Loftgroover, also known as Tony Loft, is a London-born DJ associated with early house music and later rave culture. He is born in Stamford Brook, London, and goes to Kennington Boys School in Camberwell.

Early life and work

After leaving school, Loftgroover works in a range of jobs, including making cane furniture, working as a warehouseman, and serving as a shop floor attendant at a Tesco supermarket. In his spare time, he buys records to listen to, and after a friend buys a pair of decks, the two of them begin experimenting with mixing. This is how he learns to DJ.

Musical development

Loftgroover says he first gets into house music in 1988 while listening to soul music on Radio Luxembourg. After turning the dial and hearing Jazzy M, he becomes strongly interested in the style and later sells his jazz, soul, R&B and pop records. He expresses particular respect for Jazzy M as a key influence on that change.

Style and performance

When describing his musical approach, Loftgroover says his style does not fit a single clear label. He presents DJing as enjoyable work and names Fusion at the Guildhall in Portsmouth as his best night.