local artist / graphic designer and music fan Mikal Dyas comes to Friesland Studios in order talk about Mikal’s artistic interests and some of his musical choices.

Here is our blog and playlist from the show.

Ryuchi Sakamoto – The End of Asia – Thousand Knives – 1978

Keith writes :

From Sakamoto ’s début album which even today sounds quite contemporary. Sakamoto went on to work with the Yellow MagicOrchestra.  I sourced the track from a great compilation entitled Nick Luscombe presents Tokyo Dreaming.

Magic Numbers – Sweet Divide – Outsider – 2018

Patrick writes :

Had a pink Floyd vibe when played live, highlight of their recent excellent gig at St James, St Peter Port.

Trio – Ja Ja Ja – b-side to Da Da Da single – 1982

Mikal writes:

Why? B Side of Da Da Da which my mother hated ! Produced by Klaus Vorman who drew the cover of Beatles REVOLVER.

Trio ‘made it their goal to reduce diverse various music genres to an absolute minimum’.

I have never been able to keep my drawings simple.

Bukky Leo & Black Egypt – Why Can’t We Live Together – Afrobea Visions – 2005

Keith writes :

Bukky Leo honed his sax skills in Lagos and came to the attention of Afrobeat master Tony Allen and was swiftly absorbed into Allen’s then new band. Leo went on to perform with Fela Kuti.

Leo located to London and spotted by a young Giles Peterson who signed him to the newly formed “Acid Jazz”label.

In the early 90s Leo travelled to Egypt where we formed his vision for Black Egypt.

Eric Serra – Diva Dance –  Fifth Element OST – 1997

Patrick writes :

Performed by Alien singer Diva Plavalaguna, who is actually Albanian opera singer Inva Mula-Tchako.  

The song was technically impossible, so notes were sung individually and then arranged digitally.

The Breeders – Happiness is a Warm Gun – Pod – 1990

Mikal writes:

A Beatles cover. I chose this track as it was released on the 4AD label who always produced artwork which was a huge influence on my own then and now.

Gabor Szabo – Gypsy Queen – Spellbinder – 1966

Keith writes :

A track known to many once they hear it. Santana covered it on his Abraxas album from 1970 when he segued into the tune following on from his cover of Black Magic Woman.

Gabor Szabor was born in Hungary and fled to the United States following the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

Szabor was influenced by rock music in the 1960’s and often combined eastern flavours in his work.

Blue Man Group – Time To Start – Complex – 2003

Patrick writes :

Full of energy and fun, utilising unique handmade custom instruments. Such as pvc pipes and industrial materials

The Fall – Ed’s Babe – EP – 1992

Mikal writes:

I just love The Fall. The reason for nominating this track ? I also love the artwork.

Weather Report – Birdland – Heavy Weather – 1977

Keith writes :

Probably the most famous Weather Report tune. This is an album that I heard on its release in 1977. 

A great, joyous sound. Named after the famous New Your jazz venue. 

The Coral – White Bird – Distance In Between – 2015

Patrick writes :

Influenced by Can, with a terrific, driving psychedelic beat. They were great when I saw them live.

Songs From Green Pheasant – Stars From Birds – Ariel Days – 2012

Mikal writes:

A great band who are now gaining attention. Check out the latest edition of Uncut magazine. 

I was thrilled to be asked to provide the artwork for this release from 2012.

Dreadzone – Zion Youth – Second Light – 1995

Keith writes :

Local boy Tim Bran was and still remains part of this very popular band. 

Taken from their second album, they have recently recorded and released their ninth album.

Flexagon / Citizen X – Orgone SVH – Single – 2020

Patrick writes :

An ambient piece by Citizen-X (Patrick) inspired by Mikal’s work in “Zone” magazine, in which he imagined a local disused building, Sydney Vane House ,to be re-purposed as a giant Orgone accumulator. 

The track was created by Citizen-X, then remixed and re-worked by local electronic musician Flexagon.

Hollie Lucia – Scales Weights –  – 

Mikal writes:

A great record and I was again very happy to contribute art work to the project.

Teaspoonriverneck – “Truck” (remix) – 2006

Patrick writes:

Remix of track from debut self-titled album. 

Loved the song, and as it is inspired by the Stephen King directed film adaption of his short story “Trucks”, I decided to sample dialogue from the film, extend the track slightly and add a few effects to create a new track.