As the year draws to a close, it's natural to reflect, especially when it's been as interesting as 2013 has. Underground has become mainstream, mainstream has become pop, and while many fight over the meaning of terms like EDM and deep house, others push stoically forward, undeterred by flashy trends, continuing to do what they do best. So we've called upon a few of those in the later category to tell us what's kept them excited in 2013. So far we've talked mead with James Pants and heard about begging for DJ poll votes from Spencer Parker. This time, Circoloco resident Andrew Grant talks Playa, the return to vinyl, and the dance workout routine of DVS1. Catch him next at Circoloco New Years Day in Ibiza, and read on for all the details.
Born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Andrew's baptism behind the decks began with hip-hop in the late 80s. However, after his first visit to New York City's famed Twilo, Andrew was a convert, eventually moving to Sheffield after graduating from university. There, he began throwing parties and DJing everywhere he could, though as it does for so many young artists, the Ibiza bug bit hard, leading Grant to roll the dice and purchase a one-way ticket to Ibiza. Though unlike most, Andrew quickly got himself invited to play a Thursday morning after-hours at DC-10, and a short while later, became a full time resident of Circoloco, which he still holds today.
“I never thought I would travel the world with them after buying a one-way ticket that summer day over 10 years ago. Circoloco has allowed me to grow as a DJ and hone my sound all over the world,” Andrew reminisces. These days he's got his own EDEC imprint, which he co-runs with Jon Hester, and has seen releases on labels like Supplement Facts, My Favorite Robot and Better On Foot, and has also collaborated with Lomez, Tale of Us, Los Updates and Ricardo Villalobos. Now based in Valencia, Andrew continues his production schedule while keeping plenty busy with touring around the world. As Andrew says, “hype and fashion are only superficial and do not last.” We couldn't have said it better ourselves...
-Favourite DJ of the year:
DVS1. This guy is a machine behind the decks and he looses like 10 pounds each time he DJs from all the work!
-Trend and/or Saying Of The Year:
Trend - People actually going back to the love of vinyl
Saying - "If you want someone on the f´ckn door to say who's hot and who's not, I´m your man" - Big Al Boddika
-Event Of The Year
Papaya Playa Project Full Moon Party... Magical Papi.
-Overall Highlight
First would be Releasing our 10th vinyl on my co-owned label EDEC Music Outlet with Jon Hester, and second, releasing "Satisfaction" with Lomez on Supplement Facts early 2013.
Catch Andrew next at Circoloco New Years Day at DC-10.