In the first of a new series of Artist Profiles we are excited to welcome Manchester-based musician Steve Varden to the fold. 

We talked to Steve ahead of his work with us on his PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner commission to find out more about his biggest challenges, dream collaborations and views on pineapple on pizza…

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Meet the Musician: Steve Varden

 

Introduce yourself?

Hi,this is the Steve Varden Cloud Looping Experience. My idea is to explore rhythms, lyrics and loops in life. I’m excited about the idea of creating something new that hasn’t been seen or heard before.

What are looking forward to?

Finding out if it works!

Where did it all begin for you in making music?

I think it was 1999, I had a physical and mental break down and music was a way to get back into society. I joined the Baybeat Street Band which is like a carnival band. I started with the shaker and went on to the bass drum.

What would you say your biggest challenge has been so far?

It’s a weird one. Saying no to the London 2012 Paralympics Para-orchestra. I just had too much on. I don’t regret it.

What has been your greatest triumph within music?

I enjoyed playing with John Rob from Manchester. He’s a music journalist, he’s got a punk band called the Membrains. I played at Gorilla in Manchester on the hottest day of the year. I nearly died. It was an astronomy science-based event.

Who/what would your dream collaboration be, alive or dead?

It would be Bowie, or Eno, or Beardyman. He does amazing things with the loop machine.

Apart from this commission, what is coming up next for you in your music work?

There’s my one-man band keyboard that is still in development and I hope to reform the other band I had. It’s called Plink-Tron but the girl who plays the hand stand xylophone is away travelling at the moment.

What is your view on pineapple on Pizza?

Yes!