My West London Life

Chris Grabiec

Chris Grabiec

January
31

Producer and DJ, Chris Grabiec on inspirations and getting away from it all in Cornwall

Where do you live and why?

I live in Acton. I grew up in Chiswick (Turnham Green) and although I left home in my early twenties, I have always stayed in or close to the west London area. For me west London will always be home.

Who is your muse, or your biggest inspiration and why?

I have one of each actually. Firstly my muse is Sarah-Jayne Newton – she is an amazing, positive person with a great outlook on life, as well as a very talented musician. I could not imagine making music without Sarah. My biggest inspiration has to be my producing partner, Nat Clarkson – I have worked with Nat for three years now and he is a very talented producer and has taught me loads. I would not be where I am with my music projects without him.

How would you describe your personal style?

I am a trance producer and DJ, so my main style and focus is melodic and uplifting trance and progressive trance.

Do you have any rituals when you DJ?

When I am getting ready to go out I like to play Human by the Killers.

What do you think makes your working relationship with singer Sarah-Jayne so successful?

Sarah and I clicked from day one. Although she comes from an acoustic/classical musical background, when we started to work together she really loved the trance sound. In fact, if you had a look at her iphone today, you will find 99 per cent trance. When we write together, Sarah knows exactly what I am after. We are currently co-writing my second album, which will definitely showcase our musical fusion.

Where did you last go on holiday and what did you get up to?

My new favourite place is Cornwall. We go regularly for some peace and quiet and to get away from phones and computers. I like to relax in the country so we just get up to the usual – long walks, watching the sun go down and catching up on sleep.

What’s in your fridge at the moment?

A bottle of Champagne and a bottle of wine that I was given for Christmas – no drinking for me while the album is in production.

What advice would you give to anyone trying to break into the scene?

Be relentless, work hard, be prepared to sacrifice and definitely focus on quality.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

In the following order; finish and release our album, then Sarah and I are getting married in the summer and going on honeymoon.

www.chrisgrabiec.co.uk

King Charles’ former butler Grant Harrold & author of The Royal Butler

March
16

King Charles' former butler Grant Harrold tells Olivia Allwood-Mollon about dancing with the late Queen, and the time he accidentally hid from King Charles in a car

Can you tell us a bit about the protocol behind an everyday royal excursion in a car?

Royals never go out alone as they always have their security with them. When they’re going to engagements, they always have their security team with them in surrounding cars. The royals will always work in the back of the… Read more →

Anna Jordan, TV Writer and Playwright

February
20

Chloe Reeve chats 'Lost Atoms' & iconic Succession one-liners with writer, Anna Jordan

Hi Anna, I’ve seen your new show, Lost Atoms – it’s fabulous – but for the sake of our readers, tell us about your new 2-hander that recently opened at The Lyric, Hammersmith.

Thank you! It’s a play that explores love, how it changes us and how we remember it. It also explores how our memory changes… Read more →