Josh Horsley.

What were you doing before you came to Spirit Studios?

Running a degree course at another University and working as a Freelance Musician/Producer

How did you get into music production?

I’ve been a musician since I was a teenager. I started out playing guitar and bass guitar in bands and became more interested in instrumental and experimental music practice from there.

I studied Music at University and was exposed to Music Production, Electroacoustic Music, Sonic Arts, Acousmatic Music and Studio Practice there.

I earned my Master’s Degree and PhD through study of Music’s relationship with philosophy (metaphysics/phenomenology) and began teaching in HE in 2012.

After completing my studies I taught myself how to play cello and this has formed a large part of my practice these days.

I’ve always maintained being in performing/recording acts since moving into more Production focussed roles. Working with like-minded creatives is crucial to me and I’m able to incorporate this into my teaching.

Any areas of special interest?

Minimalism.

What’s your proudest career achievement?

I’m proud that I’m able to maintain a diverse career. I teach, produce, engineer, compose, and perform in various contexts whether that be popular music, classical music, jazz and improvisation, music for TV, film, and video games… Long may it continue!

What do you get up to outside of teaching?

I make records, perform, compose and produce for other media.

Outside of music, I like nothing more than seeing friends and family. Walks, going the pub quiz (with scampi fries), meals out, or days in playing Mario Kart with my daughter.

What are some of your career credits or any notable people you may have worked with?

Some I’m proud to include are Pauline Oliveros, Ex-Easter Island Head, Jabu, Lubaina Himid

What’s your favourite album/artist?

Glenn Gould’s 1981 recording of JS Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Released a month before Gould’s death, it crowns the career of a fascinating performer who was completely invested in the innovations and potentials of the recording studio. The music and the recording reveals something new every listen.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?

All Tomorrow’s Parties, May 2008.

What’s your musical guilty pleasure?

No guilt, but if you haven’t heard ‘Don’t Disturb This Groove’ by The System, you’re missing out.

Tell us something people may not know about you

I’ve flirted with visual art, with my work being shown in Tate Modern, Casablanca Biennale, and The Harris Museum.

I also have a claim for producing the world’s longest screen print.

Where can we find your work?

You can find my work through socials – @horsleyjosh

Want to learn from Josh?

Josh is a Programme Leader at Spirit Studios for BA (Hons) Music Production and MA Music Production, and teaches on our Electronic Music Production and Performance course.