Interview: Andy H
Andy H is something of a Sheffield DJing institution. Since performing at the first ever Tuesday Club event back in 1998, the turntable master has gone on to represent the brand at festivals and clubs around the globe. As a specialist in hip hop and bass music, he’s shared the stage with the likes of Public Enemy, Roots Manuva and Major Lazer – to name but a few! And with the legendary event turning the ripe old age of 18 this month, Exposed grabbed Andy for a chat about the history behind the city’s longest running Tuesday night party.
Can you remember how The Tuesday Club first came around?
I wasn’t involved from the very start, but I remember the flyers appearing around town as there was a real buzz about it starting. I went down to most of the early nights and it was right up my street. Watching DJs like the Scratch Perverts and Mr Scruff live was even better than the mixtapes I had spent years collecting. It was Tom, Mark and Mailey who first got me involved in the event. They were students at the time and had decided to start their own night in Sheffield with the music they were into. The Students Union was free on a Tuesday so they gave it a go. Musically there wasn’t much like TTC around in Sheffield at the time and I think that was the secret to their early success: finding something new that no one else was doing and just going for it.
You played early on, right? What can you remember of that?
I actually started in the pre-bar as part of a DJ team called Breakdivision. In those days we would get four decks out and two DJs would jump on to show off their juggling and scratching skills. We were first asked to play the main event at some point around 1999. It was great because we were able to play a wide mix of genres – hip hop, breaks, house, drum & bass – all in the same set. I kept supporting headliners for a few years before joining as a resident.
What have been your biggest highlights over the 18 years?
Wow, that is a hard question! As I mentioned before, seeing artists I have been a big fan of for years has been amazing for me. Quantic Soul Orchestra, Raekwon, Bonobo have all put on incredible live shows. As for DJs, the likes of Mark Ronson, Jazzy Jeff, Craze & Qbert are artists who I have watched since I first got my turntables, so all personal highlights for me – especially getting the chance to support them! It’s also been incredible to see artists come to us early in their careers. People like Flying Lotus, Gaslamp Killer, Chase & Status and Sheffield’s own Toddla T have all played support slots at TTC and gone on to become world-renowned.
What is the secret to its longevity?
There has always been a team dedicated to the night working on their own aspect of putting the events on. The team has changed in members over the years and people have come and gone, but the same format has served the night well. Everyone who works on the events really cares about them and the night as a whole. It has always been policy to combine new acts along with well-established favourites, which has allowed the nights to evolve musically but bring back old faces who are now seen as part of the family.
How is the big birthday bash shaping up?
I can’t wait! As you can see from the line-up, there’s a little bit of everything in there that has helped make the night great over the years. Junglist Alliance and other old residents are back to play so it should be a real journey through the history of The Tuesday Club.
The Tuesday Club’s 18th birthday party takes place at The Foundry on 8th November. Head to www.tuesday-club.co.uk for tickets.
There are no comments
Add yours