I’m a twenty-something music loving southern gentleman. I’m constantly trying to stumble into the music industry. I am, at present, failing quite spectacularly but not for lack of enthusiasm.
So, I decided to write a little about me to accompany the CV on my site. You never know who might stumble across it.
“Look. A creeping kid. For my film, The Creeping Kid” – Eddie Izzard
Me & The Internet
I first learnt about owning a web-domain through my elder brother who began a small surfing community website for Brighton and the West Country (http://www.sharkbait.co.uk/). I was in awe of this technology and set about creating my own website TheSplash. The intention behind this was to run a simple message board allowing musicians to contact each other in the local area (a band member search board if you will). Unfortunately my web design skills were incredibly limited and so after 4 years the simple message board was overrun by spam and so pulled down. However this had given me enthusiasm for exploring digital potential and it was this theme which I specialised in through my degree course and became the focus of my dissertation.
During my time at university, from 2005, I rode the first wave of the Podcast revolution and ran a small time ad-lib podcast from my room in halls. The Room111 podcasts had a steady 3-figure following and enabled me to develop my skills in editing, production and composition. These podcasts were usually a combination of interviews with friends, strange soundbites and our own recordings of songs and skits. At this time I also began creating beds and idents for LittleSmasher Podcasts, a flowering podcasting company who have a wide portfolio to date (http://www.littlesmasher.com).
These days I have been heavily involved in the design and build of a community recording studio in a deprived area of Birmingham. This studio is set to take off and offer out of school children a space to engage with creative music production.
I am also putting together a fledgling blog site for BCU events. This can be found via blogspot. (http://birminghamcityuniversity.blogspot.com/)
TheSplash is now a space I keep for my thoughts, photos and CV. (http://www.thesplash.co.uk/).
Websites I’ve thrown together for friends:
http://www.madrecordings.co.uk/
http://www.BillieRae.co.uk
http://www.GingerCookie.co.uk
Me & My Love of the Vibrant
Working as part of the student support team, at Birmingham City University, I often encounter a diverse range of applicants and students. It is not uncommon for students to approach me with problems that fall outside of the university and, alongside a well designed university support structure; I will always try my best to be a good-listener, sympathetic and helpful where possible. Of course in many situations I have to take a step back and must be careful where and when to give advice as I am not a counsellor however often a few friendly words and assurances will alleviate a large part of student worry especially on the side of subject deadlines or results.
I also volunteer at a local community centre where, as mentioned earlier, I have helped construct a basic recording studio and live room. This centre aims to help the out of school, socially excluded children and teenagers who may wish to explore the creative arts from drama, dance through to choirs and music production. This is situated in Handsworth Wood, one of the more deprived areas in central Birmingham but also one of the richest in terms of diverse ethnicity (another such region being my area of residence, Ladywood).
It is this multicultural aspect which first made Birmingham an appealing place for me to live as it gives the city a vibrancy that can be found when exploring many of the suburbs… (http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/)
I have fairly limited experience of disabilities although my pre-college work experience was with a community centre based in Fareham on the south coast where I worked for two weeks as a teaching assistant in computer workshops for both the elderly and disabled. I found this experience thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying and played a conscious part in my involvement with the Handsworth centre.
Me & Our Charity Festival
For the past 4 years I have helped organise and run a charity music day festival in Bedfordshire. There are ten (or so) key players involved in the smooth running of this festival and we each share in the responsibilities involved. These responsibilities range from organising an appropriate venue, hiring in staging, PA and lighting, on-site toilets, marquees, food and drink through to contacting bands/artists and generating interest to increase attendance.
Most of the team met during our time at Birmingham City University where we studied Music Technology. Utilising our combined knowledge we are able to construct the stage and mixing tower, install the sound system, erect screens for video projections and do any necessary sound engineering ourselves. On the day I will always be involved in helping at the gate, managing the bar (i.e. keeping an eye on stock replenishment), ensuring the smooth turn around between acts and even performing on stage as part of an 8-piece reggae pop covers band.
Due to the nature of the festival our capacity currently stands at around 400 with music starting at 12pm and running through until 11pm and then on into the night utilising the wonderful technology that is the Silent Disco.
Inevitably there are always issues and obstacles to overcome in the run up to and on the day. Often it is these hiccups that help to bond the team together and give rise to great anecdotes for the years to come.
This day is close to the hearts of many in the local community and has raised close to £8,000 over the past 4 years for a variety of local and national charities. It will run this year on the 21st August.
Me & My Music
That popular interview question: ‘What is your worst habit?’
That standard interview answer: ‘Well, I’m a bit of a perfectionist…’
That doesn’t relate to me. I think it was Ian Marchent who I heard say ‘Perfectionism is the enemy of art’ and I second that with the enthusiasm reserved for Hull City fans.
What I’m trying to say if that my compositions have always been a little on the sketchy side. I’m not sure I’ve yet to finish anything although a few bits and pieces sneak out here and there. I do intend (and always have) to do some decent recordings or some well structured tunes and to stick them on this site but, alas, the time always escapes me.
Perhaps I will tonight….
Until then you’ll be stuck listening to half-arsed loops or 2 minute sketches. Sorry.
Me & My Interview
Do you own a PC or Mac (What inspired your decision?): Mac – Logic user
Favourite website: Sharkbait.co.uk
Favourite online store: eBay
Favourite physical store: Cow – Birmingham’s Vintage Store
Favourite Radio station: BBC 6 music
Favourite Club: The Rainbow Warehouse - Digbeth
Most enjoyable pastime: The sun, friends & swing records
Most recent position of employment: Birmingham City University – Student Support Adviser
Most recent industry contact and activity: TV Day Running – TalkBack Thames
Most recent and relevant qualifications: Music Tech’ Bsc Hons degree – 2.1
Do you have any criminal Convictions?: Nope
What are your top three favourite songs at the moment and why?
Al Brown – Here I Am Baby
– Because I’m pretending the summer has arrived.
Fionn Regan – Put A Penny In The Slot
– As I’m going to see him, at the Rainbow, tonight.
The Postal Service – Such Great Heights
– It managed to liven up this morning’s delayed train journey.
What are your top Ten favourite songs of all time? Give a reason for what you chose for number one against the others.
Aphex Twin – Flim
During my 5 years of living in Birmingham I have been heavily involved with recording some epic events/ dj sets at nights such as; Drop
Beats Not Bombs, Kamikaze & Below. Flim is the one song I can rely on to help me home at silly o’clock in the morning. Try it.
Nitin Sawhney – Sunset
Duke Ellington – Rockin In Rhythm
Nina Simone – My Baby Just Cares For Me
Radiohead – Paranoid Android
The Beatles – Michelle
Kings of Convenience – Know How
Max Romeo – Chase The Devil
Jeff Buckley – Dream Brother
Ace of Base – All That She Wants
What is your worst fear?
My vinyl being lost in a house fire sparked by a, misplaced, stress-relief candle.
What are your best qualities?
I am easy to get on with and I like to maintain enthusiasm in everything I do. I enjoy working at the university as it gives me a chance to connect with the students and their issues to which, I feel, I address compassionately.
Do you have any areas you feel need work?
I can’t heap much praise on my culinary skills…. Or my cutting edge fashion tips.
In your opinion, what is missing from music today?
Swing bands and 1940esque crooners (with style).
If you had to put together a compilation with no budget for licensing, what would you do?
I’m a huge fan of such compilations as the Late Night Tales and Fabric Live collections. I’d love to get similarly prolific artists to compile albums based on seasons. Everyone loves a summer collection.
