Todd Edwards is a living legend to some, an icon to many. His contributions to electronic music have ranged from putting some of the most lovely vocals into some memorable tracks, to remixing some of the biggest artists around…he’s been there, done that. Did I mention that he was the vocalist on Daft Punk’s “Face To Face” off of Discovery? He’s appreciated by so many and credited by the general consensus as the reason for UK Garage’s existence. Some say there would never have been a dubstep evolution without him. In the end though, he’s a man who loves his closest friends and family, his home and wholeheartedly appreciates the impact that faith has made in his life. Todd took time out of his day to answer some questions for us and of course, his responses did not disappoint. (Check out his awesome interview with ASIAN DAN)

URB: When/how did you start making music?

I wrote songs throughout high school. Even when I was very young I would always think of songs and write them. Of course, there isn’t too much to write about when you are a child.

What was the first time a record ever “wowed” you? Which record was that?

That’s hard to say. I’ve listened to everything from rock to disco growing up thanks to having an older sister. I listened to a lot of pop music. I guess one of the earliest 45’s I ever purchased was Prince’s “Controversy”. I loved hearing the radio djs make their own extended edits of songs like this one. They would go back and forth with two copies of the record playing. It seemed like the song would last for 15 minutes.

You have these uplifting moments in your music, is that an inspiration you carry from your faith into your music?

My faith is at the center of what I do. When I’m in the studio working, I can reach a really deep state of concentration. Especially in the first few years of producing, I would reach an almost trance like state while sitting at the keyboard. It felt like I wasn’t alone in the room. When I was finished making a track in that deep state, I would listen back to the track wondering how I was able to compose what I did. It felt like it was beyond my abilities. Also, every couple of years I would have a musical epiphany. I would start to understand musical chords or movements that I never studied or tried to learn about. I just understood them. This continues to happen. That’s why I don’t question where it all comes from.

How big of a roll does your faith play into your productions?

From when I was younger I felt  a desire to have positive messages in my music. When I started producing club music, I felt compelled to put subtle messages about God in my work. The messages are there to share with people the positive experiences that I’ve had with God and that anyone can experience that. We all hurt, we all go through suffering, if you knew something or someone can help you through that, wouldn’t you want to share that idea with others? I also think that a lot of people look at God as being boring…someone that keeps us from the enjoyments of life. For those that enjoy the music that I make, I want them to know who inspired it.

What was your most gratifying moment as a producer/DJ?

The first 4×4 event that DJ EZ had me play at was one of the most inspiring memories. I started my set with an intro I composed to accompany one of my tracks “Wishing I Were Home”.  It featured a loop from a Carpenters song that repeated faster and faster until the track kicked in. The response was AMAZING! And each of my tracks that I played that night was met with similar cheers. That will always be one of my best memories as a DJ.

You do your fair share of globetrotting, you still reside in Jersey, though…is there a certain charm to staying close to home for you?

I’m a family oriented person. All of my family and friends live in New Jersey. I wouldn’t be happy if I weren’t living near the people I care most about.

Your music is a huge inspiration to UK producers, people have called you the “King of UK Garage”, what do you say to those people, as a Jersey native to the UK massive?

Thank you! The UK has shown nothing but love to me for many years. When I played at DJ EZ’s 4×4 gig this year, I made a track called “No Place Like London”. I made it to show my appreciation  to my UK fans. It was from the heart. I will never take my fans for granted.

What is your studio set-up like? (software, hardware, etc.)

I use Digital Performer for sequencing. I  still use an Akai S6000 for sampling. I have a Roland 106, JP8000, and 2080. I also have the Emu Vintage Pro, Mo Phatt, Xtreme Lead, B-3, Yamaha Motif, and the MicroKorg. Of course, the S6000 gets the most use.

What have you been listening to lately that’s sparked your musical palette?

I love Imogen Heap. I would love to remix her music. I love her use of vocals in her music. Aside from that I never can tell what will inspire me musically. Recently, I really  have been into My Dear Disco. If you don’t know them already, they are an electronic band. I would check out their album DANCETHINK LP, but to really appreciate how great they are , you have to listen to them live. I also explore a lot of movie scores and new age electronic music for inspiration.

What’s next for Todd Edwards?

I put together a download site for people who can’t get their hands on my music. I will be selling and also giving away my material. There is no reason that anyone that wants my music shouldn’t be able to get it or have it.  Scion A/V will be releasing a song I wrote, sang and produced called “I Might Be…” which will have remixes by MJ Cole, Joy Orbison, FEADZ, and My Dear Disco.  I’m currently working oin a remix for Capitol Records for the artist VV Brown, and I have a lot of unreleased original material that I will be putting out over the next few months. You will also see me DJing a lot in 2010 beginning with  a gig at FABRIC London on January 8th.

If you want to feel the euphoria of Todd Edwards, check him out at FLASHING LIGHTS on December 4th. More info HERE!

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