore & Hard Dance
Tuesday 27th Apr 2010 | Tags: Nu Energy Collective, Kevin Energy"Built on honesty, unity and co-operation, the Collective's ethos has always been to bring the inspiring music and
labels of those we believe in together under one banner, with one aim. To spread these innovative sounds as far and wide
as possible, working together to push things forward and find new avenues. Each cog in the machine of the Collective had
their own job and served their own invaluable purpose - without which progression was not possible." - www.nuenergycollective.com
When you think of Freeform, you think of the Nu Energy Collective.
Started in 1998 by Kevin Energy, Nu Energy was set up as a record label to focus on a new sound of Hardcore. With a predominantly cheesy sound dominating the market, Kevin wanted make Hardcore music more "freeform". In the early years this meant a hell of a lot of hard work trying to establish the new sound. A regular production schedule got the label into the minds of DJs, ravers and record shops alike. Invaluable exposure was gained with tracks from the label being used on releases such as the famous hardcore compilation "Bonkers".
The harder-edged Hardcore sound was not only being noticed from people in the Hardcore scene. Fans and DJs from Hard Dance also started to appreciate the harder sounds provided by Nu Energy, with DJs finding that the tracks worked especially well towards the end of the night due to their powerful basslines and huge breakdowns! Alongside this, Kevin started to take influences from the Hard Dance scene and this lead to him starting his 2nd label, Dynamix, in 1999.
In 2001, a number of Hardcore labels united to create The Nu Energy Collective. These included:
Scene legend Sharkey was drafted in to be the Collective's studio wizard. Under his turorledge, Nu Energy artists flourished. This is still the case today, with producers such as K-Complex, Arkitech and AMS benefiting from Sharkey's wealth of knowledge.
In 2003, the Nu Energy Collective Live PA was born. With it's blend of Hard Dance and Freeform, it quickly became a headline act, playing at many of the country's biggest club nights. With a reputation for hard, fast and euphoric sets, it's as highly regarded now as it ever has been.
The Nu Energy Collective has continued to grow and now sits firmly at the forefront of Hardcore and Hard Dance. The Nu Energy labels continue to release forward-thinking & high-energy records that are loved the world over. Their producer roster reads like a who's-who of Hardcore and Freeform.
Alongside the labels, the Nu Energy Collective is also involved with one of Sinistry's favourite events - Freeformation. One of the biggest nights in London, they pride themselves on putting on top quality line-ups and providing their ravers with an amazing atmosphere. One look at any of the line-ups that the guys have put together shows both the quality and the diversity that's on offer. The Freeform room is always stacked with big names, the Hard Dance room offers a mix of headline acts and newcomers alike, and the 3rd room always offers the most diverse range of music at any night we've ever been to: Psy Trance, Old Skool, Happy Hardcore, Disco, Early Hardstyle - you name it, it's been in the 3rd room at Freeformation! After many successful parties at Vauxhall's Hidden club, in December 2009 they moved to London superclub AREA. The night was a resounding success, with the venue proving to be a massive hit with the Freeformation regulars. 2010 sees the promotion hosting parties at the Global Energy Weekender and the infamous "HTID In The Sun" along with more events at AREA.
To give you a better insight into the Nu Energy Collective, we caught up with Kevin Energy to ask what the future has in store for him, the NEC and Freeformation!
Hi Kevin, thanks for taking time out to talk to us. How has the start of 2010 been for you?
No worries. 2010 has been very busy so far. This year we are undergoing a lot of changes so I've been putting these in place. To cut a long story we are working with less artists so we can concentrate more focus on them and more focus on getting our releases out there in all the new digital formats. I've been writing loads of my own music and have an exciting album project 'hardcore energy' in the pipeline.
Nu energy/The Nu Energy Collective has been growing rapidly since starting in 1998. In 2010, what makes up the Nu Energy Collective and in what areas can you see it expanding even further?
Well this year is all about 'less is more' the industry has changed a lot. Music sales are terrible so we are finding new and exciting ways to release music like through digital compilations, live mixes and even sourcing material into games and media!
We are big fans of the Freeform sound here at Sinistry. What do you think it is about Freeform that appeals to so many DJs and ravers?
Well it offers something different to the over played anthems and more formulated tracks that seem to dominate the scene. For some, freeform is not what they want to hear but for others it's a breath of fresh air. There's no doubt the scene needs variety in order to progress so we continue doing what we enjoy.
You've uncovered many talented producers over the years. Who should we be looking out for in 2010?
Nice n easy - Endemic are a new group making some great purist music. Little Fella is making great fun hardcore and darker sounds. A.B is a man on fire making energized freeform, Solution, S3RL, Nick 235, lost Soul, Douglas and Eryk Orpheus are all going to have a great year in music.
You've stated that in 2010 that you wish to spend more time in the studio. How is that coming along?
Very well indeed. I have 10 new productions and remixes ready for my hardcore Energy album. Tracks on many styles and colours which I have had a great time making. I've enjoyed working with a range of artists.
The switch from vinyl distribution to digital has seen many labels opting for digital-only releases. How has the change affected the labels you look after?
Heavily - I think this will be our last year for Vinyl - we may even have to put our final release out soon! The sad thing is that digital sales do not increase with the drop off on vinyl ones. We all know why ;)
You're also incredibly popular in the Hard Dance scene. What are your views on the state of Hard Dance in 2010?
I think it is starting to find it's feet again. There's no doubt that it suffered a drop in popularity but there are more goods label, nights and artists appearing all the time. The European sound is very dominating in the scene right now, I like some of it but not all of it ;)
What are your plans for the Nu Energy Collective Live PA this year?
Actually that's one of the things that will miss out in the 'less is more' mindset. It's very time consuming arranging a pa and I really need to concentrate my efforts on the record company and studio!
Freeformation has been throwing parties all over the country for a few years now. Could you tell us a bit about the night and what people can expect if they attend one of your events?
Sure, it started off as a very small Free night to highlight the NEC talent. We are lucky to have grown in popularity mainly due to the fact we offer a great 'wise up get stupid' ethos and fresh line ups! We now run at a super cool club in Vauxhall called Area. The main room is to die for. We don't run many events but when we do we get a great crowd that really make our nights special.
You recently held your first Freeformation at new venue AREA. How was that night for you and what other plans do you have for Freeformation this year?
It was a great night. Everybody enjoyed the new venue. We learnt a lot there and have some cool plans for the next one there. This year we have some tours on and will end the year with another date at Area. The tours are:
April 30th - Hardcore Underground vs Freeformation
June 14th HTID in the sun
You've achieved so much in the scene as a DJ and Producer. What things haven't you done that you would still like to achieve?
Ummm I'd really like to play at dance Valley in Holland and I'd like to write a really obscure album one day - something that takes it's own journey and is not meant for any scene in particular.
Finally, your motto is "Wise Up - Get Stupid". What's the best example you've seen of somebody taking your advice?
uMMMM good question. My old housemate managed to break his leg performing a 'wise up get stupid act' he came dressed in his cast to the next even with 'wise up get wounded' written on it!
A massive thanks to Kevin for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us. If you'd like to know even more about the Nu Energy Collective, it's artists or freeform music in general, head to http://www.nuenergycollective.com. There's regular mixes from the NEC and members of the forum, along with details all of the upcoming events that the NEC is involved in.
All of the NEC releases can be found at http://www.hardbeatstore.com and http://www.hardbeatsdownload.com - vinyl and digital.
