Alex Wilkins

What did you do before joining dBs?

"I’ve been passionate about music since I was 5 years old, but I was a bit of a late bloomer when it came to education. I was 27 when I studied a music degree at Falmouth University. Alongside this I was a guitar teacher, session player and played in a few bands, most notably Gravenhurst who were signed to Warp Records.

"I was making indie/shoegaze back then and was inspired by artists like My Bloody Valentine, Nick Drake and Spacemen 3."

Why did you first get into music production?

"It’s hard to say. You could say it started when I went to Glastonbury; that was where I really developed a love of dance music, particularly techno. When I first started to produce I didn’t really know what I was doing and tried to make electronic music on Pro Tools, which was fun! After that I got Ableton Live, and was composing minimalist pieces for my degree and teaching myself by reading books and watching tutorials."

Any special areas of interest?

"I wouldn’t say I have a real niche in terms of the music I like, it changes all the time - I’m currently enjoying a big Jungle phase. I really love Warp Records and the artists on that label, as well as what gets labelled IDM."

What do you love most about what you do?

"I love how my job forces me to keep learning and to continue developing my skills in order to teach. The students we get year on year are always pushing the boundaries in terms of their production knowledge, and that really pushes me to learn new things all the time.

"Being able to share that knowledge and skill in the areas I’m passionate about, learning from the students and being inspired by the music they are producing is definitely the most rewarding part for me."

Tell us about your proudest career moment.

"I think it would have to be getting offered the course leader position here at dBs Bristol. Knowing that dBs have faith in me to entrust me with the role is something I’m very proud of."

What do you get up to outside of teaching?

"I love to read, both fiction and non-fiction. I thoroughly enjoy Lawrence Osborne, Ali Smith and J.G Ballard’s work, and enjoy reading autobiographies of big names in the music industry.

"When I have the time I really enjoy watching films - it’s probably the main source of inspiration when it comes to tone and atmosphere in my music. David Lynch is probably close to the top of my list.

"I also love getting outside of Bristol and going on long hikes in the countryside, it really helps clear my mind and escape the noise of the city for a bit."

Tell us something our students may not know about you.

"I played the Park Stage at Glastonbury in 2007. We were on a waiting list and Adele was billed to be the first act. Then ‘Chasing Pavements’ came out and she was propelled to stardom and moved up the bill and we played that slot.

"That year was a wash out, so we were there midday in the pouring rain, performing to about 100 people, which I was pretty happy about. Then we played the first chord and 95 of them turned around and went back over the hill because it still said Adele on the programme."

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