“I’m a producer and DJ who grew up in London and spent a fair amount of time in Miami where I have family. Music has been a full-on side hustle (if that’s not an oxymoron) for me for almost 20 years. Outside of music I’ve taught finance and valuing companies at business school and I’m launching an advisory and research business. I’m always learning too.  “

“I’ve released on BBE 3x, GAMM 3x and my second release on Local Talk (with Tom Funk) has just landed. I’ve been doing shows on Soho Radio for a few years now (4 to the Floor, Deep Tenor City) and done shows and mixes on The Lot, Le Mellotron and Radio Raheem.  Occasionally I do some A&R for friends and I playlist. I’ve organised parties and, as a bit of an early bird, I actually enjoy playing sets at venues like The BBE Store, Spiritland, Seed Library, Brilliant Corners, Giant Steps and as far afield as Dante’s HiFi and The Anderson in Miami..”

Each week we will be taking a dip into the crates and minds of some of the digging scenes most prolific collectors.

🤔 Who should be on the next RPM feature?

Who are your biggest musical influences?

“People I’ve produced with and learnt from including Tom Funk (especially), Laroye, Pete Weitz, Stefano De Santis, Romain and Antonio Ocasio. A well-hidden roots reggae record shop in Camden Town growing up, my sixth form college in Hoxton (now swanky flats), BBE nights at Bar Rhumba; KissFM (pirate days), Back2Backfm, Joey & Norman Jay, Mannaseh Sound System, Patrick Forge, Paul Trouble Anderson, Florent F, Eli, Chidi, Adam and who brought me into their Record Club, Cedric Bardawil, Body & Soul NYC, GU CVO, YoMySize, and a bunch of conga teachers: Sammy Figueroa, Oli Savill, Johnny Conga and Hamish Orr.”

Name one institution that changed your life musically, and why?

“Sushi Samba Miami South Beach (a home for real music, we’re talking OLD Miami). Thrown off the decks arbitrarily by the headliners I dusted myself off and persuaded the GM to take a bet. He gave me Boxing Day in front of 200 diners. That was the start of a seasonal residency. Have to mention the Lincoln Lounge in London and Laura (DJ Amazon) for the break 20 years ago, and José Claussell for introducing us..”

Favourite record labels of all time?

“Labels brave enough to release me: GAMM, Local Talk, F*Clr, BBE. Plus Guidance Recordings, King Street, Flower Records (Tokyo), Imperial Dub, Sounds For People Miami and a trove of no-info white labels.”

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

“People who really know me know that I’m as big a digger and collector of books as I am of records. I have 1,000+ books in economics, finance, strategy, decision science, maths, biogs and fiction. I can navigate them about as well as I do with my records, maybe better. I’m going to donate the whole collection at some point.”

Name one track that sums up your happiest memories and where does it take you back to?

“I was torn her between Brainstorm’s ‘Journey to the Light’ and Gil Scot Heron’s ‘Morning Thoughts’. Let’s go with Gil. ‘Morning Thoughts’ is on the epic 1992 Reflections LP, written without Brian Jackson. The song is incredible musically and lyrically. Gil at his very best. Touches me on multiple levels. Set in the early hours of a morning, Gil is awake – the ‘sweet smell of his lady’s love’ still upon him. His thoughts turn to city life, his life, then further, to the planet, and the oppressed on it. Aside from the obvious allure of great and unifying love-making the song brings home the richness of life and approaching it (at least in the song) assuredly, hep to what’s going on and without too much angst. (Damn, maybe I should’ve opted for Brainstorm…).”