Nowsm

Musician — Nottingham

01Profile

A Nowsm Photo

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
Alfie Holloway. I’m from Matlock in Derbyshire.

Describe your style in three words?
Casual, comfortable, subtle.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Sub Focus at Nass 2011 (I think?) The audio and visuals blew my mind, it opened my mind as a young ‘un. Also, The Avalanches at the Albert Hall in Manchester after their second album was released. Was just wicked, proper feel good.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Gil Scott-Heron, honestly just to hear his voice first-hand and to have a conversation about stuff I probably can’t comprehend. Beastie Boys - So I could see them live. I’m not sure I’ll ever experience a gig that generates that level of energy. I’ve watched their show in Glasgow from 1999 so many times. Jealous.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Like many electronic producers, British rave culture (especially jungle and drum & bass in my case) has had such a monstrous impact, so much so that you can even hate the music but still be inspired. British skate culture - knocking about the skate park trying to fit in, drinking Relentless, wearing skinny jeans, not for fashion, but so they didn’t get caught in your BMX chain. I was terrible on a BMX but it didn’t matter.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Tutankhamun (as in the actual pharaoh) - to satisfy a childhood obsession. Musically, probably Ian Curtis.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I’ve always loved the Albert Hall in Manchester because of its windows, its subtle grandness and because you feel close even on the balcony.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Arthur Russell - a mate introduced me to him. An amazingly unique musician whose life was cut so short. I recommend the documentary ‘Wild Combination: a Portrait of Arthur Russell’.


Nowsm was picked by Gilles Peterson as one of his Year 6 Future Bubblers. Catch the Future Bubblers performing at The Jazz Cafe, London on 29th July. Find out more here.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Doomsday' by Nero. Not my first, but the first I remember (vividly) sticking on repeat.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Slam' by Pendulum.

One record you would keep forever?
'Midnight in a Perfect World' by DJ Shadow.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"If man is five, If man is five, If man is five,
Then the devil is six, Then the devil is six,
Then the devil is six, Then the devil is six

And if the devil is six, Then God is seven,
Then God is seven, Then God is seven,

This monkey's gone to heaven..."

From 'Monkey Gone to Heaven' by The Pixies. I don’t look deep into lyrics, I just like how they sound and flow, however simple.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'You Can Win' by Bileo.

A song you wished you had written?
'Computer Love' by Kraftwerk or 'Constant Surprises' by Little Dragon.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Jazz (We’ve Got)' by A Tribe Called Quest.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'What You Waiting For?' by Gwen Stefani.

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'If I Was a Folkstar' by The Avalanches.

Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Soft Core' by Two Shell.
'Wetlands' by Otik.

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
Alfie Holloway. I’m from Matlock in Derbyshire.

Describe your style in three words?
Casual, comfortable, subtle.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Sub Focus at Nass 2011 (I think?) The audio and visuals blew my mind, it opened my mind as a young ‘un. Also, The Avalanches at the Albert Hall in Manchester after their second album was released. Was just wicked, proper feel good.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Gil Scott-Heron, honestly just to hear his voice first-hand and to have a conversation about stuff I probably can’t comprehend. Beastie Boys - So I could see them live. I’m not sure I’ll ever experience a gig that generates that level of energy. I’ve watched their show in Glasgow from 1999 so many times. Jealous.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Like many electronic producers, British rave culture (especially jungle and drum & bass in my case) has had such a monstrous impact, so much so that you can even hate the music but still be inspired. British skate culture - knocking about the skate park trying to fit in, drinking Relentless, wearing skinny jeans, not for fashion, but so they didn’t get caught in your BMX chain. I was terrible on a BMX but it didn’t matter.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Tutankhamun (as in the actual pharaoh) - to satisfy a childhood obsession. Musically, probably Ian Curtis.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I’ve always loved the Albert Hall in Manchester because of its windows, its subtle grandness and because you feel close even on the balcony.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Arthur Russell - a mate introduced me to him. An amazingly unique musician whose life was cut so short. I recommend the documentary ‘Wild Combination: a Portrait of Arthur Russell’.


Nowsm was picked by Gilles Peterson as one of his Year 6 Future Bubblers. Catch the Future Bubblers performing at The Jazz Cafe, London on 29th July. Find out more here.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Doomsday' by Nero. Not my first, but the first I remember (vividly) sticking on repeat.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Slam' by Pendulum.

One record you would keep forever?
'Midnight in a Perfect World' by DJ Shadow.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"If man is five, If man is five, If man is five,
Then the devil is six, Then the devil is six,
Then the devil is six, Then the devil is six

And if the devil is six, Then God is seven,
Then God is seven, Then God is seven,

This monkey's gone to heaven..."

From 'Monkey Gone to Heaven' by The Pixies. I don’t look deep into lyrics, I just like how they sound and flow, however simple.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'You Can Win' by Bileo.

A song you wished you had written?
'Computer Love' by Kraftwerk or 'Constant Surprises' by Little Dragon.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Jazz (We’ve Got)' by A Tribe Called Quest.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'What You Waiting For?' by Gwen Stefani.

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'If I Was a Folkstar' by The Avalanches.

Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Soft Core' by Two Shell.
'Wetlands' by Otik.

 

05Videos

Nowsm | Fabrika (2021)

Nowsm | Told You (2020)