ANDREW CROSS
INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW CROSS A Journey Through Music, Life, and Resilience Proaudio Sound Press had the pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable Andrew Cross, a well-respected figure in the music industry, to discuss his enduring passion for DJing, his experiences in the music business, and the deeply personal motivations that have recently brought him back to the world of DJing. Andrew Cross, a dedicated music professional and DJ with an illustrious career, shared insights on his incredible journey and the transformations he's witnessed in the music industry over the years.
Rediscovering DJing: A Personal Return
Andrew acknowledges the importance of those who supported him, especially Sean Oxley and Speedy (Richard Santana), in opening doors to opportunities he might not have had otherwise. Tragedy struck Andrew in 2011 when he lost his best friend, Brett Jackson, to cancer. It deeply affected him and led to his decision to stop playing in public. It was a turning point in his life, shifting his focus from DJing to his family and career. Fast forward to the present, and the COVID-19 pandemic inspired Andrew to return to DJing. The realization that life is fleeting and precious, coupled with the support of his friends, motivated him to reignite his passion. However, shortly after returning to the decks, a series of personal hardships struck. In 2022, he lost both his stepfather and father in a span of six weeks, and his wife's mental health took a significant toll on their family. These events have been deeply challenging, and Andrew continues to grapple with them, seeking healing and understanding.
"I think I was also the first DJ to play for them at their infamous Household Funk parties." Andrew Cross's return to DJing, while heartfelt and personal, is a multilayered story rooted in his illustrious career. He describes his early days as a DJ, emphasizing that he was never among the "big" or incredibly well-known DJs, but it was always about the music. Venues in the past didn't require elaborate lineups, and people attended, irrespective of the DJ, to hear new music and groove on the dancefloor. Marketing himself has never been his strong suit, and he's comfortable with his low-key approach. Despite this, Andrew gained recognition and played at some of the most prestigious clubs, venues, and festivals throughout his career. He embarked on his DJ journey at the tender age of 15, dropping his first beats in the vibrant Rosebank clubbing district of 1998. Watching and learning from the country's top DJs every night proved instrumental to his rapid growth.
sound press November 2023 |
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