QA: JOE COGHILL

Joe Coghill

Im a multi-disciplinary artist based in Edinburgh.

Anywhere. But mostly from my flat. I devise temporary workstations combining different equipment and signal paths which I play with and change regularly. Don’t have a fixed set up or space. I prefer taking a nomadic approach.

When I feel motivated and have time.

5. Why do you play music? 

Pure recreation. For enjoyment and somewhat out of compulsion/habit. Interested in exploring the potential of sound as a medium and the boundaries of sounds, music and noise.

6. When did you start making music? 

I’ve always been experimenting with sound and listening to music. From making drum kits out of pots and pans in my grandmothers kitchen to messing about with the synthesizer I was given to practice piano. I could never practice and spent my time making spooky sounding presets and drum loops. Began taking it more seriously when I was about 15 and its continued since then.

I can’t define myself by a single track. Current definitions may include >

Frenetic, active, exploratory, repetitive, intuitive, unsettling, varied, algorithmic, processed, opportunistic unpredictable, lively, home-made, electro-acoustic, crunchy, modular, mush.

Serious Song and Headspace App from forthcoming Edinburgh Leisure 12” Contemporary Art in Digital Culture and material from Ailie Ormston’s forthcoming 12” The Sedate / Tony Soprano Fashion Inspo. on 50%PURE.

10.What influences your work? 

My surroundings, experiences, relationships, circumstance and thoughts. Sometimes I work with ideas in mind and sometimes I just explore.

11.What’s your academic background? Are you an autodidact? 

I am predominantly self taught. After being introduced to Sony Acid and Sound-forge at a young age I taught myself how to make basic songs using samples and a computer. I then went on to learn how to use Ableton and developed an understanding of DAW workstations, hardware recording and composition. Constantly mucking around with whatever equipment I could beg, steal or borrow. In 2015 obtained a bachelors degree in Time based Art and digital Film and am considering going back to do a masters in Acoustics and Music technology. Prior to this I studied Music Technology, Illustration and Film Making.

– I don’t have any definitive favorite anything really. I try to keep an open mind and take things on merit. I will share with you some favorites rather than a favorite.

John Margotti

50%PURE, Extrapolation, 12th isle, Firecracker, Raster-noton, Irdial Discs, Sex Tags Ufo, Borft, Bunker, Rephlex etc…

Lee Scratch Perry or Autechre or Henry Flynt or Bugs Bunny, Eric Satie

Hybrid

I try not to limit my process and actively seek to use myriad different production methods. Ranging from software like Ableton and Pure Data to vintage equipment, damaged cassette tape loops, field recordings and zero input mixers. I enjoy exploiting new and old technologies in order to create music and art. My limited budget means that I have to be resourceful.

Scattered and intuitive with strands of cerebral hyper-focus.

Between 5am and 11pm. Mild weather conditions.

Elvis Shakespeare in Leith, Edinburgh.

Somewhat

24.How do you manage your time effectively? 

I’m not sure I do.

I can program an a.i chatbot to answer interview questions for me in under an hour.

Make and release more music and find John Margotti.

Find John Margotti

Make music however you want. Just Make it. Doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of it. Making it is rewarding enough and there are only right ways to do it.