The Hard Fest tour, which made is way through LA this past weekend, is at first glance another dance/electronic show with a killer line up.  But it’s the little things that you can’t see behind the scenes which make this show a favorite for the performers and a pain in the ass for yours truly. There’s basically a media blackout. No cameras are allowed in the VIP, Artist Area, or on stage, and there no photo pit.  Interviews are granted only if you can hunt them down. “Por que?” you say in a comically bad Gerard Depardieu accent. Well, it’s so the Rock stars can be Rock stars and don’t have to worry about the restraints of being politically correct. A time to relax and be amongst their peers and mingle with some early 80’s Madonna looking groupies.

Fear not dear reader. For I said,“Damn the Man”, and cornered none other than infamous DJ, mixologist, and renowned UK producer Erol Alkan on the way to his secret lair.  Note: This conversation and all that follows is not for the faint of heart.

Erol, you have a sec for a photo and some B.S.?

Erol Alkan: (walking briskly) Lots of good music and good times. Just write what ever you want. Fancy a smoke?

Fair enough. Erol Alkan announces he too is going to run for the Presidency of Haiti…

Transcription by Dustin Downing