This month I’ve mostly been…

I thought I might begin a series of regular blog posts that highlight my cultural highlights of the past month. Some musical and visual delights I’ve come across that you might be interested in checking out (or be reminded of if they aren’t new to you). Some links will be affiliated so I’ll earn a bit of cash if you follow the link and make a purchase but remember that “stuff” doesn’t define us ;)

So let’s get to it, this month….

I’ve mostly been reading…

‘Significant Wow’ by Emily Cotterill

I often struggle with poetry, I find a lot impenetrable and unrelatable and difficult to understand but every now and then I’ll read a collection that really speaks to me. Emily Cotterill grew up in Alfreton, Derbyshire, not too far from my own birthplace of Sutton-in-Ashfield. 'Significant Wow’ contains many references specific to place and experience that are familiar to me growing up in a similar environment but expands to include cultural references and the experiences of growing up and navigating the world that would be familiar to most. It’s a beautiful collection, I absolutely devoured it and I’ll definitely pick this up again and again.

'Chris Killip’

I’ve been revisiting this absolutely stunning photo book this month, it accompanied the first major retrospective of Killip’s work held at The Photographers Gallery in 2022-2023 and is an absolute gem, presenting photographs from each of his major series alongside lesser-known works. I absolutely adore the work of Chris Killip, I don’t make work like him but I admire his approach to project work and the beauty of the reality presented in his images.

I’ve mostly been listening to…

'Dog Eared’ by Billie Marten

New track’s from Billie’s forthcoming album are sounding brilliant and are a great soundtrack to the (currently) warm Spring.

'Priestess’ by Cass McCombs

Cass McCombs has been a long time favourite thanks to hearing him on John Peel’s radio show back when I had less grey hair and back pain! 'Priestess’ sounds so effortlessly cool, the sort of music I’d love to make if I was still in bands.

I’ve mostly been viewing…

'Tripping with Nils Frahm’ (2020) Benoit Toulemonde

Tripping with Nils Frahm is a concert film that captures the renowned German composer and musician Nils Frahm performing live at Berlin’s iconic Funkhaus venue. Filmed in December 2018, the documentary presents a series of mesmerizing performances that showcase Frahm’s blend of classical and electronic music, utilizing grand, upright, and Rhodes pianos alongside synthesizers and drum machines.

'Robot Dreams’ (2023) Pablo Berger

A hand-drawn animated film which interestingly contains no dialogue. Set in 1980s Manhattan, the story centres on Dog, who lives alone in the city. Seeking companionship, Dog orders a build-it-yourself robot through the mail. The two quickly form a deep bond, spending a joyful summer together exploring New York, roller-skating in Central Park to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,”.

Both films are streaming on Mubi and if you subscribe using this link we’ll both get 30 days free!

Thanks for reading, check back at the end of next month for more things that have piqued my interest.