Rachel Auburn: Before Hard House Had a Name

In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with true scene pioneer Rachel Auburn, and what follows is a fascinating journey through the birth of hard house culture in London.Long before hard house had a name, Rachel was immersed in the underground club scene through fashion, art and nightlife. Starting in iconic London clubs like Taboo and Delirium during the mid-80s, she found herself surrounded by legendary figures including Afrika Bambaataa, Judge Jules, Sister Bliss and the infamous Trade crowd. Rachel opens up about how she accidentally fell into DJing while working in fashion design, eventually becoming one of the earliest female DJs to break into the London club circuit. From Heaven and Garage through to Trade, she explains how those clubs shaped her sound and inspired her to start producing records that would eventually become hard house classics.The episode dives deep into tracks like Fee Fi Fo Fum, Machine Man and her collaborations with producers including Paul Masterson and Amo. There are brilliant behind-the-scenes stories about sampling, remix culture, and the early studio process, including how one random vinyl thrown into a crowd became the vocal that launched one of her biggest records. Rachel also reflects on the rise of women in dance music, though she makes it clear she never saw herself as “a female DJ”, just a DJ trying to make the best music possible. It's a refreshing perspective from someone who helped shape an entire era without ever chasing the spotlight.Packed with stories about Trade, Tony De Vit, Tidy Girls, club culture and the evolution of hard house, this is a must-listen episode for anyone who loves the roots of the scene.JOIN THE HISTORYWhat’s your favourite Rachel Auburn track or remix?Were you there for the Trade era, Heaven, Garage or the early Tidy years?Drop your memories, favourite tracks and stories in the comments.Subscribe to Hardhouse History and help keep the scene's legacy alive.#HardhouseHistory #RachelAuburn #TradeClub #UKHardHouse #TonyDeVit #TidyGirls #RaveCulture #DanceMusicPodcast #ClubCulture #HardHouse