Interview with Andy Ward
of Soul Heaven
By Arun R
What is House music to Andy Ward?
House music is what inspires me, It’s what makes me feel happy. It is the vehicle which has allowed me to meet so many good friends over the last 25 years and travel the globe.
How far has House music come since you started playing it
On a global scale, it is huge. When you see the world’s biggest vocalists singing over a house track, you know House has made it ! The quality of these records and how close they are to the original ethos of the sound is another topic though.
Where do you see house music in 10 years?
For my generation, house will be something the general public listen to occasionally to remember the good times. I really don’t know where it’s going for today’s clubbers.
DJ Mag Top 100… Any comments?
None, I haven’t read the magazine in years and I honestly couldn’t tell you ANY of the top 10/20 or 30. It has no relevance to me and my sound, in m opinion.
Who is Andy Ward and who is Soul Central?
I am one of the lucky guys who gets to chose the music that all his friends in the party dance to. When I’m not travelling I am at home with my family, I try to balance working in the studio and taking care of the children and the home. People always tell me I spend too much time on line, but I am always trying to share the great music with my friends, whether it be links for people to hear my radio show, or promoting my new music on my “Sounds of the Booth “ label or my remixes.
Soul Central have been quiet for 18 months, but myself and Timmy Vegas will be back in full force for 2010. We have a variety of sounds in us and I am looking forward to where we find ourselves on the next project
Do you have a favourite DJ? And is there such a thing as the ‘perfect DJ’?
I have a few DJs I love to listen to. I wouldn’t like to name one, or indeed a couple as different occasions are more suited to each one. I would rather say that there is the perfect crowd… one that follows the DJs selections, putting all their trust in him, allowing him to express himself more. There are too many people to please in a club for any one person to be “the perfect DJ”. Read any reviews of a night out and one person will say it changed their life, while someone else will say they got bored and left early.
Do you see Asia as a major player in the future of the music industry?
For sure. I play a lot across Asia and am welcomed with open arms every time. There is a good blend of people who know their music and those that just want a good time, there is no attitude and always the parties are great, wherever.
Since this is not your first trip to Hong Kong, are you expecting anything different or new?
It has been a while since I was there, so it is always good to come back and see how things have progressed. I love to travel and so am looking forward to more of the local cuisine
What was your track of 2009?
Without a doubt, Andy Ward & Sofia Rubina – Streets of the Sun, on Soul Heaven records. It has so many memories of the year for me, from anticipation of it’s release, to the release itself to seeing Sofia perform it live in front of all my friends here in Spain for the Vocal Booth Weekender in October.
Can you tell us something that people in Hong Kong should know about your upcoming set at FINDS on March 6th?
I hope to b able to share some of my new music with them, both of myself and forthcoming on my label and Soul Heaven Records. It will be as always, an even blend of sweet vocals and energetic dubs. If the moment allows, I will also share some of my favourites of the last few years. I might get a little drunk too (for a change, lol).
