R.I.P. Scott Hardkiss: West Coast Rave Hero

The Hardkiss Brothers–Scott, Gavin and Robbie–were an important part of the West Coast rave scene in its formative years in the early 90s. DJ brothers by choice with a shared performance surname, they helped pioneer San Francisco’s eclectic underground scene under a number of monikers, including Scott Hardkiss’ project “God Within,” Gavin as “Hawke,” and Robbie as “Little Wing.” They also created a record label of the same name, Hardkiss Records, which released a number of amazing tracks, bringing acid, breakbeat, techno and trance textures to the fore. The sound was inspired by their shared experience traveling in the UK during the “Summer(s) of Love” in 88-89: hippie raver, psychedelic, and referencing the musics of indigenous cultures. read more …