Audio brand Bose are collaborating with Argos to give away two state-of-the-art Bose products, perfect for use either away from or around the home.
To be in the draw to win either a pair of Bose SoundTrue around-ear headphones or a SoundLink Mini bluetooth wireless speaker, drop us an email at competitions@thevinylfactory.com with your five-song playlist to have on around the home (or simply like or share this post on Facebook, though make sure you FB message us your email so we can contact you).
In need of inspiration? We asked breakthrough house artist Ben Pearce about the music he listens to around the home – from Chopin in the kitchen to New Found Glory in the garden.
For more information on Bose and their products, head over to the Argos website.
Has your taste for music evolved over the years?
I think I’ve gathered new tastes but my general taste hasn’t changed. I listen to jazz now when I never used to, my dad has an amazing classical collection so I grew up with that. I’ve always been open to new genres and I think it’s just collecting them over the years. I can’t think of something I used to listen to that I don’t enjoy now from time to time. Hopefully that trend will continue.
Tell me about a type of music that you don’t make, but really love and inspires you.
Well I don’t make rock (yet!), but that’s something that has always inspired me. I love going to gigs, the presence of it, the song writing, the arrangements. It’s so powerful and captivating.
When you listen to your own music, what’s the first thing you hear and why?
All the things that I could’ve done better, I’m my own worst critic and really come down harsh on myself in that way. I suppose it’s a bad thing sometimes but I think it makes me better because I’m constantly thinking I could improve.
What noise most reminds you of your childhood?
Not sure about noise, I probably made most of it. There’s the Hungarian dances by Brahms that remind me a lot of childhood, they were on in a lot of videos my parents made.
How does your music reflect your personality?
It’s so involving, culturally it represents a lot and I suppose you can draw correlations between that and personality. It definitely doesn’t always, I love asking people what they listen to but it’s quite easy to pre judge somebody based on that. I’ve found the people who have a wider music taste to be more accepting of everything else around them.
If you would compare your music to any object in your house, what would it be and why?
Oh wow, maybe the blender? I can take a lot of different food items (comparable to inspirations) and blend them to a smooth liquid that tastes good. Sometimes.
How important have friends and family been in your career? Do they give you advice, do they help you create music?
I suppose they all have their ways, a lot of my friends now work in the music industry too. My girlfriend is amazing with music and critiques my stuff a lot. It’s amazing to be surrounded by these people.
OK, now we’re gonna ask what you listen to around the home. First, when you’re taking a shower?
I can’t say I listen to music in the bathroom to be honest, perhaps some ambient rainforest type soundscapes, I’ve always had this idea of building a bathroom that’s filled with water plants and real rock faces to give it a natural feel.
In the kitchen?
The Essential Chopin, it annoys some of my friends but I think when I’m cooking I really need to relax and focus, I listen to a lot of Chopin for this purpose, it’s beautiful.
Living room?
Slum Village: I love hip hop for chilling out at home, either that or some soul. It’s perfect for it, the older Slum Village is brilliant. Or perhaps The Pharcyde, I usually switch between artists several times though.
BBQ with friends?
It would depend on the friends but some big band type of tunes, I’d say New Found Glory perhaps. Something fun and big riffs that a lot of people know, great for singing along to after a few beers.
First thing in the morning?
I usually don’t listen for music for an hour or so, I’m not good with mornings even if I’ve had loads of sleep. However sometimes I wake up with a song so stuck in my head I just have to put it on, I can’t remember what the last one was. I went to see A Day To Remember last night so I’ll go with their song ‘Have Faith In Me’.
Looking for inspiration?
I always get inspired by classical or jazz, it’s just so musically complexed. Pachelbel’s Canon In D is always perfect for focusing. When I’m looking to get inspired about electronic music, I can look through promos or record shops. There’s so much incredible music around and has been for so long, it’s mind-blowing to think you’ll never ever listen to it all. There’s always something new to be discovered.
Competition terms and conditions:
– By participating in this prize draw you are deemed to accept these terms and conditions. Prize draw open to customers and non-customers aged 18 or over who are UK residents. Draw is not open to employees of Argos, their families or anyone associated with this draw. Proof of eligibility must be provided on request.
– The prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative. The promoter’s decision is final in all matters and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter reserves the right (a) to add to or waive any rules on reasonable notice (b) cancel or postpone the promotion at any stage in the event of circumstances beyond its reasonable control; or (c) in its reasonable discretion to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.
– If a prize remains unclaimed after reasonable efforts have been made to contact the winner the promoter will be entitled to dispose of the prize as it sees fit without any liability to the winner for having done so.
– The promoter reserves the right to alter, amend or foreclose the promotion without prior notice.
