Influences... Armand Van Helden!

"As one in the steady progression of top in-house producers for Strictly Rhythm during the early '90s, Van Helden joined such names as Todd Terry, Erick Morillo, Roger Sanchez, Masters at Work and George Morel to record scores of club hits. By the late '90s, a clutch of crucial remixes and several albums made Van Helden's name as one of the most popular producers around."

AVH has also been cited as one of the creators of speed garage with his remixes of sugar is sweeter and spin spin sugar.  He loves a mean bassline and that pretty much sums me up too - therefore, in my eyes... he's the man!

The great thing about him is he seems to be able to produce some real filthy tunes but at the same time appeal to the commercial market, meaning he has had numerous number 1's - but you wouldn't be worried about dropping them in the club now, a real talent and legend.

"You don't know me", was one of my first ever vinyl collection when I started messing around on the decks back in 1998.  It has stood the test of time to this day, as it still emotes a strong reaction whenever it is played out - an utter killer track!

Some of my favourite tracks:

My best memory of AVH was at Koko in 2007 - he had been playing a real classics set and everyone in the place was just waiting for one song - "Sugar is sweeter". It was nearly time for him to finish his set... then we heard its distinctive beat come in...  which he then seemed to repeat the already long breakdown for about 5 minutes... building and building... until finally when he let it drop, the place erupted with the bass-line shaking Koko to its foundations!  Was one of my best clubbing moments of all time for sure!!

Armand Van Helden...  I salute you!!

Brendan (Rough Cut)