In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with one of the true pioneers of underground dance culture, Chris Liberator. From punk squats and anarchist ideals to acid techno warehouses and vinyl-only ethics, this is a deep, honest conversation about how hard music really evolved.
Chris traces his journey from growing up in Essex, immersed in punk and anarcho-punk culture, through bands like Hagar the Womb, and into the birth of the acid techno movement. What emerges is a powerful reminder that hard dance did not come from glossy clubs or mainstream house music, but from anger, energy, rebellion, and community.
Together, Paul and Chris unpack the often-overlooked crossover between punk, metal, techno, and hard house. They challenge the “official” dance music history and talk openly about why harder sounds resonated with outsiders, misfits, and ravers who wanted more than a head-nod groove. This episode dives into Stay Up Forever, squat parties, vinyl culture, and the family-first ethos that shaped the UK’s underground scene.
Chris also shares insight into working with long-time collaborators like Sterling Moss and Henry Cullen, the discipline of unlearning traditional musicianship to create proper techno, and why vinyl still matters. There's honest discussion around careers versus culture, mental health, genre tribalism, and what happens when scenes grow, fracture, and evolve.
The episode wraps with a look at Chris's brand-new collaborative album with Sterling Moss, including the long-awaited track "We Are The Freaks," a release born of years of trust, friendship, and shared philosophy rather than hype.
This is not just an interview, it’s a history lesson, a reality check, and a celebration of underground music done the hard way.
JOIN THE REVOLUTION
Did punk and metal influence your taste in dance music?
Vinyl or digital, where do you stand?
Is underground culture stronger without career pressure?
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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.