2006 Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovator Winners
Link to article on all award winners (and instructions for getting a hold of me--for winners that have not responded yet-- to claim your physical trophy) – The 2006-2007 Janus Media Review
Formed in 2005, Adam Westcott and William Rodway met at University while studying music. Combining influences as diverse as flamenco guitar, classical impressionism, improvisational piano, jazz, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and world music, Westcott and Rodway have created an innovative and unique sound. Originally from Lewisham, south-east London, William Rodway moved to Southend-on-Sea at age 11, where he would spend the next 8 years. It was during this period that he started piano lessons, progressing from simple children songs to improvising melodic blues lines and over jazz standards within a year. His love of improvised and jazz piano reached a new peak when he discovered the Koln Concert by Keith Jarrett, an album that set a new standard of playing and melodic thought that Will relished in. Will has since moved back to London when not at University. Adam Westcott started playing the guitar after an inspired trip to Spain. His flamenco techniques quickly developed, and with the influence of Juan Martin and Paco de Lucia, he has created an instantly recognizable and personal style. After playing a 15 minute slot on local radio, Westcott and Rodway had touched the hearts and souls of the listeners, and came to no surprise that all 220 seats at Exeter's Phoenix centre were sold out when Westcott and Rodway played in June. The show was a massive success and the message board on the Devon website was flooded by audience members saying how brilliant the show was. (source: their myspace webpage, www.myspace.com/westcottandrodway)These two young men are talented, to say the least. In fact, to say that is a gross and misguided understatement. Their work truly is an innovative blend of classical, improvisational, jazz, flamenco, rock and world music. One quick listen to their music and I was ready for more, as were several readers that sent in comments after they listened as well. Their work isn’t dried and staid same-old classical that most of us fear and few of us love—it’s the finest of the fields, which they meld expertly and imaginatively, and it’s done with flair, drama and best of all, a sense of life, exuberance and living. Vibrantly alive and kicking, I might add. These two could easily change the way most of the world sees “classical music”—proving that “fusion” done right, brings us all something deeply moving and wonderful to experience.
I recently sat down (virtually) with these two via the medium of the moment (email) and got their reactions to winning the Innovator award. They also revealed a bit more about themselves and how they see themselves in relation to their work and the world of music.
Picture of Adam Westcott and William Rodway (will be replaced by one of them holding award when possible.)[Question] What do you feel your music is about?
[Will] If words could describe the meaning behind our music then it wouldn’t be worth doing. However, if I was to attempt an answer, then our music is about a deep internal exploration of ourselves.
[Adam] It is about all our favourite influences, the ability to play our instruments in the way we do, and the emotional sides of us as individuals
[Question] Where do you want to go as musicians, as artists? If you just want to be successful and buy matching mansions for you and your mum, that's ok. It's just that most artists I've met usually also have other, deeper goals for what they want to do with their music and what effects they have on the world.
[Adam] To take music to a new level. We play a new combination of instruments that has not been seen before, and the fact that each song is a journey and captivates a moment is something special for everyone
[Will] I like the idea of introducing listeners to other genres of music, sound landscapes which they otherwise would not have heard before, then going off to do their own research.
[Question] How did you get started? Did you always know that this was what you wanted to do?
[Will] Ever since my first piano lesson, I heard a voice in the instrument that was incredibly personal to my own. It was like another language, an extended mother toungue.
[Adam] We met at university and started practicing together, and it went from there. I was in Spain when I was 19, and I saw a guitarist walk into a bar, and I was blown away. Since then, I wanted to play flamenco guitar. I was captivated by its magic and beauty
[Question] What is your inspiration for your work? How do you stay inspired in such a tough business?
[Adam] I could be walking down the street and suddenly a melody will come into my head. I once wrote an entire song in my head when I was driving.
[Will] The thing I find inspiring is the total dedication other professional pianists have for their instrument. Their absolute adamant belief that playing the piano is what they were born to do is one I concur with.
[Question] Anything you want to say to your fans about anything, this award, your work, anything?
[Adam] Their support is priceless and we truly have dedicated fans, so thank you !
[Will] To fans of our music I thank them sincerely for their belief in what we do. They are an integral part of the music making process and as always, it’s a pleasure to play for them.
[Question] Anything else you might want to say...completely open here.
[Will] I would like to say thank you for giving us this award, as it’s our first it is all the more special. I would like to thank my mum, dad, Clive, my brother Edward and my piano tutor for 7 years, John Oswin. I dedicate my half of the award to my Grandad Bernard, who passed away in 2005. I would also like to thank Byron Orme for all his work and patience in putting up with us.
[Adam] Thank you for this, it is a special moment to be given this award. I would like to thank my mum, dad and sister Carly for their continuous support, and our publicist Byron who has truly dedicated himself to our music. Would like to thank Chrissie Allen, who helped me and made time out to come and support me at acoustic nights, much appreciated! Our fans are brilliant, cannot thank them enough. Thank you for the award.
Thank you so much, guys. You’re truly deserving. Westcott and Rodway’s next show is in Exeter, on March 14, 2007, at the Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre. (Yes, that’s in the United Kingdom, so fans that are non local to Exeter, Devon, England, will have to pummel them about getting a CD or a visit.) Go to their MySpace site at
www.myspace.com/westcottandrodway to check out their music and find other news and upcoming performance dates.
CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
Aha! Blogolicious!
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