THE VINYL GIBBON

News flash: We recently announced in the news section that The Vinyl Gibbon was nominated three times at the Los Angeles music awards. Well we are pleased to announce the Gibbon has won the " Best lounge single of the year" category with "Shady wilson Cafe". ( How coooool congrats- ed ). 

The Vinyl Gibbon (aka David Elliott) is a solo musician who hails from Brighton, England. His experimentation and eclectic influences create a diverse non-genre specific type of sound. Using a mix of real piano and synthesizers blended with world instruments and percussion. Inspired by his many journeys around the world, he brings a subtle ambience into the music, such as the sounds of Bali and jungle noises from the Costa Rican rainforest. Let’s open our ears real wide…

THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 

1. What made you decide to start a career in music , tell us a bit about your history ?

I’ve always had a piano close by since I was a small boy, although I didn’t truly find a passion for playing until my late teens. I discovered whilst I was at college that sound was the best art form for me to vent my creativity. Alongside Photography and Fine Art, one of my projects was to produce a music video, so I decided to create the track to go with it. Since then music production has been my main focus. Much of my time over the last 6 years has been spent in solitude in the studio, which is the key to how I produce my sound. After returning from a trip I can spend days on my own, putting my inspiration into a solid form. I get an overwhelming satisfaction from composing a piece that locks in all my emotions and memories, better than a photograph or a diary entry. I can't read sheet music and generally my playing is by ear, and from the heart. I will always remain humble about the music I make, as I don't claim to be anything that I'm not. I take influence from Jazz piano but I don't consider myself to be a Jazz pianist.

I set up a live project called ‘Groovy Sadiki’ back in 2003, with a drummer (mess) and a conguero (jamba). We played our first gig at The Prince Albert in Brighton, which gave me a real taste for playing live and being part of a ‘band’. It was intense but very rewarding, and I learnt a lot from it. Due to other commitments we were unable to pursue this.

I am now working on my solo album and another live set with a double bass player and percussionist, and hoping to bring in other friends with their flutes, saxes and trumpets. We are looking to play out in 2006. Based in Brighton, we hope to branch out to other parts of the UK and beyond.



2. Who or what are your influences?

Musically I am influenced by Jazz, Funk, Latin and Soul aswell as the wealth of contemporary music that is being produced, especially in Brighton. The pianist that has had the strongest influence on me is Dave Brubeck. I also enjoy the work of Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Ruben Gonzalez and many many more.


3. What modern artists do you like?

My taste in music is very eclectic, so I will just list a few of the modern artists that I listen to: Aphex Twin, Bonobo, Cinematic Orchestra, Saint Germain, Funky Porcini, Boards of Canada and Art of Noise.


4. If you could choose to record a song with any other artist/band alive or dead who would it be and why?

I would love to have a jam with Tom Waits and drink a few Bourbon's. To have his voice over a track would be awesome.("What's he building in there?" style...)

5. What inspires you to write your music?

I take influence from many different sources; my journey’s around the world, music, the stars, sunrises, sunsets, the clouds, the sea, the jungle, mountains, women, love, hate, art, rain, mist, smiles, frowns, laughs, voices, dancing, solids, liquids and gases…


6. Name your all time fave track by another artist ?

Take 5 – Dave Brubeck (my favourite tune to play on the piano)

7. What instruments do you use ?

I use a 1920’s piano, Nord Lead 2 synthesizer, Fatar keyboard, Emu sampler, Congas, bongos, Tabla and my pc to arrange it all.

8. What are your ambitions for your music. Where do you see yourself in 5 years ?

As most, I would love to be able to make a living just creating my music, and to have it played all over the world. I would particularly like to travel and work with other musos in different countries. The best reward for a musician is inspiring another.

In 5 years time, I will be where I want to be…

9. How would you describe your music and what genre do you think it fits into ?

My music is very personal to me, an expression of my experiences, and as a whole I don't think it fits into one place.

It could be described as Experimental, Nu-Jazz, Trip hop and Down Tempo.

10. Where was your new album recorded/produced ?