Unlocking the Power of Playlists: A Music Lover's Journey

As a self-proclaimed playlist fanatic, I've discovered the joy of curating and exploring the vast musical landscape. My passion for playlists was ignited by my encounters with music industry professionals, who have shared their own love for this art form. From the extensive collection of a renowned UK/NYC music supervisor to the infectious enthusiasm of a renowned DJ, I've been inspired to dive deeper into the world of playlists and the stories they can tell.

Discovering the Playlist Maestro

In the pre-COVID era, I had the privilege of working with a UK/NYC music supervisor named Rebecca Grierson, who had amassed an impressive collection of thousands of playlists. Her dedication to this craft piqued my interest, and I soon found myself following in her footsteps, building my own extensive library of playlists.

Connecting with Gilles Peterson: A Playlist Odyssey

One particularly memorable encounter occurred at a WeTransfer villa pool party during the Cannes ad fest in 2016 or 2017. It was there that I was introduced to the legendary Gilles Peterson, a DJ and radio producer with an unparalleled passion for discovering new music from around the world. As we chatted into the wee hours, long after the crowds had dispersed, I was captivated by Gilles' encyclopedic knowledge of jazz, soul, and world music.Gilles' infectious excitement when discussing artists he was unfamiliar with was a testament to his relentless pursuit of musical discovery. His dedication to unearthing new grooves and sounds has since become a constant source of inspiration for me. Since that fateful encounter, Worldwide FM, the internet radio station he runs, has been a permanent fixture in my daily listening routine, constantly introducing me to a diverse array of remarkable tracks.

Building Playlists: A Tapestry of Stories

As I've delved deeper into the world of playlists, I've found that they can serve as a canvas for weaving together the stories of the people and experiences that have shaped my musical journey. Beyond simply categorizing tracks by genre or mood, I've discovered the joy of building playlists around the narratives that connect me to the music.One such story is the collaboration between Lawrence Pike and Cameron Deyell, two talented musicians I've had the pleasure of knowing. Lawrence, a renowned percussionist and composer from Sydney, has contributed his skills to numerous film, TV, and advertising projects. Cameron, a guitarist I've known since our days at the Adelaide Conservatorium in 1995, has been a long-time musical collaborator and friend.Another intriguing story is the connection between my playlist and the rise of the acclaimed band Gabriels. Before the band's formation, one of its members, Ryan Hope, was a director I had the opportunity to work with in London. Our shared passion for music software and creative exploration may have been a precursor to his journey in forming the Grammy-winning Gabriels.

Curating the Soundtrack of Life

As I continue to build my ever-growing playlist, I find myself constantly on the lookout for new tracks that resonate with me on a deeper level. Whether it's the infectious groove of a world music discovery or the emotional resonance of a jazz standard, each addition to my playlist becomes a reflection of the stories and experiences that have shaped my musical journey.The act of curating these playlists has become a deeply personal and rewarding process, allowing me to weave together the threads of my life and the lives of those I've encountered along the way. It's a tapestry of sound that not only entertains but also serves as a testament to the power of music to connect us, inspire us, and transport us to new realms of experience.As I continue to explore the endless possibilities of playlists, I'm excited to see where this journey will lead me next. Whether it's uncovering a hidden gem or forging new musical collaborations, the thrill of discovering and sharing the stories behind the music is what keeps me coming back, playlist after playlist.