We speak to one of the most respected musical forces in the industry Mike Dixon
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groveSTOCK Announces Celebrity Judging Panel Chiswick's Got Talent @ groveSTOCK 2010 groveSTOCK set for fifth glorious year Tickets will be available in advance from www.grovestock.co.uk or 020 8742 8016 for £10 per adult, £5 for 13 – 18 year olds, with children under 13 free. Tickets purchased on the day will be £15 and £5 respectively, with children under 13 free. Saturday June 19, 2-10pm If you have a local event you'd like to promote - click here |
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Mike Dixon is one of the most experienced and respected musical forces in London’s West End and on British television.
His work spans all genres of music as musical supervisor, musical director, arranger and composer.
In the theatre he has worked on more than 20 shows including We Will Rock You, Grease and Joseph, and is currently bringing the popular musical Hair back to the West End.
On TV, he has worked on Pop Idol, The Royal Variety Show and many, many other top programmes.
Mike, who lived in Chiswick for 10 years, will be one of the three highly qualified, talented judges will face the tough task of determining the winners of groveFactor, Chiswick’s children’s talent competition held as part of groveSTOCK 2010.
We caught up with Mike ahead of the festival to and asked him a few questions:
Has music always been in your blood?
Yes - My headteacher from primary school ( in Plymouth) recognised some musical talent from my recorder playing when I was six and gave me his old piano - it all stems from there!
What was your first experience in the music industry?
1979 - Rehearsal Pianist for the revival of Canterbury tales at the Shaftesbury Theatre
Do you ever get or have you ever been nervous when performing?
If I didn't get nervous then there would be something wrong with me. However there are stages - if I conduct a TV show in a TV studio or a recording session in a recording studio then those are two environments that I am very familiar with and the nerves are somewhat subdued. But Glastonbury 2007 with Dame Shirley or the Diana Concert at Wembley - those were excitingly scary!
You’ve worked with just about everyone who is anyone in the music business, is there any one project or person that stands out from the rest?
The current one......whatever that may be. However the Diana Concert, The Queen's Jubilee Rock Concert and Glastonbury are pretty high on my list of - did I really do those?? - if you know what I mean!
Where do you compose?
I work from home generally to write - but I have a mini studio that I take with me so I can work anywhere.
What’s your current favourite on your iPod?
Jem Cooke - I Am Jem Cooke
The path to stardom has been eased somewhat by the huge popularity of shows such as Pop Idol and X Factor. Do you enjoy these shows?
I worked on the first Pop Idol - the one that Will Young won. I can't say that I enjoy them but they have proved to be a good platform for some styles of act.
Why did you agree to be a judge for groveFactor?
I love the idea of groveFactor and as an old Chiswick resident (from 1989-1999) it is nice to give something back.
What will you be looking for in the contestants?
Talent and promise.
Any words of advice?
Enjoy the experience - to perform in front of lots of excited people can be one of the best feelings in the world!
Chiswick is bursting with musical talent just take a look at the line up for groveSTOCK. Is there anyone particular you’re looking forward to hearing?
Soul Police - but also looking forward to hearing Samantha Heard.
June 11, 2010