At BEA1, we’re more than just a brand — we’re a movement. Built on decades of industry expertise, passion, and a relentless drive to push boundaries, BEA1 is where music, culture, and innovation collide.
The visionary behind BEA1, Andy Lysandrou, is a name synonymous with the evolution of UK music and beyond. With hands-on experience across every aspect of the industry — from production and songwriting to A&R, marketing, artist development, label management, and business affairs — Andy’s journey is nothing short of legendary.
His story began as a teenage pirate radio DJ championing hip-hop at a time when commercial radio largely ignored the genre. Hosting one of the UK’s biggest hip-hop shows in the late ’80s, Andy was setting blueprints for the future — all before turning 17.
His pirate radio show, The Boogie Beat Show, became a cultural phenomenon, generating thousands of listener letters, requests, and shout-outs. It created a deep and personal connection with audiences — long before the age of social media.
During his time on pirate radio, Andy started his first record label with his good friend Daniel Poli. Together, they recorded the first record called “Now is the Time” on their label Boogie Beat Records, named after Andy’s hip-hop show, The Boogie Beat Show.
In 1988, Andy — in collaboration with Bass Inc — organized a landmark all-day hip-hop event at the High-Fashion Music Co-op on Brewery Road, Caledonian Road — a defining moment in London’s underground scene. With two packed floors and crowds spilling into the street, the buzz around the event was undeniable. Andy worked alongside DJ Mo for the event, who later went on to have commercial crossover hits with Silver Bullet.
The day was all about up-and-coming hip-hop artists performing live, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrated the raw energy and talent of the emerging UK hip-hop movement. The event gave a platform to fresh voices and marked a pivotal point in the culture’s growth.
Andy’s grassroots promotion was key: flyers spread like wildfire, and his weekly pirate radio show played a major role in promoting the event, building buzz and anticipation across London. This wasn’t just another gig — it was a bold statement that established Andy as a central figure in the UK hip-hop movement.
He has also appeared in many music magazines over the years, including Mixmag, DJ Magazine, Music Week, and numerous national newspapers.
He has also been officially recognized in the Guinness Book of Who’s Who in Dance Music, celebrating his pioneering influence on the global dance scene.
As hardcore, jungle, and drum & bass emerged, Andy was once again at the forefront. He ran one of the first jungle labels, releasing underground classics like The Weekend Rush EPs and one of the most sought-after Drum & Bass tracks of the era — Baraka’s “Nutty Bass”. He also became a defining voice on radio, breaking new tracks before they hit stores.
Andy’s hands-on, fearless approach to music promotion — working directly with DJs, approaching radio stations,
Andy played a major role in launching UK Garage into the mainstream. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of the scene for releasing some of its most iconic records — none bigger than Double 99’s “RipGroove”, produced & written & by Tim Deluxe & DJ Omar.
“RipGroove” wasn’t just a hit — it was a seismic moment. It broke into the official UK Singles Chart and went straight to number one on the ITV Chart Show, while simultaneously igniting dance floors and pirate stations across the UK. The track transcended genres — with its aggressive bassline and wild energy, it was championed by DJs in garage, house, jungle, breaks, and more. It quickly became a global underground anthem.
Double 99 also made history by becoming the first UK garage act to perform on Top of the Pops, marking a major breakthrough for the genre and helping bring UK Garage to mainstream audiences for the very first time.
At the time, many distributors prioritised certain labels and releases, often limiting access to shops for others. Andy bypassed the system by setting up his own distribution network — going direct to record stores and cutting out the middlemen. This allowed him to distribute the Double 99 double pack exclusively, creating huge buzz on the underground. That release became one of the key foundations of the speed garage sound and its explosive rise in clubs across the UK.
In 2024, Jamie xx sampled “RipGroove” for his hit single “Wanna”, which became the official soundtrack for the JD Sports Christmas campaign featuring Central Cee and Maya Jama. Andy handled the business side and licensing for the use of the track, further reinforcing “RipGroove” as one of the most iconic UK dance tracks of all time.
👉 Click here to watch the advert.
Warner Records enlisted Andy to work on a series of singles for Craig David, including the standout track “Where’s Your Love,” featuring Rita Ora and Tinchy Stryder. The song sampled “Hold On” by Colours — a track from Andy’s own catalog — with Andy personally handling the sample clearance. A remix by Tim Deluxe and DJ Omar (under their alias 10 Below, also known as Double 99) became the lead version for both radio and club DJs, ultimately emerging as the definitive version of the song.
Andy collaborated closely with DJ Spoony and Craig David’s manager, Colin Lester, taking charge of all radio interviews and leading the single’s radio promotion campaign. The result: a Number 1 hit on the BBC Radio 1Xtra chart, followed by a live performance from Craig David at the MOBO Awards.
🎧 Listen to “Where’s Your Love”
Andy was also one half of the groundbreaking UK Garage act True Steppers, who released multiple hit singles and gold-certified records. Their breakout track, “Out of Your Mind” featuring Victoria Beckham and Dane Bowers, became one of the biggest-selling records of the millennium. Andy toured with Victoria and Dane promoting the single. It went head-to-head in a historic chart battle with Spiller ft. Sophie Ellis-Bextor. While “Out of Your Mind” was number one on the midweek charts, it finished the week at number two — but together with Spiller, they outsold the entire UK Top 10 combined. The single sold over 50,000 physical copies on its first day alone, making it one of the fastest-selling UK singles of its era and one of the most iconic Number 2 records ever released.
📺 Watch the “Out of Your Mind” video
True Steppers also released other hit records including “Buggin” featuring Dane Bowers, which reached No. 6 in the official UK charts, and “Beng Beng” featuring Top Cat, which was named Single of the Week by NME. Another notable collaboration was “True Step Tonight” with Brian Harvey of East 17. These tracks cemented True Steppers’ position as one of the UK’s most influential collectives.
In 2000, Andy performed as one half of True Steppers with Victoria Beckham & Dane Bowers at Party in the Park, one of the UK’s biggest live music events, held in support of The Prince’s Trust. Taking the stage in front of over 100,000 people, the group delivered a standout performance that brought UK Garage to a massive mainstream audience.
Following the event, True Steppers received a personal letter from Prince Charles, expressing appreciation for their performance and their support of The Prince’s Trust — a proud and memorable moment in Andy’s career.
Andy’s experience spans production, songwriting, A&R, artist development, major label negotiations, and business affairs.
Andy signed his first major label deal in 1997 with BMG Records, working with top execs like Nick Raphael and Christian Tattersfield. Over the years, he has signed publishing deals with industry leaders such as Guy Moot (now CEO of Warner Chappell) and Mike McCormick (former Managing Director at Universal).
Andy is one of the most sought-after music consultants in the industry today. He understands the challenges that independent artists face and knows how to navigate the complexities of the music business — whether you’re an emerging talent or an established act.
He crafts custom strategies that work — aligning with labels, helping shape careers, and positioning artists for breakthrough moments.
Andy Curranty plays a hands-on role within BEA1, leading radio and club promotions as well as managing Spotify campaigns. He collaborates closely with a talented team to maximize artist exposure across multiple platforms.
As part of artist development, Andy works with seasonal remixers to create fresh remixes of original tracks, helping to broaden the artists’ reach and appeal. He also oversees social media promotions, partnering with key influencers to boost visibility and engagement. Andy advises on social media strategies and, through BEA1, offers full management of social media posts—whether creating original content or using material provided by artists—freeing them up to focus on their music.
In addition, Andy assists with MCPS, PRS, and PPL registrations, with BEA1 team managing all three societies on behalf of the artists. He negotiates deals with major labels and publishers to help artists and writers secure the best possible agreements.
Having been there himself—scoring hit records and experiencing firsthand what it takes to be a successful artist—Andy is recognized as one of the best music consultants in the industry. With extensive experience and deep knowledge, his expertise is essential in guiding talent to reach their full potential and fostering strong partnerships that benefit both artists and BEA1.
Outstanding music is essential — but so are strong contracts. As Andy often says: “Contracts make money.”
He takes the time to sit down with artists, offering expert guidance on how to approach contracts and the business side of music. He works with business affairs and music lawyers , ensuring every deal is properly structured and protects the artist’s long-term interests.
Throughout his career, Andy has built a network of world-class producers, remixers, and creatives — many of whom he still works with today. His ability to spot and develop talent is unmatched, and his passion for music remains as strong as ever.
For aspiring artists looking to break into the industry, BEA1 is your first point of contact. With deep industry connections, decades of experience, and a passion for discovering and launching new talent, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Want to learn more about Andy’s projects or connect directly? Get in touch — we’re happy to share more.
If you’re serious about making it in music, your journey starts here.
Andy regularly shares updates on current projects, historical milestones, and insights from his career on LinkedIn.
If you’d like to connect with him, click here to view his profile .