Musicadium Artist Profile: Crash
In this week’s blog, Musicadium interview’s CRASH. CRASH was born Mike Beever in 1969 in the north of England. At a very early age he is introduced to music through his father, a church organist and his mother a keen ‘New Seekers’ fan!
He develops an interest in uplifting and soaring music through his love of the great composers in particular J.S Bach, Handel, Mozart and Beethoven but it is when he comes ear to ear with film and music that the potent mix strikes a chord.
Throughout his teenage years he begins a love affair with sound synthesis aquiring his first synths at age 14 and going on to start experimenting with sound and recording throughout these years.
Its not until he meets the influential Mick T Danby at age 16 that he widens his horizons musically and begins to understand the importance of improvisation and jazz that things really start to gel.
CRASH at 17 hooks up with what seems the worlds first basic sequencer, a limited monophonic computer (ZX Spectrum) design allowing him to record and playback single note sequences.
Soundscapes and the early CRASH sound are developed in the bedroom over the next few years and its obvious that his sound is wide and visionary even at this early age.
Joining a visionary rock band at 18 allows CRASH to flex not only his keyboard skills but begin to understand the complexities of arrangement, composition and music construction as well as begin to understand the process of recording, mixing and production.
CRASH moves around Europe over the next few years playing gigs and recording and his interest in this continent grows as it shapes his music and vision.
After many years travelling he settles in London and takes position as house engineer at Station Studios and goes on to produce successful LPs, Eps and singles for Coldplay, Seafood, Tiny Too and Fierce Panda Records.
CRASH moves to the north of England, Spain and eventually New Zealand in the Spring of 2003 where he lives and works.
The next few years begin to take his music to a whole new level and with less distraction and more time he begins to mould his very own brand of music.
‘Film Soundtrack Electronica’ is the nearest description to what now is produced from the Lodge Studios. Often simple pieces beginning with the piano grow into full orchestral soundscapes only suitable for wide expanse and a wide imagination by the listener.
Across the world CRASH is heard by a wide variety of people. He touches emotions through his music and the journey is only just beginning…
Q. What styles and influences are on your latest album?
I am moved by Movies, Human courage/achievement and the great composers; Bach, Mahler, Mozart, V. Williams & J Williams.
Q. What did you think of the last Harry Potter book?
Haven’t read it strangely only have so much time …
Q. What inspires you? What makes you wake up and think “wow that really matters?”, what makes you want to write songs that make people sit down and think?
The courage of peoples around the world fighting in the face of adversity. There is so much greed, corruption and needless suffering that i am in awe of these people.
Q. If you could replace George Bush with anyone you like for President, who would it be and why?
Doctor Martin Luther King Jnr for the sole reason that he spoke peace, love and compassion. I could listen to his words and delivery 24/7. In sharp contrast to George W Bush-who lets face it is the worlds biggest puppet.
Q. How did you come up with your band name?
I am the worlds most clumsy person-if there’s an accident waiting to happen its me…
Q. What’s your favourite song to play?
Milan!! it works well on a grand piano!
Q. How long of you been playing your instruments/singing and did you take lessons?
I started on piano at age 6 that’s 32 years ago and have never had lessons. I moved to sound synthesis at age 14.
Q. Any new influences that you will be drawing into your next release?
The world is moving in such an amazing, dynamic way and if you don’t pay attention you’ll be left behind therefore the Internet is my source for inspiration.
Q. What’s your favourite colour?
Blue
Q. What kind of instruments do you use?
I use a 9ft Steinway Grand piano, Welmar Upright piano, Kurtweil K2000 Synthesiser, Reason 3 and Cubase SX.
Q. Why did you choose Musicadium to digitally distribute your music?
i tunes recommended them! Also in this game communication is critical and they reply to your questions very promptly.
Q. Do you have a day/square job as well as music? If so what is it?
When not writing music i am a concert piano tuner
Q. When did you first know that creating music was for you?
My mum use to sit me in front of the stereo when i was 5 and play me the record collection- i connected with chords, melody and rhythm at that early age this is known because i made no noise!
Q. The best thing about being an artist is?
Connecting with people and creating music that moves the soul. The internet has allowed us to be our own radio station beaming our tunes across the divide.
Q. What are you listening to right now?
The Summer of Love Part I - CRASH
Q. When will be releasing your next album?
After the release of Music for Film Vol. II there will be a short break before Vol. I is released and then after that the early material will be released through an album dating back to 1996.
