What brings you to Decibel, Lewis?
It’s a combination of factors really. Firstly, I really am an obsessive music fan, one of ‘those people’ that NEVER leaves the house without my iPod, even for a 2 minute walk to the shops. So the opportunity to do anything remotely related to music is extremely exciting.
Having spent time as part of the depressing 1 million ‘young unemployed’, the chance to get out and be productive is something I really relish. Which brings me here…
Are you involved in the music industry outside of this internship?
Other than being a massive consumer and general industry geek, no. I am however, hoping this can be my first step towards more adventures in the music industry.
What was the first record/CD/music you ever bought?
I have a sneaky feeling the first was a vinyl single of Snap’s ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’ when I was very little. Other than that I think it was Oasis ‘Whatever’ on CD.
What’s the last record/CD/music you bought?
Just last week I bought ‘El Camino’ by The Black Keys, and The Cure’s ‘Bestival Live 2011′. Both have been seeing some serious repeat action.
What are some of your favourite musicians/bands/acts?
Too many! And they change far too often!
I grew up raiding my Mum’s collection of Punk & New Wave with particular favourites being The Jam, The Clash and The Cure.
Teeange dalliances with all things angst saw an obsession with Grunge, leading to an affinity with Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam.
This really is an attempt at keeping things narrow with Arcade Fire, Arctic Monkeys, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga, Radiohead, Pulp, The Beatles (obviously) and The Hives all well worth a mention!
Where do you discover much of your music?
It’s a mixed bag really, friends, TV and the press. A lot comes from just browsing around online, ‘Related Artist’ tools are a god send!
What’s the last gig you went to?
Errrrm, probably either my friends band ‘Furs & Masks’ or Bestival. I’ve been pretty skint lately!!
If you are a festival goer, what was your best or worst festival experience?
Uff! Such a hard choice! Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins at Reading ’06 and ’07 respectively were pretty amazing.
Glastonbury is never short in offering memorable experiences. Eddy Grant in ’08 is surely a contender for the most surprisingly enjoyable experience. Thom Yorke/Radiohead’ (not so) secret gig and Stevie Wonder in 2010 will certainly live long in my memory.
I think all of these are just edged by The Cure’s mammoth Two-and-a-half hour set at Bestival 2011.
What’s your favourite music or concert venue?
Again so many! Bush Hall in Shepherds Bush, venue to my first gig – and still one of the more interesting venues. Others include The Garage (Islington), Koko, Shepherds Bush Empire, The Park Stage at Glastonbury, The Cockpit and Brudenell Social Club.
Do you play an instrument?
I have tried, and failed, on more than one occasion. Ill-fated attempts at learning the Violin and Bass were undoubtedly responsible the cause of many of my poor parents headaches.
Mac or PC?
I’d love a Mac, but at the moment I am far too poor!
iTunes, Spotify, Grooveshark or Last FM?
I used to live on Spotify, but I probably use iTunes and Last FM a lot more now.
Tea or coffee? And how do like it?
Both. Milk & Sugar.
‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ – or never?
Eurgh, Bah Humbug!
What do you wish for in 2012?
Gainful employment, good music, good games and a call from Fabio Capello for the Euro’s. A boy can dream, right?
Thanks Lewis. Welcome Aboard!
