Did GAMMER steal DOUGAL's limelight?? - HARDCORE HISTORY - Let's Talk About Dougal & Gammer

Hey!
I'm back again and this time, I've been looking at the careers of Dougal & Gammer. I really enjoyed learning about these guys this month and I hope you enjoy the video.
Join me for this mini biography spanning over 30 years in Happy Hardcore, Hard Dance and beyond as we explore the works of Dougal & Gammer, individually and together.
Please like, comment and subscribe for more.
Links:
Dougal & Gammer Mixtape on Mixcloud
www.mixcloud.c...
My Linktree
linktr.ee/stua...

[@DJGammerUK]

Me and my partner are watching this and I’m absolutely floored at how 100 percent spot on you’ve gotten everything Great work!!

[@stuartkmusic]

Thanks Matt. It’s certainly kept me spending each month virtually living and breathing your careers.

[@onlychance7157]

Big fan! Don't be discouraged to pump out bangers even if it isn't hardcore! I actually think one of the best things about modern UK Hardcore is the fact that it has such a diverse sound. There's a track in basically any style you could imagine and 170bpm also allows you to do a lot of cool stuff in half-time

[@footystar1GamingOfficial]

Gammer is the GOAT!

[@slamberm9494]

@DJGammeruk Matt Lee. I rediscovered you last year and let me say. Boy oh boy you reignited my smouldering love for hardcore. Your presence screams adhd and your mixes reflect this. Something which I totally relate to. This in no means is a negative or derogatory comment about yourself. I absolutely love your style of mixing. You’re one of the greatest of all times. Where you started and where you are now is phenomenal

[@akanonymoss]

Gammer, if you see this, please please make another snowman 🙏🏻😁

[@seed883]

It really was a weird stroke of luck that Dougal met Gammer who turned out to be an absolute genius and in turn they made for one of the most important duos of the 2000's.

[@stuartkmusic]

I’ve heard there may be more to the story @seed883 but I’ve not managed to make contact with the pair as yet to confirm.

[@KrashyKharma]

I became a kandi kid/happy hardcore raver in New York in 2007, and it's amazing to hear the nearly two decades of history that preceded the movement I loved so much in my 20s. Thank you so much for these videos.

[@goodoleddy2154]

This is exactly what we need! More info about hhc history please!!

[@stuartkmusic]

You got it! More videos coming your way. 👍

[@paulreynolds5751]

@@stuartkmusic I GOT SOME INFO. gammersmum wasnt dougals ironing lady...lol...do the maths. hardcore ravers who were in the know when it wasgoing on know the real deal... htid since1989 love mthe videos in all fairness, but things have been fabricated for the pg 13 audience..hes missed a few facts

[@stuartkmusic]

Sounds like you and I could do with a chat as you have info 👀 We could do an after hours special for after the watershed 😉

[@bockerwright4132]

I was more or less out of it by this time. I remember my younger brother had the Bonkers CDs. Interesting watch.

[@lordpoundcake2317]

I love both of these guys

[@JayZ21]

We just want happy hardcore back ! Get it together D&G we need you more than you think!

[@lordtraxroy]

It is still alive just look the japanese happy hardcore/j core scene

[@JayZ21]

@@lordtraxroy it aint the same !

[@mintnite]

I really hope we circle back to it in the UK, i miss it a lot

[@lordpoundcake2317]

I recently learned that the phrase "do you want to build a snowman" means...do you wanna do some blow?

[@lordpoundcake2317]

2024 i met and saw Dougal here in Seattle US.

[@xozmiumx]

The bonkers albums absolutely changed my life. These two artists in particular inspired me to create music. I was 14 years old. this was in 2006. Bonkers 15 and up....oh man the nostalgia. I would frequently visit the happy hardcore forums to get new music and to learn to produce. The people in that community where the best. I was a depressed teenager and this would always help me overcome the problems I had in life.

[@stuartkmusic]

They certainly are a great community and they’re still thriving over on their Discord channel. Well worth a look into if your not already a member. 👍

[@damiencrowe6098]

Great video.. need more stuff like this, especially about the 90s hardcore scene.. How about a video detailing in the mid 90s when happy hardcore when more popular than drum n bass...👍

[@stuartkmusic]

Great idea. I might have to look at some more general about the scene videos as it’s already also been suggested to check out the NE scene and such.

[@damiencrowe6098]

@@stuartkmusic have you watched the ROAR podcast videos on youtube? Interviews with a load of hardcore djs.. they are very good..

[@stuartkmusic]

Certainly have mate. I love the ROAR podcast and recently been getting into the Couture 303 podcast.

[@darbomusic]

These videos are brilliant. Been watching them all day. Thank you. Can't believe Dougal is behind one of my all time favourites. Dr Who - Love Of My Life ❤️❤️❤️

[@stuartkmusic]

Glad you’ve been enjoying them @darbomusic. 👍

[@simonvegas793]

Well researched, well presented, great tone and delivery, good humor without descending into parody. Genuine love and passion for the scene. Yeah man, you've got a new subscriber. Look forward to exploring more of your videos mate, and will deffo check out the mixes. Safe!

[@Scott-M1]

Grew up with the bonkers cds. Always liked how Dougal would throw in M1 riffs wherever he could 👍

[@stuartkmusic]

You can’t beat a classic M1 riff 👍

[@onlychance7157]

That was why I ended up becoming a fan of his. Dougal always had that cheesy "happy" sound, usually regardless of the era. I also love pianos and breakbeats and early Dougal was basically nothing but that.

[@onlychance7157]

Love the video and more would be great! I'm a fan of Dougal, so I heard most of this story already! Down to the "troll's cave" part for Gammer's room... He was playing Counter Strike too, if I recall. I'd love more videos like this because a lot of hardcore's history is kind of undocumented... And I'm American, so our scenes are practically different worlds. Would love to see other genres like NE Makina, Scouse House, and Hard House get similar videos!

[@stuartkmusic]

I’m with you there @onlychance7157 we could do a whole Dance Music History thing 😉 I’m working my way through a pretty extensive list of artists that have all been suggested and loving being the guy who gets to bring this information to you guys. Quite nice to be able to shake a few hands along the way too of some genuinely nice and extremely talented people.

[@onlychance7157]

@@stuartkmusic I think you already have a couple videos dabbling into other genres, so I'd say continue that. Especially anything UK, as I feel like it's a beast of its own. I also like early dubstep a lot. Artists like Skream, Coki, Mala, Cyrus, Kromestar, Caspa, and Sukh Knight. I'm sure there's a lot of history there that the internet is lacking.

[@mitchipalms707]

This video actually cleared up a couple of questions I had about Gammer and his style change from his old stuff to what he releases today. Even tho I don't listen to much of his newer stuff as I prefer the old school styles, I do have a lot more respect for the man now knowing that he's just making what he wants to. And hating on someone for that fact is not the raver way.

[@dj858]

fact is there is barley any uk hardcore scene left for Gammer to take the limelight, that along with they both had many years performing to massive crowds all over the uk and abroad together, time's change as do creative processes, personally i do believe had there been a scene left a time would have come where Dougal would likely be less relevant and Gammer more relevant, out of the two Gammer for me was the more approachable of the duo all ways happy to take a fist bump or have a picture and a little chat after a set as long as he was not in a major rush to get to another gig as Dougal was complete opposite had multiple times where he would just dog you up and slam his eye at you as to say dont even bother pal, i mean i get it you must have thousands of jaw swinging ravers wanting to chat or get a picture and it's fine he dont want that but to dog your fans up when they are the guys that have paid to come see you you wouldn't be there without them paying to be so is a bit off just smile say sorry and and move on dont leave them with a nasty look man, thankfully he literally the only DJ i've had that experience with all the others including mc's have all ways had time for fans

[@lordpoundcake2317]

Made it to the end!

[@quentinmartin475]

This channel is amazing, thank you so much for this sweet history lesson. :)

[@lordtraxroy]

Crazy how hard gammer pushed happy hardcore

[@sparkzmusic80]

Dougal was always carried in some way past the dreamscape days with his dad doing the photo work and having that break. TKM did most of the work. Gammer did most the work. Innovate days, who knows. Probably tkm doing the work.

[@wootle]

Great video thanks! I've been into HHC since the 90s but I've never had any friends who were into it. Here in Asia I'm an anomaly. People mostly listen to k-pop and power ballads. Then along I come with bangin UK hardcore. Much of it Douglas, Brisk, Hixxy, Vinylgroover etc. There's one thing I hope for.. To go to the UK to a UK hardcore rave and meet the UK ravers. My other wish is that I hope the aggressive amen breaks make a comeback. I love the new style UK hardcore but sometimes it sounds a bit too sped up trance for me, make it hardcore again! AMENS AMENS! Shout out from the Philippines to UK ravers & producers. Keep dancing! 😊😊🎶🎶 🇵🇭 🇬🇧

[@stuartkmusic]

@Wootle2BTootle I’m glad you enjoyed the video and welcome to the channel 👍

[@iancowley_DJ]

Check out DJ Bathtub. He's making some old school breakbeat rave stuff

[@grottyqt]

Haha dougals dad doing the videos for helter skelter is one of my favorite memories

[@stuartkmusic]

@grottyqt He's a legend in his own right 👍

[@alexdenton9176]

About 12 years ago when I was working taxi cabs in Brighton while trying to make it as a hardcore DJ on the side, a bunch of guys got in my cab and began talking to me as people invariably did; right as we pulled up to the pub I'd mentioned my being a hardcore DJ, at which point one of the guys casually stated 'well, I'm Dougal' and one of his friends suggested he give me his number. I was so utterly caught off guard that I froze in my seat, unable to think or process what was happening, compounded by the fact that I didn't actually know what Dougal looked like (whereas I did for Gammer) and the phone I had at the time was not a smartphone so I couldn't get online easily and quickly to check if he was bullshitting me or not. Having seen his picture in this video, but the memory being so long ago now, I'm still not sure whether it was him - because what would be the fucking odds? If it was, I blew the opportunity of a lifetime, but only because you don't expect one of the founders of the scene you're into to just innocuously announce who he is as he's getting out of your fucking cab on a random day at work.

[@stuartkmusic]

That’s an incredible story Alex. Would love to meet him myself, which living in the same area you might think would have happened the last 15 years I’ve been down this way. It hasn’t 😆 maybe one day.

[@alexdenton9176]

@@stuartkmusic Luck is one of those things people don't like to talk about because it takes away from their sense of self and control over life, but it basically determines everything about where your life will go, including if you have talent to begin with, e.g.: Gammer's mum: 'oh btw Matt can you tidy your room, the guy I do ironing for happens to be the founder of the hardcore scene and wants to meet you'

[@stuartkmusic]

@alexdenton9176 I love the idea of Gammers mum saying that 😆 Gammer: ‘oh mum do I have to do it now. Just got a personal best on call of duty’ And the rest as they say is Hardcore History 😆

[@bakakun]

I just really REALLY want to know wtf happened to ReSist music, i so so SOOOO want its old back catalouge on spotify!

[@scottmcinnes2665]

The ryhmic state .a wood love to see you do 👌✊✌✌

[@stuartkmusic]

Great shout. It’s added to the list 👍

[@SmilePecoSmile]

This was a great watch.

[@stuartkmusic]

Thank you. Feels like ages since I looked at this duo

[@akanonymoss]

Miss your vids Stu, hope everything is going to plan.

[@stuartkmusic]

Slowly but surely mate. Year 1 over and now it’s time for a little fun for the summer 😉

[@akanonymoss]

@@stuartkmusic nice to hear it mate, we're all waiting patiently for those new deep dives when your ready 😉 👌🏼

[@ukayedout]

also videos on dj dna & scott brwn would be nice tooo

[@stuartkmusic]

I think you’re the first to suggest DNA so I’ll get him added to the list. We looked into Scott Brown and his use of 38 different aliases a couple of months back. It’s in there somewhere 😉

[@kineticstringwell844]

clarkee a true pioneer of the harder generation please rip big man clarkee

[@stuartkmusic]

You got it Kinetic Stringwell. I’ll add him to the list 👍

[@kineticstringwell844]

@@stuartkmusic you a legend brother

[@tekout864]

Interesting fact, I spoke to Matt Gammer I believe it was slammin vinyl nye 2002 when he told me he was booked to dj with Dougal despite not knowing how to mix. Dougal thought him how to DJ over the course of 2 weeks. Is that right Matt??

[@user-on1us2hn6q]

You dont steal limelight.. you earn it!

[@stuartkmusic]

And I think it’s safe to say that Gammer certainly earned his. 👍

[@stuartj1079]

Awesome video

[@stuartkmusic]

Thanks Stuart J. 👍

[@joni.sirvio8867]

Story goes that when UK big boys visited Finland and FINRG movement their reason users thought Alek Szahala how to make mixing better elevating hes later sound. I cannot remember was he Gammer or k-complex..but my brain has registered that it was gammer.

[@lordpoundcake2317]

One of my favorite Gammar mixes would have to be qwerkout. Can be found on SoundCloud Dont ask me what qwerkout means, i thinks it means friendship or someshit like thay

[@ukayedout]

YO u gotta do a vidyo on Ham; can’t seem to find out why amazing producer nevr djed,,no mixes or sets to my knowledge

[@stuartkmusic]

Ham is on my hit list. I will be coming for him soon 👍

[@ds111dodger5]

Nah I don’t think it’s like that! Enough room to share in the scene. Everyone benefits innit

[@stuartkmusic]

Cannot agree more with this.

[@djbenavit]

I wouldn’t say he stole the limelight, we only know history based on them being a duo……if he hadn’t met Matt, he might of either made tunes by himself, to success, to failure or losing interest…..where as gammer might of never played out or realised his talents…..or he might of been discovered by someone else to the same success! So we will never know…..but, together they pushed each other and helped eachother, stay ahead of the game and make some of the best tunes in recent hardcore! You are never totally responsible for success….it’s also about those who support you and push you to do better!

[@stuartkmusic]

I agree. They are 2 artists who are very talented in their own way and when they come together, it’s like magic.

[@DjSamination]

It's sad that some fans got on Gammer too hard. While I didn't like most of (Dougal &) Gammer's stuff post 2005, Gammer started grouping everyone that didn't like this newer stuff in the same group as his "haters." I remember being blocked on twitter despite not saying anything bad about Gammer himself, only his songs. Gammer's solo-Freeform tracks are some of the best Freeform out there though.

[@stuartkmusic]

He was one for biting back when he didn’t like something that was said. It’s a shame it went that way.

[@ukreallifeL8]

No Dougal has always been a G in the scene we all knew dougal way before gammer, if it wasn’t for Dougal there would be no Gammer, we love them both all the same 💯

[@stuartkmusic]

Dougal is a top man and while learning about all these guys, I've noticed that everyone has really nice things to say about Dougal leaving me to wonder, is Dougal the nicest guy in HHC? I'm sure there's an idea for a video somewhere there 👀

[@ukreallifeL8]

@@stuartkmusic I think it’s because he’s always smiling and has never been arrogant towards the ravers always gives his time to say hello and let you grab a photo, true professional genuine human, can’t say that about all the djs and MCs in the scene but Dougal 100% good man.

[@tyronehamilton8219]

Dougal is a nice guy. Took the time being friendly with us ravers and no Beyonce business.

[@TheCheshireCat.]

Cut a long story short, yes.

[@stuartkmusic]

@the Cheshire Cat, at least nobody can accuse me of taking up too much of their time eh. 😉

[@Lysdexichack]

Also like to add, dougal and gammer are the only UK hardcore producers to have a track in a major motion picture(that I know of). Fuck me I'm famous was in Get him to the Greek. (spyro-short dick man is also in s4e1 of Billions)

[@stuartkmusic]

I didn’t know that about Dougal & Gammer. Nice bit of extra info there 👍

[@SpyroYes]

Cheers for the shout! Fuck Me Im Famous is dope af. Another hardcore track featured in a tv show is Gammer & Recon 'Manjari', which is in Peep Show S7EP6, such a funny scene!

[@stuartkmusic]

It’s amazing to see that while HHC/UKH gets a lot of stick, our music still makes it into a lot of mainstream stuff. Love Peep Show. I might have to watch it through again 😆

[@jamestaylor5951]

i like these videos. i just can't watch somebody talk with hands.

[@syntaxerrorfriends]

Well done on yet another brilliant video. On the point of Gammer dropping pitched up Trap in his sets, it just wasn't what Hardcore Ravers wanted to hear, personally I think Trap is awful, Dubcore was awful as well. Hardcore has always been about the euphoric feeling the tracks give you and I'm sorry but Trap is about as euphoric as a popped balloon and certainly doesn't motivate me to dance. Did Gammer deserve the vitriol he received, certainly not and I'm glad he's in a much better mental state now and doing well with the style of music he is producing. Keep the videos coming, you're doing a great job.

[@stuartkmusic]

Well said that man. I can’t call myself a Trap fan either and agree with you whole heartedly that Hardcore should be euphoric.

[@sidekick6.6.6]

Hiya can you do a MC storm one pleasezzzzz the very best hardcore MC in the 🌎 and still top of the game

[@stuartkmusic]

You got it @Shane Clarke. I’ve got him on the list to do so you can expect a video on him to come. 👍

[@ziggy7438]

i feel like at some point gammer outgrew hardcore, but the way he tried to change the scene along with a few other "big names" never sat right with me feel like the 1st track of hixxy's bonkers 10 mix is the perfect representation of what they tried to do

[@stuartkmusic]

The image I got while researching this was that yes, he did outgrow hardcore in a way and he did have to break away to reach his full potential. The new stuff they were trying was an attempt to reinvent the genre again, something we have seen a few times over the years. That early 2000s era was massively influenced by Trance and Hard House and you can hear the Hard House in the track you mentioned (Hixxy’s remix of Bullet In The Gun) The beautiful thing in my mind about Hardcore is it has had to become so diverse to stay alive, especially as HHC has always been the “joke genre” of the dance music scene.

[@LostboyUk]

I never understood the hate Gammer got because the scene was dying on it’s arse by the time he was trying new America friendly stuff, did people want him to make 2002-2004 style forever and make himself homeless? 😂

[@stuartkmusic]

I’m right with you on this one. 👍

[@Justindl26]

Dj Sy would be great mate

[@stuartkmusic]

I got you buddy. He’s on the list to do and you’re not the 1st to suggest him so I think maybe sooner rather than later. The real question would be just DJ Sy or Sy & Unknown? 🤔

[@guitari666]

@@stuartkmusic You've got to talk about the tune 'Striker' 🤣

[@stuartkmusic]

😂 Oh dear! It was only going to be a matter of time before someone brought up that track. Anyone else for a little Euro 96 memories? 😂

[@paulreynolds5751]

lol...yeah i dont see that happening tbh,,, because of a certain mc...big love to dj sy !!!

[@paulreynolds5751]

@@stuartkmusic just sy do an unknown one seperatley. im not interested in duo's..otherwise you would have done gammer and dougal seperately. consistency is the key

[@11Anti11]

Link to said gammer mix please? I cant find his youtube chanel

[@stuartkmusic]

I wish I could @11Anti11 but he took those videos down and they never reappeared on KZbin. I managed to find it on Facebook in the end by searching “Gammer Snowman” uploaded by someone other than Gammer himself.

[@ukayedout]

what song in the background is aftr ‘hornz’?

[@stuartkmusic]

After Hornz we went into Emrrald by Dougal and Micky Skeedale 🤙

[@ef1265]

Verbal diarrhea