Atomic Hooligan have been crafting breakbeats since the early nineties. Each member of the duo also represents the Yin and Yang - the lighter Yin Terry, represents the duos party ethic as he travels around the world spreading the good news of the Hooligans, mixing and scratching it behind two decks while the darker Yang Matt, hermits himself away in a dark studio producing beats and perfecting the Hooligan sound - one can't function without the other.

The group sound has been described as forward thinking with an emphasis on rocking dancefloors leaving enough room for Terry to deliver his turntable wizardry cutting and scratching records on the decks. Their music has gained attention from the likes of John Peel (one of the first DJs who first played the first Atomic Hooligan record), Annie Nightingale and Arthur Baker to name but a few. Atomic Hooligan have been responsible for several productions and remixes including a breaks remix of Underworld's 'Born Slippy' - a remix which toned down the hard stomping 4 to the floor rave beats and in turn replaced it with a smooth breakbeat and funky melodic bassline.

Now that their feet are firmly planted on breakbeat soil, the pair have just put the finishing touches on their debut album "You Are Here" - three words usually found on shopping mall directories to direct the shopper exactly where they are on the premises. Scheduled for release in early 2005, the album promises vocal breaks tunes like Shine A Light - a tasty piece of crossover house/breaks which prompted the likes of acid house breaker Lee Coombs and house production crew Mutiny to provide remixes - as well as heavier breaks monsters loaded with the trademark Atomic Hooligan sound.

Terry from the Hooligan's has just taken on an Australian tour, after the success of his last tour from earlier in the year and RA managed to grab some of his time to discuss the new album and what other plans he has in store.

- Please introduce the members of the group and what part they play.
First there's Matt the Hooligan's studio extroadinaire, he's currently in the UK, and he looks like Shirley Temple crossed with Gene Wilder with a beard on. He works with all the stuff with bright lights on! Then there's me, Terry. I'm the DJ and I look at what Matt's doing and I say "Yeah, that's good!"

- Where did the name Atomic Hooligan originate from?
We were sitting around the pub one day, thinking of a good name for us both. Names like Groove Armada, Chemical Brothers came to mind and we wanted something that sounded powerful. We came up with Atomic Hooligan for a laugh and we put down it for a live gig. We decided to use it again when we sent a demo to Botchit.

- You've just completed an album, You Are Here. What can listeners expect to hear and what has been the response so far towards it?
The response has been really positive. Steve Blonde from fabric called it the best breaks album he's heard. Listeners can expect to hear our old stuff, eclectic stuff and music I play in my DJ set. It's hard to describe our sound - it's got a lot of soul and funk in it, and draws on house and techno influences.

- I've witnessed producers who perform poorly when it comes to DJing, whereas you come out with turntablism and scratching and pull off an entertaining show. How important is it for producers to learn how to DJ properly?
It's pretty important position of responsibility as we're being booked by promoters. It's a good way to make money, since we don't make money off our records so producers have got to learn how to DJ and know what a crowd wants from them. At the same time, you can't plan your set before hand. I'm completely against preprogrammed DJ sets - they're taking the piss out of the crowd. Producers and DJs need to learn the basics of mixing and know how to read a crowd.

- You and Jay Cunning also host the Menu Sessions on Breaks FM. In your opinion, what effect has the show had on the breaks scene since it started?
I don't know what effect it has had on the breaks scene. Hopefully we're bringing the party ethic back to breaks. If the party ethic isn't there, the scene will be full of chin strokers while it should really be about people partying and drinking in clubs.

- You're also starting up a new label, Menu Music. What will separate Menu from other breaks labels and what can we expect in terms of forthcoming releases?
I think I just answered that question! We want to have fun with what we do and make a business out of it. The concept behind the label has been around for 2 years. We have a couple of forthcoming releases from Ricko Tubbs a dude from Finland. Pure funked up bassline, party groovers. Smithmonger and Jay Cunning's new tune is Never Stop. The techy side pure Smithmonger bass line and Jay Cunning party ethic. The cheeky side is a Jay Cunning and Atomic Hooligan remix that's housey and funked up. We just got distribution for it so the tunes will be released soon.

-Top 5?
1. Never Stop - Smithmonger & Jay Cunning - Menu Music
2- The Girl Is Filth - Atomic Hooligan - Botchit
3. Flash Lighter - Ricko Tubbs - Menu Music
4. Just One More - Atomic Hooligan - botchit
5. Sexy Dancer - Ricko Tubbs - Menu Music