da scene>>> Frolic Interview

Name> Chris Frolic aka:Anabolic Frolic
Music> Happy Hardcore
Years Spinning> 6 years
www.hullabaloo-raves.com
www.anabolic-frolic.com

>>> what has been the most meaningful set you've played and why?
Certainly that would have to be my set at Group Hug, which was the replacement party for the cancelled Hullabaloo (Through the Looking Glass - April 2000). The party was organized and attended by people who were truly there to support me during my darkest hours. When it was my time to play, it was a very emotional moment for everyone. I get choked up even now just thinking about it, and I can never repay those who were there for me.

>>> where do you see hullabaloo within a year or two from now?
Who knows. I would like for it to continue from strength to strength, but obviously a lot of factors have put a damper on the entire Toronto rave scene. I'm pleased that Hulla has weathered the changes fairly well (lack of venues and political pressure being 2 key ones) and still stands tall, especially when other promoters have not been as fortunate. A scene as small as the happy hardcore scene needs a flagship company such as a Hulla to hold the flag high so for that reason I'll be pushing ahead as hard as I ever have.

>>> is there any chances of you spinning something other than happy hardcore?
nope. next queston. ;-)

>>> from the happy 2 be hardcore chapters, which is your favourite? will there be more after?
They're all my little babies and I put a lot of work and thought into each one and I think each one stands up well. Chapter 5 was probably the most difficult and most personal to put together as it has 2 of my own tracks, plus over half the tracks are unreleased (and unproven). I was a bit nervous as to how it would be received but the response has been tremendous making it a personal victory.

>>> with many hhc dj's beginning to spin or produce other genre of music, do you feel more of a responsibility to continue the spread of hhc?
I feel a bit of responsibility but that's something I'm only too happy to take on. Most people probably don't realise (or maybe they do) what a big part of my life my music has been for many years. I am a true hardcore nuttah :-) . I think the scene needs someone like myself, an ambassader if you will, to keep it alive and prominent. I'm not too concerned with what other DJs decide to do with their musical choices as new talent comes forward all the time. 2001 is already looking like a much better year.

>>> how do you feel about hullabaloo's progression to be one of the best rave production companies in Toronto?
When we started I never ever dreamed we would be considered one of the top companies. Our first party was 500 people and I thought maybe someday we would get 700 or something. It wasn't an easy climb and a lot of people thought it would never be possible. What a lot of people don't realise is that at the time in 1997 when we started we were doing something COMPLETELY different. New sounds, New DJs, totally unproven. So to take something like that and turn it into a success is very satisfying.

>>> it must feel great having a #1 show on 1groove.com how did that all come together?
Don Burns aka Dr Trance had been on my case for several months to do a show. At first I was offered co-hosting duties with Dominik for diskombulation but I had my own ideas for a show and turned that offer down at the time. Then a dedicated show was offered to me and I decided then to go for it. I knew a show like this could be successful so once I agreed I jumped in head first. Silver1 offered to come in and help out initially and we decided the show was more fun with the 2 of us at the helm so he became the official co- host. I wanted the show to have it's own personality and not just be solid DJ mixes for hours on end because I knew that would become a real grind and not enjoyable (for me anyways) before too long. The show debuted as the #1 show on 1groove and has remained there ever since, showing once again how underestimated the happy hardcore audience is. I look forward to doing it each week and I can only hope it has more success in the coming months and years.

>>> how do you feel about hhc scene in Toronto and where do you see it heading?
the hardcore scene in Toronto is quite strong and the envy of most of the world. It will always be a niche market, but as long as that niche is of reasonable size we'll be fine. I find what makes the Toronto scene so strong is the level of talent based here and we all drive each other forward. Some original song productions are being made now and that will be key to our continued success.

>>> what can people come to expect from Frolic in 2001, any surprises? *coughs do you plan on bringing back the hulla world tour?*
My goals for 2001 are to continue with my record producing and launch a few different hardcore record labels for both my own stuff and other artists who need an outlet. I will work my hardest to make this happen.

My ban from entering the US (from working without a work visa) will be lifted in a couple months and I will be touring extensively through the U.S. again.

I'll entertain the idea of touring Hulla again, as me being banned made throwing the last one impossible.

Of course I'll still be working hard here in Toronto, more hulla parties, a hulla tent at WEMF again, playing for other promoters and a surprise or 2 during the year i hope :-)

Thank you Frolic for taking time to have this interview.

>>>props goes out to Feeboo.