WOMAD

DJ Andy Smith

From United Kingdom

For some people, stamp collecting is their primary reason for being on this earth. For others, it might be amassing train locomotive numbers or first-edition novels. Andy Smith collects records. And then some. They’ve dominated his life since the age of 11 and he’s been sufficiently resolute to turn this obsession into a globetrotting career. Originally coming to our attention as the tour DJ and supplier of samples to the marvellous Portishead, Andy’s since forged a formidable worldwide reputation without a leg-up from anyone. His Document series of mix albums remains cherished on every continent and surely marks the first-ever time the likes of Kate Bush, the Jungle Brothers, Joe Tex, Black Sabbath and Peggy Lee have ever been in such close proximity. His DJ sets are equally eclectic, drawing deeply from nearly 30 years of vinyl addiction; strong doses of funk, Northern soul and reggae, topped off by his overwhelming first love – hip-hop. And not only are his selections impeccable, his skills as a mixer are just phenomenal. A real treat.