Hip hop means a lot of things to a lot of different people. It calls to mind images of its so-called elements: break dancers, djs, mcs, and graffiti artists. Rarely does it bring to mind the Seine, country roads, or a hearty meal. Enter Buck 65. (more…)

Why is it that British people always seem to do things better? I know that isn’t a universal truth, but the minute you start to think it, it seems to be true. Other than tired clichéd jokes about teeth and cuisine, the UK can seem to be able to take everything we do and turn it up a notch or three. Music is definitely a place where this perceived truth can come in to sharp focus. British songwriters and composers seem to be able to generate tunes that crank my chain something fierce, and today’s Tech School subject is no exception – in fact, he is one of the bars by which to measure others.

Born in 1963 in Coventry, England, Clint Mansell rose to fame first as the lead singer and guitarist of British industrial outfit Pop Will Eat Itself. He currently works exclusively as a film score composer, with his most renowned work being collaborations with writer/director Darren Aronofsky. (more…)