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- Andy Cleeton. Here is a bio:
"I use the music to help people remove their ego’s, not massage my own"
Resident DJ`s are a complicated breed. Ultimately they’re responsible for the overall sound of the club and the way it shapes and progresses. They dictate how a club evolves and have a steady and devoted fan base that religiously attend each event, no matter which `Guest DJ` is playing. They are the backbone of every successful "superclub" around the world, yet rarely do they receive the recognition they so richly deserve. ANDY CLEETON is one such DJ.
For the previous 9 years Cleeton has held residencies at some of the most established clubnights in the UK (Hacienda, Bakers, Escape Club.) These experiences have given Cleeton the opportunity to play alongside some of the World’s most prominent DJ’s and in the process earned him the respect of his peers and clubbers alike. Now with the accumulated knowledge as a resident DJ and his insight in how to rock some of the most prestigious dancefloors Cleeton is ready to conquer the guest DJ circuit. The coming year, 2002 looks set for Cleeton to build his name internationally with forthcoming appearances in the USA, Canada, Israel, Romania and across the UK.
Like so many of today’s DJ elite, Cleeton fell into a career behind the decks. A quick mix on a friends turntables in the summer of 1993 and he discovered an innate ability to piece together records into one musical soundscape.
After honing his technique playing at a few parties in Wales, Cleeton entered `THE MIXMAG BEDROOM DJ CONTEST` in early 1995. His talent stood out and he beat over 1000 other hopefuls to land the ultimate debut booking, at the legendary HACIENDA, in Manchester.
While Cleeton admits to being somewhat nervous, it was obviously not evident and the club snapped Cleeton up, as a RESIDENT for the following year.
"Until I discovered DJ’ing I was spending much of my time painting, but this seemed too lonely a career. I felt isolated, with no real feedback. With DJ’ing I got instant feedback and therefore tailored my artform to get the right response from the crowd. I realised I could use my creative skills in a positive way, to uplift people."
In addition to this Cleeton’s talent soon landed him a Friday night residency @ THE ESCAPE CLUB, in Swansea, which he held for 4 years (1995-1999). At this time Cleeton also acquired a Saturday night residency playing alongside fellow resident SCOTT BOND for REPUBLICA @ BAKERS, in Birmingham, (1995-2000). Cleeton continued to build his name with a residency for ENTER THE DRAGON @ Vision 2K in Cardiff (1999-2000.)
Whilst at Bakers, Cleeton was persuaded by Scott Bond to participate in his new venture "GATECRASHER." In the early days of what is now arguably the worlds largest superclub, Cleeton was given peak time guest slots for them in Birmingham @ Bakers (Gatecrasher’s early home) in addition to playing for them on numerous occasions in Sheffield, Swindon and Wolverhampton.
Throughout 2000/2001 Cleeton has been cementing his name by performing all over the country. These include his current monthly residencies at NAUGHTY BUT NICE in Hereford and TRANZ@CTION in Cornwall, and regularly playing for SWEAT in Northampton and MORE TEA VICAR in Cambridge. He has also played for GATECRASHER, THE BRUNNEL ROOMS, CREATION, GUSTO, SAFEHOUSE, DISCOBUS, THE VENUE (Jersey), BAR M and ESCAPE in Ibiza, and various Universities.
Cleeton has also designed theatre soundtracks for FRANTIC ASSEMBLY and STRATHCONA THEATRE COMPANY. He has also recently collaborated with THE BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET, on "The Blue Zone," which was shown at The Midlands Arts Centre at the end of July 2000.
Cleeton’s last mix CD "MOVEMENT AND TEXTURE" was reviewed by Mixmag in Jan 2001 "Ex Mixmag competition winner (1995) resurfaces with the best progressive/trance compilation we’ve heard in 2000, by anyone." This success has led to Mixmag offering Cleeton guest slots at their new night in London @ Cargo.
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mistress barbara and JTD most especially, if memory serves me correctly! best of all was deko-ze's acid breaks set, that first time he came to t.dot... wickad. (oh the memories)
