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Matt Hardwick
Country: United Kingdom


Matt’s illustrious association with the global phenomenon that is Gatecrasher is something which has been well documented. Such association would be seen by many as an accomplishment in it’s own right. It has seen Matt to play some of the greatest events the world of clubbing has to offer. Whether it be playing at the sell-out Don Valley stadium gig in front of 28,000 people on New Years Eve 2000 or playing to 15,000 people at the amazing Gatecrasher NEC events- Matt has seen it all. However, in the last two years the artist has risen, not only to play a pivotal role in the Gatecrasher fold but to become an internationally recognised artist in his own right.
Matt’s growing reputation really came to the fore only as recent as the beginning of 2002 with the completion of his first Radio 1 Essential Mix. The mix struck a chord with clubbers and promoters the world over. Demand for Matt in the clubs was on the increase and he soon found himself playing for all the high profile organisations within the UK scene. Further, his international diary became ever more hectic. To date he has enjoyed successful tours throughout Asia, South America, Australia, Africa, Europe and the USA. This has enabled him to play prestigious venues the world-over, including Home in Sydney and the prestigious Limelight in New York.
Such a growing repertoire did not go unnoticed. When Simon Berry the Platipus records impresario was looking for, in his words a “rising star,” to mix their coveted tenth compilation mix CD- guess who he called first. With over 40 tracks a mixes from which to chose Matt came up with a fluid mix of progressive trance that won plaudits across the board.
Matt’s next challenge came in the shape of the world-renowned Gatecrasher compilations which need no introduction to fans of dance music. The Resident Transmission series was launched in October 2002. The press and public reaction to Matt’s contribution to the package is something that Matt is very proud of. The success of the compilation was swiftly followed up by Matt debuting in DJ Mag’s top 100 DJs at a number 58. Early 2003 saw Matt further consolidate his growing DJ reputation with the completion of the second Resident Transmission mix.
All this aside, it is perhaps Matt’s production profile which will come to the fore in the coming months. His collaboration with production duo Smith & Pledger, entitled Day One, has already won support from the likes of Dj Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Ferry Corsten and Scott Bond and has been snapped up by the highly prestigious Anjuna Beats label with a release date pencilled in for October. Production Gurus Above and Beyond have taken the remix responsibility. This is an accolade in itself as the boys are very particular about who they remix- they are currently doing a mix for Madonna!! The track has, in addition, been included on a number of high profile compilations- including the prestigious Ministry of Sound-Ibiza annual.
Matt is currently working on a follow up single with the guys that will see them recording under the name Shadowlands. Following up their first single will be no mean feat- but Matt believes that the follow up could be even bigger!!
With another Gatecrasher compilation planned before the end of the year and the production side of his career moving into overdrive we are left in little doubt that the coming months will be ever more hectic for Matt.
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