Andy C Interview

Andy C Interview

19 March, 2010
by: Benjamin Goode

Benjamin Goode discovers that Andy C loves it as much as we do!

The people's champion, the executioner and Ram records label head Andy C reduces a twenty-seven year old man to a giggling adolescent prone to emotional outbursts, which for the sake of your lunch have been edited out.

Andy C vs Andrew Clarke?

Andy C: There's not a massive amount of time I get that's not involved with the label or getting my tunes done. It's really tough to have down-time in this lifestyle, but I still have my family you know. So when I am not sleeping and when I am not DJing that is what I devote my life to.

Ram Records as a drum and bass super label is operating at optimum levels or is the sky the limit?

AC: Obviously drum and bass is massive compared to how it used to be. But it's a constant evolution of the music, of the scene, and the amount of people that are in the scene. There are fantastic outlets now with the internet, Myspace, YouTube, Facebook. There is also the aspect that generations of people who have grown up liking the music are now in quite important positions at the major radio stations. The fact that we are hearing it more, seeing super clubs nationwide packed out, is a reflection as to how strong the music really is. It's a unique vibe, you don't get energy like that in any other party. So the sky is the limit but it obviously takes great music, great releases and good albums from the artists to keep the music turning over; and I think we have had some great albums in the past few years and I know we have some good ones to come, so fingers crossed, the evolution will keep happening.

Is it the end of vinyl?

AC: There is nothing that captures that buzz of mixing vinyl, so I think there is definitely a life yet in the vinyl format. But I think the MP3 has enabled the scene to grow, with the easy access and the growth of digital sales you are reaching new audiences, and that in turn means producers get paid and are then able to form careers and continue producing. It all helps but I think vinyl will always be there.

As a label head what do you look for in aspiring producers?

AC: I would say that the level of production now is pretty incredible, and it's very hard to pick out new producers that have got something that other people haven't. I spend a hell of a lot of time sifting through every single song I get sent. I think initially I am looking for an interesting element – a good solid sound quality always pricks your ears up. Or something that I have not heard a thousand times before in respect to concept, arrangement and composition. Sometimes you have to go with your gut instinct on artists and hope that they will pick up the baton, be inspired and see it through.


Chase and Status definitely did that for you guys..

AC: Yeah we signed them and formulated a plan for them, and they were very determined to achieve what they wanted to achieve and they worked their socks off, met every deadline and the rewards are there for everybody to see. They made an incredible album that totally smashed it and reached into music beyond drum and bass. The dedication paid off for them.


Do you play different sets differently?

AC: You have to. Drum and bass has such a broad musical palette, there are nights for specific styles within drum and bass and it's fun to play all those nights. Sometimes I fill my bag with a bunch of different beats and when I get there I play it by ear. When I play extended sets I'm able to incorporate a lot more into it. For example on Saturday, before Metalheadz, I was in Cardiff, and then Innovation after that. It was a fantastic night out, I got to play three completely different sets.

Retiring?

AC: DJs never retire, you have to be joking in't ya? It's been a long day, I've been up since 7am but when I get there [Dublin] I know it will be fine. You really can't explain the feeling, it's such a high to be able to play the set when it all goes and it's working and you can feel the crowd are with you. It can be like you're back in your bedroom thinking I am gonna try this or that and start to really have fun. Sometimes it doesn't work out like that because you have technical difficulties or if it's a big venue you feel very detached from the crowd, but the ones where it really catches and it all starts happening so quick and so automatically that I can't explain it, that buzz there is what it's all about for me. I think on a personal level as a DJ that is what you are always chasing and I can't really go a week without it! [laughs]


Do you ever look out from the DJ booth at all the people and think oh dear what have I done?

AC: Nah, I'm always looking up, I have had a few experiences already this year where I have thought to myself this is fuckin' amazing. I'm enjoying myself so much that I just want to bottle this vibe you know, and I say to myself, “remember this Andy, remember this”. It's a really special feeling. I love it when people are losing it, 'cos I am losing it too. I try to really enjoy the music, I can lose hours just mixing. Looking up and catching them moments when you see the fun and enjoyment, that's what it's about. If the crowd are up for it and I am getting a response, then I just have to go for it. Acknowledging one another in a sense of the crowd, the DJ and formulating a relationship with them for an hour or two. Love it.

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Benjamin Goode