“A dazzling array of influences packed in to every minute” DJ MAGAZINE “A symphonic masterwork…a defining moment in electronica” DROWNED IN SOUND “Masterful…an engaging listening experience” BEATPORTAL “Grand string arrangements and big drums…oh, the drums!” FACT MAGAZINE “Culprit 1 could make a good tune using a half-eaten Toblerone and a lampshade” iDJ
Bio
Growing up in the bleak and beautiful post-industrial landscape of South Wales provided Culprit 1 with an ideal environment in which to explore countless musical influences. Now based in London, he has recently completed a second album of startling sonic explorations.
A Culprit 1 record is a rewarding experience for the ears; the meticulous production and veiled themes providing fresh discoveries with each listen. Evolving from a classical background to dance music and now seamlessly combining both genres, Culprit 1’s precise musical vision has led many to proclaim his talents, most notably BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac – who hailed the producer as “The DJ Shadow of Wales”. Thanks to a natural musicality honed over years of study in both conservatoires and clubs, Culp’s remarkable works have received radio support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Bethan Elfyn, Pete Tong, Annie Nightingale, Adam Walton, Mary Anne Hobbs and Eddy Temple-Morris.
Just as likely to be found reading The Economist as Computer Music, Culprit 1 has also built up a reputation for humorous blog entries in which he mulls over such vital issues as disastrous day trips back to Wales, chaotic personal interpretations of popular vegetarian recipes and the amount of minor celebrities regularly visible on Soho’s Dean Street. Having benefited from the insights of so many music teachers during his formative years, Culprit 1 also retains a keen interest in music education and regularly appears as a panellist for UK charity Youth Music.
Culprit 1’s debut single was released on Huw Stephens’ Boobytrap imprint in July 2003 and was followed by three singles on the My Kung Fu label, leading to an appearance at SXSW in 2004. Soon after, he remixed a series of chart singles for the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, The Automatic and Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll before embarking on a three night residency with a string quartet at London’s Big Chill House.
Culprit 1’s debut album ‘Running in Order’ (Exceptional Records 2007) was an ambitious opening statement. The LP’s orchestral closer ‘Strings Outro’ proved extremely popular and was picked up by Classic FM, countless chillout compilations and the Southbank Centre’s ‘Walking in my Mind’ exhibition of ten international artists.
Second album ‘Theme 2’ was released in November 2010, featuring with the singles ‘Screamer’ and ‘Distraction’. The LP enlisted a talented array of co-conspirators such as spoken word legend Polarbear, BBC 1Xtra favourite Smiler and unique vocalist Iko to help him further an eclectic approach fuelled and inspired by a myriad of musical influences. On completion of the new record, Culprit 1 remixed the BBC National Orchestra of Wales’ recording of ‘Blue Letters from Tanganyika’ by composer John Hardy, released in April 2010 on the Ffin label.
2011 saw the release of the haunting ‘Grains of Light’ EP, with the title track receiving radio play across the world. Culprit 1′s third album ‘Now Is What Matters’ is scheduled for an April 2012 release.