Born and bred Cornish man Tom Middleton’s prolific talent derives from a melting pot of influences and experiences. Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s on a diet of surf, skate, bmxing, graf and break dancing. Encouraged by his family’s musical roots – his Grandfather was a jazz guitarist, Uncle a folk singer/guitarist, Tom trained as a classical pianist and cellist.
A massive Police and Prince fan, Tom discovered Brian Eno via U2, morphed into a part goth-new romantic, rare groove-jazz dance-soul boy and dub rap-synth pop-shoe gazer. Messing about with analogue synths at his local gear shop, Tom went on to learn the ways of the force – how to sample, record, program, edit, arrange and mix from Richard D James, otherwise known as Aphex Twin.
His apprenticeship continued, DJing with Richard at The Bowgie and various Phase II beach party all nighters, revelling in Aphex performing a custom modification of a Roland SH101. Moving to Exeter in 1991 he teamed up with Mark, Jess and Lucy from the legendary Mighty Forcem Records which resulted in his first release ‘En Trance To Exit’, followed by ‘My Splendid Idea’.
These releases were just the beginning, kick starting collaborations and projects too long to list. His classical training, cavernous technical understanding and pioneering creative spirit resulting in beautifully rich tapestries of sound in his compilations such as The Trip, volumes 1 and 2, A Jedi’s night out and The Sound of the Cosmos.
Tom’s working diary is as varied as his talents and tastes, with an itinerary that is anything but predictable. His reputation for eclectic sets is continually proved at clubs and festivals around the world. Tom demonstrates the versatility to program purist music to fit specific venues and events, remixing for high profile and underground artists alike.
Recent projects include working with AMBA featuring instrumental electro classical works with Choirs and Orchestral Ensembles, notably The Union Chapel, London and The Big Chill at Eastnor Castle. With over 50 improvised performances as part of the sonic science dept with The Bays. As a radio DJs he’s guested on Adam Freeland’s Kiss 100 Breakbeat show, moving on to host his own weekly Eclectic Radio show on Kiss 100. Consistently unpredictable maybe an oxymoron, but it is the most fitting way to describe the sublime talents of Tom Middleton.
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