01Profile
A Benjamin Richardson Photo
Benjamin Richardson
Fashion Upcycling & Recycling — London
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Hi, I’m Benjamin and I am from South West London.
What do you do?
I have just finished my Fashion degree at the University of Brighton. I am in the process of setting up two businesses through Instagram. The first is a visible mending business (@bearthreadsvisiblemending), using damaged clothing as a chance to create a newly considered piece. The other business (@materialresponse) focuses on creating accessories from upcycled and reclaimed fabrics.
Describe your style in three words?
Contrast, motion, texture.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The 2018 Arcadia in London was a seminal event. The summer had just begun and the lineup was a perfect mix; Noisia absolutely killed it with their heavyweight sound, newcomer Unglued took his first steps onto the big stage and Rudimental smashed the vibe with their uplifting classics. The DJs mixed in the unmissable Arcadia spider’s abdomen and were accompanied by Aborigine performance artists who darted across the enormous construction with staffs which sometimes crackled with immense electric currents. Unbeatable atmosphere, heads of all ages, I will remember it forever.
If you could put any three bands in history on a lineup?
Warmup: The Nextmen. Second: Lootpack. Third: Lenzman. This is perhaps a bit of a strange combination of artists but I think the energy of hip-hop would progress nicely into drum and bass, especially as both are at similar speeds, make use of a hard kick and snare as well as rhythmic breaks. Lenzman is also a versatile producer and DJ who dabbles in hip-hop mixing as well. It would be great to see how the artists would react to this lineup.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Hip-hop ('90s), rave ('90s-'00s), garage, UK bass culture. One of the few bands my Dad introduced me to are Gorillaz, specifically their '19-2000' album. The varied tracks in the album opened me up to processed yet raw sounding music, as well as the energy of hip-hop, which really captivated me. I think the energy and attitude of the Hip-hop/anti-establishment sound really stuck with me and has become a core influence. Since then I have branched further into electronic music and this idea of raving/escapism has influenced my early design work. The photographer Ewen Spencer really captures these scenes well.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Yohji Yamamoto, after watching his documentary 'A Notebook On Cities and Clothes' with Wim Wenders I really connected with his ethos, and the way he sees his design considerations and how they impact others and also himself. I would be really intrigued to speak more with him, although it might be a bit of a personality clash!
Where is your favourite independent venue?
Printworks, London. There’s something special about listening to industrial-sounding music in a setting that complements it, the enormous metal printing machines and gangways of Printworks are a great setting to hear a lot of the dance music I love.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Break. He is perhaps not the most popular artist but Break’s sound just nails it every time. I can play his tunes to people who hate Drum and Bass and they can’t help but bop along to them. His attention to mixdowns, sampling, arrangement and general mood never fail to impress me. I also respect that Break focuses on putting out the best music that he can, instead of his image, it really shows.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Tomorrow Comes Today' by Gorillaz. This is a tune from the album which I first properly listened to on my little iPod shuffle when I was ten years old. The rolling bass and chilled-out vocals of Damien Albarn have never failed to move me, I rinse this tune and am still not bored of it. Thank you, Gorillaz!
A song that defines the teenage you?
'UK' by Dimension. I liked this song because it was atypical within its genre, though nonetheless a banger. The tune just reminds me of the electric energy, anticipation and release which filled much of my teenage years. I never really gave the tune itself that much thought back in the day but now I can understand and appreciate what makes it a banger.
One record you would keep forever?
'Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst' by Kendrick Lamar. The soul of Kendrick just comes through so well in his music. There are so many artists out there who can compose well but with Kendrick, I literally feel like I could be sitting on his lap when I’m listening to his tunes. He’s a storyteller and he wants to move you, I really respect that.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Nothing worse than an educated fool"
From 'Funkier Than a Mosquito’s Tweeter' by Nina Simone. I think these lyrics really speak for themselves, I like how they’ve been slipped into such a sassy and groovy song as well.
A song you wished you had written?
'Feel The Real' by David Bendeth. I would love to be able to compose something as funky as this, it just goes off at parties. I went through a period of trying to find songs that are the essence of funk and this one was definitely up there!
Best song to turn up loud?
'Gangstaz - Instrumental' by Pinch. Not much to say here except for big rolling sub-bass and airy pads. Sounds absolutely gorgeous on a big system.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Halfway Up The Hindu Kush' by Katie Melua. A huge throwback but I love to listen back to it sometimes when I need to calm down.
A song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Caligo' by Alix Perez, Monty. This tune just has so much energy and that’s before it has even dropped! The production is tight and it’s a simple formula done well.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Free Tibet' by Hilight Tribe. I would never listen to this song except on special occasions. It’s just too captivating and soulful to listen to casually. It is also weirdly triumphant!
Any new bands you’re into at the moment?
Babe Rainbow. Again, not exactly my standard music taste but I really like these guys. I like the fusion of drippy guitar leads and synth to create a dreamy mood. You can kind of guess that from the name!
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Hi, I’m Benjamin and I am from South West London.
What do you do?
I have just finished my Fashion degree at the University of Brighton. I am in the process of setting up two businesses through Instagram. The first is a visible mending business (@bearthreadsvisiblemending), using damaged clothing as a chance to create a newly considered piece. The other business (@materialresponse) focuses on creating accessories from upcycled and reclaimed fabrics.
Describe your style in three words?
Contrast, motion, texture.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The 2018 Arcadia in London was a seminal event. The summer had just begun and the lineup was a perfect mix; Noisia absolutely killed it with their heavyweight sound, newcomer Unglued took his first steps onto the big stage and Rudimental smashed the vibe with their uplifting classics. The DJs mixed in the unmissable Arcadia spider’s abdomen and were accompanied by Aborigine performance artists who darted across the enormous construction with staffs which sometimes crackled with immense electric currents. Unbeatable atmosphere, heads of all ages, I will remember it forever.
If you could put any three bands in history on a lineup?
Warmup: The Nextmen. Second: Lootpack. Third: Lenzman. This is perhaps a bit of a strange combination of artists but I think the energy of hip-hop would progress nicely into drum and bass, especially as both are at similar speeds, make use of a hard kick and snare as well as rhythmic breaks. Lenzman is also a versatile producer and DJ who dabbles in hip-hop mixing as well. It would be great to see how the artists would react to this lineup.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Hip-hop ('90s), rave ('90s-'00s), garage, UK bass culture. One of the few bands my Dad introduced me to are Gorillaz, specifically their '19-2000' album. The varied tracks in the album opened me up to processed yet raw sounding music, as well as the energy of hip-hop, which really captivated me. I think the energy and attitude of the Hip-hop/anti-establishment sound really stuck with me and has become a core influence. Since then I have branched further into electronic music and this idea of raving/escapism has influenced my early design work. The photographer Ewen Spencer really captures these scenes well.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Yohji Yamamoto, after watching his documentary 'A Notebook On Cities and Clothes' with Wim Wenders I really connected with his ethos, and the way he sees his design considerations and how they impact others and also himself. I would be really intrigued to speak more with him, although it might be a bit of a personality clash!
Where is your favourite independent venue?
Printworks, London. There’s something special about listening to industrial-sounding music in a setting that complements it, the enormous metal printing machines and gangways of Printworks are a great setting to hear a lot of the dance music I love.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Break. He is perhaps not the most popular artist but Break’s sound just nails it every time. I can play his tunes to people who hate Drum and Bass and they can’t help but bop along to them. His attention to mixdowns, sampling, arrangement and general mood never fail to impress me. I also respect that Break focuses on putting out the best music that he can, instead of his image, it really shows.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Tomorrow Comes Today' by Gorillaz. This is a tune from the album which I first properly listened to on my little iPod shuffle when I was ten years old. The rolling bass and chilled-out vocals of Damien Albarn have never failed to move me, I rinse this tune and am still not bored of it. Thank you, Gorillaz!
A song that defines the teenage you?
'UK' by Dimension. I liked this song because it was atypical within its genre, though nonetheless a banger. The tune just reminds me of the electric energy, anticipation and release which filled much of my teenage years. I never really gave the tune itself that much thought back in the day but now I can understand and appreciate what makes it a banger.
One record you would keep forever?
'Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst' by Kendrick Lamar. The soul of Kendrick just comes through so well in his music. There are so many artists out there who can compose well but with Kendrick, I literally feel like I could be sitting on his lap when I’m listening to his tunes. He’s a storyteller and he wants to move you, I really respect that.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Nothing worse than an educated fool"
From 'Funkier Than a Mosquito’s Tweeter' by Nina Simone. I think these lyrics really speak for themselves, I like how they’ve been slipped into such a sassy and groovy song as well.
A song you wished you had written?
'Feel The Real' by David Bendeth. I would love to be able to compose something as funky as this, it just goes off at parties. I went through a period of trying to find songs that are the essence of funk and this one was definitely up there!
Best song to turn up loud?
'Gangstaz - Instrumental' by Pinch. Not much to say here except for big rolling sub-bass and airy pads. Sounds absolutely gorgeous on a big system.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Halfway Up The Hindu Kush' by Katie Melua. A huge throwback but I love to listen back to it sometimes when I need to calm down.
A song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Caligo' by Alix Perez, Monty. This tune just has so much energy and that’s before it has even dropped! The production is tight and it’s a simple formula done well.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Free Tibet' by Hilight Tribe. I would never listen to this song except on special occasions. It’s just too captivating and soulful to listen to casually. It is also weirdly triumphant!
Any new bands you’re into at the moment?
Babe Rainbow. Again, not exactly my standard music taste but I really like these guys. I like the fusion of drippy guitar leads and synth to create a dreamy mood. You can kind of guess that from the name!