Chris Aidy has become an integral part of the London House scene with residencies for Connected!, Lipglosz and My Fairytale. His unique style has seen him playing the length of the UK from Colours in Glasgow to Sankeys in Manchester not forgetting the crème of London venues such as Turnmills, The Cross, Ministry of Sound and Pacha.
Born in Amsterdam raised in Toronto he finally came to London in his early teens where his passion for music was really ignited. Living in Brixton meant he was exposed to an eclectic range of music. When asked about his influences Chris says “I went through so many fazes Nirvana, Portishead, The Prodigy I even remember having a dancehall mix tape I bought in Electric Avenue constantly playing on my Walkman. Later on I got into vinyl and started buying Grant Nelson and Todd Edwards”, this lead to his Djing debut at the Fridge in Brixton in 1998 where he had a residency as part of a group called The Young Stars! At the tender age of 18 it was a daunting but inspiring experience which spurred him on to make his own productions.
In 2000 Chris released his first track “Getting Relaxed” with Caged Baby & Annii Hogan which reached critical acclaim in many publications and was a hit on the underground Garage scene. However Chris’ time in the studio made him realise how much he had to learn, so he enrolled in SAE where he studied electronic music production. “It was a fantastic experience. I am still learning everyday but the foundation my training gave me was invaluable.” Chris has since gone on to produce many tracks one of which “Temptation” sold out world wide. “I want to make music I would like to hear in a club myself. I want to create an atmosphere. I try to imagine a dance floor at 4am and how I would feel if I heard an amazing breakdown and how it would make me move when the kick drum kicks back in. I love to dance and I want to share that with people.”
Getting into the industry wasn’t easy for Chris. It took years of determination. “I remember going to Ibiza for the first time with a record bag on my back. I managed to get a couple of gigs in some small bars. Then I went to Space and my eyes were really opened. It was amazing being part of the crowd but I wanted to be in the Dj’s position. Watching the sunset at Mambos was a real inspiration and I resolved then and there I was going to make it as a DJ.” After playing in some choice venues one of which included a converted public toilet called Public life in London ’s East End , Chris sent off a mix CD to a radio station which caught the eye of a promoter and that’s how he got his foot in the door.
Since then Chris has been building his career playing week in week out and concentrating on his productions. His Welcome 2 My House mix CDs now on Vol.16 have had huge international success. Releasing Vol. 1 over two years ago as a promo tool the brand has gone from strength to strength. “I wanted to share what I thought was great house music with other people. As I have progressed as a DJ so have the mixes. They are a brilliant snap shot of time in House music.” The world wide demand has lead to Chris starting his own Pod Cast which has had phenomenal interest.
With a string of dates this summer both at home and on the White Island and tracks being released on Centric and Spin Cycle it looks like Chris has a busy time ahead of him. “I love being busy! I’m so grateful that I am in a position to work with music. Giving a crowd an amazing night and enjoying the music with them is what it’s all about”………..and if the crowds usual response is anything to go by it would seem they feel the same. |
