Neal Thomas has already made a name for himself in the Northern hard dance scene after several years of hard graft. With 2 bookings for Frantic this month big things are obviously about to happen for the young lad from Liverpool, with HDS and the 11th Birthday both benefiting from his talents. We yelled up the Mersey to him to ask a few questions…

Describe for anyone who’s not heard you the style of music you play and how you came to find your style.

My style of music ranges from tech trance to hard, energetic and techno edged hard dance. I first started going in this direction after my first gig for Goodgreef in 2005. I have played every type of hard dance, from flith to hard trance, and bounce to hardstyle. After talking with Baz (Goodgreef promoter) I decided that my taste was heading towards another one of my loves, techno. I decided then that I should finally settle with a style, and I think my current style suits me best!

You’ve been in the clubbing scene for quite a few years but you’re only just 23 – does that mean you started clubbing when you were underage? Surely not!

Indeed it does! I first started Djing when I was 16, and had my first residency when I was 17. I became Garlands resident when I turned 18. I had been clubbing there since I was 15/16 so it was a dream come true for me.

Will HDS be your first time playing in London?

No, I have played a few smaller gigs in London before and actually played for Frantic vs Twist at hidden a couple of months ago. I am really looking forward to play HDS as I have heard great things about it, it will also be a great warm-up for Frantic's 11th birthday the week after! (I'm on 1-2 by the way! :oP)

Who else are you looking forward to seeing at HDS?

Quite a few people actually, I have some really good mates playing too; Sam Hudson, DJ Tobias, Nathalie and of course Pickup & Rise... so i'm sure it will be an amazing night!

You’re quite well known up North already, is it daunting starting to make a name for yourself down South now?

Not at all, London is a place I have always wanted to play. The only thing that is daunting is there sheer size of it! I would love one day to play there as regularly as I do up north definitely!

What other kinds of dance music do you listen to?

I love all kinds of dance music, I listen to house, techno, d'n'b, what ever is being played to be honest (including scouse house, of course!)
I play wonky electro too under my 'Nealos' guise.

Who do you idolise in the scene and why?

There are a few people I look up to and respect immensely. First of all, there is Yoji and Andy Farley; I have loved what these guys do for the whole time I have been into dance music. The first time I saw Yoji was 7 years ago and it was like nothing I had ever witnessed before, amazing. As for Andy, he has been a legend in the hard dance scene for years, and will continue to do so for a long time hopefully.

Another guy I respect loads is Eddie Halliwell. He has come through the ranks the same way as me with Garlands and Goodgreef, and I hope to able to reach such fantastic achievements myself.

You’ve played at a lot of Goodgreef events over the last few years. How did you get involved with them?

Well, my first gig for Goodgreef was in 2005. I actually met Barry and Ben at Garlands vs Goodgreef the year before, when I was still Garlands resident. They saw me play and told me they were impressed with me, then I heard nothing for months. When I parted company with Garlands, I won a National Galaxy Nu Breed Competition to play at “Yoji & Friends” and have an interview and my mix aired on the radio! The lads heard it and called a meeting with me. I was so pleased when they gave me my first set.

You’ve been doing well with your production lately, tell us more about it…

Yea it's going well! I have just finished my EP, which will be out on Traffic Records soon. It's got 4 of my tracks on it and there's a nice bit of variety in there.

What inspires you when you’re producing?

When i'm in the studio, I have loads of different ideas flying round my head. I always make sure I keep up to date with all the latest dance music releases, so I can gain inspriration, but also to make sure I keep my productions that little bit different!

You’re obviously passionate about what you do, what is it that drives you in your DJing?

You're right, I love Djing with a passion. I love playing to massive crowds, controlling the music and just seeing everyone having a fantastic time. I love it when a tune is building up and I can see the clubbers on the front row, knowing the track as well as I do, waiting for the massive kick in. I literally could chew your ear off for days about why I love it so much, I can't imagine not doing it! Haha :oP

You’re also booked to play Frantic’s birthday on Bank Holiday Sunday, have you got anything special lined up for that?

Oh yes, of course! I will be airing all my new material, mixed in with some old faves and anthems. Make sure you're there! (If you want a taster, come to HDS ;o) haha)

I hear you were recently spotted dressed as Russell Brand – any similarities between yourself & old Russ?

Haha yes I was, who are your spies?! It was one of my best mates 30th birthday and was a fancy dress. As for similarities, we are both quite extravagent people, it was fun to be able to be even cheekier than normal! haha

And just for a laugh…

Favourite word?

Hmm.. I dont know, I do know what word I hate though, ointment! Such a nasty word! Hold on.. I like 'Bubble' as a word actually, I think it really suits what it is haha

Muffins or waffles?

Muffins all the way!

HDS is all about birthdays. What’s your star sign & what does that say about you?

Well, I turned 23 recently, so all belated birthday presents are welcome!
My star sign is Cancer, and as I know sweet F.A about starsigns, maybe you could enlighten me?!

If I could never hear hard dance again I’d…

Don't say such a terrible thing!! Seriously though, I still would go out, even just for the atmosphere

If I was a DJing gerbil I’d be called…

DJ FURBALL or DJ BUCKTOOTH, those are the 2 names I have always said I was to use if such a thing were to happen to me!

Thanks Neal, I’ll be making sure I catch your set in the Blue Room at Hidden on 15th August – sounds like something a bit different for the London hard dance scene! And remember everyone, when he’s playing make sure you call him DJ Furball!

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