Category: Magazines

A look at some of the homemade & independent, low circulation, zines from the 1980s and 1990s, specifically focusing on old skool acid house and rave + some graffiti.

Issue 27A – Ravescene

Ravescene Magazeen #27A (Nov ’92) profiles Production House and Third Party Records, with insights into Dice’s production work and breakbeat innovation. Plus, full UK rave listings from Fantazia to Universe, keeping you up to date on the underground scene.

Ravescene Magazeen 27A

Published
6th November 1992 (approx)

Pages
8 (A5 B&W)

Strapline
KISS OFF

FEATURED ARTICLE – Production House

Driving towards Production House headquarters, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, having been a successful record label for some years I imagined egos to be big and attitudes rife. How wrong I was.

My first impression on arrival was how relaxed and friendly everybody was. The atmosphere there is like that of a close knit family (no trace of star-struck egotistical maniacs here!)

Floyd Dice, better known as ‘Dice’ appears to be the backbone of The Production House Crew. Having been with them since the beginning I asked him about his involvement with the label.

DICE: My main act is the House Crew, that is totally mine, as I engineer the studio and produce, but I am involved with most acts signed to the label, so I thought I would take one act for myself.

As well as engineer and produce Dice actually writes and sings as well, quite an asset to the label and modest too (his name can be found credited on nearly all Production House’s releases). Dice’s latest track, currently tearing it up around the clubs is called ‘Let Me Be Your Fantasy’ and  although credited to Baby D, it was actually written and produced by Dice. ‘Let Me Be Your Fantasy’ is on a more mellow tip with a soulful feel to it.

DICE: Rave is changing, it’s becoming more vocally orientated, and these vocals are being sampled from old soul records. My strongest influence is soul music, hence the Baby D track, the vocals are soulful, and they have been put together over a hard drumbeat. Soul is still around, maybe in a slightly different form, like swing or mellow house, but it is still there.

During the interview there is a constant buzz of activity going on around us. Acen pops in to say hello, DMS is running around, his face split into a huge grin, waving a cheque. Friendly banter flows between everyone, Acen offers to make me a cup of coffee. I asked Dice his opinion on the media.

DICE: The trouble with having ‘fame’ 1s you are open to criticism, the media can be very harsh and the public believe it. The media can destroy acts and people’s egos. I hope the media doesn’t do to rave what it did to the acid scene. It would be such a shame to kill off rave now, as itis such a big industry.

The most astonishing thing about Production House is that they are self-distributed, no other label in the country can boast the success of this independent company. Off of their own back they sell their music on its pure class and having been around so long, only points to the fact that they are a rated amongst the top three dance labels in the country.

By Tash

Desire 92 – The Fourth Birthday Party

LABEL PROFILE – Third PARTY RECORDS

Back from their first 2 EPs all licensed to separate compilations including one in Canada, Third Party look to be going somewhere fast. Building their experience through 14 releases on the renowned Ibiza label, their operation has been established to communicate the musical mastery of the Noise Factory. Since the label began, it has been no accident that with each new release they have sold more and more copies. So with all this in mind, I took the opportunity to ask Tel, Jim and Kevin why their music was so in demand.

“T could talk through our tracks like a story. Our records build up and have lots of different  things in them and then they breakdown so DJ’s can mix into the next tune. I think it’s also  because our EP’s include a variety of styles so everyone is happy then”

How would you describe your music?

“Our music has always got a reggae element somewhere, it’s hidden and you might not hear it at first, but if you listen closely it’s there. However we’ve come away from sampling reggae direct because everyone 1s doing that now. People are simply sampling the raggae stuff because they know this will get their record played. Nowadays you hear a whole reggae track with a fast break behind it and this a sign of people getting lazy — this ain’t good for whats happening”.

Even though Noise Factory get distressed at the volume of poor quality material being released they do hope for the future of the breakbeat sound particularly on an international scale, “The breakbeat sound ain’t so well in the rest of the world yet, but it’s going to come through slowly. In LA, they’re going mad for British material and Canada is now getting into it too. They say we are behind but really they are the ones that are behind”.

So what are your plans for the future?

“We’re planning on using more live vocals than samples and including more melodies. We’re looking to the future in this way because I seriously think this music is drying down”.

As a final question I asked Noise Factory what advice they would give to up and coming music makers out There?

“Be creative with your samples and make your samples mean something. Don’t follow, lead the way, stay one step ahead because there’s so much competition out there. Never pirate, do it so it makes sense.”

ADVERTS

  • Up Front Totally Hardcore Mix Tapes From The USA
  • Double Dipped ‘An Underwater Experience’
  • Hardcore Zone @ Wax City Records
  • Labrynth T-Shirts for sale
  • Desire 92 – The Fourth Birthday Party
  • The Promised Land – Free Rave @ Lea Valley Trading Estate, London N18
The Promised Land – Free Rave

RAVE LISTINGS

  • Fantazia Friday 27th November. Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet
  • Rave In Holland 13, 14, 1Sth November
  • World Dance Saturday 5th December. Lydd International Airport, Kent
  • Heaven On Earth Friday 13th November. The Hummingbird, Birmingham
  • Armageddon Saturday 14th November. Enstone Aerodrome, 10 miles North of Oxford off A34,  Oxfordshire
  • Middle Earth Saturday 14th November. Occans Night Club, Barbican, London
  • Raveworld IV Friday 27th November. Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way. Stevenage, Herts
  • Universe Friday 4th December. Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, Devon. (off Junction 30, M5)
  • Desire ‘92 Saturday 21st November. The Roller Express, Lea Valley Trading Estate, Edmonton, N18
  • Universe Thursday 31st December. Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Nr Exeter, Devon
  • Love Of Life Saturday 14th November. Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre, Gonville Place. Parkside, Cambridge
  • New Age Saturday 21st November. Stantonbury Leisure Complex, Purbeck Close, Milton Keynes, Beds
  • The Sanctuary Opening Night Friday 11th December. Denbigh Leisure Centre, V7 Saxon Gate, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, Beds.
  • Shammanarchy At Whirl-Y-Gig Sunday November 22nd. Shoreditch Town Hall, London
  • Double Dipped ‘Trip Under the Sea’ Saturday 12th December, Labrynth, 12 Dalston Lane E8
  • The Promised Land Saturday 21st November Bass Box. Lea Valley Trading Estate, Harbet Road. N18
  • Urge Saturday 5th December Vox Club, Brixton
  • Ibiza Reunion Party Saturday November 21st David Lloyd Centre, Southall Lane, Heston, middx

Issue 27 – Ravescene

Ravescene Magazeen #27 (Oct ’92) brings rave listings, event adverts, and a fresh dance chart, spotlighting underground hits from Citadel Of Kaos, DJ Big Vern, and Living Dream. Stay tuned to the UK hardcore scene with the latest party updates.

Ravescene Magazeen 27

Published
23rd October 1992 (approx)

Pages
8 (A5 B&W)

Strapline
BANG ON ONE

ADVERTS

  • Sunday Dipped – Every Sunday @ The Soundshaft, Hungerford Lane, London WC2
  • Beat The System Productions
  • 2000 AD Productions & Fascination present Spellbound – 31st October @ The Tasco Warehouse
  • X-Static bring you ‘A New Creation’ – 6th November @ Enstone Airfield
  • Equinox present ‘Reach For The Skies’ – 24th October @ Roller Express, London N18
  • World Dance – 31st October @ Lydd International Airport, Kent
  • Wax City Records, 306-308 London Road, Croydon
  • Vinyl Mania Records, 214 Northfields Avenue, London W13
  • Bass Box – Every Friday & Saturday @ Unit H9, London N18
  • Labrynth present ‘The Twilight Zone’ – 7th November @ Roller Express
  • The Sound Gallery at The Venue, Elstree Way, Borehamwood
  • Pyramid Promotions present Innersense – Every Saturday @ The Lazerdrome, London SE15
X-static bring you A New Creation

RAVE LISTINGS

  • Passion Friday 30th October. The Event, Brighton
  • Fantazia Friday 27th November. Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet
  • Double Dipped Saturday 7th November. The Four Aces, 12 Dalston Lane, E8
  • Rave In Holland 13, 14, 15th November
  • Life & Utopia Saturday 7th November. Tasco Warehouse, Plumstead SE28
  • Shock (Pure Organisation) Saturday 31st October. Central London
  • World Dance Saturday 31st October. Lydd Airport, Kent
  • Raveworld And Ravescene The Party Il. Saturday 24th October. The Tasco Warehouse, 138 Nathan Way, Plumstead, London SE28
  • Every Picture Tells A Story (Labrynth) Saturday 7th November. Roller Express, Lea Valley Trading Est. N18
  • Obsession The Third Dimension Friday 30th October. West Point Exhibition Centre, Clyst St. Mary, Nr Exter (1m off M5. J30)
  • Heaven On Earth Friday 13th November The Hummingbird, Birmingham
  • Essence Saturday 31st October. The Hanger West, West Wickham, Cambridgeshire
  • Night Meets Day (In-Ter-Dance) Friday 30th October. Poole Arts Centre, Kingland Road, Poole, Nr. Bournemouth
  • Reach For The Skies Saturday 24th October. Roller Express, Lea Valley Trading Estate, Angel Road, North Circular Road, Edmonton N18
  • Aarmaggedon Saturday 14th November. Enstone Aerodrome, Oxfordshire, 10 miles North of Oxford, Off A34
  • Spellbound Saturday 31st October. The Tasco Warehouse, 138 Nathan Way, Plumstead, SE28
Equinox present Reach For The Skies

CHART

Dance chart compiled by Judge of Wax City Music

  1. Weekend Rush EP – DIca & DJ Big Vern (Boogie Beat)
  2. Rave Soon Come EP (Living Dream)
  3. Alpha 1 – Citadel Of Kaos (Bombastic Plastic)
  4. Sounds A Bit Flakey – Agent Orange (Promo)
  5. Happy Cloud EP
  6. Mystery Man – DJ Business (Focus)
  7. Double Vision – Tango (WL)
  8. Ruff & Massive – Windy Miller (Daddy Armshouse)
  9. Basic Instinct (WL)
  10. Audio Maze – Dr S Gachet (Labello)

Issue 25 – Ravescene

Ravescene Magazeen #25 (Oct ’92) spotlights Nu-Matic’s evolution from hardcore origins to a multi-genre innovator. Featuring the upcoming Body Fusion E.P., standout PA shows, and essential rave listings, this issue keeps fans connected to the UK underground scene.

Ravescene Magazeen 25

Published
9th October 1992 (approx)

Pages
8 (A5 B&W + Duotone)

Strapline
WE ARE ONE

FEATURED ARTICLE – Nu-Matic Interview

Matt Edward’s alias Nu-Matic, has just completed his 3rd E.P. for XL Recordings. Previously known as Break The Limits his musical style has certainly changed since those early days.

MATT “When I was first making music (along with former partner Mel Tanur) the most important thing to us was to gain the respect of other people as artistes, we were making music solely for the hard-core raver. Now, I just feel that I would like my music to appeal to a wider audience”. As an early exponent of the Reggae-Techno-Groove on the “Hard Times” E.P. then to incorporate classical music for his “Spring in My Step” E.P. and now to be the first to use an old rare groove track on his next release, could we be right in thinking that Nu-Matic is trying to set some kind of trend.

MATT “I don’t see myself as trying to set any trends, I don’t care if I do or don’t. The ideas that I have used so far, I have had for years. In music I believe, there should be no boundaries that’s why  you’ll find all aspects of music from Rock to Reggae, incorporated in mine”.

Nu-matic’s music certainly has that hard-core feel to it, but there are elements that could be interpreted as being “commercial”. Could this perhaps lead to losing the respect that has taken him so long to gain?

MATT “To be perfectly honest, if trying to be more creative and more original in the things I do is going to have me branded ‘commercial’ then I really don’t give a shit. I’m really just trying to make the kind of music that is still going to be around for years to come, not forgotten about after four weeks. As for the respect side of things, those people who matter will hopefully still respect me for not being scared to try something different”.

As well as trying to do things differently on the musical tip, the PA’s are certainly something to watch. Although some incorporate the clichéd Mc and two dancer’s they definitely have a more professional edge to their performance’s.

MATT “I feel that I have the best Mc in the business Mc Mc, and along with our dancer’s (Smila and Naz), we really try to entertain and make our shows value for money”. With his forthcoming release in mid November, entitled ‘Body Fusion’ Matt with the help of Mc Mc, has produced a more vocally orientated E.P. Is this a stab at proving his versatility as an artist to ensure he will be around longer than people think?

MATT “I am not trying to prove anything. It’s my genuine love of music that has enabled me to adapt to the changes in the dance scene for the past seven years, so I don’t see why I won’t be able to adapt in the future”.

Spellbound

ADVERTS

  • Sunday Dipped – Every Sunday @ The Soundshaft, Hungerford Lane, London WC2
  • 2000 AD Productions in conjunction with Fascination – Spellbound – 31st October @ The Tasco Warehouse
  • Raveworld And Ravescene The Party Part II @ The Tasco Warehouse
  • Labrynth Productions present Every Picture Tells A Story @ The Tasco Warehouse
  • Cryptonite ‘Such A Feeling’ @ Peterborough Arena
Ravescene T-Shirts

RAVE LISTINGS

  • Double Dipped The Birthday Party (Ravescene) Saturday 17th October. The Four Aces, 12 Dalston Lane, Hackney, E8
  • Passion Friday 30th October. The Event, Brighton
  • Fantazia Friday 27th November. Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet
  • The Edge Friday 16th October. The Tasco Warehouse, 138-140 Nathan Way, Plumstead
  • Knowledge All Nighter Wednesday 28th October. SW 1 Club, London SW1
  • Every Picture Tells A Story Saturday 17th October. The Warehouse, Nathan Way, Plumstead, London, SE28
  • Living Dream Saturday 10th October. Roller Express, Lea Valley Trading Estate, Edmonton, N18
  • Exodus Friday 9th October. Kings Lynn Speedway Stadium, Saddlebow Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. (Off A47)
  • A New Creation (Xtatic) Friday 6th November. Enstone Airfield, Enstone Nr Oxford
  • Cryptonite Friday 23rd October. Peterborough Arena, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
  • Wisdom Friday 9th October. Nr Dorking, Surrey, Off A24, Nr Capel
  • Raveworld And Ravescene The Party Part II, Saturday 24th October. The Tasco Warehouse, 138 Nathan Way, Plumstead, London, SE28
  • Destiny Saturday 10th October. Jenkins Lane, Barking, Essex
  • Love Fever Garage Weekender, 13,14,15 November. Gt Yarmouth
  • Fascination Saturday 10th October. The Tasco Warehouse, 138-140 Nathan Way, Plumstead
  • Fusion Friday 23rd October. Portsmouth Guildhall
  • World Dance Saturday 31st October. Lydd Airport, Kent
  • Spellbound (2000 AD & Fascination) Saturday 31st October. The Tasco Warehouse, 138 Nathan Way, Plumstead SE28
  • Armaggedon Saturday 14th November. Enstone Aerodrome, Oxfordshire, 10 miles North of Oxford, Off A34
Raveworld

Issue 24 – Ravescene

Ravescene Magazeen #24 (Sep ’92) spotlights Ruff Guidance Recordings and Mel Tanur, charting his path through hardcore and alternative dance. Featuring upcoming releases, jungle-inspired tracks, and essential rave listings, this issue keeps fans plugged into the UK underground scene.

Ravescene Magazeen 24

Published
25th September 1992 (approx)

Pages
8 (A5 B&W)

Strapline
HOLDIN’ IT DOWN

FEATURED ARTICLe – RUFF GUIDANCE RECORDINGS

You have probably never heard of Ruff Guidance Recordings, but I am sure you will be familiar with the music. Mel Tanur, 24, the man behind Ruff Guidance, has taken an active part in the music industry for the past seven years. Starting out as a rap lyricist in 1985, he progressed with former partner Matt Edwards (now Nu-Matic) into making the kind of music that dominates our radios today.

M “We wanted to do an E.P. which contained hip-hop, techno and dance music, to break the existing limits of the music that was being made at that time. Bpm’s shot up in level’s which other people just weren’t doing, we didn’t make anything under 125bpm”.

With the launch of Break The Limits in the late summer of 1990, they established a name for themselves as one of the original hard-core acts. Some 10 E.P.’s later, their hard work paid off, and in December 1991 they were signed to XL Recordings. Unfortunately this didn’t quite work out as Mel had envisioned it, thus causing Mel and Matt to split.

M “XL released the Hard Times E.P. many many weeks later in February 1992, and by that time the tune had fizzled out. As far as I am concerned they made a mess of it. To tell you the truth I didn’t really get on with the people there, all those record company people really don’t appeal to me”.

Leaving the prospect of fame and fortune behind, Mel started up his own company. April 1992 saw his first solo release, simply enetitled “The Ruff Guidance” E.P. The second E.P. (Bay-B-Kane) caused quite a sensation on the hard-core scene, generating interest from DJ Micky Finn, who has included a track from the E.P. on Groove Connections soon to be released compilation/mega mix. Now, with the third E.P. underway, Ruff Guidance’s present venture comes as a bit of a surprise. Released on the 28th Septmeber, the “Icon” E.P. is not only a six tracker, but also includes some unusual elements.

M “I realise I may be taking a risk with this as it is an alternative dance E.P., though it still has that rough jungle feel to it. I have even included some Bolivian Hari-Krishna samples. I think that it is fair to say it’s certainly different’.

So, with all this going on and a soon to be released E.P. which he co-produced with DJ Token Pace on the Face The Bass label as well as current negotiations with none other than Reinforced Records, I can certainly see Mel Tanur being involved in the music biz for the next seven years.

Written by Natasha Donovan

Destiny
Exodus

ADVERTS

  • Rave In A Movie – 1000 extras required
  • Sunday Dipped at The Soundshaft
  • Pyramid Promotions presents Innersense @ Lazerdrome
  • Exodos presents Escape To Forever @ Kings Lynn Speedway Stadium
  • Stage One Distribution
  • Destiny @ Jenkins Lane
  • Vinyl Mania Records
  • Hardcore Zone @ Wax City Records
  • Fascination @ The Warehouse, 10th October 1992
  • Raving Mad Designz for Dance Crazy People (Pure Clothing Co.)
Raving Mad Designz for Dance Crazy People

RAVE LISTINGS

  • Passion Friday 30th October. The Event. Brighton
  • Fantazia Friday 27th November. Bath and West Showground, Shepton-Mallet
  • The Edge Friday 16th October. The Tasco Warehouse. 138 – 140 Nathan Way Plumstead
  • Knowledge All Nighter Wednesday 28th October. SW 1 Club. London. SW1
  • Living Dream Saturday LOth October. Roller Express, Lea Valley Trading Estate Edmonton, N18
  • Pirate Club And Delirium Saturday 3rd October. Roller Express. Lea Valley Trading Estate. Edmonton. London N18
  • Double Dipped The Birthday Party (Ravescene) Saturday 17th October. Four Aces, 12 Dalston Lane, Hackney, E8
  • Destiny Saturday 1Oth October. Jenkins Lane, Barking, Essex.
  • As New Creation (Xstatic) Friday 6th November. Enstone Airfield, Enstone. Nr. Oxford.
  • Altered States Pt III Saturday 3rd October. Southend United FC. Roots Hall Stadium, Southend
  • Cryptonite Friday 23rd October. Peterborough Arena, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.
  • Wisdom Friday 9th October. Nr Dorking, Surrey, Otf A24 Nr Capel
  • Raveword Ravescene The Party Part II. Saturday 24th October The Tasco Warchouse, 138 Nathan Way, Plumstead, London SE28
  • Exodus Friday 9th October. Kings Lynn Speedway Stadium, Saddlebow Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. (off A47)
  • Every Picture Tells A Story Saturday 17th October. The Warehouse, Nathan Way, Plumstead, London SE28
  • Love Fever Garage Weekender. 13/14/15 November. Gt. Yarmouth
  • Fascintation Saturday LOth October, The Tasco Warchouse, 138 – 140 Nathan Way. Plumstead
  • Fusion Friday 23rd October Portsmouth, Guildhall
  • World Dance Saturday 31st October, Lydd Airport, Kent

Issue 23 – Ravescene

Ravescene Magazeen #23 (Sep ’92) features underground rave events including Rave M25 and Desire ’92, club nights, record shops, and a chart with 2 Bad Mice, Tec 9, and Citadel Of Kaos, keeping fans updated on the UK hardcore and rave scene.

Ravescene Magazeen 23

Published
11th September 1992 (approx)

Pages
8 (A5 B&W)

Strapline
CANT BEAT THE SYSTEM ?

ADVERTS

  • Dream Promotions (Ticket Agents)
  • Sunday Dipped – Every Sunday @ The Soundshaft, Hungerford Lane, London WC2
  • Rave M25 – 26th September
  • Club Labrynth – Every Friday @ 12 Dalston Lane, London E8
  • Hardercore “T” Shirts (Hardercore Designs)
  • Wax City Records, 306 -308 London Road, Croydon
  • Bass Box – Every Friday
  • The Prodigy (Fire/Jericho) & Experience – XL Recordings
  • Fascination Raveworld @ The Tasco Warehouse, Plumstead, London SE28
Rave M25

RAVE LISTINGS

  • Double Dipped (Ravescene) Saturday 19th September. Four Aces, 12 Dalston Lane, Barking, Essex
  • Desire ’92 Saturday 19th September. The Warehouse, Plumstead, London SE28
  • The Third Dimension Friday 25th September. South Midlands Venue
  • Destiny Saturday 10th October. Jenkins Lane, Barking, Essex
  • Eternity Saturday 19th September. Roller Express, Lea Valley Trading Estate, Edmonton, London, N18
  • Exodus Friday 9th October. Kings Lynn Speedway Stadium, Saddlebow Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk
  • Reincarnation Friday 18th September. Kings Hall, Herne Bay, Kent
  • Liberty Friday September 18th. Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage
  • The Edge (Previously The Eclipse) Opening Night Friday 18th September. Lower Ford Street, Coventry
  • Impact And Reality Friday September 25th. The Safe House, Kingsway Building, The Forum, Stevenage, Herts. (Off Junction 7 & 8 Al M)
  • Double Dipped Saturday 17th October. Four Aces, 12 Dalston Lane, Hackney E8
  • Pirate Club & Delirium Saturday 3rd October, Roller Express, Lea Valley Trading Estate, Edmonton, London N18
  • Cryptonite Friday 23rd October. Peterborough Arena, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
  • Living Dream Saturday 10th October. Roller Express, Lea Valley Trading Estate, Edmonton N18
  • Atmosphere (2000 AD) Saturday 26th September. Paddocks, 121 Holborn, London EC1
  • The Image Of Images Saturday 26th September. Manners Arena, 43 High Street, Peckham, London SE15
  • Knowledge All Nighter Wednesday 28th October. SW1 Club, London SW1
Hardercore “T” Shirts

CHART

Compiled by Adrian H

  1. 2 Bad Mice – Space Cakess EP (Moving Shadow)
  2. Tec 9 – Ice Cream + Doughnuts (Reinforced)
  3. Origination – Break Down (Rude Boy Records)
  4. Eat Life – Equinox (Ruff Tuff Wicked Stuff)
  5. DJ Nex – Respect Is Due (Stafford North)
  6. Syco + Mac – PM Remixes (Parliament)
  7. DEA – Injunction Fever EP (White)
  8. Butschi – Techno Themes Vol 1 (Little Giant Music)
  9. Citadel Of Kaos – Alpha 1 (Bombastic Plastic)
  10. Terrorize – It’s Just A Feeling (Hamster Records)