In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby is joined by one of the defining female voices of the hard house era, Tara Reynolds. From arriving in London in the mid-90s to becoming a staple of the UK hard house scene, Tara's journey is one built on instinct, resilience, and a genuine love for the music.
Tara takes us back to her early clubbing days, discovering DJing almost by accident, and overcoming nerves to land her first gigs at house parties and iconic London nights like Fever and Euphoria. What follows is an honest reflection on how talent in DJing goes far beyond beatmatching, covering crowd reading, phrasing, energy, and knowing exactly when to switch things up.
The conversation dives deep into her signing with Tidy Trax, a move made purely on reputation before she had even played for the label. Tara shares stories from Frantic, Tidy Weekenders, Brixton Academy foyers, and the rare experience of being one of the standout female DJs in a male-dominated scene. There's also insight into her production work, including the story behind tracks like Mercy, collaborations with Paul Maddox and Steve Blake, and her lone release on Vicious Circle with Paul Glazby.
Paul and Tara reflect on life after the peak of hard house, moving continents, balancing family life, and why stepping away from the decks doesn't always mean walking away forever. Tara opens up about returning to DJing on her own terms, playing iconic Australian events like Rewind, and even retraining as a nurse while still being recognised worldwide for her DJ legacy.
This episode is a warm, funny, and deeply honest look at longevity in dance music, the realities behind the scenes, and what it means to leave a genuine mark on a culture.
- Were you there for the Frantic and Tidy era?
- Which Tara Reynolds track still gives you goosebumps?
- Should the history of hard house be discussed more?
Listen now and be part of the story.
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What is Hard House History?
Welcome to Hard House History, formerly known as When I Grow Up, hosted by Hard House icon Paul Glazby. This podcast dives deep into the evolution of the Hard House movement, exploring the music, the culture, and the unforgettable nights that defined an era. Join Paul as he reconnects with the DJs, producers, promoters, and fans who built the scene from the underground up. Whether you lived it or are discovering it for the first time, Hard House History is your front-row seat to the beats, stories, and energy that still move dancefloors today.