From rave Godfather Slipmatt to Raverbabys Hixxy, the hardcore scene is full of scene legends but few have worked within it as widely as 33 year old Jay Fillmore. Slogging away as Hardcore Label Manager at the UKs biggest distribution company by day, his weekends are spent traveling to events like The Emporiums Hardcore Overload and the Tidy Weekenders as DJ Frantic. During the decade which the hardcore scene has provided first through Alphamagic and since Amato Jay has played everywhere from legendary Club Kinetic to Slammin Vinyl and HTID. While these days the family man might not entertain the weekend long benders he was famous for in his youth (a few too many pies put paid to that!), he still enjoys as much passion for the scene as a starry eyed raver.
How did you first step up to the wheels of steel and where did you rack up your first DJ bookings?
My first proper rave gig was Kinetic in June 96. I became a regular playing alongside residents Brisk and the all mighty Carl Cox. Then I progressed to get regular bookings at Uprising (Sheffield), Steam (Rhyll), Sandancer (Wales), The Drome (Birkenhead), Doncaster Warehouse and Bouncy (Sheffield).
What were the most memorable moments in these early days?
Probably when old rave promoter Mikey B asked me if Grooverider and Man Parris could come to my flat because his was dirty. I could'nt believe being sat on my sofa with two of my then DJing idols. As a buzzing 17 year old it was pretty surreal!
As Amato Distributions Hardcore Label Manager, what words of advice would you offer to any prospective label owners hoping to stake a claim within the modern hardcore market?
Dont have silly high expectations, it takes years to build up a label and just because you have got a big name remix for your first release doesnt mean it`s going to like Raver Baby. Admittedly, with the popularity and hype around certain labels it can be tough for upcoming labels to break but if they keep at it and deliver quality and consistent product it can happen.
Can you see a repeat of what happened in 97 when the hardcore scene enjoyed its biggest boom, only to disappear totally within two years?
In a word nope. Events are rammed with young ravers, production quality is far superior and the sample based tracks have been kept to a minimum this time. In 97 one certain producer made horrendous amounts of the poorest rip ever heard, everyone followed suit and the scene died musically. These days, some might say theres still too many vocal tracks, but then because of the quality control needed to run a successful label I'd stick my neck out and say only the real quality gets a Release.
The Digital Revolution the death of vinyl or merely convenient alternative?
I'm not sure, when MP3s first landed I thought that was it. But, here we are, still selling vinyl in reasonable quantities .It has definitely lowered vinyl sales and that will continue but I dont think it will kill vinyl for a while yet.
Youve previously worked with Jon Doe, AMS and even Hixxy. Will we be hearing any future Frantic productions?
Yeah Ive finished a track with Resist & Impact which is forthcoming on Raver Baby and Ive got three other projects lined up. Given a chance Id love to collaborate with Gammer or Recon the sheer quality of their finished product is breathtaking.
Do you still harbour aspirations to break into the DJ big league?
I just dont think about it. I`ve got an overload of projects as it is, not forgetting my family. Or my residency in the local boozer.
What have been your most memorable DJ sets this year?
Got to be Xque in Spain, the home of Pastis & Buenri. It`s a regular thing for me but every time its fantastic. It runs 52 Weeks a year and pulls up to 3500 ravers each week.
What do you think youd be doing if you werent working within the rave/dance scene?
I dread to think. Maybe working in some dodgy factory up north, drinking and playing bingo in Bardon Road Working Mens Club (not dissin Northern factory workers, some are very hard and have lots of tattoos). And some quick questions to finish
Favourite rave venue? Ever..? Club Kinetic - The Leisure Bowl
Beverage of choice? Fosters
A night in or a night on it? Depends what mood Im in.
Complete this sentence Im Jay Frantic and I love..... curries (not the electrical department store).
