Hard House History

Before the international hits and packed dance floors, Mauro Picotto was a teenager learning to beatmatch on his sister’s turntable, using the radio as his second deck. This week on Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with Mauro for an honest, funny and revealing conversation about a life built around music.From sneaking into Turin's afternoon club sessions to getting his first opportunity behind the decks when another DJ needed the toilet, Mauro explains how curiosity became an obsession. DJ competitions sharpened his technical skills, but a bigger realisation shifted his direction: he wanted people dancing to the music, not watching his tricks.That philosophy carried him into production. Mauro recalls learning his craft at Media Records, becoming a partner in the business and using late-night studio sessions to develop his own sound. Those after-hours experiments helped deliver “Lizard”, “Iguana” and “Komodo”, records that built his identity on his own terms.There's also the story behind Mario Più's "Communication", including the mobile phone interference that sparked an idea and the office secretary who helped give the track its memorable voice.Away from the studio, the stories get wonderfully unpredictable. Mauro revisits Dublin's Temple Theatre, chaotic hotel after-parties and a Colombian booking that involved an interrupted airport departure, a private villa and a set that kept going until a storm cut the power.Paul also shares how one Mauro appearance helped save Insomniacz, creating a connection to this very podcast.The conversation explores Mauro's musical chemistry with Bryan Kearney, why longer sets matter, and what gets lost when spectacle overtakes the dance floor. Reflecting on family, becoming a grandfather and his plans to reduce touring, Mauro remains passionate about making every set tell a story.For anyone who remembers those records landing, or discovered them years later, this is a chance to hear the person behind the music.Which Mauro Picotto track takes you straight back to your favourite dance floor? Tell us in the comments, share this episode with your original clubbing crew and follow Hard House History for more stories from the people who lived it.#HardHouseHistory #MauroPicotto #PaulGlazby #Lizard #Iguana #Komodo #TranceClassics #DanceMusicHistory #ClubCulture #DJLife

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.#HardHouseHistory #AdamM #PaulGlazby #HardHouse #HighOctane #Insomniacz #ViciousCircle #HardHouseClassics #UKClubCulture #DJPodcast

Andy Farley returns to the Hard House History Podcast for a catch-up with Paul Glazby, covering marathon DJ sets, rediscovered records, and why the best nights still build around the music. From Ibiza adventures to the thinking behind Pure Andy Farley, this episode explores what keeps him excited about getting behind the decks.Andy reflects on a year of festivals, Frantic parties and five gigs during his Ibiza trip, including experiencing Amnesia and watching Fergie play vinyl. He also looks ahead to his planned back-to-back with Eddie Halliwell, and why unexpected partnerships offer creative possibilities.At the heart of the conversation is Pure Andy Farley. What began as a six-hour set in 2010 developed into a ten-hour journey, giving Andy room to build a night, introduce unfamiliar records and reconnect dancers with forgotten favourites. He explains why shorter sets leave less room for experimentation, and why a great groove can be as powerful as a massive breakdown.The pair also discuss Andy's label, his desire to bring more funk and variety back into hard house, and the younger artists discovering sounds that helped shape the scene. Along the way, they revisit his first release, Concentrate, the inspiration behind Beef Jerky, and the pleasures and occasional disappointments of buying vinyl through Discogs.Listener questions bring out stories about Andy's Brisbane birthplace, pre-set nerves, studio collaborations and the realities of DJ technology. Andy and Paul share views on social media followings, learning to mix and why reading the crowd remains essential, whatever equipment you use.There is plenty of laughter, a London Hard House Reunion shout-out and a reminder of what clubbing means to both of them: freedom, acceptance and people coming together through music. It is a conversation about experience, curiosity and keeping the dance floor connected, whether you are playing for one hour or ten.What is the one track you would want to hear in a ten-hour Andy Farley set? Listen now, share your pick and send this episode to the mate who would stay until the final record. Follow Hard House History for more.#HardHouseHistory #AndyFarley #PaulGlazby #PureAndyFarley #HardHouse #UKHardHouse #HardHouseClassics #VinylCulture #RaveCulture #DJInterview

Hard House History celebrates one year since its rebrand with a return guest who helped shape Paul Glazby's career. Insomniacz promoter Tom Muir joins Paul for an honest, hilarious conversation about the scene's resurgence, the realities of running events and why their story is still being written.Tom helped establish Paul as a hard house DJ back in 2000. Now, decades later, they're watching familiar faces return to the dance floor alongside a younger generation discovering the music for themselves. From growing friendship groups to the appeal of daytime parties, Tom explains why today's atmosphere feels special, and why he believes Insomniacz is bigger now than it was in its early years.One of the episode's standout stories is Lost in the Woods, an event that sold out without announcing a single DJ. Tom shares why he backed the experience over the headline names, before opening up about booking fees, rising expectations and the financial risks promoters carry behind the scenes.They laugh as they revisit This Is Hard House, Lisa and Fergie's face-to-face set, and the afterparty that got Paul onto the dance floor. Then comes the story of Fergie rejecting Paul's headphones, a reminder that even veteran DJs aren't safe from a little humiliation.The conversation also explores Leonie's progress, the importance of learning to beatmatch by ear, and Paul's frustration with poorly positioned monitors. Looking ahead, Tom discusses taking Halloween into castle courtyards, the return of Glazby Time, New Year's Day with Bryan Kearney and plans to bring Insomniacz back to Magna with Paul van Dyk.Underneath the banter is a shared appreciation for the people keeping this music alive, including Vicky, the returning ravers and the next generation stepping into the scene.Got an Insomniacz memory you'll never forget? Tell us your favourite night, venue, or Glazby moment in the comments, and share this episode with the mate you were there with. Subscribe to Hard House History, then join the YouTube members area or Patreon for bonus conversations, exclusive Paul Glazby mixes, and more from the people behind the music.#HardHouseHistory #PaulGlazby #TomMuir #Insomniacz #HardHouse #HardHouseRevival #UKClubCulture #RaveCommunity #GlazbyTime #LostInTheWoods

One Sunday morning, one DJ booth and one encounter with Tony De Vit changed everything. In this episode of Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with Matt Smallwood to trace a life in dance music, from teenage obsession and London club nights to producing hard house and helping shape releases for global artists.Matt takes us back to Sunnyside Up, where a sixteen-year-old newcomer found himself beside Tony De Vit, watching records being selected and learning how a master controlled the energy of a dancefloor. His account of Tony's mixing technique captures the excitement of discovering something that would become much more than a weekend interest.Then come the belt-drive decks, handwritten demo tapes and nervous first opportunities. Matt recalls landing an unexpected set at Trinity at the Chunnel Club when Tony Price was delayed, turning a last-minute favour into a regular opportunity. Along the way, Steve Thomas, Trade, and London's underground scene helped him understand what makes a set connect.The conversation moves into his creative partnership with Ali Wilson, making music in the Blue Room Studio and releasing tracks including Let the Games Begin, Just Listen, Devastation and Give Me All You Got. Paul and Matt revisit their shared Vicious Circle connections, friendships that have lasted decades, and the possibility of returning to the studio.Beyond the booth, Matt explains how Trackitdown opened the door to a different side of the industry. He spent 13 years at Toolroom, moving from licensing and compilations to leading A&R and label management. He also reflects on signing Feel My Need and the difficult decision to leave a team that felt like family.Now working at Club Class, Matt shares the realities of managing labels, developing The Cross and overseeing music releases connected to James Hype and Meduza.It's a conversation about opportunity, relationships and keeping that original musical spark alive.Listen now, then tell us which DJ, track or club night first got you hooked. Share this episode with the mate who was there, and follow Hard House History for stories from the people behind the scenes.#HardHouseHistory #MattSmallwood #PaulGlazby #TonyDeVit #HardHouse #AliWilson #ViciousCircle #ToolroomRecords #DanceMusicHistory #UKClubCulture