Jim’s Adventures in Music
Who Am I?
Hello! I’m Jim, I listen to a lot of music! Beyond my family, music is the most important element in my life. I try to listen to and discover as much as I possibly can.
I’ve been a musician and music fan for as long as I can remember. I write and record a lot of electronic and ambient music, I’ve been in bands all my life and play drums and keyboards. I guess I grew up as a rock kid, but that doesn’t really tell the whole story, because I’m very partial to electronica, jazz fusion, progressive rock, metal and ambient. Brian Eno records sit comfortably next to Opeth, The Orb next to Igorrr, Sun Ra along side Tool. I have folk, roots, blues and soul records. I have hip hop, reggae, jazz and gospel music in my collection.
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I can forgive Iron Maiden almost anything, they have been my band since 1982 when I first heard The Number Of The Beast. They are on a pedestal separate from other music because, well, the are part of my DNA and have always been there.
For me there is nothing better than owning a physical copy of a record, a CD or even a tape – something to hold and to appreciate. I source a lot from second hand shops, charity shops, Discogs and eBay, but also a fair amount of new records too.
Contrary to audiophiles, I adore owning old and pre-loved records. The slightly dog-eared and tatty sleeves along with the crackles and pops on a record tell their own story of a history that I can only ever guess at. I sometimes try to imagine the life-story of a fifty year old copy of a Led Zeppelin album, how many hands it passed through, how many bedrooms it was played in, homework, first kisses, parties…. There is something very romantic about it!
What I Do
I make YouTube videos and I listen to music, often at the same time! Taking your guidance and suggestions, mixed with my own unquenchable curiosity I listen to a huge amount of music and have set out to discover, unearth and keep alive music that might otherwise be lost not only to me but lost to time itself.
The beauty of the channel is that it’s not just a selfish indulgence for me, but a shared space for the incredible community that has sprung up around it. The stories and memories linked to the music can be breathtaking, heartbreaking or laugh out loud hysterical. It is both inspiring and moving reading the comments under the videos. Music really is a special kind of magic that unites, inspires, calms, encourages, us. It transports us in a split second to another place, another time. Music can be purely entertainment, or something more challenging. For me, when it is art, music describes the human condition more perfectly than a book, poem, painting or sculpture ever can. It changes our mood in a heart beat, and reunites us with friends, family, loved ones past and present. It reminds us of who we are and who we were. I believe it to be one of the most powerful forces in the universe.
Latest Blog Post
#37 – Fancy Winning a Year’s Membership of my YouTube Channel?
So, here’s a big crossword for you to get your teeth into over the festive break. I’ve put together a fun and (hopefully) challenging puzzle that will test your knowledge of the year in music and of the channel. All the answers will be in my videos somewhere, and you’ll probably be able to guess…
#36 – Von Hertzen Brothers, The Garage 2 Dec 2024
As we roll inexorably into the festive season, thoughts naturally turn towards mince pies, Christmas parties, cheesy Xmas songs and overindulging in your tipple of choice. Last night, just one of these was in good supply, thankfully NOT the cheesy songs! As my brother and I worked our way through our third pint of ale…
#35 – Goodbye Nicko
Iron Maiden… Well, this i did not expect to read today. 42 years of playing in the same band all over the world, no one can deny it’s been a long innings, and no one would say it’s a retirement not earned. A momentous day for Nicko, Iron Maiden and the fans. Statement from Nicko…
Get in Touch
Jim Newstead, PO Box 6487
Milton Keynes, MK10 1RE, United Kingdom
My YouTube Channel – Jim Newstead
My music on Bandcamp – Jim Newstead Music
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Jim’s Adventures In Music 