10 x 4 – Diagrams
Diagrams is the new project from Sam Gender, formerly of Tunng, where explorations of psychedelic future-pop are the order of the day. He has just released his inaugural album Black Light and after this revealing 10 x 4 you can check out the new music at the bottom of the page. In the meantime…
Favourite part of the day to create?
For song writing I love to get up early and go out for an English Breakfast and a couple of cups of nice strong coffee. The coffee sets my mind whirring and as soon as I pick up a guitar I tend to start writing. I’ll write for three or four hours and then spend the rest of the day trying to calm down from my coffee shakes.
Method or madness?
A little madness goes a long way. Most of my writing comes in a kind of stream of consciousness way. A little like a waking dream. The method comes later when I pick through what I’ve produced and decide which bits work.
Most influential person?
One of my early mentors was my first Manager Colin Hall. He introduced me to lots of English Folk music and classic Americana which changed my writing style and ultimately led to me collaborating with Mike Lindsay and forming Tunng. He also gave me the confidence to play solo and got me my first shows supporting people like Joe Cocker and Richard Thompson, both at Sheffield City Hall.
First musical love?
Revolver by The Beatles. Great cover art and the song that turned me on to experimental music -‘Tomorrow Never Knows’.
One thing you cannot live with out?
Good friends.
Favourite instrument?
It’s an imaginary instrument and it’s part cello and part modular synth – one of those huge 70’s beasts that fills up half a room. The cello part would bring warmth and beautiful deep rounded tones and the modular part would twist and filter them through a vortex of science fiction wonderment until they throb and glow in the furthest reaches of your chest.
Your biggest break so far?
Meeting Mark Brydon who I co produced the Diagrams album with.
Eureka moment?
Being played Four Tet‘s album ‘Rounds’ and The Memory Bands‘ first album within ten minutes of each other.
Secret tip?
It’s one for bands and producers. There’s a studio in East London owned by Benge from Expanding Records which is full to bursting with vintage synths and other exotic items of electronic wizardry. It’s instant inspiration for anyone who loves the warm hum of analogue circuitry.
Favourite Tumblr?
The Infinite Fragmented Data Waves of Oxane. I often reblog when I’m writing the Diagrams blog on tumblr and Oxane has a fantastic knack for finding great images.
Black Light is released 16th January 2012 on Full Time Hobby.
Published January 31, 2012.