Exclusively for UNDERTONE, Lord Spikeheart opened up about the music that means the most to him. Usually, we send artists a pool of topics, and they pick 3–5. Martin answered EVERY single one! That’s how you spot a total music nerd…
[MOŻESZ PRZECZYTAĆ TEN ARTYKUŁ PO POLSKU]
On September 19, Lord Spikeheart will perform as part of Avant Art Festival at Komuna Warszawa [tickets available here].
The most important album of my life
Definitely has to be BLACK SABBATH – PARANOID. This is an OG Heavy Metal classic that still sounds like it was released last month. Timeless music that defined one of the most important genres in musical history. Rest In Power to my Liege Ozzy.
First record I ever bought
THREE DAYS GRACE – THREE DAYS GRACE. I was fresh out of high school and obsessed with Grunge and Rock Music. I saw their video for “HOME” that was on this self-titled album in the high school dining hall, and I was never the same again.
Artist that should be known much more
BBBBBBB from Japan. They make the most artistically twisted music that has no apologies nor any borders. Pure primal expression that has no hidden agendas in sight. Their live performances go so hard and are full of surprises and fun moments. Make sure to catch them live if you ever get the chance.
Music that I listen to while on the road
I listen to a lot of different African music genres, old and new. We can go from Juju Music by Nigerian King Sunny Ade to Congolese Rumba and East African Rumba e.g., Les Wanyika, Mbilia Bel, Papa Wemba, Yondo Sister etc. I also like Saharan Desert Blues done by Ali Farka Touré, Tinariwen, Bombino etc.
The perfect album (without any not-so-good moments)
PINK FLOYD – DARK SIDE OF MOON. This is a total classic and its integrated cohesive listening experience can never be matched. Evergreen music.
Music that I chill to
I like chilling out to PHONK MIXES and TAPES by various producers like Ryan Celcius, KALIBVR, Rinse Cycle, teyko etc. Old Indian music from the 80s, 60s and 70s the likes of Ravi Kapoor, Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar etc. I Also like chilling to Jamaican DanceHall Music e.g., Vybz Kartel, Shawn Storm, Skeng, Tommy Lee Sparta etc. because that’s what we grew up listening to in Kenya.
An artist that changed my perspective of life
ZENZILE MIRIAM MAKEBA. She was and still is one of the greatest artists to ever come from Africa. Her voice and music influenced countless generations after her, and her work against the apartheid regime of South Africa in the 50s was invaluable. Her work in the film “Come Back, Africa” was monumental in bringing attention and solutions to her people suffering in her country. Her love for her people and her culture reverberated all across the globe. Quote from her “If you are going to wear blinders then you don’t know the World”.
Music that I listen to when I'm sad
Has to be Heavy Metal in all its glorious sub-genres and passion fuelled mosh pits. It takes all the pain away. You have no chance to be on low vibes when the blast beats and riffs pummel your psyche to angel dust and you watch incredible mosh pits old and new. Also, braggadocious rap and trap keep me grounded as I can completely relate to the concepts they address.
Music that reminds me of home
All forms of Kenyan music, from Mugithi, Gengetone, Shrap, Taarabu, Rhumba, old school Kapuka and Genge, Benga, Kenyan Choirs Gospel Music, Kamba Music, Dholuo Music etc., you get my drift.
Music that convinced me to be a musician
Has to be 90s Hip Hop. My sister was playing the likes of Wu Tang Clan , DMX, Da Brat , Dr Dre ,Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube , Missy Elliot, Lil Kim, Nas etc every day in the house. Grew up watching their live shows and documentaries and I totally loved the energy.
Music that reminds me of the happiest moment in my life
There’s a couple of them. I had some great times going on when “Modjo – Lady” was popping. Guinea Bissau’s “Super Mama Djombo – Disan Na Mbera” . “Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream” too for sure. Also ABBA , Michael Jackson ,The Doors and Boney – M music. Just to name a few.
An album that I wish I had done
There are no albums that I wish I had done. Everything I’ve done and gone through was meant to be. I am not a believer in forcing out music or art. If I don’t lock onto something when I hear it and I don’t feel inspired by it, or it doesn’t get me emotional listening to it, I will slowly drift away from it to something else that has these qualities for me . Sometimes this happens subconsciously and sometimes not. Either way, it’s all forms of expression, and I am attuned to certain specific ones that fit my Visions best.