Reported by HarderFaster
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Submitted 11-05-04 14:22
Amidst the dark & techno influenced Hard House that is dominating the UK dance floors at present there is a ray of light. In the past few months a thirst has been rediscovered for more uplifting, energetic, dare we say ‘bouncy’ Hard Dance. While the established names in the field such as Lisa Pin Up & The Tidy Boys continue with their dominance a new star has been born: Andy Whitby. His presence has been felt almost instantly and he has stolen the show in London time and again with sets at Frantic, Wildchild & Lashed amongst others. Blending accapella’s with classics and anthems to make his own ultra exclusive bootlegs cocktails he is brining light back to London’s Dance floors. We caught up with him ahead of his appearance at this weekends War of the Worlds: Frantic vs. Logic to talk to him about everything from making Pot Noodles, the trouble with shopping and about handling life as a sex symbol:
Your signature sound is based on your extremely unique bootlegs. How do you go about deciding what tracks to use?
Well, I'm always thinking of new ideas and ways to mix & imagining which tracks would work well together. I've had moments when I've been out somewhere, had an idea pop into my head, made my excuses to my mates and gone home to see if it'd work! Usually I hear a riff of a tune that does the damage but for me doesn't quite kick off when it drops back in, so you need that little bit 'extra' to spice it up. I lay it down in the studio to see how it sounds, play it out and tweak any bits that might sound great in a small confined area but not so great on a massive system.
Out of all the Bootlegs you have created do you have a favourite?
'Do U Care?' which is the Tony De Vit 'I Don't Care'/'Are U All Ready' and 4motion 'Over4me' bootleg. It’s the one that always seems to get the biggest cheer when I play it. Its the initial thought that its 'Over4me' that people seem to like before it all kicks off with a TDV mashup right in the middle. That’s my favourite, or the new Heaven's Cry one I've done. I'm fortunate to have 2 very talented producers (Sam Green and Serge) who come in the studio with me and we just bounce ideas off one another.
It’s been said that there is very little you can’t do with a Pioneer 600 Mixer. Have you leant how to make a cup of tea with it yet?
Lol! Making tea is proving to be a bit of a problem but if you wire it up right and set the FX unit to 'flange' it makes an awesome Pot-Noodle. Apparently.
No honestly, is there any part of the Mixers features that you have yet to master?
Since I've started playing in London and can request a DJM600 for the clubs I play at I've been bringing more and more tricks into my set although there's loads I haven't yet. When coupled with 2 x Pioneer CDJ800 c.d decks it just opens up a whole new world of DJing, with looping, mixing tracks in reverse, sampling, hot cueing, echoing the list goes on! I'm yet to showcase the entire package when I'm up there, just little teasers of what’s to come.
You can mix tighter than Farley himself, scratch like Eddie Halliwell and cut like DJ Yoda. Is there any part of the necessary complete DJ package which you’re still not happy with?
Well, firstly let me say if I ever reach the level that Andy & Eddie have I would be immensely happy, the things they have achieved in their career are inspirational and should be motivation to all DJs to work and practice harder. Coming back to the question, I'm never completely happy with my DJing, there’s always room for ways to improve your set, and in a way its good to have that way of thinking because otherwise DJs become lazy and just settle when they've got to a certain level, which should never happen as clubbers pick up on that.
At Timeless 3rd Birthday in April you produced your own personalised intro sampling a whole range of legendary classics. Do you try and make unique tracks like this for all your sets?
The 'Timeless Intro Track' (as its named) was something I made because it was my first big Nukleuz debut and I wanted to kinda get things started a little differently. I do big intros for really special events and I've got some nice things lined up for HHA, you'll just have to wait and see! Strangely enough, someone offered me £50 for the Timeless intro, which was bloody nice but the bootlegs I make are only for my own use.
You recently joined the Nukleuz DJ Agency, home to the likes of BK, Lisa Pin-Up, Rob Tissera, Caroline Banx, Guffy, Cally & Juice & more. What were your initial feelings when approached by Nukleuz?
Its a moment I'll never forget when Lisa (head of the agency) rang me and told me they wanted to have a meeting. Nukleuz is the biggest hard-dance label in this country and they run amazing events, so to be approached by them is a dream come true and something I've been working towards my entire DJ life. Now I'm part of the family I want to continue working towards my personal goals and try and become the best I possibly can.
Photo courtesy of HouseGuy
You’ve already been dubbed ‘The Saviour of Hard Dance’. Does this name sit easily with you?
To be honest, when I read things like that it makes me smile, although to be a saviour of something, the thing your a saviour of has to be in trouble & from where I'm standing Hard dance is doing just fine!!
People talk about 'bringing back the bounce' which in a way I am doing although I mix the entire spectrum of hardhouse & hardtrance. The way I see it is that all DJs can beat match, its what else you can bring to make yourself different that clubbers want to see. I imagine if I was dancing to myself I'd want to hear a certain vocal over a certain track so I try and play what I think people want to hear.
This weekend sees you join a hot of top stars at Frantic vs. Logic ‘WAR OF THE WORLDS’. Last years ‘Battle for the Soul of London Clubbing’ was awesome. What are you going to bring to the Frantic arsenal for the rematch?
I'm in the studio with Alex Calver during the week so we'll knock something out that I'll debut at 'War Of The Worlds', plus the usual mixture of stuff I try and bring to my set, bouncy-trancy-bishbashbosh etc!
Logic don't stand a chance, us Frantic boys are gonna crush 'em!!! he he!
Looking ahead you are playing at HHA at the end of the month. Most DJs have to work their way toward the Holy Grail of a Main Arena Set but your skills have elevated you straight in for your debut. The venue has a capacity of 4,500 - will this be the biggest crowd you’ve played to yet and are you looking forward to it?
To say I'm looking forward to it is the understatement of the year, this is the big one, the daddy of hard-dance events in this country!
I had Ben Stevens on the phone to me the day the lineups were released saying 'You lucky bastard....the main room is unbelievable!!!'.
Its because of this and the biggest gig of my career so far that I've got some very special treats lined up for when I get on the decks.
The UK Hard Dance scene is more concentrated than say 2 years ago. The younger stars are being tipped to inject some life into it. Who amongst your young peers to you rate the most?
Not just because he's a close mate, but because he is ridiculously talented and so unbelievably down to earth I'm going to say Ben Stevens. Caroline Banx is another who I think has the complete package to become the Queen of hard house, she’s a true star.
Every DJ can name a set that was their ‘Big Break’. What was yours?
Playing for nearly 5hrs peak time @ Sundissential at The Sanctuary was a set that people remind me about a lot, although there’s been a few where I've come off and had people say positive things. I remember at a small night called 'Casualty' many years ago, I got on and started scratching over a breakbeat section of a tune and everyone just stopped dancing and started cheering, when i came off everyone was like 'where did that come from?!?!' as it was one of the first times I'd scratched outside of my bedroom.
Your one of the most talked about DJs on the scene at the moment - has it been easy to keep your feet on the ground considering your sudden rise to prominence?
Something that DJs should never forget is that the entire reason they are up there playing is because of the crowd, without the clubbers your nothing. This is something I always value and if I ever forgot that I'd get someone to remind me with a swift slap! The fact that I've been signed to Nukleuz and I'm being booked for some amazing nights is really exciting but it doesn't mean I can stop practicing because as soon as that happens there will be another DJ wanting to take your place, so it keeps you on your toes and also reminds you how competitive this industry is.
What the best thing about being Andy Whitby?
Being in a position where I can play music I love to large crowds of people that share that love with me is something I value more than most things.
...and the worst?
hmmm, I'd say that I enjoy shopping too much and try to be a perfectionist with anything I do.
A peak time slot at a huge summer event, Global Gathering or Creamfields would be unbelievable. I can see it now.....sun, beer, hardhouse...lovely!
Either that or the 2 - 3:30a.m main room slot at HHA.
There is an increasing amount of female clubbers in London (and a few female Promoters) that see you as a sex symbol... would you care to comment?
LOL!! Erm, well..... ..... to learn that is very flattering, I suppose I should thank my parents! ha ha! Seriously though, if that is true, cheers!!
You’ve played a lot in London recently. What’s been your most memorable set to date?
Wildchild Vs. Frantic was when I first played since becoming part of Nukleuz and that was absolutely amazing. I got added to the lineup last minute, and it was an incredible night. The very best set has to Timeless, I loved the club (Mass) and I love classics so it was a night I'll remember for many many years. Each week is like some unbelievable adventure though, last week it was Lashed, a few days ago I was at the Nukleuz Agency Showcase @ The Scala and this coming Saturday is War Of The Worlds.
You’re put in charge of your own night. What would be the venue and why?
I'd possibly put it in the Coronet, where I had my London debut May 2003 for Wildchild, I was playing in the 2nd room which was hosted by Vicious Circle but when I went backstage of the main room and stood on the stage with the giant lazers reaching out to the crowd, JFK dropped some huge trance riff and I vowed that one day I'd play there. So I'd have my night there!
...and the 6 Main Room DJs?
Eddie Halliwell
Paul Oakenfold b2b Guffy
Paul Glazby b2b Caroline Banx b2b Ben Stevens
And if I was allowed to have a backroom...
Erick Morrilo (3 decks, 3 c.d decks, 1 Sampler)
Q-Bert (Hip-Hop Warm Up showcase)
Dave Clarke (3 decks)
And finally - what is the Andy Whitby philosophy in life?
Work hard but be happy, if your not happy doing what your doing why are you doing it?
5. E-listlondon.com
Online ticket purchase and advance guest list booking: 07908 809 077
More:
This is the War of the Worlds!
After the sell out success of their first collaboration Logic & Frantic are back in 2004 with the ultimate battle in underground clubbing!
We have searched the galaxy for our favourite DJs. Each club has trained their artists for a battle where the winner takes all! The Scala will be transformed into an intergalactic paradise with London’s biggest full colour laser, the sharpest lighting and best sound system in the Capital!
This is the only collaboration between Logic & Frantic in 2004!
For detailed map and travel information logon to www.scala-london.co.uk
From: Jennie Bon 11th May 2004 15:00.35 Wicked interview Andy, gr8 set at Scala on Sat night too, love that Smooth criminal tune, cant wait 4 ur set at HHA!!!!!!
Bring it on!
From: Sphericalon 11th May 2004 15:11.29 Andy Whitby - Top Bloke.
From: MDAon 11th May 2004 15:28.16 Nice guy and just what the scene needs!
bring it on!
From: Frantic Dickonon 11th May 2004 15:54.20 You wont meet a more down to earth DJ who is so totally dedicated to the music! Always a pleasure to work with! Saturday just wouldnt be the same without some Whitby!
From: Red5on 11th May 2004 16:06.08 Fantastic stuff. Loved his set at Timeless, Lashed and Hardware vs Liberation. Will be watching his future with a great deal of interest.
From: benzon 11th May 2004 16:47.40 hahaha love the bit about "Certian female promoters think u are a sex symbol" ....who might that be eh? hahaha
also the bit about Intros.....yeh that! im all up for intros me
From: Ben Stevenson 11th May 2004 18:30.22 Wicked interview pal, see you on saturday!!!
From: Stevi Don 11th May 2004 19:59.49 Yeah MAN........ nIce!! Good attitude!! Shit I cant wait to see you play, sounds just like my cup of tea!!".....
Andy Whitby, Ben Stevens, Alex Calver, Caroline Banx, Ben Young, Simon Patterson and more of Guffy and Ali Wilson!! - Brilliant to see so much more variety back into the scene. Nice work Frantic.
From: Stevi Don 11th May 2004 20:00.45 ...............and NukleuZ!
From: NUMBERPLATEGIRLon 11th May 2004 20:28.34 This guy is cracking! Not heard him much but I am planning on doing so in the very near future - Whitby - our saviour!
From: glowwormon 11th May 2004 20:39.15 Nice interview Andy! See you on the 28th!!
Rob.
From: ADZon 11th May 2004 22:35.03 quality interview man - i shall be seeing you on the 9th of june matey ;o) looking forward to bangin out a hard tech track together !!! ;o)
From: GJBon 12th May 2004 02:21.12 This man smashed it at the Scala on Saturday! Go on Andy!
From: cdon 12th May 2004 07:46.16 Great Interview - Bring on HHA!
From: Bustaon 12th May 2004 08:28.07 nice one, now teach me how to scratch too !!! hehe
From: Bustaon 12th May 2004 08:28.57 And yeah ive seen alot of guys out there but your set that i saw at Scala blew my mind , very Creative stuff you got going , i like it .
From: emmahardwareon 12th May 2004 10:07.10 Have loved every single one of Andy's sets I've heard...Can't wait to hear what he's got in store for us @ Frantic vs Logic and of course on main stage @ HHA!! Get in!!!
From: carl nicholsonon 12th May 2004 16:41.22 Nice Guy! Good at mixing! Not tighter than Lord Farley tho!
From: *cheeky chick*on 12th May 2004 21:33.04 cant wait to hear Andy play again
From: DMXon 14th May 2004 01:55.25 Saviour of hard house? Bit insulting to other DJs, isn't it?
From: Bustaon 14th May 2004 14:42.24 yeah hes no saviour , cos there is a sh*t load oh hot HARD house dj`s out there... hes just different and his style is fresh...
but its all good.... the scene is doing just fine...
From: gav the try hardon 16th May 2004 06:39.23 sounds like a top bloke cant wait to hear him out, i think its a bit ott to call him the saviour of hard house though, there are loads of new talented dj/producers coming through as well as the established ones who are at the top of there game
From: guysteron 17th May 2004 09:38.42 Nice interview mate, wicked to see you doing so well. Looking forward to the next time we get you back at Wildchild fella.
From: HouseGuyon 18th May 2004 09:20.36 Nice article...Andy you are great!!!
From: ANDY WHITBYon 19th May 2004 18:03.25 Cheers everyone, really enjoyed the interview so thankx for the support and kind words.
From: Gillyon 19th May 2004 18:06.18 shame u smell
From: Gillyon 19th May 2004 18:06.31 Casuaty is where it is at!
From: x-rayon 26th May 2004 13:35.55 what a top interview, excellent questions and fantsatic answers, i've missed Andy so far but will definetly be making the time to see him now!
From: gr8m8on 16th Aug 2005 17:26.24 andy whitby....what can i say, everytime hes on, within ten minutes if that, im away.....blows my mind. Keep it up andy, all the best mate. edd
From: gr8m8on 16th Aug 2005 17:27.05 andy whitby....what can i say, everytime hes on, within ten minutes if that, im away.....blows my mind. Keep it up andy, all the best mate. edd
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..... to learn that is very flattering, I suppose I should thank my parents! ha ha! Seriously though, if that is true, cheers!!
....who might that be eh? hahaha 
