Hardcore Techno Day 2022 for Club Music Lovers! - DJ S3RL

It’s August 5 again, which means that it’s that time of year when it’s Hardcore Techno Day! Every year, I try not to miss this day and post a blog with pinpoint accuracy.
This time, I would like to feature DJ S3RL, the artist who got me hooked on the path of HARDCORE TECHNO!

Click here to see the past articles! ↓↓

• 2021 Edition (INTENSE HARDCORE TECHNO)
• 2020 Edition (HAPPY HARDCORE)
• 2019 Edition (UK HARDCORE)

■ What is DJ S3RL?

DJ S3RL is a UK Hardcore artist from Brisbane, Australia. He is currently releasing music on his own label, EMFA Music, and you can also purchase his music on his official web page. The DJ mix versions are available on EMFA and are often modified for DJ play. I have purchased some of my favorite tracks from them.
DJ S3RL has announced that he will retire from performing on stage after his 2018 tour. He had visited Japan several times in the past, but I had never seen him perform live, so I really wanted to go. I am a little disappointed that he will not be performing on stage for at least 2 to 3 years. I'm not saying that he is going on hiatus, though, as he has been releasing music since then.
In 2021, I launched a new label, M4 Music. The main focus of this label is on remix music, and I think it is an addition to the label for so-called discrimination.
Many of S3RL's songs are influenced by Japanese pop culture (anime, manga, video games, etc.), and some of the songs sampled from games and anime that you are familiar with I have not included in this list.

MTC - S3RL
BPM: 175

This is the song that first introduced me to S3RL. I remember I was so surprised at the length of the song because I was used to listening to JPOP so much that even a 4-minute song seemed long to me.
The meaning of the title "MTC" can be understood by listening to the song, which is a song that is divided into two categories: "joke" songs and "serious" songs. The beautifully sung female vocals are very pleasant to listen to, and the lead guitar is very piercing.
In later years, the sequel(?), MTC2, was also released. MTC2 was also released later in the year, but this one uses VOCALOID Sonika. It is also a part of a series titled Mtc Saga.

MTC2 - S3RL ft Sonika
BPM: 160

Oh Oh Oh Sexy Vampire ft Fright Ranger (S3RL vs Justin B Remix) - Disko Warp
BPM: 175

This is a superb danceable version of the original song with a catchy melody, lead, and kick processing. The music video is also quite impressive, so please try clicking the play button!
The lead sound is much sharper than the original song, and the BPM has also been raised significantly, making it a perfect HARDCORE TECHNO song. It sounds like a very different song from the original…

Oh Oh Oh Sexy Vampire (feat. Fright Ranger & JUSTiNB) - Disko Warp
BPM: 160

Cherry Pop (feat. Gl!Tch) - S3RL
BPM: 173

To be honest, I can't help but dance when this song comes on. That's how much I love this song! In addition to the pop of the lip sound, the sharp lead synths are typical of S3RL and the even catchier riffs really make this song so good. The music video is a dance performance by a woman that reminds me of a rave from about 20 years ago.
Fire is just so cool, including the music video.
If we consider the time around MTC as the first phase of S3RL, I think we can call the time around Cherry Pop and Oh Oh Oh Sexy Vampire as the second phase of S3RL.

Fire - S3RL ft Harri Rush & Krystal
BPM: 175

Everybody Wants To Be A DJ - S3RL
BPM: 175

I remember listening to this song in the early days of S3RL.
This is one of my favorite songs from the first phase of S3RL. The style uses the same sampling over and over again and has not changed since then, and it has become more aggressive. It is also impressive that the structure of the song retains some of its Cherry Pop connections.
In addition, I think it is worth mentioning that a Stylecore Remix was made for this song. I have already told you what Stylecore is. Please read my previous article, "What is Stylecore?”
[Past Article] Exploring Underground Club Music

Everybody Wants To Be A DJ (S3RL’s Stylecore Remix) - S3RL & SYNTHWULF
BPM: 175

Hentai - S3RL
BPM: 175

I introduced this song in my previous feature on HARDCORE TECHNO used on TikTok! I won’t post the URL of this song again, so if you are interested in this song, please check it out at your own risk.
This is the HARDCORE TECHNO song that was used on TikTok!

The composition of the song itself is quite normal, but the lead synth is quite sharp and pleasant, and the way the riff is created, which often bends the sound, is a true S3RL section. The sidechain of the pads hangs quite deep, creating an overall tighter groove. The drumming is based on a honeycomb rhythm, although it is not actually used in this song, as donk bass was popular at the time of its release.
There is a similar song called Fan Service, which is a very complete song and I highly recommend it!
I love the sound of the lead in this one is awesome as well, and as I have mentioned several times, S3RL songs are characterized by a piercing sound quality with something overlaid on the SAW lead. Also, the music is catchy, and I can say that if Japanese people want to get into it, this is the first person they should start with. As usual, Fan Service is also a little too racy, so I won't post the video.

Fan Service - S3RL
BPM: 175

I hope you enjoyed my 8/5 HARDCORE TECHNO DAY special. I’m still depressed that there is no announcement of TDOH this year, but you can still enjoy music at home!
Here are some speakers we recommend for your home club!

JBL / 305P MKII

The 305P MKII is a monitor speaker released by the prestigious speaker brand JBL. It should be noted that the Image Control Waveguide in the tweeter section allows the sweet spot (the angle of the speaker at which performance can be demonstrated) to be set widely. It is designed with amazing attention to detail, with measurements taken from 72 locations in all directions 360 degrees around the perimeter.

I will quote some customer reviews, all of which were very positive.

• The left and right localization is well defined and the sound field is clear.
• Clear, good separation and sub-components.
• The sound is beautiful. The glossiness of the sound is absolutely beautiful. The size is also larger than other companies' monitor speakers, and the sound has plenty of room.

I also recommend the 306P MKII and 308P MKII in different sizes. If you prefer a more bass-oriented sound, the 308P MKII is better. It is also a good idea to add the subwoofer LSR310S to enhance the bass sound.

JBL / LSR310S Subwoofer

The 305P MKII is sold individually or as a pair, and is also available as a set with speaker stands and isolation pads to improve bass sound, making it ideal for first-time users.

I hope you have enjoyed this four-part series on HARDCORE TECHNO Day. Please send me your music recommendations as well!