08 Jul 2014
Posted by admin 
By John Hood
BBack in ‘92 his “Sour Mash” EP helped spin the way for the electronic music genre that would soon earn world renown as drum ‘n’ bass; the next year his “Bass Logic” EP, “Slip ‘N Slide” single and “Bass Constructor” remix cemented his place smack in the center of the BPM pantheon. A full 20 years on, he became a coveted Ambassador of Bass Music during the 2013 Bass Music Awards. RAM Records, where he originated (and continues) his onslaught, was also nominated for Best Label. He is the one and only Andy C, and he recently slayed Miami’s Grand Central.The highest-ranking DnB DJ in DJ Mag’s Top 100, this decade-long veteran of Ultra Miami just became the first ever spinner of his kind to main stage at the massive Electric Daisy Carnival. His just-racked remix of London Grammar’s “Sights” is as visionary (and as propelling) as his recent “Haunting,” and lucky for you, you can stream both kickass tracks below. If you’re damn fucking lucky, he’s coming to your town soon too.
ADANAI stepped into the DJ Booth with the DnB badass before his Grand Central appearance:
ADANAI: Congrats on main staging EDC LV – what was it like repping DnB on such a massive platform?
Andy C: A huge pleasure. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a stage that big before; I heard it was around 400 feet wide! For DnB to get the recognition and placement on a stage like that is great, and I’m very grateful it was me that got to do it…and then to be able to do a second set on the same night with all the RAM family was just amazing. EDC never fail, they’re such a great team and they just get bigger and better every year.
How’d the experience differ from previous EDC appearances?
This year was even bigger than the last. When you’re there you just can’t comprehend how they could possibly move things forward with the production, the atmosphere, the organization, etc. from the previous years but they just do, so roll on and God knows what’s in store for 2015!
Andy C and MC Armanni Reign killed the crowd at the Get Low event at Grand Central in Miami.
How ‘bout compared to fests such as Glastonbury and Ultra?
It’s a totally different thing than both…Glastonbury is bigger capacity wise and a million miles away from EDC on the musical programming front. Glasto is basically a pop-up town in the middle of the UK countryside where you can see every kind of music you can think of and more, and is a great place to discover new styles/genres. Whereas at EDC everyone gathers for the same reason, one big rave!
Ultra again is quite a bit different, albeit based on a similar music policy. I love Ultra, I think I’ve played the Miami show every year now for the past 10 years or so. The past few Ultras have been great for me. From turning up on the speedboat shuttle the organizers put on, to playing to great crowds in the sun.
Do you tailor your spin to fit the city or do you count on the city to get (with) your spin?
A bit of both I guess, but I look at the crowd and see what they’re responding to and go from there. As soon as I see a group or two getting on a vibe, I look to get their vibe and pass it on to everyone else in the venue. That’s how I see my job, I entertain people and make them want to dance and have a good time. I love it, it’s the best job in the world.
How much of each set is dedicated RAM and Andy C remixes?
It all depends really. I do play a lot of RAM material, new and old, and feature some of the remixes I‘ve done, but it’s not solely about that. I like to experiment with all styles of DnB within my set and go on a journey with the crowd.
What are some other artist tracks that work wherever you go-go?
There’s lots of great music about at the moment and I’m happy repping all of it. If the tune works, I’m playing it. It’s not about who made it, it’s about if it will connect.
If you had but one sentence to sum up what’s coming for those catching Andy C this summer, what would it be?
We’re going to have a party.
