British singer and songwriter Luke Sital-Singh has always been fascinated by people who produce things slowly, creating something meaningful with their hands. In his “Slow Makers Sessions ” he visits different artists, performs a song in their studio or workshop, talks to them about crafting and their work and shows intimate shots of how works get created.
Tell us about “Slow Makers Sessions”
My interest in craftsmanship stems from two places. Firstly I just love it! Who doesn’t enjoy things that are made with expertise, care and love? I am inspired by people who are crazy good at what they do. Secondly, I am obsessed with modern technology and but often feel something truly human is missing from our increasingly automated, efficient, screen centred lives. Craftsmanship speaks in direct contrast to this trajectory and reminds me that slow is still sometimes the best way to move. Slow creates enduring things. That’s why I’m interested in this craft world and I wanted to make something to express my passion so the idea to travel around and meet makers was born, to feel inspired by them and try to connect my form of musical craft with theirs.
Do you own your things or do your things own you?
My wife always complains that I don’t take care of the things I own, I’m always losing things, leaving stuff at venues on tour and it never really bothers me. So I wouldn’t say my things own me particularly. But I do love nice things!
How did you and your wife meet?
We met through a big group of friends when we were both studying in Brighton. We were just mates first and gradually became closer over a year or so.
Episode 1: Hannah Cousins (Bristol) – www.hannahcousins.com
Nick Hand & Ellen Bills, The Letterpress Collective – heletterpresscollective.org
What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
I have the world’s worst memory and haven’t retained a lot of specifics from my childhood. I do remember a family holiday to America when I was pretty young. I was into Basketball as a child and when we got to New York City, I asked my Dad if I could get a Basketball. He took me to, what felt to me at the time, the biggest department store ever and we found the sports section and I remember seeing all the basketballs on the shelves. I’d never seen so many. I remember thinking there were hundreds, even thousands all piled up to the ceiling. I was completely overcome with happiness and utterly swept away by the grandness of New York and America in general. New York is still one of my favourite cities in the world.
Jono Smart, Glasgow, www.jonosmart.co.uk
“Time Is A Riddle” is about?
I’m not even sure myself. The phrase just came to me out of the blue when I was writing the song. It seemed to sum up exactly how I was feeling. The confusion of growing up, changing, regretting, pride, remorse. How fast life goes by and yet how slow. I also don’t remember hearing the phrase before, which is nice because I’m always stealing ideas from somewhere. Feels good to come up with something that felt a little new.
Luke Sital-Singh’s album “Time Is A Riddle”, released on May 12 at ferryhouse productions.
