Hixxy

Hixxy, also known as DJ Hixxy, is the performing name of Ian Hicks, a British DJ and musician from Portsmouth, England. He is associated with happy hardcore and UK hardcore, and also works in related electronic, rave and dance styles. Hicks is born in Portsmouth in 1975.

Career

Hixxy begins his DJ career in the early 1990s after developing an interest in rave music through an earlier fascination with US hip hop and rap and through watching DMC Championship videos. He starts appearing at events on the south coast of the UK alongside DJs including Ramos, Supreme and Sunset Regime. His first production break comes in 1994 with a collaboration with Sunset Regime called “People’s Party”.

In 1994, he meets DJ Dougal at a Dreamscape event, and the two create the label Essential Platinum. The label quickly becomes prominent in the hardcore scene. In 1995, Hixxy and MC Sharkey produce “Toytown” on Essential Platinum. The track becomes a major UK hit and remains one of his best-known records. Hixxy also starts his DJ career with this release.

Compilations, radio and labels

In 1996, React Records offers Hixxy an album release, and he appears with DJ Sharkey on the first Bonkers compilation. Bonkers develops into the best-selling hardcore compilation series in the UK. Hixxy becomes particularly well known for work on the Bonkers series, and he also contributes to Clubland CDs, including several Clubland X-Treme Hardcore compilations, as well as Hardcore Till I Die.

In 1997, he becomes a radio DJ on London’s Kiss FM, where he is known for a lively presenting style and high-energy selections. By 2001, he has his own label, Raver Baby, which becomes an important part of the revival of the hardcore scene. He is also associated with Jelly Baby.

Notable recordings and aliases

Among Hixxy’s best-known tracks are “More & More”, “Forever Together” and “Sea of Love”. His remix of “Sea of Love” appears in the indie game Techno Kitten Adventure. He also releases material under the names Yum-Yi, OMG and Antisocial, and also with Sunset Regime.

Scene role

Hixxy continues to be identified with the development and later revival of UK hardcore, moving from the earlier happy hardcore scene into a broader hardcore sound. His work links early south coast rave activity, label ownership, compilation series and radio broadcasting within the UK hardcore scene.