Rhythm of the Forge: Martyn Ware's Sheffield-Inspired Electronic Music Journey

For this episode Danny Hurst is joined by Martyn Ware, the multi-platinum producer, composer, 3D soundscape artist, Electronically Yours podcast host and founding member of The Human League and Heaven 17. As a producer, Martyn worked with artists as diverse as Tina Turner and Terrence Trent Darby, before co-founding with Vince Clarke the world-leading immersive 3D soundscape design and composition firm -  Illustrious Company. Martyn shares how the unique soundscape of the steel producing town he was raised in influenced his music. He also talks about living in London for 40 years and shares the creative processes behind his music. If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos. KEY TAKEAWAYS The sound of the steel forges created a unique soundscape that had a profound effect on Martyn and other musicians from the area. Regardless of what type of music you want to experience you can find it being played somewhere in London.  The decision to go down the electronic path arose in part from wanting a way to merge the many different forms of music they liked together. Being exposed to such an eclectic mix of people and experiences has helped Martyn to keep the music he produces fresh and different. It's always evolving. Martyn provides a fascinating insight into how a track is built up element by element. Martyn shares how the process he follows when writing a song has evolved, including the pros and cons of having access to new tools such as software. London is a place of extremes; a blend of small villages. BEST MOMENTS “I can hear that industrial sound in your music.” “As you entered the town, it sounded almost like a heartbeat.” “I like the homogenization of different social strata.” “It seems to me like they're trying to make London into a gated community for rich people .” “Do you like what it evokes in you? … If it doesn't make me feel anything, it goes in the bin.” “I can't ever imagine Tina Turner finding anything difficult to sing.” “There were those who thought electronic music was witchcraft.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://martynwareofficial.co.uk  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/electronically-yours-with-martyn-ware/ https://illustriouscompany.co.uk https://www.inplaceofwar.net  HOST BIO Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can. CONTACT AND SOCIALS https://instagram.com/dannyjhurstfacebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 https://twitter.com/dannyhurst  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720