Interview Time: Glideascope

Glideascope

With his debut having recently been nominated as Album of the Year by Gilles Peterson, Glideascope's shine is on the up. Describing his sound as classical roots with a dub central nervous system, it is clear that Glideascope's music is not easily categorised. As well as on air, it has also been licensed for Channel 4, More 4, several MTV documentaries and independent films in the USA. Recently working with the Philharmonic Orchestra, Glideascope is known for delivering innovative live sets, often using a ten-piece orchestra. Anna Nathanson catches up with the musician to find out more.

With his debut having recently been nominated as Album of the Year by Gilles Peterson, Glideascope’s shine is on the up. Describing his sound as “classical roots with a dub central nervous system”, it is clear that Glideascope’s music is not easily categorised. As well as on air, it has also been licensed for Channel 4, More 4, several MTV documentaries and independent films in the USA. Recently working with the Philharmonic Orchestra, Glideascope is known for delivering innovative live sets, often using a ten-piece orchestra. Anna Nathanson catches up with the musician to find out more…

How long have you been making music?

I’ve been making music for as long as I can remember, I was in a Reggae band when I was very young and was always interested in making my own compositions. I love music that makes you think about its construction and allows you to formulate your own ideas.

You fuse classical music with contemporary beats, dub and electronica. What inspired you to come up with this mix and what has the response been like so far?

The inspiration came from taking all the sounds that I was familiar with growing up and the relaxing, soothing yet hypnotic effect of these genres of music. It is definitely music to chill-out to. The response has been largely enthusiastic, in the sense of the critical acclaim but also in the personal feedback I have received – of people commenting on the uniqueness of this sound and the personal impact it has had.

Do you see yourself as involved in any particular scene, such as the UK ‘urban’ scene?

I would say I am involved in the ‘independent’ music scene in the sense of totally wanting to follow my own agenda musically, rather then the ‘indie’ genre of music, and building a following of people who appreciate what I am doing.

Does your musical fusion make it easier or more difficult to get you music out there?

In many respects it makes it more difficult to market my music, as it is easier to target a particular niche. However although I fuse many different vibes, there is one overall sound that is distinctly identifiable. It also strikes a chord for people wanting to hear something fresh and timeless.

We hear you’ve travelled the globe. What affect has this had on your sound, has it influenced it at all?

I have incorporated all my travel experiences at some point in my music, either by making direct references such as on the track ‘Road to Istanbul’ which features recordings of people in Istanbul, or by subtle hints in paying homage to music or instruments used in a particular part of the world, for example on the track ‘Welcome to My World’.

What’s currently on rotation on your ipod?

I have everything from classical to roots reggae, to various world music artists through to old skool hip-hop and downtempo dance. I listen to everything apart from heavy metal.

What are you up to at the moment and what’s next for you?

I’m currently promoting the album “Audio Cinematography” and in discussions for a licensing deal with the series CSI for use of my material.

What’s it like hearing your music on the big screen and have you ever considered embarking on a TV/Film career yourself?

Hearing your music as a soundtrack to a film or documentary is a surreal experience – you are at the liberty of the director or producer placing your track within a specific context so it is interesting viewing someone else’s.

Glideascope’s album Audio Cinematography is available now from HMV