I got my Technics 1200s in 1991 and what was expected to be a short-lived bit of fun has gone on to be the central thread in my life. Starting out playing at parties around my home town of Manchester, I like to feel I have progressed to become an established vinyl DJ, regularly playing around the UK and Europe, playing sets of up to 8 hours, showcasing my love of all things electronic. Moving into production in 2006, I have featured on both vinyl and digital labels worldwide, with a reputation for eclecticism and creating tracks and remixes which cover a broad range of sounds, never wanting to repeat a style or stick to a set formula and taking in influences absorbed since starting to buy electronic vinyl beats in the mid-80s. I also have run the label 3am Recordings since 2003. Inspired by the Northern UK house and electronic scene and particularly labels such as 2020Vision, Paper Recordings, Toko and Glasgow Underground, I have always aimed for 3am to be a showcase for artists with no boundaries. This is because I have always felt the artists provide their best work when left to do what they feel is right, with no attempt to go with whatever is currently fashionable – fads will always appear and then disappear, but the central thread running through house music always remains the heartbeat of deep bass, solid kicks and a dancefloor-focus, regardless of the tempo. Over the years, the label has supported a wide range of producers, some whose debut releases were on 3am, while others have been well-respected artists whose music has featured in sets and on dancefloors for many years. This combination has allowed the label to remain truly underground and equally on-point, a case proven when the label was asked to host its 10th birthday event at fabric in 2013. Since 2003, the label has been booked for events around the world, including Berlin, Chicago, Paris, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Helsinki, alongside regular events throughout the UK. In the digital age, where everybody is battling to bombard people with a constant flow of information, 3am remains true to its roots by simply and quietly pushing fantastic electronic music on vinyl for DJs and dancefloors, no constant fanfare required. Quality is the key; I believe that is what gives a label longevity and integrity, allowing it to stand out from the noise. For all 3am Recordings label parties, or to book Al for a gig or track/remix, email al.bradley@3amrecordings.com