Happy Hardcore

Happy Hardcore is a subgenre of hardcore techno music, which originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its fast tempo, typically between 160 and 190 beats per minute, soaring melodies, and high-pitched vocals. Happy Hardcore is often associated with a sense of euphoria and joy, hence the name “Happy.” The roots of Happy Hardcore can be traced back to the late 1980s, when the rave scene was emerging in the UK. DJs and producers began experimenting with faster and more energetic forms of electronic dance music, and soon, hardcore techno was born. The first Happy Hardcore tracks were produced in the early 1990s and were heavily influenced by the breakbeat and rave music of the time. The style gained popularity quickly, with raves and clubs across the UK embracing the high-energy sound. In 1994, the first Happy Hardcore compilation album, “The Happy Album,” was released, featuring tracks from popular artists such as Hixxy, Sharkey, and Force & Styles. Happy Hardcore continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1990s, with dedicated clubs and events popping up around the UK. The sound also spread to other countries, particularly in Europe and Australia, where it became a popular subculture among young people. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Happy Hardcore began to evolve, incorporating elements from trance and Eurodance music. The tempo of the music began to slow down, and the melodies became more complex and layered. This style became known as “UK Hardcore,” which is still popular today. Despite its mainstream success, Happy Hardcore has faced criticism from some who view it as overly commercial and lacking in substance. However, fans of the genre argue that it provides a unique and thrilling listening experience, and that its focus on joy and euphoria is a refreshing antidote to the darker and more serious themes found in other forms of electronic music. Today, Happy Hardcore continues to be a popular genre, with dedicated clubs, festivals, and online communities still thriving in the UK and around the world. Some of the most popular artists in the genre include DJ Brisk, Dougal & Gammer, and Scott Brown, among many others.

Dougal & Gammer: This UK-based duo has been a staple in the happy hardcore scene for over a decade. Their high-energy tracks, such as "Don't Stop Go" and "Ordinary People," are guaranteed to get crowds jumping. Hixxy: Often referred to as the "godfather of happy hardcore," Hixxy has been producing and DJing since the early 90s. His classic hits like "Toytown" and "More and More" are still played at raves today, and his recent releases show he's still at the top of his game. Darren Styles: Another UK heavyweight, Darren Styles is known for his catchy melodies and hard-hitting beats. From his early work with Hixxy and Force & Styles to his current solo projects, the man knows how to make a dancefloor explode. S3RL: The Australian producer and DJ S3RL has gained a loyal following with his unique blend of happy hardcore, trance, and even dubstep. His anthemic tracks like "Pretty Rave Girl" and "MTC" are off-the-charts in terms of energy. DJ Shimamura: A pioneer in the Japanese happy hardcore scene, DJ Shimamura's music combines the manic energy of the genre with J-pop and anime influences. His remixes of anime themes like "Cruel Angel's Thesis" are particularly popular with fans. Alex Prospect: This UK hardcore producer has made a name for himself with his signature sound - big, euphoric melodies and pounding kicks. His collaboration with fellow producer Technikore, "Freakz," became an instant classic. Dougal: One-half of the aforementioned Dougal & Gammer, Dougal has also had a successful solo career spanning over two decades. His tracks like "Heaven is A Place on Earth" and "Braveheart" are timeless classics in the genre. Gammer: The other half of Dougal & Gammer, Gammer is known for his eclectic sound, which often incorporates elements of hardstyle, dubstep, and even metal. His remixes of pop hits like Dua Lipa's "New Rules" are always a hit with crowds. Re-Con: This UK DJ and producer has been making waves in the happy hardcore scene for over a decade. His tracks like "Right Here, Right Now" and "Bittersweet" are known for their catchy hooks and epic drops. Technikore: Another rising star in the UK hardcore scene, Technikore's music often incorporates elements of UK garage and bassline. His collaborations with Alex Prospect and JTS have been especially well-received, and his remixes of classic hardcore tracks are always a crowd-pleaser.

1. "Bonkers" by Dizzee Rascal & Armand Van Helden 2. "Heartbeatz" by Styles & Breeze 3. "Castles in the Sky" by Ian van Dahl 4. "Xpander" by DJ Hixxy 5. "Fly on the Wings of Love" by XTM & DJ Chucky 6. "Eternal" by Brisk & Ham 7. "Set You Free" by N-Trance 8. "Superstar" by DJ Satomi 9. "The Lover That You Are" by Pulse Fiction 10. "Heaven" by DJ Sammy & Yanou feat. Do 11. "Shooting Star" by Flip & Fill 12. "Rhythm of the Night" by Corona 13. "Stomp" by DJ Isaac 14. "Kiss" by ATPC 15. "I Wanna Touch Your Soul" by DJ Scott Brown 16. "On a Ragga Tip" by SL2 17. "Sunshine After the Rain" by Berri 18. "Pure Shores" by All Saints 19. "Hey Boy Hey Girl" by The Chemical Brothers 20. "Love Come Home" by DJ Jean 21. "Ravers Fantasy" by Tune Up! 22. "Hazy Shade of Winter (Blue Ice)" by Scooter 23. "Keep on Moving" by DJ Lee 24. "King of My Castle" by Wamdue Project 25. "Feel the Beat" by Darude.

There have been several books written on the subject of Happy Hardcore, delving into its history, culture, and impact on the music industry. Happy Hardcore: From Gabber to Gabba, by dance music journalist Matt Anniss, is one such book. In it, Anniss explores the genre's evolution from its early days as a niche club scene to its mainstream success in the mid-1990s. Another book that delves into the world of Happy Hardcore is Generation Ecstasy: Into the World of Techno and Rave Culture by Simon Reynolds. Reynolds discusses Happy Hardcore as one of the subgenres of rave music that emerged in the UK in the early 1990s. He notes how Happy Hardcore, with its upbeat sound and cheerful atmosphere, was a stark departure from the more serious, underground nature of other rave subgenres like acid house and techno. Notable figures in the Happy Hardcore scene have also shared their thoughts on the genre. DJ Dougal, one of the pioneers of Happy Hardcore, has said: "We needed some kind of lift music that was energetic and almost aggressive, but not too heavy. Something that would lift you up when you were feeling down and take you to another world." Similarly, Darren Styles, a prominent Happy Hardcore producer and DJ, has described the genre as "music that makes you smile." Styles has also spoken about the importance of Happy Hardcore's community spirit, saying: "People within this genre make a lot of friends and have a lot of good times together, and that in itself is something that's quite unique." Others have commented on the enduring appeal of Happy Hardcore. In an interview with Mixmag, DJ Hixxy, another Happy Hardcore legend, said: "The main reason it's still around after all these years is because it's fun. It's not too hard, it's not too soft, it's just right. It puts a smile on your face and reminds you of the good times."

One of the primary social and cultural changes that helped give rise to Happy Hardcore was the rise of rave culture. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, raves were a popular way for young people to party and experience electronic music. There was a sense of community and inclusiveness around these events, with people from all backgrounds coming together to dance, take drugs, and have a good time. As rave culture grew, so did the music associated with it. Happy Hardcore emerged as a response to the darker, more intense music that was also popular at raves. Many people saw Happy Hardcore as a more uplifting and positive alternative to the more aggressive styles of electronic music that were also popular at the time. The rise of Happy Hardcore in the UK was also closely linked to the development of new technologies. The increasing availability of affordable synthesizers and samplers meant that anyone with a computer and some basic music production skills could make their own music. This led to a surge in new music being created, with more and more people experimenting with different sounds and styles. One of the most notable record labels associated with Happy Hardcore was Raver Baby Records. Founded in 1994, Raver Baby was responsible for releasing some of the most iconic tracks in the genre, including "Force & Styles - Heart of Gold" and "DJ Brisk - Airhead". The label was known for its high-energy tracks and catchy melodies and played an essential role in popularizing Happy Hardcore in the UK. Another significant figure in the Happy Hardcore scene was DJ Hixxy. He was one of the most prominent DJs in the genre, and his music was played at raves all over the UK. Hixxy was known for his high-energy sets and uplifting melodies, which helped to define the Happy Hardcore sound. At the same time, journalists and DJs in the UK were starting to take notice of the new genre. Music publications like Mixmag and DJ Magazine began to feature Happy Hardcore more prominently in their coverage. This helped to increase the visibility of the genre and introduce it to a broader audience.