Welcome to the 18th interview in our series, ‘Stories About Records’ where we ask our members and some of our favourite Djs about their most cherished 45.
This is not about perceived or discogs monetary value but personal value that is tied up in memories, stories, love, loss, life, family and a passion for this particular 7″ vinyl record.
We want to know what the record is, what it sounds like and why it is so important to you.
If you’re interested in being apart of this series drop us an email or sign up for our Newsletter to be informed when these wonderful stories drop.
Now to the interview and it’s great to present Dj Andy Smith from the UK.
Firstly, tell us about yourself as a Dj and Collector of 45s, how long have you been playing and collecting, why 45s, what was the first 45 you were given and also the first 45 you bought? Do you still have them?
I have been collecting records since 1978, DJing on 2 Hi Fi’s next to each other – with no mixer since 1979.
I got Disco Decks in 1982, Technics SL 1210s in 1986 and became a professional Full time working DJ in 1995.
The first 45 I was given was probably a ‘kids story’ 45 though I don’t remember which it was?
The first 45 I bought myself was ‘What A Waste’ by Ian Dury & The Blockheads after hearing it on a Top 40 Countdown on the coach on a school trip.
I no longer have the Childrens Story 45 (though I do have the Slick Rick ‘Childrens Story’ 45!).
I still have the Ian Dury 45 !
It was later sampled in a UK remix of a ‘Tribe Called Quest’ track too!)
What is your most cherished 45? Why is it so important to you? What is it’s story (label, year, artist, musicians), where did it come from? Is the B-Side any good?
Well it’s probably the ‘Think/Slip Inn‘ 7” that I made with Scott Hendy (as Dynamo Productions), although I say 7” rather than 45 as it actually plays at 33 rpm (thus rendering it impossible to play in my Jukebox (that only spins at 45 rpm!).
It was the first track that I had co made that was pressed onto a 7”!
It came out in 2003 and was pressed by our German label at the time, Unique Records.
The B side is good!
It features MC Profile from The Sound Providers and has a tough beat produced by 7Stu7 AKA Stuart Mathews who worked at the studio where the Dynamo Productions tracks were put together.
Andy Smith is also playing on the Lineup for our 2nd Anniversary Live Stream Special on Sunday 25 July 2021!!
A not to be missed event and we are so overwhelmed by Andy agreeing to play and represent The Forty Five Kings!
Find Andy Smith on Mixcloud:
ANDY SMITH – Discography
Reach Up Disco Wonderland Vol 2 – 2020
The follow up ‘Reach Up’ compilation including more gems from the heady days of disco coupled with new exclusive tracks including another new edit by Andy
‘Reach Up Disco Wonderland’ Vol 1 – 2017
Andy digs deep to find his favourite Disco & Boogie tracks from the late 70s & early 80s with 2 new re edits by himself alongside fellow ‘Reach Up’ DJ Nick HalkesJam Up Twist USA – 2014 (Traffic Entertainment)
The second volume of the Jam Up Twist series (compiled with Deano Sounds) was released on the Traffic Entertainment label on Record Store day 2014 on 7 x 7” 45 vinyl & later on CD.
The Document mix-CD series
Document I – 1998, Document II – 2003, Document III – 2005 (Various labels) Document IV – 2014 (unreleased – download)
Following on the success of The Document, which sold in excess of 100,000 copies, Andy released Document 2 and Document 3 to critical and popular acclaim. Vinyl copies of all three are sought after and regularly go for a king’s ransom on Ebay!
Andy Smith’s Jam Up Twist – 2011 (BGP)
A mix of 50s Jump Blues, Northern Soul, Rockabilly & Ska.
Jamaica Funk – 2011 (Demon Music Group) (compiled with Keith Lawrence)
A compilation of Funk inspired reggae tracks
New Orleans Funk – 2010 (Nascente) (compiled with Dean Rudland)
A selection of Funk tracks to come out of ‘The Big Easy’
Andy Smith Greensleeves Document – 2009 (Greensleeves)
Andy takes on the Greensleeves back catalogue for another sound system style reggae mix CD.
Andy Smith Diggin’ in The BGP Vaults – 2008 (BGP)
2008 is the year Andy was given the opportunity to dig in the vaults of BGP records (Beat Goes Public) to bring a fresh new outlook to their esteemed back catalogue.
Andy Smith Lets Boogalooo Vol 4 – 2007 (Record Kicks)
Andy was givin the reigns to compile the fourth Volume of this collectable series. Andy ventures into Funk, Latin Jazz & Northern Soul for the Record Kicks label.
The Trojan Document – 2006 (Sanctuary)
In 2006, the Document series was given a reggae flavour with the release of The Trojan Document (Sanctuary Records). The release presented another mix album first – with Smith giving the listener a live sound system experience complete with rewinds, shout outs and reverb sounds. The Trojan Document takes you on a journey from early Ska, Rocksteady, Roots, Dub, DJ tracks and Dancehall
Andy Smith’s Freestyle Mix – 2006 (Freestyle)
Andy has also done a Mix CD for the much respected ‘Freestyle’ label. This Cd includes the first track under Andy’s own name, ‘Sounds Start Rockin’ which was also released as a 12″ gaining plays by Joe Ransom on Kiss 100.
Andy Smith’s Northern Soul – 2005 (BGP)
Another first for Andy as he compiles a mix CD of 60’s northern soul 45’s to compliment his long running northern soul night at The Jazz Café in Camden Town, London
Available on itunes
Andy Smith’s The Document itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-document/id7314248
Andy Smith’s Freestyle Mix itunes.apple.com/us/album/dj-andy-smiths-freestyle-mix/id200912035 Sounds Start Rockin EP itunes.apple.com/us/album/sounds-start-rockin-ep/id215930147
DJ Andy Smith’s Lovers Rock https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/dj-andy-smiths-lovers-rock/id906318759