“Who would I like to have dinner with? Well, it’d have to be Bob Mortimer – I’m absolutely obsessed with him,” says UK DJ and producer Dr Banana, as he chatted to Service95 post-set at Horst Festival in Brussels. “He gives me hope for getting old and still being a very silly bugger, like I am.”
That perfect mix of humour and heart is exactly what fans have come to love about Dr Banana, aka Sandy Hagenbach. With a refreshingly unserious approach to DJing, he’s carved out a distinctive niche in the UK’s underground music scene. At the core of his ethos is a simple belief: music and nightlife should be fun, above all else. It’s a welcome reminder in an industry that often takes itself too seriously.
A key player in the UK garage revival, Dr Banana’s sets are as packed with personality as they are with expertly selected vinyl. Whether he’s playing sweaty club rooms or huge festival stages, his high-energy, no-ego performances have earned him a fiercely loyal following. But Sandy’s impact goes far beyond the DJ booth.
He’s also the founder of a cult-favourite streetwear brand and a namesake record label that champions cutting-edge garage, breaks, and house. Both have become vital platforms for like-minded artists and ravers; those who care as much about the culture as they do the sound. In a constantly shifting scene, Dr Banana has built something that feels both grounded and freewheeling.
And someone else he’d invite to dinner? “Reggie Watts – super talented, multi-instrumentalist, amazing voice, and just hilarious.” Want to know which festival he says is the place to party? The artist he swears everyone needs to be listening to right now? And all his top culture picks? Hit play on the full interview below – you don’t want to miss this one.
