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The Beginning

From the moment he could stand up without falling down Andy Cato's jazz musician father introduced him to the piano and trombone. His talent was obvious and one of his earliest achievements was playing for a colliery brass band. Then, in 1987, he won Yorkshire's Young Jazz Musician of the Year award.

However, he credits his cousin Digs (a member of the cult house collective DIY) for his induction into the acid house explosion that swept the length and breadth of Britain. "We crossed the country in my Hillman, stopping at service stations and waiting for the phone call with the final location...the DIY parties; Basics [Leeds], Hacienda [Manchester], Kaos 1989-95 were like nothing I've seen anywhere in the world".

In 1991, Andy moved to London. "I was in Brixton on the dole, with a bedroom studio bought with a bank loan, teaching myself all aspects of the business. During this time I went through every music business cliche of management sharks, record company politics and missed opportunities. Success? In the end, it's just like your Gran always said. Stick at it."

Tom Findlay discovered at a very young age that his life would be defined by the obscure funk and soul 45" discs he played non-stop. Throughout his youth, his music tastes evolved to embrace everything from punk, jazz, disco, Black Sabbath and electro before, eventually, he discovered house music. He'd set about learning keyboard and guitar in his bedroom, and by the age of 16 he was DJing at parties.

From Cambridge, Tom became a familiar face in the free-rave scene. In 1991, he signed up to Manchester University. Upon realising that he spent more time in the Hacienda nightclub than at lectures, he and a few likeminded friends (now better known as Grand Central and Simian Mobile Disco) launched what would become hugely successful music careers by beginning their own weekly club night. Then, on placement at a college in America, Tom embarked on a lifelong love affair with the sound of black America, a groove that would form the foundation of all of his later productions.

Having met in the early 90's, not long after they'd started discussing music Tom and Andy were promoting their first London club night together. Called 'Captain Sensual at the Helm of Groove Armada' it took place at the Gardening Club 2, Covent Garden, getting off to a shaky start.  However it was this night in 1995 which led to a series of parties, a band and eventually a festival. All of these grew from strength to strength and continue to thrive in their individual rights to this day.

PhanToMxx
30-01-2012 16:03

more updates?
alxrau
24-01-2012 00:20

care e treaba ?
admin
20-01-2012 01:39

halfway to summer
Svet
11-01-2012 10:14

Amazin Felix Da Housecat xxxx
mathiasbech
08-01-2012 21:12

#165 Robert Dietz, bringing the ibiza summer vibes on a cold, dark sunday evening
latema
07-01-2012 18:08

cannot wait till full set of Mark Knight and D.Ramirez!! :)
roby_djs
07-01-2012 11:41

you're right.... benjy_28 :-??
Junkysta
07-01-2012 07:17

morning everyone:D what up ?
benjy_28
06-01-2012 22:26

playing 0:40....
benjy_28
06-01-2012 22:22

no, roby_djs, this is not track.....
Jeff Vaz
06-01-2012 20:04

WEEKEND + DANCETRIPPIN TV & DANCEFLOOR TIME = PERFECT!!!!
roby_djs
06-01-2012 17:40

ceau ceao Burny what.s up...
roby_djs
06-01-2012 17:39

Tom Budden
Choco Swing
Timid Boys Play With The Bass Remix~~~benjy_28 this is the track #235 -- De La Swing
BuRnY
06-01-2012 14:28

salutareeee
benjy_28
05-01-2012 21:34

name this track 0:00 - 3:45 set DJ set episode #235 -- De La Swing
benjy_28
05-01-2012 21:32

hello
will'ho
05-01-2012 03:05

bonne année!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dowein366
04-01-2012 09:07

Happy New year from Bulgaria :)
god0
02-01-2012 23:32

pace salute a tutti.
heelfliper
02-01-2012 15:10

A new year with hot Tech - house!!!That`s what I wish....Have fun!!!

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