Andy Stott

During the latter part of the 2000s, Manchester-based DJ/producer Andy Stott evolved from making high-quality dub techno to releasing a singular and more adventurous strain with an approach that favored leaden tempos and unsettling, sample-based textures. Beginning in 2005, Stott recorded exclusively for his hometown’s Modern Love label, where he quickly became a key member of the roster alongside fellow travelers Claro Intelecto and Demdike Stare. He released numerous singles and EPs, along with a taut 2006 album (Merciless) and a 2008 compilation (Unknown Exception). The producer made a significant creative advance in 2011 with a pair of creep-outs, Passed Me By and We Stay Together, that were combined and expanded for CD release by the end of the year. In 2012, he released his third proper album, Luxury Problems, which incorporated vocals from Alison Skidmore, his former piano teacher. Skidmore was present once more on Faith in Strangers, a 2014 album that featured some of Stott's least and most abrasive material. Additionally, Stott has produced some exceptional breakbeat-oriented dubstep and drum'n'bass as Andrea; beside Demdike Stare's Miles Whittaker, he has recorded as Millie & Andrea. Those two, along with Gary Howell, also produced drum'n'bass as Hate.