-Now a personal curiosity, which I think that’ll interest our readers. I lived in London for many years and I’ve been stunned by the charm of this special place. Since I was a kid I’ve been attracted by London and its ‘vibe’, culture and inspiring diversity so -as you’re a born and bred Londoner- can you tell us how your hometown influenced your musical education and, more broadly, your personality?
- I’ve grew up in Brixton/ Herne Hill area before moving to Kent. I returned to London for my studies and moved between Victoria, South Kensington, Notting Hill, Covent Garden, Limehouse, De Beauvoir and now have my own flat in Victoria Park in Hackney. I’ll never leave East London now- I’m obsessed. Each area of this city has its own charm and community. I especially love the green spaces and markets; when I return from trips abroad I’m often in awe and appreciation of the parks scattered all over London. I have a cockapoo called Forest so he keeps me very connected to nature. I’m very focused on wellness and self care. I go regularly to ecstatic dance, five rhythms, moving connections, Sauna (Hackney Bath’s) and Gong (Sunita Movement). These types of practices allow me to keep connected with a high vibration to feed my music and mood. I’m really focused on health and positive energy. London offers so much support for this with a thriving community. In terms of music, I honestly have been most inspired by my trips to Brazil and Mexico but London has so many incredible music lovers & record stores (Love Vinyl & Phonica). I remember the craziest nights in Hackney Wick when you could go to amazing underground raves at peoples warehouses that lasted for days. My friend David Beiger introduced me to a party called ‘Colors‘ which really influenced me musically, this was the first time I heard world dance music mixed with Disco and Cosmic Dance music. Prajnaghosa from Colors now runs Social Joy Records. I also used to host 80 person listening parties with Izaak Gray from Earthboogie at our warehouse with the Earthboogie Quad Soundsystem (now owned by East London Audio). I follow audiophile dance venues/nights like Giant Steps, Brilliant Corners, Lucky Cloud Sound Systems & 17 Little Portland Street where i can listen to high fidelity sound.