Hard House History

Paul Glazby
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
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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.

  1. 4D AGO

    Mark Kavanagh: Ireland’s Hard House Pioneer

    This week on Hard House History, Paul sits down with Irish hard house pioneer Mark Kavanagh, a name woven deep into the fabric of the late-90s scene. From pirate radio and underground raves in Dublin to chart positions, Trade club connections and releases that helped define the harder sound, this episode is less an interview and more a living archive of how hard house actually spread beyond the UK. Mark explains how the early Irish rave scene evolved from tiny gatherings into packed venues like the Olympic Ballroom, where hundreds quickly became thousands, and where he eventually went from playing records to producing them. He recalls documenting the scene in magazines and fanzines because, at the time, nobody else was capturing what was happening.  The conversation dives into the real history of the genre, the pre-digital era of DAT tapes, mailing lists and white labels, and the moment Irish dance floors embraced the harder, faster sound years before UK media took it seriously. Mark also shares how his productions took off after pirate radio repeatedly played his records, turning a studio shed project into a national booking schedule.  Paul and Mark also unpack Trade’s influence, the origin of the term “hard house”, and how radio, clubs and DJs together created a movement rather than a marketing genre. It’s a fascinating reminder that scenes weren’t built by algorithms, they were built by people travelling, sharing music and handing records directly to each other. If you want to understand how hard house actually grew internationally, this episode is essential listening. JOIN THE HISTORY Got memories from the late 90s rave era?Tell us the club, the DJ and the track that changed everything for you. Comment on Spotify or YouTube and help document the real history of hard house. #HardHouseHistory #MarkKavanagh #90sRave #TradeClub #IrishRaveScene #HardHouse #DanceMusicHistory #OldSchoolRave #ClubCulture #PaulGlazby

    1h 6m

  2. FEB 2

    Nik Denton: Toolbox, Trade and 30 Years of Hard House

    In this episode of Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with Nick Denton, a name that quietly but profoundly shaped the hard house movement from the mid-90s onward. From sneaking into clubs at 16 with a fake ID to becoming a resident DJ, producer, label boss, and digital pioneer, Nick's story is one of timing, talent, and relentless curiosity. He talks candidly about cutting his teeth at Southampton's Magnum, early influences like rave tapes, Trade at Turnmills, and being taken under the wing of Paul King, a partnership that led to seminal projects like Overload and Trauma, and eventually to the launch of Toolbox Recordings. Nick reflects on the white-label era, pressing vinyl by hand, selling records out of car boots, and the moment everything changed with the arrival of digital distribution. Long before it became standard practice, Toolbox became one of the earliest labels to embrace digital platforms, a move that helped future-proof the music while many others struggled to adapt. The conversation also dives into the realities of burnout, financial risk, and why Nick often worked behind the scenes rather than chasing the spotlight. There's plenty of laughter too, Manchester after-party stories, broken cars, lost nights and the kind of chaos only the hard house scene could produce. Now, with Toolbox celebrating its 25th anniversary and Nick marking 30 years in the scene, there's a renewed fire. New releases, events, collaborations and a genuine sense that hard house is bubbling again under the surface. This is a proper deep dive into the history, the hustle and the heart of hard house. 30 Years of Hard House, One Story Toolbox is back, and so is the fire Revisit the sound, the stories and the spirit of hard houseListen now and subscribe for more Hard House History wherever you get your podcasts #HardHouseHistory #NickDenton #ToolboxRecordings #HardHouse #TradeAtTurnmills #90sRave #UKDanceMusic #ElectronicMusicHistory #DJCulture #RaveLegacy

    1h 6m

  3. JAN 26

    Eamonn Fevah: From Accident to Institution

    In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby is joined by Eamonn Fevah, one of the key behind-the-scenes figures responsible for shaping UK hard house culture through clubs, labels, and some of the wildest parties of the late 90s and early 2000s. Eamonn takes us back to 1996, arriving in London from New Zealand on what was meant to be a working holiday, and instead finding himself at the centre of a rapidly exploding clubbing scene. From Sunday daytime clubbing at The Aquarium to after-hours chaos in Soho, this is a story built on friendships, timing, and saying yes to opportunities before realising how big they would become. The conversation charts the rise of Fevah, from a small membership-based afterparty to sold-out events at The Tube, London Astoria, Ministry of Sound, Heaven, and beyond. Eamonn shares how Fevah unintentionally became a launchpad for some of the most important DJs and producers in hard house and hard trance, including close working relationships with Steve Blake, Dave Parkinson, and a long list of artists who defined the era. There are incredible stories from international tours, including infamous boat parties to Hamburg, Ibiza takeovers, and the reality of promoting events before social media or digital distribution existed. Vinyl, phone numbers on record labels, and weekly record shop trips were the lifeblood of the scene. Eamonn also reflects on stepping away from the UK after the London bombings, returning to New Zealand to raise a family, and later helping reignite the scene through modern Fevah events and new music projects. From accidental beginnings to lasting legacy, this episode captures a time when club culture was raw, risky, and driven entirely by passion. This is not just a DJ story; it's a promoter 's-eye view of how hard house became global. Were Fevah parties part of your clubbing story?Vinyl era or digital age, which do you miss most?Should promoter stories be told more often?Listen now and relive the chaos. #HardhouseHistory #EamonnFevah #FevahRecords #HardHouse #UKRaveCulture #DanceMusicHistory #ClubCulture #90sRave #PaulGlazby #HardDance

    45 min

  4. JAN 19

    Tall Paul: The Rise of Hard House and the birth of Trade

    In this landmark episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with Tall Paul, one of the most important and often misunderstood figures in the story of UK hard house and late-night club culture. While Tall Paul may not always be labelled a "Hard House DJ" by today's definitions, his role in shaping the sound, space, and spirit that allowed hard house to exist is undeniable. As the resident DJ at Trade, held at Turnmills, the club owned by his father, Tall Paul was there at the very beginning, watching underground dance culture transform from a local bar crowd into a movement that redefined nightlife. Paul and Tall Paul rewind to the late 80s, from pirate radio and record digging to the groundbreaking 24-hour licence that gave birth to Trade. They unpack how that Sunday morning energy, the crowd, the fashion, the lasers, and the music all collided to create something genuinely new. Tall Paul shares rare behind-the-scenes insight into building sets for Trade, the pressure of following DJs like Trevor Rockcliffe and Tony De Vit, and how his own sound helped bridge rave, techno, and what would become hard house. The conversation also travels far beyond London. Tall Paul reflects on early international touring across Japan, the US, Ireland, and Scotland, the realities of long tours, border issues, and the mental and physical toll of life on the road. There’s honest discussion about burnout, stepping away from DJing, family priorities, and returning on his own terms as a new generation rediscovers the music. This episode also touches on vinyl versus digital, the evolution of DJ technology, the return of physical releases, and the idea that rave culture, for many, was a form of therapy during a tense and divided era. This is not just club history; it is cultural history. Was Trade the true birthplace of hard house?Vinyl or USB, what defines a real DJ set for you?Which Tall Paul era stands out the most? Listen now and step back inside the foundations. #HardhouseHistory #TallPaul #TradeClub #HardHouseOrigins #UKRaveCulture #DanceMusicHistory #PaulGlazby #ClubCulture #90sRave #ElectronicMusic

    1h 11m

  5. JAN 12

    Jayne Parkes: Tony De Vit Through Family Eyes

    In this deeply personal episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with Jayne Parkes, sister of the late Tony De Vit, to explore the man behind the decks and the legacy that helped shape hard house culture forever. Rather than focusing on tracklists or club nights, this conversation centres on Anthony as a brother, a son, and a human being. Jayne shares rare insight into Tony's early life, his natural musical ability, and the household influences that shaped one of the most important DJs in UK dance music history. From piano lessons and mobile discos to The Nightingale and beyond, the foundations of Tony's journey are laid bare. Jayne reflects on Tony coming out at a time when being openly gay was far from easy, and how his presence helped bridge the gap between gay and straight club culture, long before it became the norm. There are touching stories about family trips, travelling the country for gigs, and how, despite global success, Tony never changed to those closest to him. The episode also explores Tony's production work, his studio years, and iconic moments like the Live in Tel Aviv mix, a recording that inspired an entire generation of DJs, including Paul himself. Jayne speaks candidly about the shock of Tony's passing, the reality of the AIDS crisis at the time, and the emotional weight carried by tracks like The Dawn. There is also reflection on Tony's enduring legacy, from the blue plaque at the Custard Factory to the recent documentary that introduced his story to a new audience. Jayne offers a perspective that no one else can, reminding listeners that behind the legend was a humble, generous, and deeply loved man. This episode is not just history; it is remembrance. Where were you when you first heard Tony De Vit?Is Live in Tel Aviv still the benchmark mix?What does Tony’s legacy mean to you? Listen now and remember the origin story. #HardhouseHistory #TonyDeVit #JaneParkes #HardHouse #DanceMusicHistory #RaveCulture #ClubCulture #90sDance #UKDanceMusic #PaulGlazby

    44 min

  6. JAN 5

    Tara Reynolds: Mercy, Music and Memories

    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. #HardhouseHistory #TaraReynolds #HardHouse #DanceMusicHistory #TidyTrax #Frantic #WomenInDanceMusic #90sRave #UKHardHouse #PaulGlazby

    44 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    Chris Liberator: Hard Music, Hard Truths

    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? Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #HardhouseHistory #ChrisLiberator #AcidTechno #HardDance #UndergroundMusic #StayUpForever #RaveCulture #VinylOnly #TechnoHistory #PaulGlazby

    56 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    Tim Tom: From Rise to Reflection

    This episode of Hard House History is deeply personal, as Paul Glazby sits down with his longtime friend Tim Tom, a pivotal figure not just in Paul's DJ journey but also in his life beyond the music. Their friendship spans nearly three decades and began on the dancefloor at Rise in Sheffield, a club that helped shape an entire generation of hard house culture. What starts as a nostalgic walk through early clubbing memories quickly becomes an honest and powerful conversation about identity, anxiety, creativity and transformation. Tim shares his journey from rock bands and social anxiety into the rave scene, discovering freedom, connection and self-expression through hard house and club culture. These experiences were not just nights out; they became formative moments that shaped confidence, purpose and community. The episode explores the behind-the-scenes reality of early DJ life, record shopping rituals, house parties that became training grounds, and the raw, unfiltered energy of Sheffield's late 90s scene. Paul and Tim reflect on how those years forged lifelong friendships and creative ambition, while also acknowledging the personal struggles that came with it. As the conversation evolves, Tim opens up about stepping away from clubbing, navigating mental health challenges, and ultimately finding a new calling in helping others process trauma and emotional blocks. His story is a reminder that the legacy of hard house is not just found in records or rave memories, but in how the culture helped people find themselves. This episode is about friendship, growth and the lasting impact of hard house culture, long after the music fades. If Hard House History has ever reminded you of where you came from, share this episode with someone who was part of your rave journey and subscribe to keep these stories alive. #HardHouseHistory, #HardHouse, #RaveCulture, #SheffieldClubs, #DJLife, #DanceMusicHistory, #ClubCulture, #OldSchoolRave, #MentalHealthJourney, #ElectronicMusic

    56 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Glazby
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Paul Glazby

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