OUR PHILOSOPHY IS THAT MUSIC IS LIKE FINE WINE. IT’S ALMOST ALWAYS BETTER WHEN DISCOVERED THROUGH PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION OR VIA A FASCINATING STORY WELL TOLD. WE MISS STARING AT THE COVER WHILE THE SONGS PLAY, AND READING ABOUT HOW THE MUSIC WAS MADE. SO, WE BROUGHT IT ALL TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE UNDER OUR CURATION BRAND THE SONG SOMMELIER. MICK’S ARTWORK, PERSONAL SLEEVE NOTES BY THE CURATOR, AND PLAYLISTS THAT TAKE AGES TO PUT TOGETHER. WE LEAVE THE ALGORITHMS TO THE ANDROIDS AND FOCUS ON THE ART. WE JUST WANNA BRING VINYL VALUES TO PLAYLISTS. ARE YOU IN?

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KEITH, FOUNDER & EDITOrial

I’ve worked in the music business for nearly 20 years, most recently as an executive consultant in the music industry’s key organisations: major labels, indies, start-ups, trade bodies and Spotify. All the time I’ve spent working on spreadsheets and charts left little room for working with the artists I love and respect so much. But I’ve always listened to the music - vast quantities of it. And I’ve spent thousands of hours reading about how that music gets made. From Lizzy to Lissie, from Duran Duran to Durand Jones, music is fuel to me.

For some time now, people have suggested I share my playlists, and so I finally decided I would do just that. But better - ask friends and other ardent music curators to do the same - and collect it all here in a cool format. When I got introduced to Mick, and saw what he could do with artist portraits and covers, that was that - it was clear that we would bring vinyl values to the playlist. And since I like the occasional beverage, I chose the name The Song Sommelier. After all, music isn’t water but fine wine. I hope you enjoy what we’re doing and please contact us with ideas for collaboration and curation. 

MICK, ARTWORK & CREATIVE

Ever since I could hold a pencil I’ve been drawing and ever since I managed to get my hands on some money I’ve been buying music and going to gigs. So when a mutual friend introduced me to Keith and I heard his idea for The Song Sommelier, I was delighted to have the opportunity to fuse my two great loves. I studied illustration at Glasgow School of Art whilst taking every opportunity to see music at Barrowland Ball Room, King Tuts and many other lovely little Glasgow venues. I moved to London to study at the Royal College of Art and 20 years later I’m still here, still drawing and still listening.

I’ve illustrated for the likes of the Guardian and Penguin Books, but took the best part of 10 years off to break the gender stereotypes and push my little children round London in their buggies. The Song Sommelier project came along at the perfect time as my youngest was out for her first year at school, and there was more room for me to paint at the table! I hope the project can bring you some of the joy that it’s bringing Keith and I. Do feel free to spread the word and get in touch.

Please note we do NOT take submissions for playlists! We do accept and review all artist/manager/PR requests to appear on The Art of Longevity podcast.