Meet The Team - Colin

Hi everyone! Today we're debuting a new... content series - Meet The Team. The idea behind it is to shed more light on all those amazing boys and girls from around the world sharing their music taste with you on a daily basis here at Stereofox.

We decided to start with Colin who has been with the team for quite some time and is constantly discovering amazing tracks from really up-and-coming artists, especially in the jazz / soul & funk music. A person who really breathes music. I hope you enjoy the interview and discover the person behind all those amazing features.

Hey, Colin! So, how did you end up being part of the Stereofox team?

Alex got in touch early last year after viewing my blog and asked if I would be interested in joining the Stereofox worldwide community of writers. I like the ethos that Stereofox has of building a community and engaging with like-minded people all over the world who all share a passion for good new undiscovered music.

What do you do outside of Stereofox?

In my professional mode, I work in Franchise management, but currently, I'm dedicating most of my time to working on my music site.Also, a very keen Arsenal fan which provides many, many dramas in my life.

You'll also find in me lurking in most good record shops around London. Love to travel, travel and more travel. And recently I've become involved in some on-going charity work for cancer-related illnesses.

Favorite genre and why?

Wow, that's a hard one. I love so much music, but Jazz music in all its many guises is the one that hits the spot for me. To quote writer Wilbert Sostre who when asked the same question simply said: “because there’s no better music than jazz”. It's not the right answer, but it's a good one.

What was your best musical discovery lately?

Hmm, so many to choose from. A new fave is a young London composer, trumpeter and producer by the name of Emma-Jean Thackray who makes jazz/experimental beat music. Her music is quite out there at times, but it's always fun, and an exciting listen.

Can I also mention Yussef Kamaal as well? Well worth checking out.

What are your favourite features of the website?

1. The Jukefox music player - works seamlessly, just press play and let the vibes kick in.

2. Favourite button - all your fave tracks in a handy playlist.

3. Labels - a new feature, but an awesome addition. A quick and easy guide to a record label and their artist. And it also comes with a cool radio station.

4. Artist profile - another new feature in its infancy. Short and sweet bio with social links and most importantly links to purchase their music.

5. iTunes link - I'm a staunch supporter of buying music. Illegal downloading is here to stay so no point stressing about it. Obviously, as a blogger streaming services like SoundClould, Bandcamp, etc. are essential. But the narcissists and self-entitled are taking over the world; my advice don't get sucked in and be a genuine fan of the artist you love by buying their creations. Sorry for being all preachy ha ha.

If you could play one musical instrument, what would it be?

Drums, but with my terrible coordination that four-way is not going to happen anytime soon.

One thing that the others from the team don't know about you?

That I'm a vinyl addict. I buy records every week, both in stores and online. The bulk of my collection is in storage having moved back from Barcelona into a smaller apartment which is not big enough to house my records. I'm now running out of space in my current apartment, so I'll need to move again pretty soon methinks.

How did you start music blogging and what's the best thing about it?

My wife and I relocated to Barcelona a few years ago due to her work. I left my job as a General manager of a Franchise company and decided to finally start a few passion projects that had been lying dormant in my mind. The blog being one of them. It's been a great adventure, and the thing I enjoy the most is the close relationship's I've formed with many artists during the time I've been involved with the blog.

Your blog is called Twisted Soul. Could you share a bit more info about it?

Quite simply my site is somewhere to talk about the music I love and spread the word, about new and exciting artist from around the globe. Whether that's through the music, interviews, videos, engaging features, album reviews, or guest mixes you'll find the best underground music on the site. I try to actively encourage the support of the musicians whether that's buying their music, going to gigs or just spreading the word.

Thanks! Any last words to the community?

Enjoy the music and support the artist. Oh, and as someone once said - "life is too short to listen to bad music, right?".

If you want to keep an eye on Colin's discoveries simply drop by his author profile. Enjoy!