HARDCORE WEEK: A tribute to Neophyte

Ask yourself – what comprises a musical legend? Is it popularity? Is it steadfast loyalty to a genre or movement? Or is it skill and knowledge? For me, an artist should possess all of these features and so much more if they even want to be considered a legend…

In my eyes, one of Hardcore’s most legendary names is a DJ, producer, mentor, businessman and the owner of one of Hardcore’s most influential record labels. I’m indeed talking about none other than the man himself; the mighty and unstoppable Neophyte.

Believe it or not, but the Neophyte act was originally established as a trio, consisting of Danny Greten, Robin van Roon and current front-man and owner of Neophyte Records Jeroen Streunding. Emerging during the gabber/early Hardcore era, Neophyte signed to the infamous Rotterdam Records platform in 1993, dropping their debut “The Three Amiga’s” EP.

Despite production technology being limited during the 90’s, Neophyte’s productions were quite strong and quickly took the gabber scene by storm. Booked to perform at infamous concepts such as Thunderdome, Mysteryland, A Nightmare in Rotterdam, Megarave, Masters of Hardcore and many more, by the late 90’s Neophyte was boasting a schedule that was exploding with bookings.

With his career taking off to a flying start, by the time 1999 rolled around Jeroen was ready to take the next step in revolutionising the Hardcore genre. Launching the Neophyte Records imprint, this project was conceived to be a platform for up and coming talent to thrive, however once guys like Evil Activities, Tha Playah, Kasparov, Nosferatu, The Viper and Panic jumped on board, Neophyte Records became an elite label recognised for its top-tier collection of releases. In addition to the originals, emerging names signed to the label such as Furyan, Icha, Synthax and D-Fence have been able to develop their careers to reach mainstage status.

Aside from releasing his own tunes, guiding the next-generation and running the label, Jeroen was also busy planning and executing numerous Neophyte Records tours, which ran throughout The Netherlands and also abroad in countries such as Scotland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Germany and more.

Developing immensely from his earlier gabber productions, Neophyte’s signature sound emerged into a cleverly-designed, yet ballsy take on mainstream Hardcore. Composing tracks that boast immaculate sound design, hard, pulsating kicks and pure aggression, Neophyte has released numerous perennial hits over the years. Beast-like tracks such as “Braincracking,” “Alles Kapot” and “Drugs,” as well as “Peace” and “Coming Home” with The Viper are some of Hardcore’s most influential tracks.

Furthermore, Jeroen’s modern productions are also nothing short of greatness, as he continues dropping bomb after bomb on the Neophyte Records catalogue. Displaying a diverse vision of Hardcore, he’s released ‘rougher’ tracks such as “S.I.C.K” and “Daar zijn we weer!” with Nosferatu, as well as more accessible, melodic-based tracks “Rebel Dizz” with The Viper and Tha Playah and “Exodus” with Evil Activities, E-Life and Alee.

Taking his legacy up to the wheels of steel, Neophyte is no stranger to performing on the world’s biggest stages as he’s tore crowds a new one at eminent festivals such as Defqon.1, Dominator, Masters of Hardcore, The Qontinent, Decibel Outdoor, Thrillogy, Harmony of Hardcore, Q-BASE, Pussy Lounge, UNITY, Intents and many more.

Looking on into 2017, it seems as though things have been non-stop for this Hardcore titan, who’s not only been a part of new live-act Guerrillas, alongside Furyan, Tha Playah and Nosferatu, but will also launch an exciting new concept ‘Worldwide Anarchy’ at Emporium Festival.

So to shed light on the proposition I made earlier about what constitutes a legend; Neophyte isn’t just a skilled and knowledgeable producer and DJ, he’s responsible for spreading and sophisticating Hardcore to reach the level it’s at today. Through successfully running Neophyte Records, which is a label that thrives on high quality productions and continuously pushing boundaries in his own productions, Neophyte has set a positive example for the next generation of Hardcore producers in more ways than one.

We’d like to congratulate Mr. Neophyte for his prosperous and long-lasting career as a musician and figurehead of Hardcore. It’s incredible to see what passion, hard work and perseverance can cultivate into. We’re excited to see what Neophyte has in store for 2017; we’re looking forward to feasting our ears on his brand new productions, as well as the productions from the rest of his team over at Neophyte records!

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