Hard House History

In this powerful and emotional episode of Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with the legendary promoter and pioneer Paul "Madders" Madan, the man behind one of the UK's most iconic club brands, Sundissential. Together, they revisit the explosive rise of the 1990s Hard House scene, tracing how a post-rave generation transformed underground parties into world-class productions that shaped the future of dance music. Madders opens up about the origins of Sunday Central, the atmosphere that defined its legendary Sundays in Birmingham and Leeds, and the unforgettable characters who helped build a movement that still resonates decades later.<...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, host Paul Glazby reconnects with an old friend and legendary producer Tom Starr, known to many in the scene as Ingo, one of the driving forces behind the unmistakable sound of early 2000s hard house. For the first time in over two decades, the two sit down to reminisce, reflect, and rediscover the wild stories and shared history that helped define an era of electronic music.

Paul and Tom take listeners back to their early days producing classics like Rough and Tough, Kick It, and Beautiful, and touring together...

In this compelling episode of When I Grow Up, host Paul Glazby sits down with legendary coach, author, and former elite trainer Dax Moy for an unfiltered conversation that goes far beyond fitness. Dax's story is one of survival, reinvention, and relentless authenticity, a life that has taken him from violence and hardship in his youth, through military service, global success as a fitness educator, and ultimately to deep personal healing and transformation.

From the outset, Paul reflects on how Dax was once the benchmark for what a great trainer should be: respected, genuine, and grounded. However...

What does it take to carve out a decades-long career in one of the most unpredictable industries in the world, while still reinventing yourself along the way? In this episode of When I Grow Up, host Paul Glazby reconnects with an old friend and legendary DJ, Anne Savage, for a conversation that's equal parts nostalgic, insightful and wildly entertaining.

Anne's story begins in the unlikely setting of small-town England, where a musical childhood of violin lessons and family jam sessions somehow evolved into late-night club culture. She takes us back to her first band rehearsals in a...

In this very special edition of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby takes listeners deep inside the electrifying world of the 2025 London Hard House Reunion, a night where legends return, stories are swapped, and the music that defined an era comes roaring back.

Recorded live on the eve of one of the Southern Hemisphere's biggest hard dance events, this episode captures the raw excitement of a scene that refuses to fade. Paul is joined by a powerhouse lineup of DJs and producers, including High Dosage, Lucy Fur, Craig Jones, Alf Bamford, Manik, Eammon Fevah, Andy Farley and...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby welcomes back Ian M, the first guest to return for a second round and a true legend of the hard house scene. Ian's first appearance quickly became one of the podcast's most-listened-to episodes, and now he's back with even more stories, reflections, and sharp-edged humour.

The conversation dives into the realities of longevity in dance music. Ian opens up about what it feels like to face the possibility of his final gigs, the physical toll of decades behind the decks, and the changing face of club culture...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul sits down with long-time friend and powerhouse promoter, producer, and creative force Janelle Matchett to explore her incredible journey through the global electronic music scene. From her first nights out in London's legendary clubs in the early 2000s to building a thriving career in music production, Janelle shares how a deep love of underground dance music sparked a community movement that continues to inspire fans around the world.

Listeners get an inside look at the creation of the iconic London Hard House Reunion (LHHR), a one-off idea that...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, host Paul Glazby sits down with Frank Farrell, a name synonymous with hard house and electronic music innovation. From a teenage prodigy crafting his first tracks at 17 to a producer whose work has been played on massive stages by legends like Carl Cox, Frank's journey is one of passion, persistence, and reinvention.

Frank shares stories from his early days in the UK's hard house scene, recalling his first major release, “The Graduate”, and the whirlwind of gigs and collaborations that followed. He opens up about what it’s like to wor...

This episode of When I Grow Up is a deep dive into the world of internationally renowned DJ and producer Bryan Kearney,  a man whose journey through music, health challenges, and fatherhood has shaped him into more than just an artist behind the decks. Hosted by Paul Glazby, this candid conversation explores Bryan’s rise from Dublin’s legendary Temple Theatre dance floors to global festival stages, as well as the personal battles and life lessons that fuel his artistry today.

Bryan shares the raw and emotional story of his health struggles, including a life-changing surgery that left...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby reconnects with an old friend and legendary figure in the world of dance music, Ben Keen, better known to fans worldwide as BK. From the moment the conversation begins, it's clear this is more than just an interview; it's a reunion filled with stories, laughs, and reflections on decades in the industry.

BK takes us back to his early days, when bedroom DJing and collecting records inspired him to explore music production. He recalls the energy of London's underground clubs in the mid-90s, where iconic nights...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with the legendary Paul King, a name synonymous with the golden era of Hard House. Known for his groundbreaking productions under F1 and Pants & Corset, Paul takes us on a raw and honest journey through his life in music, from the highs of global recognition to the personal challenges that shaped his career.

From his early days experimenting with electronic sounds and falling into DJing by chance, to creating the iconic tracks that defined a generation, Paul shares how his unique sound developed not by...

In this inspiring episode of When I Grow Up, Paul sits down with Nicole Tovey, lawyer turned bodybuilding champion and now sought-after women's fitness coach. Nicole shares how a chance career detour took her from Adelaide's legal world to Bermuda's pink-sand shores, and ultimately into the world of competitive bodybuilding.

She opens up about the highs and lows of competing, from salsa dancing and strength training to the mental and physical toll of the sport — and why she made the decision to step away at the peak of her career. Nicole also recounts a near career-ending brush wi...

In this powerful and inspiring episode of When I Grow Up, Paul reconnects with long-time friend and legendary DJ Amber D, whose journey through life, music, and mental health is nothing short of remarkable.

Amber shares her deeply personal story of losing her mother at just 17, navigating homelessness, and finding solace and purpose through the world of hard house music. She recalls the first time she touched a set of decks and experienced “flow state”, a moment that would change the trajectory of her life forever. From teaching herself to mix vinyl obsessively to landing residencies and grac...

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of When I Grow Up, Paul sits down with longtime friend and fellow party veteran Tom Williams from Bradford. The pair delves deep into nearly three decades of shared memories, spanning from their first chaotic club nights in the late '90s to DJing after-parties, road-tripping for gigs, and the magic of forming lasting friendships through music.

Tom recalls the now-legendary night at Sundissential in Leeds that kickstarted it all, a chance encounter with Fergie (yes, that Fergie), a mad dash to a Sheffield club, and a spontaneous afterparty that forged...

In this electrifying episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with the legendary and elusive figure of the hard house scene, Baby Doc. Known for shaping the sound of a generation alongside John the Dentist and others, Baby Doc lifts the veil on decades of dancefloor domination, sonic innovation, and wild studio sessions.

Recorded between Berlin and memory lane, this episode dives deep into the origins of hard house, trade club nights, and the unexpected magic that happens when you don’t overthink it. From tracks like “Injected with a Poison” and “Never Lost His Hard...

In this latest episode of When I Grow Up, Paul sits down with the one and only Lucy Fur. DJ, mum, animal print icon and all-round legend of the UK hard house scene.

Lucy opens up about her humble beginnings, from mixing vinyl in her bedroom on a pair of 1210s bought with a loan, to her first gig in a Herts pub, and eventually smashing main rooms at Frantic and beyond. She shares the ups and downs of coming up as a female DJ in a male-dominated scene and how a cheeky name suggestion from a...

In this special episode of When I Grow Up, things get personal and adorable as Paul sits down with a very special guest, his daughter, Eden Glazby. At just 11 years old, Eden becomes the youngest ever guest on the podcast, but don’t let her age fool you – she’s already making waves in sport, music, and even the hard house scene.

This episode celebrates the release of Big Fish, a brand-new track by Paul Glazby featuring none other than Eden herself. Inspired by a spontaneous living room dance (yes, "big fish, little fish, cardboard box"), the tune r...

In this milestone episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with the show’s behind-the-scenes mastermind and unofficial co-host, Matt White, for an unscripted catch-up that charts the unexpected evolution of the podcast.

What started as a simple idea, a few reflective chats about life, careers, and DJ dreams, has transformed into a passionate, community-driven series that reconnects Paul with his music roots, reignites old friendships, and welcomes new stories into the fold. From the early episodes with Maddox and Ben Stevens to the powerhouse Tidy Boys appearance that blew up the charts, Paul an...

This week on When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with the one and only Micky D, a high-energy DJ, record store alum, and former semi-pro ice hockey player with a passion for hard house that spans decades.

From spinning CDs at a Sydney ice rink at 14 to closing out iconic clubs like DCM's and Frantic in the early 2000s, Micky shares how a last-minute DJ no-show changed his life and led to a multi-decade career behind the decks. The episode dives deep into the Sydney club scene of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Micky’s ti...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby welcomes The Tidy Boys, Andy Pickles and Amadeus Mozart, the larger-than-life duo behind Tidy Trax, one of the most iconic hard dance labels in the world.

This is the wild, hilarious, and inspiring story of how two DJs from Yorkshire created a global brand that helped define the hard house sound for an entire generation. From their early days running Tidy Weekenders to building the legendary Tidy studios, Andy and Amo reflect on three decades of dancefloor anthems, chaos, and community.

They share their thoughts...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby catches up with Lee Haslam — a pioneer of the hard trance and hard house scene who turned decks into direction, eventually stepping into the world of major labels and music industry leadership.

Lee shares his early journey from playing to packed dancefloors across the UK and beyond as a core part of Slinky and Tidy Trax, to transitioning into music business roles where he now operates as a senior figure in one of the world’s biggest entertainment companies.

Paul and Lee talk about the gold...

In this special episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby is joined by the man who helped define an entire genre, Ian M. Widely credited as the Godfather of UK hard house and hard dance, Ian shares the incredible story of how his career shaped, and was shaped by, the movement that followed.

From his early days as a resident at Trade, the legendary London after-hours club, Ian gives us a front-row seat to the rise of a sound that would dominate dancefloors for a generation. He reflects on iconic sets, the evolution of the UK...

In this milestone episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with Tom, the visionary behind Insomniacz, one of the most legendary after-hours club brands in UK dance history.

Tom opens up about how a simple afterparty at his house grew into a clubbing institution that shaped the careers of DJs, changed lives, and built a culture that still thrives decades later. From the packed dancefloors of Europa and Corporation to licensing battles, police pressure, and the GHB crisis, Tom shares the wild highs and dark lows of running massive underground events in the early 2000...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby reconnects with long-time friend and dance music legend Steve Hill for a deep dive into his remarkable career journey. From starting out in Wellington record shops to becoming a central figure in London’s iconic hard house scene, Steve shares how he became part of the rise of Tripoli Trax, Frantic, and beyond.

They talk vinyl culture, record label memories, working with some of the biggest names in the business, and the wild UK clubbing days of the late '90s and early 2000s. Steve opens up ab...

In this powerhouse episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby catches up with none other than Lisa Lashes, one of the most iconic figures in UK dance music. From wild nights at Sundissential to front-page headlines and international tours, Lisa shares how she went from working at Marks & Spencer to becoming the first female DJ to break into the Mixmag Top 10.

They talk about the early days of Hard House, her fast rise in the '90s club scene, and what it was like to tour the world when dance music was exploding. Lisa opens up...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with Sam, the youngest guest ever to appear on the podcast. At just 23, Sam has already packed more life experience than most, going from surf lifesaving champion and Australian triathlete to enlisting for the Australian Army’s Special Forces Direct Entry.

They chat about Sam’s incredible journey from his first job as a glass collector at the Surf Club to becoming a decorated surf lifesaver with countless rescues under his belt. He shares stories of 2 AM training sessions, gruelling Ironman competitions, and the adrenaline of s...

In this milestone 20th episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with none other than Dave the Drummer – a true pioneer of the UK techno and acid scene. With a career spanning more than three decades, Dave has seen it all: the birth of the underground rave movement, the golden era of vinyl, the crash of physical sales, and the rise of digital dominance.

In this raw and insightful chat, Dave shares how he navigated the ever-changing landscape of electronic music, from illegal warehouse parties to chart-topping releases on Beatport. He talks candidly about ru...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with Daryl Batchelor to explore a truly fascinating life journey, from serving as an infantry officer in the Australian Army to becoming a self-taught web developer, entrepreneur, and AI leader.

Daryl shares his experiences from deployments in East Timor and Afghanistan, mentoring Afghan soldiers under extreme conditions, and how military life shaped his mindset. After leaving the Army, Darryl taught himself coding, moved into web and game development, and created defence training apps now used by soldiers worldwide.

They also dive into Daryl’s...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with longtime friend and hard dance producer Alf Bamford, better known as Tecknikal, for a massive deep dive into his journey from bedroom beats to global dance floors.

Alf opens up about getting signed as a teenager, sending demos while still in school, and how skipping college paid off when remix work started rolling in. From remixing for major names to a wild 10-year stint in London’s hedonistic club scene, to eventually relocating to Australia—this is the full story of a career built on c...

In this hilarious and raw episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with Gold Coast family lawyer Liza Friedwald, and let’s just say, It’s a journey.

From her first day in court with nothing but a pen and paper (and no idea what an axle is), to prosecuting overloaded truckies, handling money laundering cases, surviving postnatal depression, and being evacuated during the Lindt Café siege, Liza has seen it all.

They chat about how Sam Brown’s “Can I Get a Witness” music video inspired her to become a lawyer, the real-li...

In this explosive episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby reunites with dance music legend Rob Tissera for an unfiltered chat about his incredible life and career. From playing at illegal raves in the early '90s and inciting a three-hour standoff with riot police, to spending time in prison and coming out stronger, Rob holds nothing back.

They dive into the origins of the acid house scene, Rob’s time behind bars at Armley Jail, and how that experience became the turning point in his music career. Rob also reflects on producing under multiple aliases, le...

In this powerful episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby reconnects with former colleague and ex-police officer Mick Bunting, whose life took a dramatic turn after a violent on-duty incident led to a criminal conviction—and the end of a promising policing career.

Mick opens up about his lifelong dream of joining the police, his early success and commendations, and the violent altercation that changed everything. He shares his experience of the controversial trial, prison time, and the long, painful journey of trying to clear his name. Paul and Mick also reflect on how they met du...

In this special episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with long-time friend, collaborator, and hard house legend Ben Stevens. From pestering Paul about tracks as a teenager to co-running one of the most iconic labels in Vicious Circle, Ben shares his journey from a wide-eyed club kid to a DJ, producer, distributor, label manager, and father of three.

They reflect on the early days of Hard House, touring stories, infamous studio sessions, and the evolution of the music industry—from vinyl to digital downloads. Along the way, Paul and Ben dig into the hi...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with Paul Maddox, one of the most influential figures in the hard house scene. From their first meeting outside Insomniacz to spending years in the studio crafting some of the genre’s biggest tracks, this episode is packed with nostalgia, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of laughs.

The boys reflect on their early days in the music industry, the evolution of hard house, and what it was like producing together in the legendary Tidy studios. They also discuss the changing landscape of dance music, the resurgence of...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with Danny Pilkington to explore his incredible life journey—from a sports-obsessed kid skipping school to play rugby, to serving in the Army, becoming a trainer, and eventually running his own gym.

Danny shares wild stories from his time in the military, including intense training, near-misses, and the discipline that shaped him. He also dives into his transition into fitness, his experiences running a gym, and his no-nonsense approach to coaching and personal training. They discuss the current state of the fitness industry, the importance of...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with Imogen to uncover her incredible journey from a competitive dancer to a social media strategist—navigating an industry that didn’t even exist a decade ago.

Imogen shares how her background in dance and performance helped shape her creativity, the unexpected twists of her early career in hospitality, and how she built a thriving career managing social media for major brands, businesses, and even celebrities. She dives deep into the challenges of imposter syndrome, the blurred line between reality and curated online identities, and the...

In this action-packed episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with Ben to unpack his extraordinary career journey. From serving as a police officer in the Northern Territory, dodging crocodiles and handling riots, to working in tactical operations and counterterrorism, Ben has seen it all.

After years in law enforcement, Ben transitioned into private security, now providing executive protection for ultra-high-net-worth individuals across Southeast Asia. He shares intense stories of tactical policing, private security operations, and even a near “oh sh*t” moment during a high-risk assignment in Papua New Guinea.

This epis...

In this real estate-focused episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby is joined by his business partner and returning guest, Michael Peters, to discuss one of the most critical aspects of property sales: value. How do buyers, sellers, agents, and banks perceive the value of a property, and how can agents guide their clients through these differing perspectives?

Paul and Michael also introduce two recurring segments:

Tune in for an...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with Nalini to discuss her inspiring and dynamic career journey. From her early dreams of becoming an actor to finding her true passion in yoga and wellness, Nalini shares how she transitioned into owning two successful yoga studios on the Gold Coast.

They dive into topics like imposter syndrome, the challenges of running a business, and the life-changing experience of building a supportive community around wellness. Nalini also opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood and her plans for the future.

Join us...

In this episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with Will, whose journey is a perfect example of perseverance and reinvention. From starting out as a drummer and plumber to becoming a business owner on the Gold Coast, Will shares his incredible story of navigating life’s twists and turns.

They dive into the importance of apprenticeships, building a business from scratch, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Plus, there’s plenty of humour as they reflect on everything from marriages to early career dreams, ironing clothes for extra cash, and the jo...