Todd Edwards

Todd Edward Imperatrice, born in 1972, better known as Todd Edwards, is a name synonymous with the pulsating beats of UK Garage, a genre he played an instrumental role in shaping.

Hailing from New Jersey, Todd's journey into the world of music began with humble roots, marked by a small consumer-based keyboard purchased with his college education savings. Little did anyone know that this modest beginning would lead to a career spanning over three decades, earning Todd the title of a House Legend, Grammy Award winner, and the Godfather of UK Garage.

Growing up in East Orange and Newark, Todd found his initial inspiration through Tony Humphries' thumping sets at Club Zanzibar. Despite early hesitation, Todd's musical spark ignited thanks to a friend, 'Filthy' Rich Crisco, a future garage anthem maker. By 1995, Todd was already making waves with soulful and skippy records that became the heartbeat of the burgeoning UK garage scene.

One of Todd's defining moments came through his collaboration with Daft Punk. The Grammy-winning producer is the only artist to have worked with the iconic duo twice, contributing to the success of "Face to Face" and "Fragments of Time," the latter earning him a Grammy for Album of the Year in 2013.

Todd's journey, however, wasn't without hurdles. Battling depression and anxiety during the initial wave of success and grappling with the shifting landscape of the music industry, where the decline of music sales hit small labels hard, Todd faced adversity head-on. Yet, by embracing the cyclical nature of music and finding solace in DJing, he managed to ride the waves back to success.

His entrapment in a toxic management situation, where he was discouraged from connecting with fans and denied ownership of his master recordings, led Todd to a dark place. However, reaching out to industry stalwarts like DJ EZ and Daft Punk's manager, Pedro Winter, marked a turning point. With their support, Todd regained control of his catalog, symbolizing a rebirth.

Todd's influence transcends generations, from being listed as one of Daft Punk's 'Teachers' to garnering admiration from modern artists like Disclosure and BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac. His signature production style, characterized by hypnotic cut-up samples over swinging beats, has left an indelible mark on US house, UK garage, and early dubstep.

In recent years, Todd's resurgence has been propelled by a series of reissues on Defected Records, eternalizing his timeless grooves. His collaborations with Groove Armada, Tchami, and others showcase his ability to adapt while staying true to his unique style.

As Todd Edwards looks to the future, armed with a plethora of new tracks and a born-again DJ spirit, his journey continues to inspire, reminding us all that music is not just a profession but a passion that transcends challenges and stands the test of time.