40 Questions: AnD

AnD has spent more than two decades forging a path through harder electronic music, combining releases on labels like Soma, Perc Trax, and Instruments Of Discipline with the growth of his own AnD Records and Inner Surface Music imprints.

Based in Manchester, the Greek DJ and producer has become known for a sound that moves between hard techno, hardcore, and hardstyle, while remaining a consistent presence at the forefront of Europe’s underground club circuit.

For our latest 40 Questions feature, we caught up with him to discuss the first record he ever owned, what he’s grateful for, and what inspires him right now. Read the full interview below.

1. Where are you right now and what are you doing?

I’m in front of my modular, putting the final touches on a new track!

2. What year were you born?

1984.

3. Do you have a nickname?

Never got given a nickname.

4. How would you describe yourself?

Raw. Authentic. A maniac for detail. Completely obsessed with music.

5. What’s the coolest thing in your house?

My creative corner. It overlooks forests, parks, and rolling hills, so I’m surrounded by greenery while making music. It’s the perfect place to switch off from everything else and create.

6. Your morning routine?

Coffee, a cigarette, and straight to the studio.

7. Current guilty pleasure?

“Guilty pleasure” doesn’t really exist for me, but if I had to choose one, it’s probably loving being in the studio a little too much!

8. Something you’re currently grateful for?

Everything. Life is too short not to appreciate what you have and what you get to do every day.

9. What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

I can roller skate like a demon.

10. Your most useless talent?

Turning simple situations into complicated ones by analysing absolutely everything.

11. First record you ever owned?

A Goa Gil record when I was around 12 years old.

12. Favourite record label?

Too many to name. There is far too much incredible music out there to rank labels.

13. Favourite record right now?

I honestly don’t have one. There are too many great records.

14. And the best record ever made?

Impossible to answer. There are so many timeless records that choosing just one would be unfair.

15. Who’s your biggest inspiration outside of music?

Mathematics and nature.

16. And in the industry?

The godfathers of techno. They’ve inspired me not only through their music but through the way they’ve approached DJing over the years.

17. Your dream collaboration?

Muslimgauze.

18. Best experience as a DJ?

Playing Berghain for the first time. I had to learn to DJ on vinyl in just six weeks before the gig. Those six weeks were intense, but I loved every second of them.

19. Worst experience as a DJ?

Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad experience. Music brings people together, and that’s always outweighed anything negative.

20. Weirdest request you’ve had as a DJ?

Someone once asked me to stop my set so another DJ could play instead!

21. Favourite club you’ve played?

I genuinely don’t have one. Every club has its own atmosphere and personality, and I appreciate them all.

22. Favourite festival you’ve played?

This year I’d probably say Hive Festival. But over the years I’ve been lucky enough to play incredible events like Awakenings, Verknipt, Blackworks, Baum, Aerotechno, and many more.

23. Your favourite food?

Fish. Better than meat, better than anything!

24. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Snake. And yes, it really does taste a bit like chicken.

25. Ever done drugs?

Yes. I experimented for about a year when I was around 25, but I was never really a big fan.

26. Craziest story from being on the road?

A 45 minute flight turned into a 12 hour delay, and the next day the airline lost my suitcase containing all my live gear before a Rotterdam Rave show. My stress levels were definitely at 100%.

27. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

When someone tells me they’ve come to see me play 30 or more times over the last 20 years. That’s something money can never buy.

28. And the best gift you’ve ever given?

I couldn’t pick just one, but I love giving gifts because seeing people happy is priceless.

29. Strangest video you’ve watched on YouTube?

Aliens on the Moon.

30. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To live forever, so I could make music forever.

31. Who would you want to play you in a movie?

Someone who stands up against injustice and refuses to tolerate bullying.

32. Coolest place you’ve travelled?

Every place has its own magic. I honestly couldn’t choose just one.

33. And one place you want to visit?

I’d love to visit Machu Picchu in Peru. The history, the engineering, and the scenery are absolutely fascinating.

34. What would you be doing if you weren’t in the music industry?

I genuinely have no idea. Music has been the biggest passion of my life since I was about five years old.

35. Worst job you’ve ever had?

Retail. The amount of pressure and stress, especially in large stores with huge numbers of customers, is unbelievable.

36. What’s something you’re passionate about besides music?

Living well and finding balance to make up for all the madness of touring every weekend.

37. One thing you couldn’t live without?

My Roland TR-909.

38. Most memorable moment of your life so far?

I don’t think there’s just one. This career has given me unforgettable moments almost every day.

39. The top thing on your bucket list?

Buy even more gear!

40. Will you ever be done with music?

Never. Music is part of who I am.

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Find more 40 Questions HERE.

Follow AnD on IG.