01Profile
A Gary The Tall Photo
Gary The Tall
Radio presenter / DJ — London
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Gary The Tall, I reside in East London, for now.
Describe your style in three words?
Tasteful eye candy. I’ve always gravitated towards style, never fashion. This approach dictates electing one's own attire excluding other external influences & in doing so reflects to others who you truly are. I’d like to think my appearance reflects I’m an open-minded person with an air of individuality.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing stellar performances over the years, but it has to be for the quintessential Silver Apples who played at Corsica Studios where I was fortunate enough to be DJ support for them on the night. To share the bill with a visionary electronic artist whose efforts influence countless genres as a continuum half a century later was an honour. Our musical landscape would sound very different without their consummate efforts.
If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
I've an appreciation for an artist's approach to their craft, so in this instance, I’d firstly go with Jimi (Hendrix). Most musicians work tends to find significance within a framework that builds over time but from the outset, audiences knew they were witnessing a precocious talent of which they’d never witnessed before, his dexterity and presence was that assured. The man was a magician but the stage act wasn’t illusionary, haha! Secondly, it would have to be Swiss female punk crew Kleenex (later becoming Liliput). Their playful, inventive sense of musical freedom was staunchly uncompromising and operated outside the confines of a cultural environment which was inhabited by a then largely male presence. I cannot praise these women’s endeavours enough, their sound is unique, illustrious & a joy to behold. Check their tune ‘Outburst’ I’ve added to the playlist, can you imagine being in a space seeing that performed live!? You can safely say their driven efforts derive from the punk landscape which informed and instilled in anyone they could have a sense of worth in a world where extending one's truest self-expressions are few and far between.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I would certainly say the first wave punk movement informs me in how to be true to myself within a mindset. When it first surfaced over forty years ago, it was a seismic shift artistically speaking for so many people and their ideas, steely determination saw wayward imaginations blossom. Early hip-hop culture and rap music was an area I also found captivating and inspiring. Growing up in a neglected inner-city on a council estate surrounded by the social strains of my environment, I could relate to the impoverished, vocal imagery painted in some of the records which surfaced from that period. And just like punk, hip-hop’s progressive, DIY template inadvertently became a pathway to a means of expression in so many ways for the neglected & disenfranchised among our ranks. Amen!
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Spending a moment with the great philosopher and historian Noam Chomsky would be illuminating. Time in his presence would inform me of the world I inhabit in a profound way, nothing but a deeply informative conversation would ensue & I’d be a willing participant & absorb what he relayed to me.
Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I’ve played countless venues, but one gig I DJ’d at strong in the memory was when I was flown to New York to perform at the Afropunk festival in Brooklyn. Opening for thrash punk headliners HO99O9 was a sight to behold, those guys are so energised. My booking was organised through the radio station NTS that I present a regular show for who I can’t thank enough, they provide me with a platform to share the records I source to followers. I guess I was asked to do the slot as being a black music event, there’s not many people with my familial heritage who have a penchant for obscure punk singles like myself so having me there was a good fit and I feel nothing but gratitude to the station and the organisers I was selected.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Cosey Fanni Tutti. A defining, fearless artist whose presence has been felt for over thirty years continually pursues her individualistic path, enlightening avid followers only too pleased to acknowledge and embrace her cumulative, unprecedented endeavours.
Gary The Tall will be releasing material on the label Emotional Rescue in 2021.
www.nts.live/shows/thereignset
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
‘Escape From New York’ by John Carpenter. All the notable movie score composers in history have a sensory gift for producing works which are transportive to the viewer in relation to one's cinematic experience. This title achieves not only that but manages to be meditative and deeply reflective also, shifting you to a parallel universe almost. Sounds like a heavy burden for a 15-year-old which is when I first heard it, it didn’t faze me at all, it enlightened me to my own existence.
A song that defines the teenage you?
‘Peter Piper’ by Run DMC. A faultless example of one of hip-hop music's greatest assets, to reassess a neglected, previously recorded work and afford it contemporary exposure within a new context. Sampling Bob James ‘Take Me To The Mardi Gras’, this is their most inventive recording for me and was aired regularly among me and friends. The first rap group to have gold, platinum and multi-platinum LPs, the first to be played on MTV, the first to be on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, the first to have a sponsorship deal and notably one of very few rap groups inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Chuck D of Public Enemy once called them the Beatles of hip-hop, a term duly earned.
One record you would keep forever?
‘Ex Lion Tamer’ by Wire. I have a substantial number of records in my archive, but I’ll go with this, signed by all four original members, Colin Newman, Bruce Gilbert, Graham Lewis and Robert ‘Gotobed’ Grey. They did a talk twice at Rough Trade in East London over the past few years and I went to both (Robert hung around to do a signing at the second talk, not the first). This song is significantly one of the greatest contributions to the punk era and I see a cautionary tale here in the title to those who drift vicariously through life with little ambition, that sentiment neatly tied up in one lyric, “Stay glued to your TV set...TV!!!”
A song lyric that has inspired you?
‘Dream Baby Dream’ by Suicide. A simplified musical mantra like no other and has rightfully earned its placing as one of the most inspirational songs ever recorded. We should all be grateful we have such examples of art to rely on, these avenues are akin to spiritual guidance for many.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
‘Sex And Trouble’ by Deux. I follow '80s synth music religiously and this contribution is exemplary. I love the lyrical standoff here between the two band members Cati and Gerard in that they’re provoking one another through a lens of jealousy, but there’s undying love behind those veils of insecurity which presents itself in the warm tone of their vocal delivery to each other.
A song you wished you had written?
‘Gimme Shelter’ by The Rolling Stones. One of the most evocative intros to a piece of music we’ve ever heard, the application of the harmony is quite simply hypnotising. All the musicians involved here were congruously synchronised to an act of peerless artistry and I think they were all too aware of the fact. To add, as routinely acknowledged as this title is, in this instance familiarity could never be a case for breeding contempt.
Best song to turn up loud?
‘Keep On Knocking’ by Death. Incendiary, anthemic US punk like no other and a total departure from the usual angst-ridden wastelands these environments are usually associated with. Written and performed by the real-life black Hackney brothers, here is a song which aspires to hope, enlightenment and a celebration of the human spirit. If the joyous altitude of this work doesn’t inspire you, a friend should check your pulse, you’re probably unconscious.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
‘Out Of Touch’ by Hall & Oates. A high point for the well-travelled '80s pop music icons, a timeless, melodic recording with a theme we can all relate to in terms of a relationship which has faltered.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
‘Fire In My Heart’ by Escape From New York. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to play a lot of new wave, synth, Italo & post-punk music in numerous venues & this piece has asserted itself as a staple within those confines' genre wise. An elevated, sublime recording that will always exhibit relevance to audiences who desire impassioned left-field dance music.
Any new artists you are listening to right now?
‘Sleepless’ by Baby’s Berserk. Acid house meets post-punk hybrid par excellence.
‘Upbeat Ritual’ by Osees. More heavy processions from the temple of John Dwyer.
‘Am I’ by Tvii Son. Shape shifting electronics on the broadly growing MIC label.
‘Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled)’ by Amyl And The Sniffers. Forefront modern Oz punk.
‘My Jamaican Dub’ by Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band. Spacey modern rework of the Grace Jones staple.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Gary The Tall, I reside in East London, for now.
Describe your style in three words?
Tasteful eye candy. I’ve always gravitated towards style, never fashion. This approach dictates electing one's own attire excluding other external influences & in doing so reflects to others who you truly are. I’d like to think my appearance reflects I’m an open-minded person with an air of individuality.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing stellar performances over the years, but it has to be for the quintessential Silver Apples who played at Corsica Studios where I was fortunate enough to be DJ support for them on the night. To share the bill with a visionary electronic artist whose efforts influence countless genres as a continuum half a century later was an honour. Our musical landscape would sound very different without their consummate efforts.
If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
I've an appreciation for an artist's approach to their craft, so in this instance, I’d firstly go with Jimi (Hendrix). Most musicians work tends to find significance within a framework that builds over time but from the outset, audiences knew they were witnessing a precocious talent of which they’d never witnessed before, his dexterity and presence was that assured. The man was a magician but the stage act wasn’t illusionary, haha! Secondly, it would have to be Swiss female punk crew Kleenex (later becoming Liliput). Their playful, inventive sense of musical freedom was staunchly uncompromising and operated outside the confines of a cultural environment which was inhabited by a then largely male presence. I cannot praise these women’s endeavours enough, their sound is unique, illustrious & a joy to behold. Check their tune ‘Outburst’ I’ve added to the playlist, can you imagine being in a space seeing that performed live!? You can safely say their driven efforts derive from the punk landscape which informed and instilled in anyone they could have a sense of worth in a world where extending one's truest self-expressions are few and far between.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I would certainly say the first wave punk movement informs me in how to be true to myself within a mindset. When it first surfaced over forty years ago, it was a seismic shift artistically speaking for so many people and their ideas, steely determination saw wayward imaginations blossom. Early hip-hop culture and rap music was an area I also found captivating and inspiring. Growing up in a neglected inner-city on a council estate surrounded by the social strains of my environment, I could relate to the impoverished, vocal imagery painted in some of the records which surfaced from that period. And just like punk, hip-hop’s progressive, DIY template inadvertently became a pathway to a means of expression in so many ways for the neglected & disenfranchised among our ranks. Amen!
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Spending a moment with the great philosopher and historian Noam Chomsky would be illuminating. Time in his presence would inform me of the world I inhabit in a profound way, nothing but a deeply informative conversation would ensue & I’d be a willing participant & absorb what he relayed to me.
Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I’ve played countless venues, but one gig I DJ’d at strong in the memory was when I was flown to New York to perform at the Afropunk festival in Brooklyn. Opening for thrash punk headliners HO99O9 was a sight to behold, those guys are so energised. My booking was organised through the radio station NTS that I present a regular show for who I can’t thank enough, they provide me with a platform to share the records I source to followers. I guess I was asked to do the slot as being a black music event, there’s not many people with my familial heritage who have a penchant for obscure punk singles like myself so having me there was a good fit and I feel nothing but gratitude to the station and the organisers I was selected.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Cosey Fanni Tutti. A defining, fearless artist whose presence has been felt for over thirty years continually pursues her individualistic path, enlightening avid followers only too pleased to acknowledge and embrace her cumulative, unprecedented endeavours.
Gary The Tall will be releasing material on the label Emotional Rescue in 2021.
www.nts.live/shows/thereignset
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
‘Escape From New York’ by John Carpenter. All the notable movie score composers in history have a sensory gift for producing works which are transportive to the viewer in relation to one's cinematic experience. This title achieves not only that but manages to be meditative and deeply reflective also, shifting you to a parallel universe almost. Sounds like a heavy burden for a 15-year-old which is when I first heard it, it didn’t faze me at all, it enlightened me to my own existence.
A song that defines the teenage you?
‘Peter Piper’ by Run DMC. A faultless example of one of hip-hop music's greatest assets, to reassess a neglected, previously recorded work and afford it contemporary exposure within a new context. Sampling Bob James ‘Take Me To The Mardi Gras’, this is their most inventive recording for me and was aired regularly among me and friends. The first rap group to have gold, platinum and multi-platinum LPs, the first to be played on MTV, the first to be on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, the first to have a sponsorship deal and notably one of very few rap groups inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Chuck D of Public Enemy once called them the Beatles of hip-hop, a term duly earned.
One record you would keep forever?
‘Ex Lion Tamer’ by Wire. I have a substantial number of records in my archive, but I’ll go with this, signed by all four original members, Colin Newman, Bruce Gilbert, Graham Lewis and Robert ‘Gotobed’ Grey. They did a talk twice at Rough Trade in East London over the past few years and I went to both (Robert hung around to do a signing at the second talk, not the first). This song is significantly one of the greatest contributions to the punk era and I see a cautionary tale here in the title to those who drift vicariously through life with little ambition, that sentiment neatly tied up in one lyric, “Stay glued to your TV set...TV!!!”
A song lyric that has inspired you?
‘Dream Baby Dream’ by Suicide. A simplified musical mantra like no other and has rightfully earned its placing as one of the most inspirational songs ever recorded. We should all be grateful we have such examples of art to rely on, these avenues are akin to spiritual guidance for many.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
‘Sex And Trouble’ by Deux. I follow '80s synth music religiously and this contribution is exemplary. I love the lyrical standoff here between the two band members Cati and Gerard in that they’re provoking one another through a lens of jealousy, but there’s undying love behind those veils of insecurity which presents itself in the warm tone of their vocal delivery to each other.
A song you wished you had written?
‘Gimme Shelter’ by The Rolling Stones. One of the most evocative intros to a piece of music we’ve ever heard, the application of the harmony is quite simply hypnotising. All the musicians involved here were congruously synchronised to an act of peerless artistry and I think they were all too aware of the fact. To add, as routinely acknowledged as this title is, in this instance familiarity could never be a case for breeding contempt.
Best song to turn up loud?
‘Keep On Knocking’ by Death. Incendiary, anthemic US punk like no other and a total departure from the usual angst-ridden wastelands these environments are usually associated with. Written and performed by the real-life black Hackney brothers, here is a song which aspires to hope, enlightenment and a celebration of the human spirit. If the joyous altitude of this work doesn’t inspire you, a friend should check your pulse, you’re probably unconscious.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
‘Out Of Touch’ by Hall & Oates. A high point for the well-travelled '80s pop music icons, a timeless, melodic recording with a theme we can all relate to in terms of a relationship which has faltered.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
‘Fire In My Heart’ by Escape From New York. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to play a lot of new wave, synth, Italo & post-punk music in numerous venues & this piece has asserted itself as a staple within those confines' genre wise. An elevated, sublime recording that will always exhibit relevance to audiences who desire impassioned left-field dance music.
Any new artists you are listening to right now?
‘Sleepless’ by Baby’s Berserk. Acid house meets post-punk hybrid par excellence.
‘Upbeat Ritual’ by Osees. More heavy processions from the temple of John Dwyer.
‘Am I’ by Tvii Son. Shape shifting electronics on the broadly growing MIC label.
‘Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled)’ by Amyl And The Sniffers. Forefront modern Oz punk.
‘My Jamaican Dub’ by Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band. Spacey modern rework of the Grace Jones staple.