Tom Leah aka Werkha, Manchester-based multi-instrumentalist, DJ, and producer release 3rd album on First Word Records. Eleven track between blending electronica, jazz, breaks, and acoustic textures, and he turns personal experience with scoliosis into powerful new studio album ‘Unsung Irregular’.

To dress, a pair of…?

Trousers!

Welcome, a glass of?

Guinness please good sir.

How was the music environment in which you grew up?

It was great. I was exposed to a lot of classical records and 60s folk, whilst being thrown onto basslines such as Herbie Hancock and Chaka Khan’s “Essences” in a live jazz setting. That’s where I really developed my passion for bandleading I think.

Your first approach to music production?

I probably started messing around with an early version of Fruity Loops in about 2007. It was all sequenced stuff and I was stuck to be honest. I had no real exposure to anyone who knew anything about it until I was about 18 or 19 years old. Then my mind was blown open by the possibilities when Brendan Williams introduced me to how he produced Matthew Halsall’s early records. I was hooked after that.

Your first approach to Djing?

We had an old pair of belt drive turntables which I think had been pulled from a skip. I can’t really remember why they ended up at mine. But with that I think my brother got some random box of ten records. That just happened to be full of some Ed Motta & Alex Attias and other broken beat-esque joints which are still in my collection to this day!

Your favorite hardware and software?

I love my Prophet 6 synth. I also really like Logic 9 haha. I still use that to this day.

Your maximum BPM?

However fast I’m feeling that day! Halftime is a beautiful thing.

"A jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than a master of one" - because I only knew the first half of this saying until a couple of years ago. I used it as a self derogatory way of referring to myself. Then somebody completed the phrase for me and flipped it on its head. I felt vindicated! (laught)

Your top 5 favorite places in Manchester?

Aladdin’s - a 3 and rice place in the Northern Quarter, Highfield Country Park, The Fallowfield Loop, Whitworth Art Gallery, The Union Pub - after playing football.

Mountains or sea?

Mountains.

Your favorite song or top 3 from “Unsung Irregular” Lp and why?

"Weak Point" it’s a slice of me. Skippy beats with tight groove and textures that tickle the ear drums.

"Humour This" Just love the slightly sad clown-esque vibe imagery I have in my head when I listen to this track. I’m also really pleased with the mix. And "Narrow In" because it’s possibly my favourite collaborative journey to date.

Three locations that have meant something to you during the creation of this record?

Well, there’s 3 secret locations included with the first few orders of my album from my bandcamp (laugh). 

Your top 3 favorite labels ?

First Word, Ninja Tune, International Anthem.

If I tell you Bolivia, what is coming in your mind?

Wild dogs in the revolutionary jungle, drunken brass bands and protests in the streets.

Your top 5 new releases ?

- Mr Bongo "With Love: Volume 3" Compiled by miche

- Jeremiah Chiu & Marta Sofia Honer "Recordings from the Åland Islands"

- Captain Planet & Tony Allen "Tony's House"

- Rosie Frater-Taylor "Featherweight"

- Throwing Snow "Pedalling" feat. Daragh Fleming

Your top 5 old releases ?

- Caravan "The Land of Grey & Pink"

- Robbie Basho "Visions Of The Country"

- Cinematic Orchestra "Ma Fleur"

- Rozi Plain "What A Boost (it's not that old really)"

- RJD2 "Deadringer"

If I tell you jazz, what is coming in your mind?

Communication

Which artist is currently blowing you away?

Cooper T - those guys are fucking quality energy live and highly professional individuals.

Best memory on stage?

My album launch last weekend here in Manchester. It's a vision I've been waiting to express since I started this whole Werkha thing; strings, visuals, vocals, energy.

Another passion? 

Football.. Blue Moon!

What job would you like to do if you weren’t a DJ?

Land restoration. Without a doubt. Peaceful, mindful, and outside all day.

Interviewed by cosh… / Photo (c)