In this episode, I take you through my recent journey across the Netherlands, with a deep dive into Rotterdam - the Mecca of Early Hardcore and Gabber, a city pulsing with modern architecture and underground energy. From exploring its reimagined cityscape to connecting with the local NL scene, this trip was unforgettable.
Finally and most important, I had an interview with the Breakcore legend FFF (Tommy de Roos) talking all things Jungle, records, and the vision behind his label, 3AM Eternal.
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FFF
website - soundcloud - instagram - bandcamp
🔸𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐅𝐅𝐅 🔸
FFF (real name: Tommy de Roos) is a veteran producer and DJ from Rotterdam, The Netherlands, known for his high-velocity fusion of Breakcore, Jungle, and Rave. Active since the mid-1990s, he is regarded as one of the early innovators of the breakcore scene and a key figure in shaping its Raggacore and Digital Hardcore offshoots.
Born in Vlissingen in 1979, Tommy began DJing in the early ’90s using two turntables without pitch control - mixing Rave, Techno, and
rare UK Breakbeat Hardcore imports he sourced from local record shops. His early experiments in music production included tape loops, vinyl samples, feedback, and sounds from his sister’s keyboard. A major turning point came when his family bought a PC, and friends introduced him to tracker software - an approach that would define his intricate, sample-heavy style.
rare UK Breakbeat Hardcore imports he sourced from local record shops. His early experiments in music production included tape loops, vinyl samples, feedback, and sounds from his sister’s keyboard. A major turning point came when his family bought a PC, and friends introduced him to tracker software - an approach that would define his intricate, sample-heavy style.
In the mid-’90s, he founded the DIY cassette label Orange Socks, releasing his own material as well as music by friends and underground artists met through tape-trading. His first vinyl release came in 2001 via France based Necromaniacs Industry, and from there he built a prolific discography with releases on respected labels including PRSPCT, Murder Channel, Planet Mu, Sprengstoff, Hong Kong Violence, Clash Records, Myor Massiv, Fresh 86, Diamond Life, Future Retro, Straight Up Breakbeat, Blueskinbadger Records, but to name a few.
FFF’s first full-length album, "20.000 Hardcore Members Can’t Be Wrong," was released in 2011 on Japan’s Murder Channel, followed by "Keep The Fire" (2013) and "In Fear" (2016). His most recent LP, "Part of the Order" (2021, Fresh 86), reflects his continued evolution into atmospheric, melody-driven jungle while retaining the energy and grit of his breakcore roots.
Together with Bong-Ra, he organized the legendary Breakcore a Go-Go parties at The Waterfront in Rotterdam, one of Europe’s first regular Breakcore nights. When that series ended in 2004, FFF continued promoting with the monthly Wreck Havoc events, further solidifying his role as a central figure in the European underground.
Since the mid-2010s, FFF has shifted toward more refined and melodic Jungle and hardcore sounds, aligning with a new generation of producers such as Coco Bryce, Tim Reaper, and Tommy the Cat. He's collaborated with Coco Bryce on multiple split EPs and has released on pivotal modern Jungle imprints, helping to lead the genre's global resurgence. In 2012, he co-founded Encounters Records alongside Copacod and Newk, operating from their home base in Rotterdam. The label focused on experimental electronics and bass-heavy hybrids, staying true to the city's long-standing DIY tradition.
Currently, FFF focuses on producing, touring, and running his own vinyl label 3AM Eternal, where he continues to push the boundaries of Jungle, Hardcore, and Breakbeat with a strong DIY ethos and an ear for both nostalgia and innovation.
FFF
website - soundcloud - instagram - bandcamp
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