How
would you say the underground music scene has changed in London since moving
from Canada in 1991?
Digital and social platforms have changed everything. The way we consume and experience music has become much more immediate and disposable. Our communal spaces for enjoying music together have diminished and in turn so has community. But I’m an optimist and look forward to seeing what the inevitable response to all of this will be. That’s one of the most exciting things about London. It’s a catalyst for creativity—movements are started here. Watch this space!
If we were to grab your phone and look at your playlists right now, what would probably be the most played track?
Black Spade / Something in the End feat Iman Omari
Where do you frequent for musical and cultural
inspiration in London?
I’ve always loved visiting Somerset House—they have a great range of exhibitions (I love when 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair take over) and they cultivate some amazing artists across all disciplines in their studios.
You have some serious eclectic artists featured on your WorldwideFM show Emerald Tablet -whose been your most exciting guest yet?
I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible guests on my show but I really enjoyed my time with Mad Professor. He’s been in the game for decades and released literally hundreds of records and is still passionate about what he does. He’s also one of the gentlest, most humble people. I also loved having Equiknoxx—the killer crew from Jamaica. Their organic and open approach to creativity is inspirational. You never know what they’re going to do next.
As a creative, I like to be in places that are progressive and inspiring. London is one of the most stimulating cities in the world.
Aside from music, what else do you immerse yourself in in London?
I came from a small town in Canada.
As a creative, I like to be in places that are progressive and inspiring.
London is one of the most stimulating cities in the world. I just love being
out—in clubs, in restaurants, parks—just people watching and tuning in to the
vibration of the city. I work in a gallery in Soho—it’s on a corner with
massive windows. So, we see all sorts walk past every day and we’re able to
draw from that kind of diversity,
What
has been a pinnacle moment for you in your career?
Earlier this year Kam Bhogal and I
released a radio documentary about arranger, producer and musician Charles
Stepney. We worked on it for almost 2 years and interviewed people like Louie
Vega, Gilles Peterson, Ramsey Lewis, Larry Dunn (Earth Wind & Fire), Marc
Mac & Dego (4hero), Patrick Forge and Marshall Chess. After spending so
much time on it, we lost all sense of objectivity and even wondered if was any
good. We launched it on Worldwide FM on Stepney’s birthday in March. The next
day Gilles forwarded a text from Questlove saying he and Solange got up early
to listen and absolutely loved it. I think, I had to reread the text 3 times
before it sunk in. One of the things I am most grateful for is having had the
chance to play music and travel to countries I may have never experienced and
to meet people from all over the world. It’s what I’ve always loved about music—that
it brings like-minded people together in a sort of celebration and communion.
Sounds Studio, The Standard, London
Thursday, July 11, 6-10PM
MORE INFO HERE
