Squarepusher

Squarepusher
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Name	Squarepusher
Birth name	Tom Jenkinson
Birth date	January 17, 1975
Origin	Chelmsford, England
Genre	Drum and bass, Electronic music, IDM

Squarepusher is a renowned British electronic music artist, born Tom Jenkinson, known for his unique and innovative style that blends elements of drum and bass, jazz, and IDM. His music often features complex rhythms and basslines, drawing inspiration from artists such as Aphex Twin, Autechre, and The Prodigy. Squarepusher's work has been released on prominent labels like Warp Records and Rephlex Records, and he has collaborated with notable musicians including Amon Tobin and Venetian Snares. He has also been associated with the Braindance movement, a genre characterized by its experimental and avant-garde approach to electronic music, alongside artists like The Future Sound of London and LFO.

Biography

Squarepusher was born on January 17, 1975, in Chelmsford, England, and grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz musician and his mother a classical music enthusiast. He began playing the bass guitar at a young age, influenced by artists such as Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke, and later developed an interest in electronic music after discovering the works of Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream. Squarepusher's early life was also marked by his involvement in the UK rave scene, where he was exposed to the music of DJ Shadow and The Chemical Brothers. He attended Colchester Institute, where he studied music technology and developed his skills as a producer, alongside other notable alumni like Goldie and Roni Size.

Music career

Squarepusher's music career began in the mid-1990s, with his debut release on Rephlex Records, a label founded by Aphex Twin and Grant Wilson-Claridge. His early work was characterized by its fast-paced drum and bass rhythms and intricate basslines, drawing comparisons to artists like Photek and Source Direct. He gained widespread recognition with the release of his debut album, Feed Me Weird Things, which featured collaborations with Amon Tobin and Luke Vibert. Squarepusher has since released numerous albums on Warp Records, including Hard Normal Daddy and Music Is Rotted One Note, which have been praised by critics and fans alike, including NME and The Wire.

Style and influences

Squarepusher's music style is a unique blend of drum and bass, jazz, and IDM, with complex rhythms and basslines that showcase his technical skill as a musician. He has cited influences such as Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, and Aphex Twin, and has also been compared to artists like Venetian Snares and Autechre. Squarepusher's music often features live instrumentation, with him playing the bass guitar and drums on many of his tracks, alongside other musicians like Herbie Hancock and Bill Laswell. He has also experimented with ambient music and breakcore, releasing albums like Budakhan Mindphone and Ultravisitor, which have been praised by critics like Pitchfork and Resident Advisor.

Discography

Squarepusher's discography includes numerous albums, EPs, and singles, released on labels like Warp Records, Rephlex Records, and Nothing Records. Some of his notable albums include Feed Me Weird Things, Hard Normal Daddy, and Music Is Rotted One Note, which have been praised by critics and fans alike, including The Guardian and Rolling Stone. He has also released music on other labels, such as Shitkatapult and Planet Mu, and has collaborated with artists like Amon Tobin and Luke Vibert on albums like Confield and The Red Line. Squarepusher's music has been featured in various films, video games, and TV shows, including The Matrix and Grand Theft Auto, alongside other artists like Moby and The Crystal Method.

Live performances

Squarepusher is known for his energetic and technically impressive live performances, which often feature him playing the bass guitar and drums alongside a drum machine and other electronic equipment. He has performed at numerous festivals, including Glastonbury Festival, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, and Mutek, alongside other notable artists like Daft Punk and Justice. Squarepusher has also toured with artists like Aphex Twin and Autechre, and has been praised for his unique and innovative approach to live performance, which often incorporates visual effects and lighting design, similar to artists like Kraftwerk and Underworld. He has also performed at various venues and clubs, including Fabric and Berghain, and has been associated with the IDM and drum and bass scenes, alongside other artists like Venetian Snares and Photek. Category:Electronic music