Andy Williams released music under the stage name Yam Who? and helped launch record labels like Midnight Riot and ISM Records.
Andy Williams aka Yam Who?, a beloved personality in the UK disco scene, has died at the age of 54 of undisclosed causes.
The news of his passing was made public yesterday by Phil Rose aka Jaegerossa, who started Midnight Riot Records alongside Williams, via the label’s Facebook page. “It is with a heavy heart that I share the devastating news that Andy Williams – Yam Who? has passed away,” reads Rose’s post. “Our world feels truly shattered, and no words can truly express this loss.”
Rose continues: “Please keep us in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. We would ask for privacy at this difficult time for family and friends.”
Andy Williams started DJing in 1989, and he found work as a promoter soon afterward. Although disco may have been the apple of his eye, he was known to dabble in dance music styles like Balearic, acid jazz, and hip-hop.
Yam Who? started out as a duo project between Williams and Des Morgan before evolving into Williams’ solo project. He also worked as one half of the duo Qwestlife alongside Tom Laroye, which released music via Defected Records‘ Glitterbox imprint.
Midnight Riot, which signed music by the likes of Amp Fiddler and Robert Owens since its 2012 launch, lives on as one of Williams’ crowning achievements. Mixmag declared it one of “the most influential disco labels of the last decade” in 2017. Williams also wrote a column for the print edition of the magazine between 2016-2020.
We here at EDM Identity express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Andy Williams during what can only be a difficult time.
