01Profile
A Peter Ibbetson Photo
Peter Ibbetson
Musician — London
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Peter Ibbetson. From Halifax, via Cornwall, now South East London.
Describe your style in three words?
Bold yet understated.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
There’s been a few… Recently, it would have to be LCD Soundsystem at All Points East festival last year. After they ‘split’, I was pretty sure I wouldn’t get the chance to hear them. Incredible band. I also saw one of the Radiohead shows at the Roundhouse. It was inspiring to hear them in such a relatively small space (for Radiohead). Growing up listening to metal, I’d have to say that seeing System of a Down on their Toxicity tour was a teenage highlight and I was one of the 20 people in a Leeds Festival tent to see the first UK appearance of The Mars Volta, which is up there too.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
In another life I’d have loved to play alongside Kraftwerk on their first shows in the early '70s and Miles Davis in his Silent Way / Bitches Brew / Live Evil period. They were both pushing the idea of what was even considered music, to see and hear real innovation in music and electronics would have been awesome.
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
I’d say the both the Beat Generation and Mod cultures. My Dad was a teen in the '60s and I definitely stole some of his knitted ties and jackets when I realised what he had. I also love the freedom the Beats used to preach. I read ‘Howl’ by Allen Ginsberg and was immediately intrigued by their rolling, turbulent lifestyle and outlook on life.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d like to sit down with George Orwell and ask him just how he managed to get everything so spot on.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
I had the chance to play drums with Makeness at the Roundhouse opening for Unknown Mortal Orchestra which was an amazing experience. Such an iconic venue and great sound!
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I’d have to say my parents. I grew up in a house constantly full of music and their influence and support have helped shape my outlook and I’d be foolish to think I’d be anywhere without them. (Diana Ross = Mum, Donald Fagen = Dad).
South London electronic artist, Peter Ibbetson has shared his latest single 'Thistle Hotels' taken from his second EP 'Control Yourself', getting its first play on Mary Anne Hobbs' BBC 6 Music show. Compared to the like of James Holden and Jon Hopkins, Clash described the track as "an undulating piece of digital abstraction, forever in evolution but remarkably succinct...".
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
The Beatles - 'Roll Over Beethoven'
I started playing drums at age 6 and we had a copy of this lying around that I used to play along to. Many hours spent playing badly along to this entire record!
A song that defines the teenage you?
Nine Inch Nails - 'Terrible Lie'
I used to DJ in a metal bar in my teens and we’d always play this at the beginning of the night to get things started.
One record you would keep forever?
Radiohead - 'Kid A'
From start to finish this represents so much I love about music. Beautiful melodies, experimentation and chaos.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"I go through all this
Before you wake up
So I can feel happier
To be safe up here with you"
- Bjork - 'Hyperballad'
A song you wished you had written?
Nick Drake - 'River Man'
Best song to turn up loud?
Led Zeppelin - 'When The Levee Breaks'
John Henry Bonham. No further explanation needed.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
The Flamingos - 'I Only Have Eyes for You'
Occasionally, surreally on repeat on my phone nestled between Autechre and Oneohtrix Point Never.
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
Talking Heads - 'Houses in Motion'
Best song to end an all-nighter?
Aphex Twin #1 (from Selected Ambient Works 2) or Brian Eno - 'First Light'.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Black Midi and Harlequiin. Loving Black Midi’s new record and how they’ve become such a cult band from the off. Harlequiin is the band of good friend of mine, Rory Simmons, who is an incredible producer and musician. I did a remix of this track for its release, the original is simply awesome.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Peter Ibbetson. From Halifax, via Cornwall, now South East London.
Describe your style in three words?
Bold yet understated.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
There’s been a few… Recently, it would have to be LCD Soundsystem at All Points East festival last year. After they ‘split’, I was pretty sure I wouldn’t get the chance to hear them. Incredible band. I also saw one of the Radiohead shows at the Roundhouse. It was inspiring to hear them in such a relatively small space (for Radiohead). Growing up listening to metal, I’d have to say that seeing System of a Down on their Toxicity tour was a teenage highlight and I was one of the 20 people in a Leeds Festival tent to see the first UK appearance of The Mars Volta, which is up there too.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
In another life I’d have loved to play alongside Kraftwerk on their first shows in the early '70s and Miles Davis in his Silent Way / Bitches Brew / Live Evil period. They were both pushing the idea of what was even considered music, to see and hear real innovation in music and electronics would have been awesome.
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
I’d say the both the Beat Generation and Mod cultures. My Dad was a teen in the '60s and I definitely stole some of his knitted ties and jackets when I realised what he had. I also love the freedom the Beats used to preach. I read ‘Howl’ by Allen Ginsberg and was immediately intrigued by their rolling, turbulent lifestyle and outlook on life.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d like to sit down with George Orwell and ask him just how he managed to get everything so spot on.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
I had the chance to play drums with Makeness at the Roundhouse opening for Unknown Mortal Orchestra which was an amazing experience. Such an iconic venue and great sound!
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I’d have to say my parents. I grew up in a house constantly full of music and their influence and support have helped shape my outlook and I’d be foolish to think I’d be anywhere without them. (Diana Ross = Mum, Donald Fagen = Dad).
South London electronic artist, Peter Ibbetson has shared his latest single 'Thistle Hotels' taken from his second EP 'Control Yourself', getting its first play on Mary Anne Hobbs' BBC 6 Music show. Compared to the like of James Holden and Jon Hopkins, Clash described the track as "an undulating piece of digital abstraction, forever in evolution but remarkably succinct...".
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
The Beatles - 'Roll Over Beethoven'
I started playing drums at age 6 and we had a copy of this lying around that I used to play along to. Many hours spent playing badly along to this entire record!
A song that defines the teenage you?
Nine Inch Nails - 'Terrible Lie'
I used to DJ in a metal bar in my teens and we’d always play this at the beginning of the night to get things started.
One record you would keep forever?
Radiohead - 'Kid A'
From start to finish this represents so much I love about music. Beautiful melodies, experimentation and chaos.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"I go through all this
Before you wake up
So I can feel happier
To be safe up here with you"
- Bjork - 'Hyperballad'
A song you wished you had written?
Nick Drake - 'River Man'
Best song to turn up loud?
Led Zeppelin - 'When The Levee Breaks'
John Henry Bonham. No further explanation needed.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
The Flamingos - 'I Only Have Eyes for You'
Occasionally, surreally on repeat on my phone nestled between Autechre and Oneohtrix Point Never.
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
Talking Heads - 'Houses in Motion'
Best song to end an all-nighter?
Aphex Twin #1 (from Selected Ambient Works 2) or Brian Eno - 'First Light'.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Black Midi and Harlequiin. Loving Black Midi’s new record and how they’ve become such a cult band from the off. Harlequiin is the band of good friend of mine, Rory Simmons, who is an incredible producer and musician. I did a remix of this track for its release, the original is simply awesome.