HARDSTEPPERS
The Hardsteppers concept has grown from a crew of DJ's and MC's during the early nineties rave scene in Montral. Playing alongside international artists including Roni Size, Ed Rush and Optical, Carl Cox, Dieselboy, DJ Rap and Montral's own Tiga earned them the respect of true underground music fans. The hype surrounding their 1996 mix, "Don't Fake the Break," warranted a ten out of ten rating in URB Magazine, along with a slew of cross-country gigs. They firmly established themselves as force to be reckoned with on the North American Drum and Bass scene, hosting both a three year residency at Montral's famous Angels nightclub, and a bi-monthly event at Sona, Montral's first afterhours club. Today the Hardsteppers have developed into a multi-faceted production team, recognized for producing reggae, hip hop, dance hall, breaks, house and drum and bass for various artists. The crew has formed into an elite group of talented, versatile and high-energy members who are able to perform both live and through the DJ medium. Chief composer and producer Sase One's (Mathieu Girard) love of British underground music and his ability to play multiple instruments has given the band its multi-dimensional flavour. Front man Kali (Hayes Thurton), from the famed Montral group 'Kali and Dub,' has thirty years of both live and studio experience; this Juno nominated artist has shared the stage with many of the world's greatest musicians. For the Hardsteppers, he provides both lyrics and is heavily involved in all stages of the production. Sase One and Kali clicked as soon as they met, and have been writing music together ever since. Also contributing to the Hardstepper sound are artists Adam L (Adam Lipper) and Regimental (Andrew Reed). Adam L, who composes under the name 'Illson,' works on beat production with Sase One. His history of crowd pleasing DJ sets and mix tapes have made him a founding father of the Montral drum and bass scene and a natural member of the band. Today, during Hardsteppers live performances, Adam plays the keyboards and mixes samples. Regimental, whose vocals are also featured prominently on the Hardsteppers album "Revolution", is an up and coming artist in his own right. Poised to drop his solo album in 2006, Regimental is a high-octane force that never fails to please the crowds. Together the Hardsteppers play as a full live band. They also shift gears sometimes, splitting up into separate units of two in order to play DJ sets, providing promoters with greater opportunities to present the Hardstepper sound. The Hardsteppers first album, "Revolution," is an amalgamation of sounds and textures that carves a place parallel to such acts as the Chemical Brothers and the Prodigy. Their mix of dancehall, breaks and use of instrumentals make their music great for the dance floor, but more importantly, an intelligent musical voyage full of twists and turns. Their use of voice as an instrument...rolling and pulsating provides an almost pop feel to some tunes, making them familiar and catchy. The first single "Sweet Redemption" is a rockin' dub tune that you cant help but sing along to. Watch for the Hardsteppers video for "Sweet Redemption" in summer 2005. Lots of touring and studio time awaits the quartet in the near future, who will continue with their ongoing evolution.
Backshot - Generic Remix
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