Sandy Hagenbach, aka Dr Banana, is a renowned Bristol based UKG enthusiast, DJ and label owner, responsible for unearthing and reissuing lost gems from back in the day, as well as pushing producers still making the sound today on his label, Dr Banana. Growing up in the Ashdown Forest with little access to clubs Sandy spent his formative years going to free parties in the forest playing UK white label culture music which is where he got the bug.
Over the past five years Dr Banana has cemented himself at the very top of the Garage revival, through high quality releases of music and freshest of attires, this man was able to take the head of a new generation of British interdisciplinary artists. The central arm of his label has seen releases of top dawgs such as K-Lone and El-B, while DRBAGAIN has facilitated the reintroduction of classics by the likes of DJ Deller, Anthill Mob & the German Gush Collective’s Herb LF and Adam K.
Whilst running his label, Dr Banana finds plenty of time to play enthralling DJ sets at some of the biggest club and festival spaces across the UK, including this years editions of Gottwood and Waterworks festival. Ahead of these events, Dr Banana choses his favourite Garage B-Sides.
Fingers & GrooveChild – Paradise (Smooth Steppers Vocal Lick)
“This one coming smooth like butter from one of the best that ever did it, Mr Millrain. Beautiful soulful floating production.”
1st To Go – You Keep Saying (You Keep Saying Dub Mix)
“I used to spin this one a lot, a real feel good number which always gets the dancefloor bubbling. Released back in ’98 on the prolific Nice’n’Ripe.”
Paulo + Rodriguez – Kaleidoscopic Eyes (Untitled Mix 3)
“Another seriously smooth slice from the unstoppable Paulo & Rodriguez. Too many top productions from this duo. Dubbed out keys teamed up with some cheeky acid lines. It’s got me right where it wants me.”
Chewy – Everlasting
“Big bumpy B-line and an infectious vocal from the Groove Yard camp. One I’d been after for a while and bagged recently.”
K-Klub – Working
“A lovely high energy 4×4 bit from a tip top label. This has spent a good amount of time in my bag over the years.”
