Clubbing Magazine


The London's duo Groove Armada is Tom Findlay and Andy Cato. The group was formed in the mid-'90s and they started their own club, named Groove Armada (after a '70s discotheque). In 1997 they released a row of singles, including "4 Tune Cookie" and "At the River". Their debut album “Northern Star” was released in 1998. 1999 saw the release of “Vertigo”, which made the top 20 of the British charts. The album's singles achieved similar heights, including "I See You Baby". An album of remixes followed shortly after. After releasing a compilation mix album, “Back to Mine”, the duo returned with 2001's “Goodbye Country: Hello Nightclub”. In early 2003 “Love Box” was released. We had the chance to talk to Andy Cato when he played a fantastic set at Club Okyo in Copenhagen in May.
The mix between House, Funk, Disco, Jazz and Hip Hop is very essential for Groove Armada, but isn’t it hard to produce so much different music and still make it sound good, what is the background talents for all this? - Well I grew up playing jazz and blues till I was about seventeen or eighteen. Practicing every day eight hours a day, I just wanted to be a jazz player. At the age of eighteen I went to see DJ Sasha. Its long time ago and what he played there, was so different and new between my styles. But he was a magical DJ that night and for me it went nearly spiritual.
What is your role in the producing Groove Armada? - GROOVE
Can we expect a new album from Groove Armada? - Yes and no. Our record company are going to make a Greatest Hits of Groove Armada, but we don’t have much to do with that, only that there will be a few new tracks on it. But this summer we are releasing a DVD “Live from Brixton” with a DJ set and the whole band. No new music yet only new things.
Your favourite track you’re ever done, which one is that? - There has been a few a long time ago. But one that I really like is one I made at the “Beat Foundation” with some friends. It came out in 1995; it’s called “Foundations”. For me its sound is what House music is all about.
Tell us about your solo work Caia. For example “themagicdragon” - That’s a funny thing. It all started after I got a new apartment in a nice part of London. All I did at that time was DJ’ing and working with music etc. And after some rainy days, I came up with these rainy afternoon mellow loaded tracks. And they all got together quite nicely. My cousin and some friends heard it and after two years I released it.
	Why do you have a solo project? - Before I did a lot of solo things, then Groove Armada became bigger and I didn’t have so much time anymore. All we did was that, because people also expected something from Groove Armada. But I got time on my own, and I think it’s very good to do that.
	Do you ever use your own voice as samples or song? - Yes but it is hard to hear, only small songs and clips. Some times I sing all the song, you see.
	Which instrument to you prefer in your music? - For me to play on a piano or keyboard is essential. The sound and unique possibilities are just the best to play with I think. But when I play the trombone live at a gig, it is a special moment for me. I like the sound from a brass as well
	What can we expect in your DJ set? - It depends on what kind of audience, but mostly House with some items from Groove Armada and Remixes from other artists.
	Is Techno or Trance something you listen to? - In the start of the nineties I was listening to a lot of techno and trance, especially techno. I loved techno, simple rhythms driving on and on, repeating round and round. I could keep dancing a long time to this, also some times hard beats. I liked the Funky Groovy and Euro trance that came out in the mid-nineties. But The so-called Tiesto sound - is not my style.
Interview: Alexander Descroix & Christian Almind	Photos: Christian Almind