Traxsource Interview with Andy Caldwell

1. You've recently relaunched your Uno Label with It's Guud" feat. Mr. V ... how did this project come about and why the sabbatical?
   Well, I've been working on a ton of new music, I think I just needed a break to gather myself and focus on a new artistic direction. I tend to get bored doing the same thing (same style) of music so I like to mix it up every few years! Might not be the best thing to do, but it works for me.
   
   
2. What's your favorite experience as a DJ?
   Traveling to cool and interesting cities and locations. I love to explore and Dj'ing has literally taken me all over the world. I've been very blessed to have had this opportunity, it's definitely a perk to the job!
   
   
3. Where are your favorite places to play & why?
   Currently LA and San Francisco! I'm doing a residency in San Francisco at club Vessel called Play. It's a ton of fun and the people are crazy. In June of 09 I'm starting up Play as a monthly party at club Ecco. Again, great club, amazing crowd and how nice is it to just get in your car and drive across town for this? I do love to travel, but sometimes I love staying home even more!.
   
   
4. What do you listen to in your "free time"?
   Lately a ton of Jazz and be-bop... albums like Giant Steps by Coltrane are hugely influencing me. Also, classical... don't laugh but Vivaldi is probably gets the most plays in my ipod. Great for walking around strange cities and airports.
   
   
5. Do you prefer the studio or the road & why?
   For me there's a fine balance of both. I get really worn out if I'm constantly on the road touring. And conversely, I get pretty bored just working away in my studio 24-7. I'm still trying to find that perfect balance though as I tend to become completely absorbed in one or the other... almost addicted! When it rains it pours.
   
   
6. Who would you love to work with at some point in your career, You got the opportunity to open for James Brown…what was that experience like?
   Being on tour with James Brown was kinda surreal for sure. We all suspected he was likely on his last tour but little who knew it really would be only a few short months before he passed away. The man was working harder than anyone else even in his 70's. That was really inspirational. It made me realize, hey, I can do this as long as I want! I think at this point, I'd like to work with someone like Cia. She's got an amazing voice and really draws me in.
   
   
7. You're a classically trained pianist & trumpet player ...how has this influenced your sound and do you still use these skills?
   I believe in order to make music, you have to actually know a little bit about music. Learning the piano was a very important step in my career path, as important as learning the engineering and technical aspect of creating music.
   
   
8. House music & its sub-genres used to be much more clear cut then they are today…how do you feel about this criss-crossing of styles & what do you see for the future?
   I think the fact that we're hearing house music pop up on mainstream radio these days is awesome. My feeling is let's get this music out to as many people as possible! You hear house music in every swanky boutique or hotel from Paris to London to LA and beyond. I say blend away.
   
   
9. How's the house scene on the West Coast these days?
   It's great, while it's changed a bit the past few years, there's a whole new crew of fans coming up.
   
   
10. Is there a "West Coast" House sound? If so what is it and how does it differ from the East coast or Chicago sound?
    Typically "West Coast" house has been a bit funkier and organic sounding, often times with full vocal production but lately that seems to be changing and becoming more techy and glitchy. Very cool!
    
    
11. Who are some of the House Producers to watch this year?
    Alex Kenji, Tom Flynn and David Tort are rocking it!
    
    
12. Digital downloads have been around for 5 or so years now...how do you see the next 5 years of the digital music age?
    Growing immensely! People are totally abandoning the CD format, just like they did cassette and vinyl. It's the natural progression of an industry. Demand drives the format war, so as long as there is an increased demand for digital files, the format will continue to grow to become the predominate way to distribute music.
    
    
13. What should we look out for from Andy Caldwell & ?
    Well, I've got a new album coming in September called "Obsession" feat. Mr. V, Gram'ma Funk, Storm Lee and many more! I'm releasing it on CD, Vinyl and Digital via .
    
    
14. Do you have a radio show or podcast where people can check out your DJ mixes?
    Yes! Check out http://andycaldwell.podbean.com.
    
    
15. Tell us something we might not know about Andy Caldwell?
    I'm an avid Basketball fan!!! Go Lakers!!!

Traxsource Interview with Andy Caldwell