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Loving the Machine – TEDx talk

In this optimistic view of mechanisation for TEDx Brighton (2011), I revealed some surprising connections between two types of dance music which flourished two centuries apart. Both were created by people were…

9 June 2018
The Bird Fancyer’s Delight – background notes

For those of you who would like to know more about The Bird Fancyer’s Delight, the topic of my recent Radio 4 documentary, here’s a bumper crop of references I’ve found over the last few months. These include transcripts from the British Library, music excerpts, photographs of a serinette and details of contributors to the show. I hope you find them interesting…

6 July 2011
Sound ‘recording’ before the Edison phonograph? (BBC Radio 4 doc 1:30pm Tues 5 July)

We know we can teach birds to talk and sing. Here, for example, is an astounding recording of Sparkie Williams, champion talking budgie, 1958. But were birds ever used as primordial, feathered music recorders? Did we use them to bring popular music into our homes on command before the advent of the phonograph, the gramophone and radio?…

23 June 2011
Loving the Machine – notes

Thanks to everyone who came along to TEDx Brighton, January 2011. I had a great time – never knew I could hear so many new ideas in one day. Taking a tip from Antony Mayfield’s inspiring talk on social networks, I’d like to share these links with you all…

22 January 2011