Artful Dodger

Pioneers of UK garage, Artful Dodger established their significant presence in the dance music scene in 1997, quickly defining the 2-step garage sound with their distinctive blend of R&B and house music. The duo rose to prominence through early bootleg remixes and work for artists such as Gabrielle and Olive, leading to a pivotal collaboration with Craig David. This partnership yielded breakthrough singles including ‘Something,’ ‘What Ya Gonna Do,’ and the iconic ‘Re-Rewind,’ which soared to number two on the UK charts in 1999. Their debut album, It’s All About the Stragglers, released in 2000 through FFRR Records, earned Platinum certification from the BPI and spawned further UK Top 10 hits: ‘Movin’ Too Fast’ (number two in 2000), ‘Woman Trouble’ (number six in 2000), and ‘Please Don’t Turn Me On’ (number four in 2000).

Following this immense debut success, Artful Dodger continued to demonstrate their chart prowess with ‘TwentyFourSeven,’ which reached number six in the UK in 2001. During this period, they also expanded their catalog with popular DJ mix albums such as Rewind: The Sound of UK Garage and Re-Rewind Back by Public Demand, solidifying their reputation as genre tastemakers. In 2001, Pete Devereux departed the group, followed by Mark Hill, leading to an evolution of the Artful Dodger brand. From 2003 onwards, a new incarnation, featuring MC Alistair and DJ Dave Low, took the reins, performing and touring extensively.

Their consistent touring schedule since 2003 ensures their enduring relevance and continued impact on the electronic music scene, showcasing the profound and lasting cultural imprint of their pioneering sound.