What do you do?
I am involved with the sound arts. I also make music with Spartak and savages. Lastly, I run the record label hellosQuare and curate all kind of things like the Peking Spring Festival.
When did you get into it?
Making sound and music years ago, the label since 2004 in my bedroom. Nothing crazy and profound - just really started from scratch with an idea in my head and kept the ball rolling.
Who or what influences you as an artist?
Any knowledge is influential to my work. I take cues from history and political upheaval as subject matters to reinterpret through my sound art and music, be it in a subtle rebellion or blatant statement.
What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?
Curating Peking Spring to this point has been quite a feat but other memorable things include my various overseas tours to SE Asia, Japan and New Zealand and creating my audio-visual installation Whirlwind Lullabies last year.
What are your plans for the future?
Nothing concrete apart from spending time with the family, watching the Socceroos and the Bangladesh cricket team play (and attempt to win games) and last but not least, keep on working on all kinds of tone, drone and musical treats.
What makes you laugh?
Topical humour, ethnic jokes (but only said by ethnic people) and scenesters/hipsters.
What pisses you off?
People who are all talk and no substance.
What’s your opinion of the local scene?
Highly creative if a little insular. People here need to break out of their shackles and push themselves in the wider world without leaving this humble town. To leave means to give in, in my opinion. It may be a little bit more hard work but your reward might just be that little space of notoriety that you created for yourself.
What are your upcoming performances/exhibitions?
The Peking Spring Festival – info of which can be found at www.hellosquarerecordings.com. Highlights of the festival include the three performances at the Street Theatre that will happen on Saturday April 30, May 7, and May 14, all of which can be read about at www.thestreet.org.au>
Contact info: hellosquare.shoeb@gmail.com
