2016 in retrospect with Dr. Phunk & The Viper

As 2016 draws to an end, it’s time to kick back and reflect on one hell of a year. From numerous albums seeing the light of day, to countless endshows and festivals leaving us in awe, 2016 has unquestionably been a game-changing year for Hard Dance music and its surrounding industry.

A year of creative expression, we were fortunate enough to gain some inside perspective from three Hard Dance artists, who have all experienced prosperous careers this year. During this article, we gained intel from the phunkiest doctor around, Dr Phunk, as well as from Hardcore-gone-Freestyle legend The Viper, who will both run us through their 2016 adventures!

DR PHUNK  

– “In my opinion, the Hard Dance scene separated far too much in 2016.”

My 2016

This has been a great year for me and my team. I released my first studio album “Phunked Up,” which received amazing support! I also released three official remixes for Hardwell on Revealed Recordings and of course, a lot of other solo projects.

I think 2016 showed me that it’s better to work with a certain goal and path that I decide with advice from my team. I also learned that, in the end, hard work really does pay off.

Proudest & most personal release

That’s a tough one because I released a whole album, however I’m really proud of the Remix EP that I did for Hardwell. It all started as joke between the both of us and it turned out to be something huge. There’s been massive support from all over the globe on these tracks, and in my opinion I stayed true to the success of the original songs whilst turning them into harder versions.

Biggest performance highlight

My biggest performance in 2016 was Pussy Lounge at the park where I played for 12,000 visitors! It was a crazy experience!

Opinions on the scene

In my opinion, the Hard Dance scene separated far too much in 2016. The eternal battle between euphoric and raw was very present this year. In my opinion, people should be more open-minded to different types of hard dance music. It’s time to get rid of the ‘it has to be mad hard’ rules. I think good music is good music, whether it be hard, soft, euphoric or raw… As long as it has a great vibe and brings party feels then it should be good.

What I’d like to see in 2017

Open mindedness. People still think too much inside the box nowadays.

Resolutions for 2017

2017 feels like it’s going to be a good year for me; I hope it will become a year full of highlights and memories together with my team, colleagues , friends and family.

THE VIPER

– “I’d love to see more genres integrated into one track! There’s no need to limit everything because of what’s classified as ‘normal’ in our scene.”

My 2016

2016 has been a great year with so many highlights. From closing down Mysteryland, to performing at parties like Defqon.1, Decibel, Dominator and many more, it’s really been one to remember. Another big thing to happen this year was me moving studios; as an artist, moving studios is always a big challenge because you need to get used to making music in a whole new environment. But, after working on some projects and adjusting, I’m definitely back in the vibe again.

Also, my Son went to school for the first time, haha – this was something special for me personally. 😉

Proudest & most personal release

My proudest release was my track “Freestyle Muthafokka” featuring MC V. When he sent me the vocal, the melody immediately appeared in my head and everything fit perfectly with the new sound I wanted for The Viper. Nowadays, I try to produce music that fits with how I DJ; with Freestyle I start from 150BPM and build it up to 190BPM within 90 minutes.

Also, my remix of “The Promised Land” for DJ Paul Elstak also did really well on the festival floors. I always love to remix and add my own spin on the classic Happy Hardcore tracks, whilst still maintaining its original vibe.

Biggest performance highlight

Closing the Q-dance stage at Mysteryland! That one was still on the bucket list!

I also can’t forget the Decibel Weekend closing with the ‘Pussylounge Resident Rumble.’ We took over and transformed that tent into a mini-pussy lounge! It’s always an insane atmosphere!

Opinions on the scene

I feel as though there needs to be more variation in sound and producers shouldn’t be afraid to experiment with blending other genres with Hard Dance music.

What I’d like to see in 2017

I’d love to see more genres integrated into one track! There’s no need to limit everything because of what’s classified as ‘normal’ in our scene.

Resolutions for 2017

Continue to produce lots of new Freestyle and Hardcore tracks! 🙂

A huge thanks to Dr Phunk and The Viper for sharing their 2016 experiences. We wish not only them, but all of the other DJ’s and producers a prosperous and creative New Year! Bring it on!