Sometimes all it takes is one night on the dance floor to change everything. For Adam M, discovering Paul Glazby at Insomniacz meant rethinking how he mixed records and chasing a harder sound. Now he joins Paul on Hard House History to revisit the journey that followed.
From early nights in Stamford and a DJ competition win with his mate Martin, Adam traces his introduction to club culture, record shopping and the tracks that pulled him towards hard house. Along the way, he remembers finding Tidy Trax, travelling to Storm and discovering a scene built on mixtapes, friendships and word of mouth.
There's a brilliant story about learning to pitch mix by hunting down the records from Paul's Insomniacz mix CD, then practising the same transitions without touching the vinyl. It's a revealing look at the dedication behind those long, tightly layered mixes.
Adam also opens up about his first studio sessions with Dave Owens, launching his own label and creating High Octane in Leeds. From expensive lessons at the first event to building a home at Stinky's, he shares the work behind the parties. There's also the moment his future wife Jo brought Kate into a packed room to watch him play, helping open the door to Red Management.
The conversation turns reflective as Adam and Paul remember RR Fierce, his distinctive sound and the music the scene never got to hear. Then it's back to the present, with fresh productions, favourite producers and the freedom to play beyond expectations.
After stepping away to focus on family, Adam explains how a friend's birthday parties brought him back behind the decks and reignited High Octane. He also breaks down his Ableton Live sets, combining kicks, basslines, vocals and hoovers from different tracks into unpredictable mashups.
Expect laughs, honest memories and two DJs rediscovering the buzz that started it all.
Which record first pulled you into hard house, and were you there for those early High Octane nights?
Share your memories in the comments, send this episode to your original clubbing crew and follow Hard House History for more stories from the scene.
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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.