MDC Interview#66 " DJ Mad Dog "
Known for his furiously flaming beats that range across all tempos, Italian Hardcore and Techno sensation Mad Dog is unquestionably one of the industry’s most consistent and time-transcendent producers. Active in the scene since 2000 and an exponent of both Millennium and Modern Hardcore eras, Mad Dog has remained in an unshakeable position through all of the genre’s twists and turns.
Mad Dog has clocked one of Hardcore’s most impressive discographies, expressing a myriad of hits such as ‘Magnum Opus’, ‘Fade To Black’, ‘Xtreme Audio’, ‘Reset’, ‘Mean Streets’, ‘What Is Hardcore?’ and ‘Come Get Some’. His Downtempo productions have also gained traction, with tracks like ‘Energy 1996’, ‘Step Into The Dark’, ‘You Belong’, ‘Underground’ and ‘The Realness’ making a huge impact.
On-stage, this mastermind showcases his devotion to music on a global scale, bringing both high and low tempo bangers to the USA, Mexico, Australia, Japan, France, Scotland, Austria, Spain, Russia, Croatia, Switzerland, Sweden and many more countries. Mad Dog has performed on the world’s biggest stages at Dominator, Defqon.1, Masters of Hardcore, Qlimax, Thunderdome, Mysteryland, EDC Las Vegas, Harmony of Hardcore and many more.
Delivering electrifying performances that take audiences on the ultimate hardcore journey, Mad Dog embodies the essence of a true icon. With his relentless pursuit of dominance, this hardcore canine shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to sink his teeth into success.
https://www.instagram.com/djmaddog/
<This interview was conducted in March 2023>
About Musical Roots and Background
Q. When did you first become interested in electronic music and When did you discover the existence of Hardcore Techno? What attracted you to Hardcore Techno at that time?
In 1993, I was 13 years old when a schoolmate introduced me to a radio show called Virus that was playing a type of hard music that was new to me - Hardcore. During the show, they used to broadcast commercials and one of them was for a vinyl shop called ReMix.
I saved up my money and bought my first vinyl there, which was made by Omar Santana on His H2O Records. At that time, I only had my grandfather's old turntable, but I played that single vinyl repeatedly. What drew me to Hardcore Techno was the fact that it was unlike anything I had ever heard before. It was like music from another planet, with a futuristic sound that still captivates me to this day.
Q. What was the state of the Italian Hardcore scene when you first became interested in Hardcore Techno? What kind of Hardcore community (record stores, clubs, media, radio) was around you?
During the 90s, Hardcore, Techno, and Progressive were a big trend in Italy. There were large clubs with capacities of 4,000 to 5,000 people, radio shows like Virus hosted by Freddy K, many vinyl stores, and a large number of young people into electronic dance music. Producers at that time aimed to create something new and innovative, rather than seeking popularity on social media, as the internet didn't exist yet. Although the lack of internet made information sharing more challenging, people were still well informed through specialized FM radio stations, like Power Station in Rome, and vinyl stores like Remix in Rome, where one could connect with others and obtain information through flyers or magazines. Nowadays, there are more sources of information available, but it is also more fragmented due to the sheer volume of information available.
Q. What song will bring you back to the Hardcore heads?
Ah I have so many, from Dr Macabre - Poltergeist to D.O.A. - NYC Speedcore, too many to pick one.
Q. When did you first start writing songs? What genre of music did you write your first song? How did you learn to write songs back then? When was the first time you let people listen to your songs?
I began producing music when I was 16 years old. Back then, I had an old Atari computer with Cubase 1.0, a Juno keyboard, and an Akai S3000 sampler, all of which were MIDI-based and lacked audio and plugins. My first creation was a Hardcore tune, but the floppy disk it was saved on failed and the song was lost. The first thing I managed to produce was a kick drum, which I later used in my first released song as Hardcore Terrorists, "Try to make it harder" with Impulse Factory. In 1996, there were no tutorials, sound libraries, or internet available, so I had to teach myself and make mistakes along the way. It took a lot of time and effort to understand the equipment, and I sacrificed much of my youth to this pursuit due to the lack of information.
Q. What is characteristic of the Italian Hardcore scene? What parts have changed between now and then, and what parts have not?
The Italian Hardcore scene is known for its passion and knowledge about the genre. Italy is one of the biggest contributors to the Hardcore movement and has produced exceptional artists that have shaped the scene multiple times. Currently, the scene in my country may be in a period of decline, but the spirit of the Italians is indomitable, and the scene is expected to grow stronger again soon.…Italians never dies.
Q. When did you become DJ Mad Dog?
I became DJ Mad Dog in 2000. From 1996 to 2000, I was more of a promoter and DJ than a full-time producer. We used to host parties for 3,000 to 4,000 people in Rome. In 2001, we tried to host the biggest hardcore party ever in the city with many international artists in a huge venue, but we failed and lost all our money. So from that night, I quit and started the new project under the name DJ Mad Dog.
It wasn't an easy choice because with my old group, the Hardcore Terrorists, we had many gigs every weekend, a radio show, and merchandise. We were very big in Rome. With the new project, I had to start from scratch and wait 6 long years before achieving an international career. Those 6 years of struggle were a valuable experience. That's when I learned never to give up on tracks and ideas and where I challenged myself with great producers and friends like Tommyknocker, Art of Fighters, and Noise Suppressor. That's also where I learned how to express myself instead of copying music to get popular.
About "Downtempo"
Q. "Downtempo" was released in 2021 by Dogfight Records. Can you tell us the background behind the creation of this EP? Was it always your plan to make it a series from the beginning?
Yes, the plan was to create a trilogy that would culminate in a compilation album. The idea was formed long before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The creation of the "Downtempo" series was a way for me to express myself more and communicate in a different manner, something that differs from the current approach to music-making and communication in the Hardcore scene, which sometimes strays from my preferences.
Q. What was the reaction to "Downtempo" when it was released?
The reaction to "Downtempo" was surprisingly positive. In a time when the trend is focused on 200BPM music and in my opinion cringeworthy contents, the response was overwhelmingly good. This showed me that there are still many people who share my vision about this music. I want to take this opportunity to thank them all. I read every comment they write to me, and I will do my best to deliver better things every day.
Q. Around the same time as or a little before the "Downtempo" series, old-school Gabber Kick was being used around the mainstream in a Fake Drop-like manner. also I think the old-school movement was back in vogue. How did you feel about this?
I'm very positive about the revival of old-school Gabber Kicks in the mainstream. I wrote a track called "Reset" in 2019, and the lyrics I wrote had the "music is a circle” concept. I always focus on futuristic sounds and techniques, but I feel that this is a time to look back and rediscover something that we may have lost in recent years. If using old sounds is a way to bring back the essence of Hardcore, then let's do it. We can always go back to futuristic sounds again tomorrow.
Q. After "Downtempo" you released "What Is Hardcore?" in the same direction. Was this song written with the same concept as "Downtempo"? Also, why did you decide to express your strong intentions towards Hardcore in this song?
My direction always remains the same, my goal is to feel something while making the track. If I feel something during the demo process, it means that I am putting a part of myself into the track, and eventually that part of me will reach out to other people when they listen to it.
As I mentioned in my previous answer, I am trying to bring back something that, in my opinion, Hardcore has lost in the last years. The EDM glitter, social media, have somehow corrupted the true Hardcore message.
In my opinion, writing tracks only with the sole intention of gaining likes, streams, and popularity is not beneficial for both the artists and the scene. This approach could devalue the scene and detract from the history and legacy it has built over 30 years. That's why I strive to convey meaningful messages through my music and communication...but again this is just my point of view.
Q. You did a live performance to coincide with the release of "Downtempo EP II". What is it that you wanted to express with this project? Do you plan to perform a live set in the future?
I want to communicate that Hardcore is a serious thing, we just celebrated 30 years of Hardcore, we had phenomenal artists, producers, we influenced many different genres from Hardstyle to HardTechno, to Big Room EDM, we are a serious movement made by serious artists and musicians and this is what I wanted to express with the live act.
In today's world, the primary focus is to gain likes and followers on Social Medias, often at the expense of true artistic expression. I wanted to show that it is possible to create contents that is both meaningful and visually appealing, without resorting to gimmicks or cheap tricks. A new performance is in the works and coming soon.
Q. The "Downtempo" series uses many vintage equipment sounds. What equipment do you use?
I have and still use a lot of hardware equipment. I feel that I can translate what I have in mind into music quickly with these hardware instruments, such as my old Roland 909, a Korg Monopoly and a Roland Juno that I've had since I was 16, along with other secret weapons that I keep to myself. I have fun every time I write a song, whether it's a big mainstream anthem or downtempo piece, but every song presents its own challenges, and I often spend months on each one. The longer I spend on a song, the more I appreciate and respect it.
Q. In addition to your signature sound, I think the "Downtempo" series has no hidden influences from the Hardcore sounds of the past. In particular, I feel that Marc Acardipane(PCP to Dance Extacy, Cold Rush to the trancy Hardcore of Acardipane Records, etc.) is a strong influence. What does Marc Acardipane's music mean to you?
I definitely have a huge amount of respect for Marc Acardipane and what he's accomplished throughout his career. He's a true legend in the Hardcore scene and his contributions are truly unbelievable. I'm also influenced by other great artists such as Miro, Dr Macabre, Promo, and Catscan, who have all had a big impact on my "Downtempo" series. I love and respect all of them.
Q. You participated in Marc Acardipane's "Atmos-Fear Remixes" last year. Your remix is one of the best remix works of 2022 in the Hardcore scene. What was important to you when making this Remix?
For me, the most important thing while making this remix was to give respect to the original track and try to maintain the message that Marc wanted to convey. Instead of using the same sounds, I wanted to take on the challenge of working on such a big track. I spent about a year on that song. We have collaborated on some songs recently, and I think we have a similar taste in sound design and the message in our tracks.
Q. "Downtempo The Album" is released on LP. Why did you choose the LP format at this time?
I chose the LP Vinyl format because I wanted to provide my listeners with something tangible and real. Something that they could touch and hold on to. I wanted the project to feel serious and professional. Vinyl is a statement, a declaration that this album has been officially released and will serve as a lasting memory for both myself and my listeners.
I selected the kiss photograph (taken by Mirk Kuit in the 90s) because I believe it conveys a powerful message. Sometimes, simple things like a kiss can be more impactful than a monster or the cliché producer photo with a leather jacket (which I have used in the past as well :)).
The cover is a clear representation of love, which is the driving force behind all of our actions. Whether it's spending countless hours making music, or putting in the effort to attend parties, travel, pay for tickets, and dance under the loudspeakers, love is always at the forefront.
Q. Can you objectively explain the impact of the "Downtempo" series?
I cannot objectively explain the impact of the "Downtempo" series. I leave it to the people to assess the impact of my music on them. On me, it had a very pleasant impact because it is another way for me to have fun in the studio or with my video maker friends, creating different contents and exploring new ways of making music.
Recent trends and future.
Q. How has the Corona since 2020 affected you? How do you think your view of music has changed since and before Corona?
Honestly, it didn't change anything for me except that I had two extra days to work on my songs during the week because I had no gigs on the weekends.
Q. You are at the top of the Hardcore scene. You have the support of the underground. How do you see your position?
I don't see myself as being on top of the Hardcore scene. While some may consider me to be at the top, others may see me as the worst producer ever. It's all a matter of perspective, and there are too many people out there for me to try to control their opinions. That's why I'm not concerned with my standing in the scene. I'm focused solely on enjoying the process of making music and contents.
Q. What do you think of the relationship between underground and mainstream? What do "underground" and "mainstream" mean to you?
This is another subjective matter. What is considered mainstream by some may be considered underground by others, and vice versa. I simply make the music that I feel at the moment and then let the listeners decide if it is mainstream or underground.
Q. You have wonderful supporters all over the world, but I believe you also have haters. What do you mean by haters? What are some of the interesting opinions (comments) you have received from haters?
What is often referred to as "haters" are simply people with a different perspective, and their opinions should be respected. I make an effort to read all the messages I receive, and I sometimes even agree with the criticism.
To be honest, I'm quite forgetful, but the most recent criticism I received was about the use of the word "downtempo." The commenter questioned the idea of labeling hardcore music in this way. Personally, I believe that anything with a distorted kick drum can be considered hardcore, regardless of the tempo.
I never intended to create a new subgenre within the hardcore scene. However, I understand the importance of having a clear and recognizable label for the message I want to convey with my music.
Q. Dogfight Records released Nightshift's "I Am Doom" last year. This has a traditional Darkcore feel to it. Also, Millennium is being re-evaluated(your Sounds of the Millennium too). Do you think we will see another Dark Hardcore revival in the future?
I hope that the more diverse approaches to Hardcore we have, the more intriguing and powerful Hardcore will become. It all depends on the producers, we need more producers who can eventually evolve into artists with their own messages and perspectives. However, to truly become an artist, there are two paths: either you are a genius (which is very rare) or you are a hard-working and dedicated person.
Q. What are your thoughts on Post-Rave such as Casual Gabbers and Never Sleep and Hard Techno movment? Who are your favorite producers and labels these days?
That's very respectful. What they are doing is probably one of the most difficult things to do because Hardcore is not very well received. Genres and movements tend to be closed minded and elitist, but they are breaking into that scene and expanding the Hardcore movement even more than other Hardcore producers who are following the Uptempo or Raw trend.
Q. Since last year, the Hardcore Festival has resumed as usual. However, there is no change in the lineup at all. Is this a lack of quality from the young producers? Or are the festivals being conservative? Will the hardcore scene continue to evolve? If there is a problem with the current scene and industry, what is it?
In my opinion, the new producers are not yet ready. I know that big promoters may be eager to add variety to their lineups, but if the new "artists" don't sell tickets, it's not their fault and they are forced to repeat the lineups. I have seen many new producers release a few good songs, play at big festivals as openers, and then fail within a year or so.
In my opinion, this is because the big promoters want to change the lineups, but the new artists are not yet ready. They take the stage and have three options:
1) You become an instant superstar (very rare)
2) Your ego starts to inflate because you feel like you've made it, and you produce less and less inspired tracks.
3) You can't handle the pressure of a big stage and you overthink in the studio, leading to fewer releases.
I believe that being a good producer is a long journey that also involves failures. Failures and hard work make you experienced and stronger, and this is a process that a producer face every day in order to become a real artist. And any way, sometimes an old artist has much more to say than a new producer.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring producers who are trying to make music? Also,any advice for those artists who are already active and are resentful of the current situation.
In these days, everything changes quickly, including trends, social media, promoters, and new big names. These things can put a lot of pressure on you, cause you to overthink, and distract you from your main goal of making good music.
Today, it's even harder than yesterday, and the methods I used in the past to emerge may no longer work in the current scene. The only thing I can do is trying to give a good example if they want to take it. So, I can only wish them luck and enjoy what they are doing.
Q. What is the upcoming schedule for you ?
Soon I will release the an official Rmx of The First Rebirth by Jones and Stephenson, the track will be released on Thunderdome Records and we did a very beautiful video to celebrate this legendary song.
Q. Please leave a message for our readers.
I miss Japan and all of you a lot. Your country feels very similar to mine, with a rich history, culture, beauty, and delicious food. I'm confident that we'll see each other again soon :).