Exclusive Interview with ANDY C

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Andy C, shortly before his performance at Sonic on 30th April.

How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?

I was about 13 / 14 years old and my sister took me to my first rave, she had to sneak me in and it was all a bit mad thinking back. But from that day on it changed my view on music and life and felt like I’d been let into this secret club that only the select few knew about.

How would you describe your music in just a few words?

Energy, passion, soulful, and fun.

Your remix of “Major Lazer - Get Free” is about to reach 1,8 Million views on YouTube. Which other tracks of yours would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?

There’s been a few remixes of late… Eric Prydz – Everyday, DJ Fresh ft. Dizzee Rascal – The Power, Mat Zo & Porter Robinson – Easy, Plan B – Deepest Shame, and Rudimental – Right Here. If you want to check some of the older bits, then I’d say Chase Scene by Ram Trilogy, Body Rock by Andy C & Shimon, and Valley Of The Shadows by Origin Unknown. I’m working on a lot of new solo material at the moment with a view to having a single release later this year.

You have been part of the Drum & Bass scene since day one, since Jungle emerged from Hardcore. Now you remain one of the most relevant figures of the underground music culture and you are considered the figurehead of the drum & bass movement. What is your recipe to remain relevant over such a long period?

I get asked this a lot and I’m not sure to be honest. All I do know is that I live and breathe what I do as a DJ and with what Ram does as a label. I’m surrounded by a lot of talented, passionate people and I know how lucky I am to be doing what I do so never take anything for granted. Trust me I never want to stop what I’m doing so I’m going to keep giving it 110% for as long as physically possible.

Drum & Bass today, are you happy with its evolvement?

I think it’s progressed a lot over recent years and it’s a lot bigger now what with the size of the festivals, the huge club events we do around the world and of course the major record labels getting involved for the long haul rather than just why it’s fashionable. Right now if you want to remain an underground artist you can and become very successful at it, but if you want to head for the mainstream then it’s there for the taking which I personally think is great, I mean you only have to look at the likes of DJ Fresh, Chase & Status, and Pendulum to see how far this music can really go and I still think we’re just scratching the surface.

You look back on almost two decades of dedication to music. You have been the Best D&B DJ in DJ Mag’s Top 100 in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010, and Mixmag’s Nr.4 of Greatest DJs Of All Time. Where do you see yourself in the third decade?

I’m going to keep on doing what I do and to keep on trying to improve on It. As I said, I live and breathe this and want to carry on doing it for a long time to come. The next thing for me to crack and what I’m working on now is a solo album project, so hopefully the next decade will see a lot more musical output.

What are you currently working on?

Lots and lots of music!

Your record label “RAM Records” has become one of the biggest and most powerful brands in dance music scene, primarily releasing Drum & Bass music and featuring artists such as Ant Miles, Calyx & TeeBee, Chase & Status, Mind Vortex, Moving Fusion, Red One, Sub Focus and many more. What recent releases should those listen to that don’t know your label yet?

I think we have an artist for every style of DnB so I’d say go check anything form any of the acts. Culture Shock for instance will just draw you in with his sound, while Calyx & Teebee show off how technically correct production can be. If you’re up for a party then check anything by Wilkinson, Loadstar, Hamilton, DC Breaks and if you want to get down and dirty, go check Rene Lavice, Frankee, June Miller… As I say, something for everyone ☺

You are lecturing at Oxford University. How did that come about?

I got approached a couple of years ago to go and talk about my experiences in DnB and the music industry. There was a great Q&A session after I spoke and to be honest it was very humbling to be asked and go do it, albeit very nerve racking!

You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?

Earplugs, eye patches, and my trusted usb charger.

What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?

Hmmm going to say I’ve not done either yet!

What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?

Before I went on one night I saw an MC do a stage dive and everyone moved out of the way and they went flat on their face... that was pretty funny.

You made your Bangkok debut in May 2009 at 808. Now – almost exactly 4 years later - you return to Bangkok to play at Sonic, on 30th April. Did you keep your last show in good memory? Are you excited to return?

Yes, I had a great time last time and cant wait for this show.

Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Will you give spicy Thai food a chance?

I like Thai food a lot although I’m not normally that adventurous. I’ve been to Thailand on holiday a few times and absolutely love the place so am looking forward to some good local cuisine.

What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Sonic?

One big party… get ready!