The UKG pioneer talked us through his top tracks ahead of 51st State Festival.

Last updated: 15th Jun 2018

Originally published: 5th Jun 2018

Image: Todd Edwards

Few artists can be credited with pioneering another country's genre quite like Todd Edwards can when it comes to UKG. Hailing from New Jersey, his early work was influenced heavily by house music, citing the likes of MK and Todd Terry as his main inspirations. Todd soon developed his own unique sound, using and layering vocal samples over disco-esque basslines, he caught the attention of the likes of St Germain, who asked Edwards to remix his track 'Alabama Blues', as well as Daft Punk.

As he started to land more and more gigs in the UK, it was in the early 2000s that his sound began to resonate with London's growing UKG scene. Before long, with the likes of DJ EZ, he became known as one of the godfathers of the genre, so we asked him to talk us through his essential garage tracks.

10. Sounds Of One - As I Am (Todd Edwards dub)

I'm grateful to be credited as one of the pioneers of the UKG scene. This is one of the first productions that got me recognized in the UK and still gets a reaction that makes me feel blessed for all the love the UK shows me. Thank you!

9. X Presidents - Diamond Rings

A classic 90s bassline and beats with Robert Owen's voice. Need I say more?

8. New Horizons - Find The Path

I first heard DJ EZ playing this, and it gets just as big of a response now as it did back then... it's hard to believe this track is 20 years old!

7. MJ Cole - Talk Box

There are too many MJ Cole tracks and remixes to choose from, but I especially love this one. All of his productions showcase his classically trained piano playing complementing those shuffling beats... and don't you just love a track with vocoding in it?

6. MD X Press feat Mike Dunn - God Made Me Phunky

 Every time this gets played in the UK a rewind is required...

5. Kim English - Nite Life (RETAIL MIX)

Such a great mix of the lovely Kim English song. A classic house tune, but it gets plenty of love from garage fans as well.

4. B15 Project (Ft. Shola Ama) - Feel So Good (EZ More To The Floor)

For years DJ EZ has been one of my biggest supporters. Though he may not release a lot of productions, he definitely has a recognizable style, and this remix is a perfect example of how important EZ is to UKG.

3. George Morel - Let's Groove

I can't play a classic set without dropping this one. Though he's made many great house tracks, this one really resonates with my UK family.

2. Tuff Jam's Klubb Conektion - Key Dub

There's no mistaking that bumpy TuffJam feel. This groove is one of the many that lift TuffJam to legendary status.

1. CJ Bolland - Sugar Is Sweeter (Armand van Helden Mix)

This remix sounds as fresh today as it did the day it was released. And of course, Armand is responsible for helping create the UKG scene.

To see Todd Edwards and more, grab 51st State tickets below.