Alongside the release of his celebratory House Masters album on Friday 2nd September, we asked some of Armand Van Helden's closest friends and collaborators for a few words on why they feel he deserves this now legendary status...
Fatboy Slim
“Armand is the maverick’s maverick. He answers to no-one. He takes no quarter.”
Louie Vega
"Armand Van Helden, genuine talent, he created his own lane in the art of remixing and production with his clever arrangements and sound. From alternative vocals to deep house tracks to tech house and mixing genres, consistently, for me he's proven to be one of the top producers in dance music, respect."
Felix / Basement Jaxx
"I love Armand, he's a true original, an innovator, who defined so much within the house that we know today. Honest, raw energy, a sense of humour, a positive spirit. He’s a music lover and we have great conversations about higher consciousness and extra terrestrial beings. A true gent.”
Kerri Chandler
"Armand is one of my favorite producers of all time and a great friend, his music never leaves my record box! Here's to the future! With Love, Respect and Admiration! Kerri Chandler."
Steve Angello
”Armand has always been a great artist, he always puts creativity and heart at the front and therefore i consider him a true pioneer within our genre. He is a great friend that has inspired me since my teenage years growing up in dance music.
Roger Sanchez
“Armand has always been a Maverick in the House music scene - from the early days when he jumped on the scene he always did things in his own way, rooted in a hip hop attitude with a punk disregard for the way everyone else did it - I always liked that about him! His beats are always tight and he always seems to find that one hook or sample that just nails it - we worked together on a track for my first album called ‘You Can't Change Me’ and it was mad fun! He's one of my NY homies and totally deserves to be a House Master!”
Todd Terry
"Armand is one of the true pioneers of the alternative House Music scene. He remixed popular rock and alternative songs, making them smash club tracks. For example, the timeless Tori Amos - Professional Widow, one of the greatest house remixes ever done.”
Duane Harden
“Armand Van Helden is a creator that never follows the trends. Even now… when he DJs, he just does his thing. That’s why our song ‘You Don’t Know Me’ worked, and still works today"
Hervé
“Working with Armand was like sitting watching your favourite film starring Jeff Bridges, then as you are watching it, Jeff pulls you through the screen to co-star in the film. Brilliant, crazy and surreal. It was an absolute dance music peak for me to work with Armand and a joy to hang out with him and find him to be a wonderful person. 100% house legend, 100% house master.”
Junior Sanchez
"AVH deserves the house master title because he is in all definitions exactly that! In its simplest forms, from a sample to a kick drum, my brother Armand understands what this culture is about! Keeping it real!"
Roland Clark
“When Armand was my neighbour in NYC, I never came downstairs and didn't hear something coming out of his studio that I didn't like.”
