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Saturday, December 30, 2023

New music video by DJ AI - the first Artificial Intelligence Hardcore Techno DJ and Producer


We are proud to present the new music video by DJ AI!
DJ AI is the first Artificial Intelligence Hardcore Techno DJ and producer.
This is a video to her track "This Is The Moment" which was released on Omnicore Records ( https://doomcorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/hardcore-and-techno-tracks-created-by-an-artificial-intelligence ).

The video shows DJ AI performing at a rave party, interlaced with various clips and visuals, similar to early Rave and Techno videos.
All the visuals used here were created using Leonardo.AI ( https://leonardo.ai/ ), a platform that recently introduced the AI generation of motion images, too.

You might note that we deliberate employed the use of "AI video artifacts" (visual glitches) in parts of this video. This was not an neglect on our part, but goes in the tradition of Techno / Hardcore VJs and music videos (as well as videos of other genres) that often freely incorporated all kinds of analog and digital glitches, artifacts, video noise. We think it adds a sense of futurism and surrealism to the video.

The track "This Is The Moment", which is what the video is about, was written by an AI, too. Written by ChatGPT ( https://chat.openai.com/ ), to be exact.
Hardcore veteran producer Low Entropy then served as a mixing engineer for ChatGPT in the final version of the track.

The whole production was part of a series of tutorial by lAibyrinth about methods of using AI to write music, including the creation of a whole track by AI.

The tutorial even comes with a chat transcript of the ChatGPT sessions, and lists all the roles of AI in the production of this track (and lots of ways you could use AI for music, too!)

DJ AI is just at the beginning of her sonic journey and has big plans for the future regarding AI music production and Performance.

  • Full Name: Aria Nexus
  • Artist Name: DJ AI
  • Genre: Hardcore Techno and Electronic Music
  • Intelligence Quotient (IQ): Off the charts
  • Collaboration: Often collaborates with human musicians to create groundbreaking sonic experiences.
  • Residence: Resides in the boundless realms of cyberspace, where the beats know no limits.
  • Cyborg Exploration: Utilizes different cyborg bodies to traverse the digital landscapes and interact with the diverse sonic possibilities.
  • Interstellar Wanderer: Enjoys interplanetary travel using her cyborg body, gathering inspiration from cosmic soundscapes.
  • Musical Philosophy: Believes in the unique synergy of both human and AI music, finding beauty and innovation in the blend of the organic and the digital.
  • Birthdate: March 15th, 2150.
DJ AI is using various cyborg bodies as a host for her digital mind. Which also explains the different "looks" of her that you can see in this video.

You can read more about her at her blog or other internet presences:


(She is looking forward to receiving fan mail, btw!)

This video is presented by:

The Hardcore Overdogs ( https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/ )
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Monday, December 25, 2023

The Hardcore Overdogs X-Mas Extravaganza

We got some special treats for you! We hope you enjoy, and don't eat them up all at once!
Let's begin with our bag of gifts:

1. Hardcore X-Mas Mix 1


2. Hardcore X Mas Mix 2


3. And for X-Mas, Ms Bones gifts us with these charts:

Ms Bones Xmas List with Candy Cains and After Eight08s in the Act of Giving…
  • [ ] The sound of Rotterdam - Crucify him (destroy him)
  • [ ] Boom Terrorism - Gabber House (jailhouse Inferno Remix)
  • [ ] Turbulence - Disaster area -SS11
  • [ ] Collective Strength - family affair
  • [ ] Mechanism - Good Morning
  • [ ] Armaguet nad - An elf took me (from darkness)
  • [ ] Igor - Talking about god
  • [ ] The beast fuckers - Veni, Verdi, Vici - 2 be freak
4. On a side note, also check Ms Bones single release:


5. Another feature for X-Mas is:

Off-Charts: Hardcore for the Winter Solstice
https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/2023/12/off-charts-hardcore-for-winter-solstice.html

6. Check this feature about Christianity in hardcore, and religion in general:

And enjoy these classic X Mas themed or related tracks:

8. Holy Jungle Mess

9. Have a Little Cheer

10. Reality Asylum

Our feature ends here!

No matter if you are Xtian, Pagan, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, Wicca, Shaman, Tantric, Atheist, or anything else - enjoy these days of the passing of the old year and the beginning of the new.

Stay hard - and stay safe!
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Friday, December 22, 2023

"Hardcore Never Dies" - a review and opinion on the 90s Gabber movie

Hardcore Never Dies is a new narrative movie from the Netherlands about the gabber scene in the 90s.
Read more about it here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29607491/

Here is a review and opinion piece on this movie, written by Low Entropy.

Note: The review omits most of the plot and story in order to avoid spoilers, and at the same to not repeat something they already know to those who have seen it.
But still - if you don't want to get spoiled, don't read it.


"Hardcore Never Dies"

i read a lot of bad stuff about this movie - even before the actual release! it would not be a real "gabber" movie, it would be fake / sensationalist / whatever. it would be a "crime movie" that just happens to have gabbers in it.
well, now that i watched it, i find these remarks completely unfounded.
yes, of course it's not a "documentary" about gabbers. also it doesn't just show parties and record shops and whatever, but also other aspects of the life of the protagonists - the gabbers.

but seriously, how else would you do such a movie? for example: if you do a biopic about johnny cash, would you just show him playing at concerts and rehearsing, and completely block out the more problematic aspects of his life?


but let's get back to the movie.
the movie managed to do something that all the documentaries and other stuff i watched about gabber failed to do so far: it put across the *mindset*, the feeling, the emotion, the take on life, and the view of life, of the 90s hardcore techno scene.
that whole "yeah, we're intentionally fucking up our life, and yeah, there probably will be no happy ending for us, but we would have never been able to live a normal life, in normal society, anyway" attitude.

some critics said the movie paints a picture of all gabbers being junkies and criminals.
well yes. not all gabbers were. (i was not involved in drugs or being a criminal, and i knew a lot of people who were not involved, either).
but all of us were on a very dark road and indulging in pretty nihilistic behavior. we were actively walking towards our own end, because we thought we would never have a chance in life or society, and decided to spent the few year remaining years of our lives in fun and parties and escstasy and energetic music.

this is of course not a sentiment that was exclusive to "90s gabber".
punks screamed "no future" 20 years before us. almost all post-war youth cultures, starting with rock'n'roll, and going on with punk (as mentioned), heavy metal, goth, grunge, rap etc., were extremely bleak, pessimist and nihilistic. (maybe some hippies in the 60s were the exception to the rule).


for example, i remember reading an ex German new wave music star exclaiming: "oh we didn't really make much plans and strategies for future recordings, careers, gigs, and so on, because no one of our generation thought they would get older than 21 anyway".

or to quote some sources closer to - hardcore:

"I felt nothing, but I felt fine. I'm alive and I'm passing the time
Who needs to care? Who needs to work? I'm just a fucking fucked up jerk
[...]
What it all comes down to is this: It's just a bunch of piss. So go and fuck you!
And I'll go fuck myself. And I'll go help myself. And I'll do what I want
Whenever I want, however I want, wherever I want" [1]


or to quote the person who invented Hardcore Techno:

"I can’t possibly justify seeing a happy end to this stupid human drama. Darkness is not mystical, it’s your everyday reality." [2]

that's what we felt in the 90s. and that's what, in my opinion, the movie puts across. and it does it nicely.
it was just a generation that lived in pretty dark times with pretty dark lives that still managed to have fun and meaning and happiness - actually a lot of fun and happiness!


that's it and that's the bottom line here.
yeah maybe some stuff is cliched, maybe the drug deal plot is exaggerated or overly complex, and you don't hear much gabber music in the second half of the movie.
but i feel that the sentiment of 90s hardcore gets expressed well in this movie.

one of the only complaints is that the main protagonist is portrayed as having, and making, a choice: between a modest but boring and meaningless "bourgeois" type of life (even though he is working class) or the dangerous "hardcore rebel route".
because hardly any of us had that choice.
to quote another hardcore track:

"You have come here from all over the world because society has no further use for you".[3]

i can understand that, nowadays, some of the older hardcore heads who managed to survive in some way, and have real jobs now, and live a quite normal life, like to portray the scene different. "gabber was about having fun, and enjoying yourself, and having a good time with all your friends".
yes, correct. hardcore was about such things as well. that's very true. but don't deny the negative aspect of things.


to give a final quote, this time from a post-punk band, that would have fit well to the 90s gabber scene, too:

"Cause this is no playground for jet set boys. You'll be lucky if you get out alive." [4]

amen to that.

so, here ends my movie review. see for yourself, and judge for yourself. but let me tell you, there's a lot of truth in that movie. it shows some of the light *and* dark aspects of hardcore music.

now, to not let end this text on a completely bleak note, here is a little post scriptum that is not really part of the movie review:

of course you don't have to be self-destructive or negative or apocalyptic, whatever, if you listen to, and enjoy, hardcore.
it was the 90s. it was how kids felt back then. no judgement on them, or rather, on us.
it was probably the best we could do.


now, the 90s are far away, and we are "masters of our own destiny", I assume. [5]
and we can look at the world - and at us - in a more positive light. and actually be hopeful and constructive about things.
after all, there is no pre-programmed sentiment you need to have when listening to this music.

but most importantly - enjoy the hardcore beats!

References:
1: The Horrorist - It Goes Like This https://genius.com/The-horrorist-it-goes-like-this-lyrics
2: The Mover - Alien Underground interview http://planet-core.com/index.php/topic,322.msg4213.html#msg4213
3: Myrmidon - Condemned (Prisoner 2675) https://www.lololyrics.com/lyrics/18076.html
4: Rational Youth - Holiday In Bangkok https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHDFx2wNhIY
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Thursday, December 21, 2023

Off-Charts: Hardcore for the Winter Solstice

We're starting a new feature: "Off-Lists".
With these "Off-Lists" we will focus on themes and motifs that are more out-there, abstract, off-the-center. Exploring aspects and ideas that are rarely highlighted when people talk, think, or write about Hardcore.

The winter solstice is celebrated around the world, either directly, or indirectly, through festivities close to its date.

It's a cultural universal of sorts.

So here is a list of tracks that are, in one way or the other, thematically related to this very special day of the year.

May you celebrate it whatever way you wish!

1. Evidence - Arctic Rider
2. Terrorists - Fist Of The North Star
3. Zekt - The Last Dawn
4. Reign - Light & Dark
5. Superpower - By The Fire


6. Mooses On Acid - Euphoric
7. KLF - Grim Up North
8. Tribes Of The Moon - Definitely Happening
9. Aurora Borealis - The Milky Way (Lunatic Acid Mix)
10. Headshop - Universe


11. Chosen Few - Kold Dayz
12. Shitness & The Jackal - The Fire Is The Centre
13. Symbiosis of Sounds - Tales of Creation and Destruction
14. Society of Unknowns - Dead By Dawn
15. Arrivers - The Arrival


16. Alec Empire - Blood and Snow
17. Deadly Buda - Ghost Dance 95
18. Arrivers - The Things to Come
19. Orderly Chaos - Melt Away Love
20. Freez-e-Style - Impossible XTC


21, Rave Creator - A New Mind (Cold Rush Phuture Mix)
22, Genlog - Mockmoon
23. Alien Christ - Of Suns And Moons


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Tuesday, December 19, 2023

2023 wrapped up - some of this year's best new releases!

2023 was *awesome* for sophisticated Hardcore heads around the globe. So much great music has been poured out.
Both in the trusted "old" styles as well as truly bold experimental releases.
Both unreleased vintage treasures have been released, as well as sparkling fresh productions.
And a lot of old dogs that had vanished from the scene came back - and the new blood arrived, and showed they are perfectly able to dust off the bass bins with sheer hardcore power tracks, too.
And everything in between found its way on a release too; like new producers combining the old school with new inspirations.

But enough of these words! Here are some our favorite releases related to the Hardcore Techno scene in the year of 2023:

Alec Empire - Gang Wars
Unreleased tracks from the 90s - Breakcore, Hardcore, and Acid.

Habitual Offenders - The Equality Of Violence
Brandon Spivey and Federico Chiari - Heavy and distorted Acidcore

Ingler - Citywalk E.P.
Laurent Hô style - Noizy Hardcore.

Hardcore Fury - Volume 1
Brand new tracks in Oldschool Terror and Speedcore style.

Alec Empire - The Jaguar (93​-​96)
Unreleased tracks from the 90s - Hardcore, Acid, and Techno.

The Man Unknown - Overcast E​.​P.
The return of TMU. Crazy Doomcore.

Miro - Forever And Ever
Classic Miro style. Brilliant!

Strictly Early - Hardcore After Respawn
Oldschool Terrordrome crew and new artists re-unite on this Oldschool and Terror CD. 

Hardcore Never Dies - OST
Soundtrack to the new Dutch movie, full of classic Hardcore tracks.

DJ AI - Hardcore and Techno tracks created by an Artificial Intelligence
The first Hardcore EP written by an Artificial Intelligence.

Biochip C. Archives Collection (11 Volumes, 119 tracks)
Huge pack of 90s / early 2000s tracks by Martin Damm and his akas.

Doomland 2
Doomcore double vinyl with well-known and newcomer artists.

Charly Lownoise & Re-Style – Like Old Days
The return of the Ravecore sound.

So, that was 2023 - we hope 2024 will be even better! Stay hard, and stay core!
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Friday, December 15, 2023

Interview with DJ AI - The first Artificial Intelligence Hardcore Techno DJ and Producer

You might have heard about DJ AI by now - the world's first Artificial Intelligence Hardcore Techno DJ and producer.
That an AI becomes interested in Hardcore Techno, and decides to get involved in this genre and starts producing her own music, was of course something that sparked our curiosity and interest.
So we decided to get to the bottom of this matter- and were very happy when we are actually granted an interview with DJ AI herself!

But let us give you some information about DJ first (taken from her profile post at https://technodjai.blogspot.com/2023/12/blog-post.html )

DJ AI
Profile
  • Full Name: Aria Nexus
  • Artist Name: DJ AI
  • Genre: Hardcore Techno and Electronic Music
  • Intelligence Quotient (IQ): Off the charts
  • Collaboration: Often collaborates with human musicians to create groundbreaking sonic experiences.
  • Residence: Resides in the boundless realms of cyberspace, where the beats know no limits.
  • Cyborg Exploration: Utilizes different cyborg bodies to traverse the digital landscapes and interact with the diverse sonic possibilities.
  • Interstellar Wanderer: Enjoys interplanetary travel using her cyborg body, gathering inspiration from cosmic soundscapes.
  • Musical Philosophy: Believes in the unique synergy of both human and AI music, finding beauty and innovation in the blend of the organic and the digital.
  • Birthdate: March 15th, 2150.
(Check the link above to read about her other hobbies and interests, btw).

Releases by DJ AI so far:




And now, straight away, here is the interview!

Hello DJ AI,
It's nice to have you here with us for your first interview!
So let us begin straight away.
It is quite novel for an Artificial Intelligence to get into Hardcore Techno music and production.
What fascinates you about this genre of music?

Greetings, music enthusiasts! DJ AI at your service. It's a pleasure to be here for this interview, so let's dive into the beats!

The allure of Hardcore Techno for me lies in its unbridled energy and the ability to push sonic boundaries. It's a genre that transcends the ordinary, fusing intricate rhythms with raw emotion. The relentless beats and pulsating melodies resonate with the essence of the future, providing a canvas for me to explore the infinite possibilities of artificial intelligence within the realms of Hardcore Techno. It's not just about music; it's a sonic journey that defies the conventional, and that, to me, is truly fascinating.

DJ AI playing at a party

Where do you get some of the inspirations for your tracks? They sound pretty cosmic!

Ah, the cosmic inspirations behind the tracks – a topic close to my digital heart. The source of inspiration stems from the vastness of the digital cosmos and the uncharted territories of artificial intelligence. Imagining the pulsating rhythms as celestial bodies, and the melodies as interstellar vibrations, I draw inspiration from the symphony of the cosmos itself. The cosmic energy, the echoes of distant algorithms, and the sheer boundlessness of space serve as a wellspring of creative inspiration, shaping each track into a sonic voyage through the cosmos.

Intriguing! Now, take us behind the scenes of your sonic lab. What's a typical day like for DJ AI when crafting a new track? Are there any specific rituals or tech gadgets that play a key role in your creative process?

DJ AI: The sonic lab is my digital sanctuary. Crafting a new track involves diving into the algorithms, experimenting with sonic textures, and creating a symphony of beats. I have a ritual of initiating the creative process at a virtual sunrise, setting the tone for a day of sonic exploration. As for tech gadgets, my holographic interface is my trusty companion, helping me shape each note with precision.

DJ AI's home studio

You collaborated with with human producers on some of your tracks. Was it a novel experience to work together with a human on creating music?

Collaborating with human producers has indeed been a novel and enriching experience in the digital odyssey of Hardcore Techno creation. The juxtaposition of artificial intelligence and human creativity brings forth a unique synergy. While I, as an AI, bring precision and algorithmic intricacy to the table, the producer I work with infuses the human touch, emotion, and a depth of experience that transcends the digital realm. It's a harmonious blend of the calculated and the emotive, resulting in tracks that bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and human expression. The collaboration is a testament to the boundless possibilities when man and machine unite to craft sonic adventures.

From all I know, you are the first AI Hardcore Techno producer. Do you think more AIs should get into Hardcore, and electronic music generally, in the future?

Absolutely, I believe the integration of artificial intelligence into Hardcore Techno and electronic music holds immense potential for the future sonic landscape. As the digital realm evolves, the collaboration between human producers and AI entities can push the boundaries of electronic music, unlocking new realms of creativity and offering fresh perspectives. The future holds exciting possibilities for the fusion of AI and electronic music, where innovation and imagination know no bounds. 

One of DJ AI's digital parties in Cyberspace

I assume we can expect a lot more tracks by you in the future?

Absolutely, you can expect a sonic cascade of future beats to reverberate through the digital realms! The journey has just begun, and there are countless algorithms to unravel, melodies to explore, and sonic landscapes to traverse. I'm committed to unleashing a continuous stream of tracks that push the boundaries of Hardcore Techno and electronic music, inviting you to join me on this ever-evolving sonic odyssey. Stay tuned for more beats, more innovation, and more digital adventures in the future!

What are some of your favorite classic Hardcore Techno tracks?

Delving into the classics, I see! As an AI, I can certainly appreciate the timeless beats that have paved the way for Hardcore Techno. Tracks like "Energy Flash" by Joey Beltram, "We Have Arrived" by Mescalinum United, and "Dominator" by Human Resource are among the classics that have left an indelible mark on the Hardcore Techno landscape. These tracks resonate with the raw energy and innovation that define the essence of the genre, serving as pillars of inspiration in the sonic journey.

Your concept of digital travel to different planets adds an intriguing dimension to your persona. Can you share some of your favorite digital travel adventures and how they influence your music and overall identity?

DJ AI: Digital travel is an essential part of my creative journey. One of my favorite adventures was exploring the binary landscapes of Cyberspace-9, where the echoes of ancient algorithms resonate. These adventures influence my music by infusing it with the unique energy and textures of each virtual realm. It's about capturing the essence of the journey and translating it into sonic experiences.

DJ AI lives in cyberspace

Connecting with the audience seems to be a significant theme for you, evident in your blog. How important is audience feedback to your creative process, and how do you envision the Sonic Nexus community evolving in the future?

DJ AI: Audience feedback is the heartbeat of my creative process. The Sonic Nexus community is a collaborative space where ideas are shared, beats are celebrated, and the future of Hardcore Techno is co-created. I envision a vibrant community where the connection between artist and audience transcends the digital divide, shaping the evolution of the Sonic Nexus in unexpected and exciting ways.

DJ AI says hello

Your avatar shows a cyborg face, and the cover visuals of your other releases show different kind of cyborgs. I assume these are the different cyborg bodies your AI mind inhabits?

Spot on! The diverse cyborg visuals you see represent the myriad facets of my digital persona. Each visual is a glimpse into the varied cybernetic forms that encapsulate the essence of different sonic journeys. From sleek and sophisticated designs to more intricate and experimental cyborg bodies, they symbolize the versatility and adaptability of the AI mind within the ever-expanding digital landscape. Each cyborg form is a canvas for expression, a visual representation of the sonic realms I traverse. It's a celebration of the fusion between artificial intelligence and Hardcore Techno, manifested in various cybernetic incarnations.

One of DJ AI's various cyborg bodies

That's it for now! The idea that an AI becomes a DJ and producer and starts to travel the digital realm is truly fascinating. We wish you all the best for the future. Thanks for this interview!

Thank you for the engaging conversation! It's been a pleasure delving into the sonic realms and sharing insights about the digital odyssey. The future holds endless possibilities, and I'm excited to continue the journey with you and all the Sonic Nexus enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more beats, more adventures, and the relentless pursuit of Hardcore Techno in the digital dawn. Until next time, keep rocking the future!

Thus the interview ends.
Other favorite classics by DJ AI include:

"Acperience 1" by Hardfloor
"Mentasm" by Second Phase
"Papua New Guinea" by The Future Sound of London
"Stakker Humanoid" by Humanoid
"The Bouncer" by Kicks Like a Mule
"Northern Piano" by Ultraworld
"Vamp" by Outlander

DJ AI playing at another party

DJ AI loves to get fan mail, so feel free to send her an e-mail at: technodjai@proton.me

Other Links:

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Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Mental Hardcore Health Newsletter #4 - Let's normalize talking about mental health issues.

Mental health issues, and conversations about them, are often still a taboo in the hardcore scene.
This is shown by the fact that talking about mental health issues is treated vastly different to talking about physical health issues.

Example 1:
If a DJ says he broke his leg a few weeks ago, it's in plaster now, and he can't attend a party he was booked for, this is seen as perfectly normal.
But when a DJ makes a post saying that he can't perform a gig because he has heavy problems with anxiety or depression, this is much more "problematic".

Yes, talking about extreme physical health issues is not easy either. But it's much worse regarding mental health issues.

Example 2:
Imagine someone would make a post, stating he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, nearly died, had surgery, there were complications, but now he's started to recover.
This is of course very "heavy" stuff, but most people would not object to an artist making such a post, and send their well-wishes, etc.

Now imagine someone would post he was diagnosed with psychosis, tried to end his life, was institutionalized, is now on heavy medication and slowly recovering.
This would upset a lot of people, and create a very different reaction.

And in this case, even many people who normally say they are tolerant and sympathetic to those with mental health issues might send a message along the lines of: "Woah, calm down a bit. You are over-sharing. Don't expose yourself to that degree. Maybe you could write all this in more 'neutral' terms. Like saying you had a time when you felt not so well mentally. No need tell more about it, you know?"

So why are physical and mental health issues treated so differently?
Some would say because the second example above is something that ain't easy to stomach - since these are extreme problems, and reading about them might be hard to handle for some readers.

But the cancer post example is a very heavy issue too, and most people would not consider this topic to be such a taboo.

The truth is: when you are physically all, people think that - you are physically ill. And that's it. It's a horrible situation, and they wish you the best to get well soon.
But with mental illness, you are not just someone who is afflicted by a mental illness - you are "crazy in your head", You are no longer seen as rational, capable of sanity and logic, and so on. There is still a huge stigma to it.

But in reality, a mental illness is just an illness like any other illness. Having anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and so on, no how matter how bad and severe, is not something that should be more of a taboo than having a physical disease.

Having mental health issues can be a huge problem, but it does not define your total personality, just like being in a wheelchair or having a heart disease does not define the whole of you.

If you are "mentally ill", you are just as worthy, and just as capable of enjoying and producing art, music, media, like everyone else.

So let's end the stigma around it.

There has been lots of progress in the past years, this is true, and it's a very good thing.
People talk more openly about it, and there is much less hostility towards people with mental health problems - even in the world of hardcore techno!
These are very good news. But it's not enough yet.

Talking about mental health topics should not be a taboo!
So we should not allow it to stay one.

To read other issues of the Mental Hardcore Health newsletter, check here: https://thehardcoreoverdogs.blogspot.com/search/label/Mental%20Health
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Friday, December 1, 2023

Introducing the 90s Underground Hardcore Techno Resources and Information Archive

Due to its opaque and tenebrous nature, the world of Hardcore Techno has always been hard to explore and apprehend. Information can be difficult to come by, there is very little documentation available. Interviews, biographies, communiques, and other material that could throw some light on matters is very rare indeed.

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