Andy Smith is a renowned DJ and producer whose eclectic music taste has earned him international acclaim. Known for blending genres in a seamless way, his career took off with the release of 'The Document' in 1998. This mix-CD became an essential soundtrack for fans of multi-genre music, featuring a diverse selection of artists like Tom Jones, The Jungle Brothers, and Peggy Lee. This was just the beginning of a career that would see him at the forefront of underground music scenes across the globe.
Smith's appreciation for different genres made him a perfect fit for Portishead, where he worked as their tour DJ. His work with Portishead showcased his deep knowledge of hip-hop, funk, and breaks, contributing to the band's signature sound on their first two albums. This collaboration helped cement his reputation in the music industry, and he quickly became a sought-after figure in both the DJ and production worlds.
Andy’s 'Document' series, which followed the original 'The Document', continued to be successful, with 'Document II' (2003) and 'Document III' (2005) receiving critical and popular praise. The demand for these releases was so high that vinyl copies of the original mix CDs are now rare and highly valued by collectors. In 2006, he diversified the series with 'The Trojan Document', which gave a reggae twist to his signature sound.
Smith has consistently shown his versatility as a DJ and producer, curating compilations across various genres. His 'Reach Up Disco Wonderland' series, launched in 2017, reflects his deep love for disco and boogie tracks from the late 1970s and early 1980s. He has continued to release further volumes in this series, with the most recent, 'Reach Up Disco Wonderland Vol. 3', arriving in 2024.
Beyond his production work, Smith is a staple of the London club scene, regularly playing residencies at venues like The Magic Garden in Battersea and The Rivoli Ballroom in Brockley. His ability to switch between genres like funk, reggae, and soul ensures he remains a favourite among both long-time fans and new listeners. Alongside his live performances, he regularly hosts radio shows on Soho Radio, further expanding his reach as a tastemaker in the music world.
