Ahead of Studio 338’s 10-year anniversary party, garage pioneer Todd Edwards talks about his musical firsts.

Todd Edwards needs little introduction. But, for those that don’t know, he’s the forefather of UKG; one of Britain’s most celebrated dance genres. With a career that spans three decades, the pioneering producer and remixers built a colossal discography that rivals anyone on the clubbing circuit. Having made his name in house music, the New Jersey born selector became famous for his kaleidoscopic cut up samples and vocal chops, which simultaneously birthed garage and won him international acclaim.

 

Those signature rhythms have dominated dance-floors for decades, with everyone from DJ EZ to Groove Armada acquiring his distinctive style. Perhaps the Grammy award winning producer’s biggest triumph is that he’s the only artist to have collaborated with Daft Punk twice. “Face to Face” went gold in 2001, whilst “Random Access Memories” surged to platinum 12 years later. Despite all the accolades, Todd’s always had a profound love for Britain and the country’s burgeoning dance music scene. Some of his earliest singles, like “I Want To Be In Fabric” and “No Place Like London” play on the capital’s hedonistic spirit, which sparked his own ascent to international acclaim.

 

An ever-effervescent spirit, Todd’s recent success has been fuelled by a series of reissues on house music’s biggest labels. Defected records re-released over 140 of his singles in 2021, eternalising the slick grooves and 2-step chops that continue to govern raves globally.

 

Ahead of Studio 338’s ten-year anniversary party, Todd Edwards talks to us about his musical firsts, from being starstruck by Todd Terry to the power of sampling.

First time you faced an obstacle in your career?
The biggest obstacle in my career was a battle against depression and anxiety. It really held me back during the first wave of success in my career. The second obstacle was adjusting to a world where people didn’t want to buy music anymore. Small labels and distributors were getting hit hard, and UK garage was going back underground. However, starting to dj and the fact that music goes through cycles brought success back to me. You just have to ride the waves.
First instrument you owned?
I got a small consumer-based keyboard. It wasn’t professional at all but it sent me on my way to pursue better equipment. My parents had $1400 saved for my college education. I used that money to buy my first sampler, the Ensoniq EPS. I owe my career to that first sampler and for my parents’ help
First time you felt like giving up?
I feel like giving up pretty much every five minutes! But every time I have felt like quitting music a phone call would come in, a door would open, and it felt like God telling me to stop doubting my path and keep going.
First time you felt starstruck?
Seeing Todd Terry at the Sound Factory Bar. I  probably annoyed the hell out of him every time I saw him because I would always fanboy out and sing his praises.
First time you realised you’d made it?
The first time I realised that I was becoming a success was when I heard a track by St Germain, “What’s New”, being played on DJ Disciple’s radio show. The track was giving shouts out to different music producers and I could have sworn I heard my name mentioned. My name was mentioned and two weeks later label F Communications called my manager to ask me to remix St Germain’s “Alabama Blues.”

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