In the sumptuous surroundings of Bournemouth’s Russell Cotes Museum, Boscombe musician Timo Peach cuts a rakish figure with his sharp suit and long hair.
I join him for a cappuccino and a chat about his latest album, The Golden Age of Exploration.
As first impressions go, he certainly doesn’t fit the “muso” stereotype. Yet while suited and booted, his passion for music is undeniable.
Over the last 20 years Timo has racked up some 20 albums of private projects and solo work, not to mention scoring for film. His latest musical project as Momo:Tempo will see him finally release a debut album.
Like Timo’s personality the music is quirky, interesting and most of all unexpected.
“The album is like a sketch book. It has samples and references from around the world. It’s like a calling card of where I’ve been and what I’ve seen,” says Timo, 40.
The musician grew up in Southbourne and while at school developed a fondness for electronic music.
“I loved the synth music of the early 80s at school and bands such as Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk and Yello were definite influences. Some reviews said I sound like The Chemical Brothers, but I’ve never been trying to make a dance record.”
That’s the thing with Timo, it’s hard to define his music let alone the man himself. Working as an independent composer, producer and designer to name but a few job titles.
Then there’s the name Timo Peach, or is it Tim, TC, Mo or Timothy Charles?
“I know I don’t quite fit in anywhere. It’s about being able to keep getting away with it. Being creative and not working to order.”
After that rational explanation, Timo draws my attention to a strange musical instrument from Brazil that he’s brought with him to our meeting. It looks suspiciously like a tin can and he invites me to guess how you’d play it.
“It’s called a cuica. I don’t know how to play it, but I’d like to use it on the next record.”
Then it dawns on me that there’s method in his madness.
- Momo:Tempo – The Golden Age of Exploration is out on November 1.
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