MATT THE TED

Hi, I'm Matt. Where do I start? In the beginning I suppose...I was born in 1985 and grew up listening to the sounds of Rock, Blues and 60s pop and beat from my parents and the music I saw on TV. I quickly realised I liked the original early blues artists and began to find radio shows to listen to for this type of music. In doing so I found jazz, big band and rockin' music which included US and UK Rock n Roll, Rockabilly, Western Swing and Hillbilly.I began buying cheap CDs and tapes with my pocket money prior to buying my first records aged about 12. I used my spare pocket money to buy 45s and 78s from my local flea market and when I had more money I bought records from a few catalogues I got hold of. My first LP was "Black Rock n Roll" on the Savage Kick label - an excellent compilation of rare black rockin' sounds from Ike Turner, Lightnin' Hopkins, Mojo Watson, Bunker Hill etc. My first 45 was "Apache" by the Shadows on Columbia. My earliest 78s were handed down through the family - I still have several of those dance music and big band records and also those by the Ink Spots.Not long after this while doing my paper round after school and at weekends I found myself leaving sweets and comics behind (I had collected old and new comics prior to this too!) for records! My collection grew and became interesting but oddly diverse aswell.I bought my first 'Rockabilly repros' aged around 14/15 and began buying original pressings of US rockin' material shortly after.Whilst at college I added more records to my collection. I spent a year or two learning guitar some years ago but now am concentrating on the piano...although I admit I should practise alot more!I got into the rockin' scene aged about 19/20 and have loved it ever since...I went along to a few gigs and hops and got myself a drape and all the rest of the gear I thought I needed to be a teddy boy as I had always liked the style...Now I have two tailor made three piece suits of sober colour and design and are classed I suppose as 'Edwardian' ted style. I love these clothes and add new ties and pocket watches and the like to my stash when I can...I love these clothes and will never change...I really dig going to see rockin' bands and hearing my type of music as much as possible. I particularly like going to see The Sureshots, The Rhythm Aces, Mean Streak, Some Like It Hot, Rusti Steele, The Infernos and have recently seen the Cosh Boys who I enjoyed very much.Also like beer - alot! - and into history and like to relax playing records and spending time with my mates in my spare time especially on Sunday which is also car boot sale day!! Yipee!!Anything else you wanna know just ask or look round my page, Cheers, Matt.