Taught himself to DJ age 15 Early releases on label leaders Flex & Intalex Sold over 250,000 records on own label Advisory Records & other majors Regular show on 1Extra Most likely appearing at a DnB event near you!

And that's the measure of one Sappo, a laid back kinda guy who chatted exclusively to Debbie Troops over a brew in the BBC canteen.

"It's been a rough ride, I started out when I was 16, DJ'ing at Loreto College and house parties before I got my break at Robinski's. Then there was the legendary Andersons in Openshaw and it just went from there...I was into the usual hip-house and hardcore to begin with then in 92/93 I got into Jungle and eventually Drum'n'Bass which is where I'm at now. I really believe in this music but I think it's important to keep it underground, I want commercial success of course but I don't believe in selling out - I've no regrets about taking a tough route I just wish it could have happened a bit quicker!" (laughs).

Sappo's an original Manchester boy and proud of his roots.

"This is where I'm from you know and I like what's going on here... I don't think people in Manchester get enough credit for what they do for the urban scene but that's maybe because people outside of the city don't know about it. I try and give new talent profile on my show on 1Extra, I remember how hard it was for me and I try to give something back... although I nearly missed out on getting my break on 1Extra, but that's a long story... then when I finally got to do some pilot shows I'm sitting there with Jo Whiley in a studio on one side and John Peel on the other and I was c**p - really c**p!... But the day I got signed was the best day of my life - brilliant!"

Sappo

"When I think about the early days when I used to have to hide my records from my mum, 'cos she didn't think I should be wasting my money on them, I know I've come a long way and then when I think about the future it's like, I hope my show's gonna go weekly, I've got tours in Europe and North America - my favourite place - but I'm so bad I never know what I'm doing... I just go where I'm told to. But it's all good."

Sappo's currently in the studio, with his next release due out on Advisory in the summer.

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