“It's because drum & bass has never really had mass media exposure. It had some hype in the mid 1990s and people were signing deals and it was the new sound and all the media jumped on it, but like anything, if the media jump on something they eventually jump off it and then proclaim its death.”

At least that's the Andy C take on things. Today, drum & bass is its own capsule of self-sustainability. And Andy says: “I love it the way it is; I love the rawness of it.”

And year in, year out (including version five last November), he captures his feelings on his Nightlife compilation. Two CDs, mixed right. So popular and for good reason too. Few people feel flat after bumping some Andy C. The guy has a formula - it works, so he sticks to it. He's a veteran and pioneer of the UK scene and really, if you don't mind a good rinsing every now and again, Andy C is your man.

Andy C began his production career while most of us were still playing at video arcades. He started laying down beats at Ram Records, the label he still runs today. It maintains an impressive catalog and is a testament to his vision and determination.

“The really cool thing is that it's all my mates that I've grown up with, they're all part of the label and we've done it together. It doesn't feel like so many years. Being a DJ around the world over the years has been an honour and it's an honour to be still doing it now. Playing in different countries and being treated almost religiously is kind of strange, but it makes me appreciate what I do.

“It really shows me the passion that people have, so even when I'm tired and complacent in my job, the people out there keep me going. I've got kids now, so being a father and running record labels, being a DJ, producing and having a radio show - it's difficult to do it all, although I wouldn't have it any other way."
Amen to that, brother.

Andy C brings the knowledge to Monastery Friday, January 28.