Music is a huge part of my life. It has an integral part to every day. I love my electronic music, but also love to hear innovation in other genres like Dub, Jazz etc. Check my music section of my profile for a small indication of where my head is at.
Photography is becoming a big part of my life. Very into taking landscape shots, and so far most of my photos are inspired by the tranquil beauty of the Cheshire countryside near to my home in Manchester. I would like the chance to go to places like Java with my camera someday (check the BBC's latest documentary on the area to see the amazing scenery and you'll very quickly understand my ambition).
There are a few of my photos taken over the last few months on the profile for those of you with an interest in such matters.
Some of the photographers / cinematographers who have inspired me:-
Laszlo Kovacs
Dan Holdsworth
Boards of Canada
I'd like to meet:
All chilled out types who want to talk about music, art, movies and "life the universe and everything" - doesn't narrow it down too much really I guess.... but that's probably a good thing.
Also anyone who has an interest in photography, especially landscapes. I would be very interested in seeing other peoples work and listening to their thoughts, ideas and inspirations.
Music:
Music is a part of my daily routine. I love walking around with sounds on the headphones and chilling out at home to tracks. Not such a mad clubber these days !Major influences include:-
Move D
Conjoint
Deep Space Network
Rawell / Studio Pankow
Source Records of Heidelberg
Ultramarine
Arovane
Fila Brazillia
The Solid Doctor
Bullitnuts
Heights of Abraham
Baby Mammoth
Momma Gravy
Pork Recordings
Norken / Metamatics
classic era Warp Records
DIY records of Nottingham
Positive loved up lyrics in early house & rave tunes
Larry Heard
Ian O'Brien
Black Dog
Terrace
New Electronica
Stasis
Op-Art
Future Beat Alliance
Void Records
R&S Records
Delsin Records
Yunx
Derrick May
Carl Craig
Juan Atkins
Kevin Saunderson
Octave One
Peacefrog Records
Orbital
Future 3
Jimpster / Audio Montage
King Tubby
The Orb
Guerilla Records
Junior Boys Own
Dave Angel
Soma
Paper Recotdings
LTJ Bukem
Moving Shadow
Omni Trio
4 Hero
F Communications
Kiss 102 FM in Manchester
Pelicanneck Records
boomkat.com
Vinyl Exchange in Manchester
Maurizio
Chain Reaction
Rhythm & Sound
Monolake
City Centre Offices
Modern Love Records
Carl Finlow
Drexciya
ISAN
Cheap Recordings of Austria
Clear Records
Steve O'Sullivan
Pub & Ampoule
Fat Cat Records
Skam Records
Spezial Material
Touche Records
Ron Trent
Balance / Prescription
Ninja Tune
Remote Viewer
Phonem
And some special mentions to the wonderful musicians I have discovered through myspace:-
Earthbound
Estroe
Signal Compound
Banabila & Asid
Arms & Sleepers
DaveSobel
Brooks Mosher
I got into house music in the early 90's and never looked back from the paths that opened up since then. I had my road to Damascus experience in a club in the north west of england. For me clubbing had always felt like going to a meat market where beered up lads would try and out stare or out punch each other. All of a sudden I was in a place where total strangers were friendly and the vibes were totally positive. The music was as revolutionary as the attitudes. The whole hero worship culture of the rock scene was nowhere to be seen and the music, not marketing spin, did all the talking.
my stupidly huge record collection !
Movies:
It's been quite some time since I've been to the cinema, but I have a great fondness for the medium. Inspirations include Scorcese, Hitchcock, Ealing Studios, Terry Gilliam, Peter Sellers, Kubrick, Coen Brothers. The Wicker Man deserves a mention all of it's own too (the original one!). And Hot Fuzz is one of the funniest films ever.
Television:
TV is a bit of a double edged weapon to me. Sometimes it can eat up your time and give nothing back, especially the dumbed down tv that seems to be ever more prevalent. But the other side can be life affirming, and it can make you see the world in a whole new way. Some life affirmers for me are:-
Drama:- Doctor Who (non-conformist agenda plus my first exposure to electronic music ever - respect to all the believers), Sherlock Holmes, The Prisoner, Boys from the Blackstuff, Shameless.
Comedy:- Peter Cook, Chris Morris, Monty Python, Stella Street, Fry & Laurie, Armando Iannucci, Early Doors, Fawlty Towers, John Shuttleworth, The Ruttles
Books:
Not really a prolific reader, but I have enjoyed books by JG Ballard, Stephen Fry and Charles Dickens recently. Some of my favourite works would be To Kill A Mockingbird, Lord of the Rings and Catcher in the Rye.
Heroes:
People who are prepared to stand by their friends and their beliefs.
