Steve-NRG: Biography

Steve-NRG, an influential figure in the UK's hard dance scene, has spent over a decade perfecting his craft as both a DJ and a music producer. Rising to prominence in the late 00’s, he made a serious impact on the industry, carving a reputation as a versatile and electrifying artist. Known for his seamless ability to mix on vinyl and CDJs, Steve quickly rose through the ranks of the underground Birmingham hard dance scene and secured a place on the main stages of some of the UK's most iconic clubs and events.

Steve’s big break came with a residency at Sundissential, arguably the biggest hard dance event of its time, where his unique stage presence and impressive technical skills won him fans across the globe. Regular performances at events such as Frantic, Polysexual, Goodgreef, and B2T solidified his reputation as one of the hardest-working and most in-demand DJs of the era. His deep understanding of crowd dynamics and his vast music knowledge allowed him to adapt to any set time, creating unforgettable moments that kept the dancefloor alive and buzzing.

But it wasn't just his DJing that propelled Steve-NRG to fame. His music production skills also caught the attention of the hard dance world. As a producer, he quickly became a key figure in the scene, with his tracks regularly supported by some of the genre's biggest names, including Andy Farley, Justin Bourne, Karim, Ian M, Andy Whitby, JP & Jukesy, Cally Gage, and Ben Stevens. His tracks were a staple of many DJs' sets, and he kept some of his most exclusive material reserved for his own performances, adding a sense of uniqueness to his live shows.

One of Steve’s most iconic productions came in 2006, when he co-produced the hard house anthem "Stack the Galli" with fellow DJ and production partner Riggsy (also known as Steve Ricketts/Dharkfunkh). The track received major support and was released on vinyl, later appearing on the renowned Tidy Weekender 10 Live compilation album. This success marked the beginning of an impressive list of further signings and releases, including the remix of Steve Blake’s "Expression", one of Steve-NRG's all-time favourite tracks, which was signed to Tidy Trax. His own production "Deeper Down" was another milestone, featuring on Tidy Weekender 12 and later being released on the 50th edition Vinyl of Toolbox Recordings and part of their Toolbox Volume 2 album, mixed by legendary hard house DJ Justin Bourne.

Beyond his work as a performer and producer, Steve-NRG distinguished himself as a savvy businessman within the music industry. Co-owning Razor Recordings, a prominent vinyl imprint, and later founding Test Lab Recordings, Steve-NRG sought to give back to the scene by providing a platform for the next generation of hard dance producers. Through these ventures, Steve demonstrated not only his love for the genre but also his commitment to its growth and evolution.

Steve-NRG’s influence extended into event management as well. He played an instrumental role in the success of several nightclub brands and events, managing two separate Artist Management booking agencies and collaborating with promoters across the country. As co-promoter and tour manager for Sundissential, Steve helped re-establish the iconic event and its associated tour brand, ensuring its continued relevance and success in the hard dance scene.

In 2013, Steve-NRG embarked on a new business venture, founding C’est La Vit Records, a label inspired by the origins of hard house and the legendary Tony De Vit. The label captured the sound and spirit of the golden era of hard dance, further cementing Steve's legacy as a forward-thinking artist and entrepreneur.

After a hiatus, Steve-NRG is now re-establishing himself as a leading force in the scene. With new music on the horizon and a relaunch of both Razor Recordings and C’est La Vit Records, Steve is set to return to the stage and continue doing what he loves—sharing his passion for music with the world.

Once again, the hard dance scene will experience the electrifying energy of Steve-NRG, as he takes his place back in front of the crowd and continues to inspire the next generation of DJs and producers.