Dj Andy Norman
Hed Kandi DJ Q&A
How long have you been with Hed Kandi?
I've been at Hed Kandi for around 5 and half years now. I joined the label about a year after its launch. I think I can say that I'm the longest running member of the team.
Were you a DJ before Hed Kandi?
Yes, quite some time before, I've been a DJ for just over 20 years now. Oh no - now I'm revealing my age! During my earlier years as a DJ I was know by another alias, DJ Normski, - that was me. I was a DJ right from the Rave era through into Jungle/Drum ‘n’ Bass days, on to the Garage/House scene - I've seen it all.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
My older brother – he started DJing first with a guy who ran a Jazz Funk soundsystem back in the late ‘70s early ‘80s. Back then I grew up listening to that Funk/Disco sound all the time. When the the guy sold the soundsystem and bought a nightclub, my brother gave it all up and by then I was just getting into the whole DJ mix-thing after hearing DMC mix shows on radio. It was then that my brother put my name in the frame as a young protege. So I think I've got him to thank and DMC.
How did you become involved with Hed Kandi?
I go to know Mark Doyle back in 88/89 when he started a weekly club in a venue in Ealing, West London. He ran the night and was also the sole DJ. So I said to him one night that I had a budding record collecting (including a load of my brother's old records) and I was now getting into this DJing thing, and would he like a "warn up man". That was were the relationship began. We ran a number of small local club nights over those years. It was a few years later, after Mark had started Kandi, when he needed some extra manpower as the label was now growing and I received the opportunity.
Mark has now moved on to other projects - why didn't you move with him?
Let's set the record straight, Mark decided that it was time for him to move on and a number of us had to eventually decide one way or the other. I wanted to go with him because I've always enjoyed working with him, although I still felt that Hed Kandi has still got more to give and I still wanted to be part of that. Because of Mark it's become such a wonderful brand and I still want to work on it. We still remain friends and always will. We'll work together again some day soon.
Are there any famous DJs that you've worked along side?
Over the years I've work along side so many great names - of the bigger names, Carl Cox, Danny Rampling, Norman Jay MBE, Judge Jules, Dave Pearce - the names go on and on. As you can imagine, I've played all music genres so there are so many more.
Have you ever had a proper job? What is your daytime job?
I once worked full-time at Hed Kandi but now, with so many Hed Kandi parties in so many places, I'm now a full time travelling DJ - that's a proper job. I still do some work for the label as well as some radio show projects through the label.
What music particularly inspires you?
Anything with soul and groove. As I mentioned earlier, I grew up with Soul, Jazz Funk and Disco.
I love female vocals, divas, from Elle through to Barbara Tucker, not mention Aretha. It's the emotion that does it for me. Although I'll give anything a listen. After all, musical inspiration comes from everywhere!
So what Kandi sound would you associate with best?
I think the Kandi sound that would most describe my style would be Disco Heaven/Disco Kandi. For me I love to play a large amount of vocals - the more uplifting the better -alongside big hands in-the-air grooves. It's all about the party baby!
What are your DJ influences past and present?
It’s got to be Masters at Work, Norman Jay, Norman Cook (everybody loves a Norman), The early DMC DJs, and those early US & UK House music DJs, Mr Fingers, Frankie Knuckles, Danny Rampling, C J Mackintosh.
What do you think of today's House music scene?
There’s not as much fun any more. Years ago there was much more of a sense of belonging and no-one took themselves too seriously. Music has become too pigeon-holed - either you like this and not that and vice-versa. What's happened to the days of being able to go out and enjoy any style of music you heard? Hence what we’re trying to do with Hed Kandi is bring the fun back – it’s about DJs and punters with big egos - we don't do that.
What does it mean to you to be a member of the Kandi DJ Team?
It’s like being in a big extended family…everyone that works for the label have a great team spirit - we all respect the roles that we take and never is there any rivalry. It’s also great sharing the love with all those Kandi followers.
The other Kandi DJs nickname you the "Godfather" - why is that?
I think that just comes from the fact of being the longest running member of the team and nearly the oldest! I think they believe that I'm a wise old head in this game.
What can promoters/clubs expect to get when they book Andy Norman and what makes you different from others?
Friendliness, professionalism, honesty - mind you, that goes for all of the Kandi DJs. We do not see ourselves as just DJs - we are Hed Kandi label ambassadors. It's not just turn up and play - we like to know that everyone involved is happy.
What makes me different? Well, I’m never afraid to pull out an old classic - nothing wrong with going back to come forward! Respect your influences!
Do you ever think about giving it all up?
Giving up? NEVER! I still love it too much - it's something about people getting off and partying to the music that you are playing. Yeah, it might be music made by other people but it's the art of putting it all together to make that night memorable.
What is the best gig/crowd you have played to?
Hed Kandi Newcastle – Foundation has the most incredible crowd anywhere…so full of energy, open-minded, and always ready for a party. They display all the characteristics of what we love in a Kandi fan.
What are your Top 3 current favourite Hed Kandi club nights?
Here we go, in no particular order ...
-Pacha, London
-Gatecrasher, Sheffield
-Honey Club, Brighton
What’s the best thing about being a DJ?
It’s got to be the buzz of watching people getting off on the music. The chance to play some great tracks that may well become defining moments in dance music history and knowing that I was the first to play that. Let’s face it - it's truly pleasurable!
What was your most memorable night, whether you were DJing or not?
Probably one of the early parties with Mark, back at the Haven Stables in Ealing …the club was licensed for 250 people and we managed to get over 400 in there. Danny Rampling was on the decks with us that night. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
What makes a good DJ, in your opinion?
Someone who can read the crowd … who knows exactly what the crowd wants at a particular moment and being able to give it to them. No navel-gazing or self-indulgence. And always play to the women – once you’ve got the women dancing, the guys will follow.
Where can people hear you play?
At the moment just about everywhere we hold a Hed Kandi party; all around the UK at our many parties (check the website) and further afield. Kandi is always reaching out around the world.
Just some of the destinations would be Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Canada, Columbia, Dubai and Australia.