Bobby & Steve (Groove Odyssey) interviewed by Lenny Fontana for True House Stories # 093 (Part 1)

TRUE HOUSE STORIES W/ BOBBY & STEVE (GROOVE ODYSSEY) # 093 - PART 1
Acclaimed DJs, pioneering promoters, long running radio presenters, record producers and business partners in the iconic Groove Odyssey brand, Bobby & Steve have reached legendary status in the soulful house and disco scene. Marking 34 years in the industry in 2019, the duo is also celebrating 10 years of their brand Groove Odyssey with partner Michael Hughes. With a residency at the world-renowned Ministry of Sound and Groove Odyssey hosting the main stage at the mighty 51st State Festival as well as their 3rd year of the GO Ibiza weekender and further dates being announced, this is set to be a remarkable year for Groove Odyssey. In addition to this, their eagerly anticipated debut artist album will be released at the end of 2019, and includes collaborations from Leroy Burgess, Duane Harden and Barbara Tucker amongst others. And with their long running prime time show ‘Groove Odyssey Sessions’ on HouseFM.net, Bobby & Steve are in demand now more than ever. In 2016 the connoisseurs of house were honored to be invited as the first international guests to play at the Chosen Few festival in Chicago, where they were presented with a lifetime achievement award in front of 40,000 house heads. On this momentous event they were quoted as saying “to play and receive that award in Chicago where House music began, was truly an overwhelming spiritual experience”. Pioneers of soulful house since 1984, the inimitable twins Robert and Stephen Laviniere were born and bred in London’s East End. They started their career at a time when the landscape of London’s nightlife was changing forever, and the rare groove movement was on the cusp of explosion. The boys were instrumental figures in the eighties warehouse party scene, playing their favorite soul, funk and disco music alongside fellow stalwart DJ's such as Norman Jay, Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson, Jazzy B and Trevor Nelson. In 1985 Gordon Mac’s (then pirate) radio station Kiss FM launched. A mouthpiece for the scene, Mac approached the twins, offering them a weekly slot and for over ten years their trailblazing Zoo Experience show was the stations longest running specialist show. Broadcast each and every Friday night between the hours of 10.00 pm and 12.00 am, it was a hotbed of exclusive tracks and remixes. Not only did their show give many of today’s most recognized DJ’s and labels their first opportunity to be heard on the UK’s airwaves, in turn it allowed their faithful listeners the opportunity to hear new releases from significant UK and American labels, DJ’s and producers. Alongside their radio show, the twins began their, now somewhat legendary, Klub Zoo night, originating at Munkberry's and later at the Soho Theatre. Famed for its mix of classic soul, disco and rare grooves, devoted followers would flock to the club each week to hear their favourite Salsoul, Prelude or Philadelphia International tracks. However, a trip to New York at the tail end of the eighties marked a major turning point in the futures of Bobby & Steve.