In this episode, I sat down to discover new references from Mesh Chhibber, once understudy of André Leon Talley who became a high fashion connector and PR for John Galliano, Stella McCartney, and Rick Owens.

Mesh shared his lifelong passion for supporting young designers, his chance discovery of The Face magazine at an '80s boarding school, and the highs and lows of working with John Galliano.

Mesh’s references include a variety of influential figures, iconic locations, and notable works in fashion, music, and art. Here’s a summary:

• Isabella Rossellini’s Face magazine cover: An iconic cover featuring the renowned actress and model.
• David Lynch’s "Blue Velvet": A seminal film by director David Lynch known for its surreal and disturbing narrative.
• Peter Saville: A graphic designer known for his work with Factory Records and iconic album covers.
• The Manchester Hulme estate: A notable area in Manchester known for its creative and countercultural community.
• Factory Records: A Manchester-based independent record label influential in the post-punk era.
• Hacienda Club: A legendary nightclub in Manchester that was a hub for the city's music scene.
• The Dry Bar: A popular bar in Manchester associated with the Hacienda and Factory Records.
• John Galliano’s Princess Lucretia collection (1993): A notable fashion collection by designer John Galliano.
• André Leon Talley: A prominent fashion journalist and former editor-at-large of Vogue.
• DJ Jeremy Healy: A well-known DJ and music producer.
• Nick Knight: A celebrated fashion photographer.
• John Galliano at Givenchy: Refers to Galliano's tenure at the luxury fashion house Givenchy.
• John Galliano at Christian Dior: Refers to Galliano's influential period at the helm of Christian Dior.
• Vanessa Bellanger: A contemporary fashion designer.
• Thomas Tait: A Canadian fashion designer known for his innovative designs.
• Rick Owens: A fashion designer recognized for his avant-garde and edgy style.
• Sofie C. Guerrero: An emerging fashion designer.
• Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton: Refers to Abloh's role as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear.
• Kanye West: A rapper, producer, and fashion designer known for his influence in both music and fashion.
• Pharrell Williams: A musician, producer, and fashion designer known for his work in music and streetwear fashion.

Episode credits:

Production: Pi Studios, part of We Are Pi

Host & Creator: Alex Bennett-Grant

Producers: Alex Bennett Grant, Stephanie Whitehead

Design: Seth Josephs

Video Editor: Govert Janse

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine if you got to "exchange moments" with Quincy Jones to inspire your creativity?

In this episode I sat down to discover new references from Gilles Peterson, world-renowned DJ, BBC radio host, founder of Brownswood Recordings, Worldwide FM (which is also in the Grand Theft Auto video game!), and Worldwide Festival.

Gilles shared his lifelong passion for jazz, funk, electronic, and hip-hop music, and the icons, places, moments, and scenes he has taken inspiration from over the years. Gilles' references in this episode cover a diverse range of musical genres, artists, records, and notable moments in music history. Here’s a summary:

• Talkin' Loud Records: Known for acid jazz and dance music, featuring artists like Galliano.
• Island Records: A legendary label with artists like Bob Marley and U2.
• Earth, Wind & Fire: An iconic band blending R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, dance, and more.
• Sly and Robbie: Renowned Jamaican rhythm section and production duo.
• Quincy Jones: A multifaceted music producer, conductor, arranger, composer, and trumpeter.
• Herbie Hancock: An influential jazz pianist and composer.
• Hiroshi Fukumura: A Japanese jazz trombonist.
• Marshall Allen: A long-time member of the Sun Ra Arkestra.
• Flying Lotus: A record producer, DJ, and rapper known for experimental electronic music.
• Amy Winehouse: A critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals.
• Cleo Sol: A British singer and songwriter with soulful music.
• Robbie Vincent on Radio London: Influential DJ in the UK soul scene.
• Greg Edwards on Capital Radio in the 80s: Another key figure in the UK soul and funk scenes.
• Radio Libre and Radio Nova in Paris: Known for eclectic and groundbreaking music programming.
• Lockdown FM: Broadcasting in a Pandemic: A nod to radio’s role during COVID-19 lockdowns.
• Light of the World: British jazz-funk band.
• Mandrill: An American band known for blending funk, Latin, and R&B.
• The Last Poets: Pioneers of spoken word and hip-hop.
• Louie Vega & Elements of Life: A project blending house music with live instrumentation.
• Detroit Techno: A genre originating from Detroit, blending electronic music with funk and futuristic sounds.
• We Out Here festival: A celebration of jazz and genre-defying music.
• X the Tracks festival: Another notable music festival.
• Yussef Dayes' Album: Black Classical Music
• "Take The Box" by Amy Winehouse: A notable track by the late artist.
• A Love Supreme by John Coltrane: A landmark jazz album.
• The Comet Is Coming, Nubya Garcia: Notable modern jazz artists pushing the genre's boundaries.
• Future Bubblers: A talent discovery and development program.
• Steve Reid Foundation: Supporting musicians and artists.
• Tony Harlow and Max Lusada at Warner Music: Key figures in the music industry.
• Tito Puente: Celebrated master of the timbales.
• Bobby Caldwell: Known for his smooth vocal style and songwriting.
• High Tension, Soul 2 Soul, The Fatback Band: Influential groups in the funk and soul genres.
• Mark Murphy: A celebrated jazz vocalist.
• Kenny Garrett and Sounds From The Ancestors: Acknowledging the influential jazz saxophonist.

These references paint a rich tapestry of Gilles’ musical influences and the breadth of his musical knowledge, spanning genres, eras, and geographical boundaries.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we discover new references from Damian Bradfield, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of WeTransfer file-sharing company and WePresent editorial website, author of "The Trust Manifesto" and board member of The Supporting Act Foundation.

Damian shared his passion for supporting the arts, explained how his brand activist journey from Trump to Brexit resulted in winning an Oscar, and what he hates about tech and loves about luxury.

Damian’s references include a variety of notable figures, events, and works in art, music, and media;

• Mr. Bingo’s Rump On Trump: Trump-themed whoopee cushions.
• "The Long Goodbye": Oscar-winning film on race and identity.
• Kamasi Washington: Innovative jazz musician.
• Supporting Act Foundation: Supports emerging artists.
• Björk on WePresent: Features Björk’s work.
• Anthony Micallef’s Trump art: Art using cigarette warning graphics.
• Gilles Peterson: DJ and founder of Worldwide FM.
• Veterans For Gun Reform: Veterans advocating for gun reform.
• Net Neutral on WePresent: Promotes net neutrality.
• The Parkland shootings: Tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
• Gucci: Luxury fashion brand.
• Tom Ford: Designer and filmmaker.
• Stella McCartney: Sustainable fashion designer.
• Martin Toluku: Creative in fashion or art.
• Balenciaga: Avant-garde fashion house.
• Sergio Rossi: Luxury shoe designer.
• Alexander McQueen: Bold fashion designer.
• Steven Seagal: Action film actor.
• Patrick Swayze in "Roadhouse": Swayze’s role in "Roadhouse."
• "Inspector Mouse": Children’s book by Ralph Steadman.
• Quentin Blake: Illustrator for Roald Dahl.
• Nalden: Founder of WeTransfer.
• Russian advertising in Moscow: Notable ads.
• Present Plus: Innovative creative studio.
• Erykah Badu: R&B, soul, and hip-hop singer.
• "Baby Reindeer": Netflix show on dark themes.
• "Ripley": Netflix adaptation of Highsmith novels.
• "Alone Together": Book on technology’s impact.
• Jess Valice: Emerging artist.
• Letitia Wright: Actress in "Black Panther."
• Will Ferrell: Comedian and actor.
• George Soros: Financier and philanthropist.
• David Bowie: Iconic musician.
• Noma Bar: Illustrator using negative space.
• Malika Favre: Bold, minimalist illustrator.
• Jean Jullien: Playful graphic artist.
• FKA Twigs: Experimental musician.
• Solange Knowles: Unique artist and singer.
• Kano: British rapper and actor.
• Spike Jonze: Innovative filmmaker.
• Billie Eilish: Distinctive singer-songwriter.
• Drop School by WeTransfer: Educational initiative.
• Cory Doctorow: Digital rights author.
• John Asprey "Ode to Bill": Poem by Asprey.
• Drake: Influential rapper and singer.

Episode credits

• Host & Creator: Alex Bennett-Grant
• Producers: Alex Bennett Grant, Stephanie Whitehead, Jelani Issacs
• Artwork: Seth Josephs
• Sound Designer: Juan Pablo Thummler
• Video Editor: Govert Janse
• Camera Operator: Fidel Faustino
• Sound Operator: Willem de Wijs
• Production: Pi Studios, part of We Are Pi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘New References’ is a new podcast series hosted by Alex Bennett-Grant, founder of We Are Pi, who interviews creative leaders about the artistic and cultural references that inspire their work and lives.

Join Alex as he goes down the rabbit hole to unearth hidden gems by diving into people’s references one interview at a time.

Listening to this podcast you will learn how to find new inspiration, get out of the bubble and stay creatively fresh.

Episode credits:

Host & Creator: Alex Bennett-Grant

Production: Pi Studios, part of We Are Pi

Producers: Alex Bennett Grant, Stephanie Whitehead

Artwork: Seth Josephs

Sound Designer: Juan Pablo Thummler

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.