People-Music-Moments #12
Ollie
My name's Ollie, I'm a software developer and since 2017 I've been building a social media tool for creators/artists (which is how I came across PTYK!). I've moved around quite a bit after being raised in Asia, moving to the US for a year, and finally settling in the UK. Outside of work, I really love the gym - mainly because it's a good place to escape, and the combination of good music and exercise can be bliss. I'm a really big New Order (and Joy Division) fan, and I like how they still have a huge influence today. I couldn't count the number of times I've heard 'Blue Monday' in an ad on TV.Song 1
Ceremony - New Order
Everyone who knows me, knows that this is my "anthem" - so it's difficult to pinpoint a particular moment. My Dad took me to my first New Order gig when I was about 12 - I didn't really appreciate the music at the time, but I re-found them a few years later. My dad bought me a t-shirt at that gig which I still have and wear today. In 2019, I went to another of their gigs with my Dad, and then again with my girlfriend in London this year (2021), which was unreal. This particular track has always followed me, and been the one song I never get tired of listening to. It feels both sad and really happy at the same time, and I think there's a fascinating story behind it, with it being written by Ian Curtis (the lead singer of Joy Division) just before his passing, and the formation of New Order that followed.
Song 2
How We Do - Mount Sims
When I was in school, I used to skateboard quite a bit, and I'm still really into longboarding (long-distance skateboarding) today. A good mate of mine uploaded a video montage of his skateboarding bails to YouTube, with "How We Do" by Mount Sims as the soundtrack. I loved it, and I remember talking to him about how great the track (and montage) was the next day. Streaming wasn't a thing at the time, so I think I bought it on iTunes. It stuck with me through my adolescence, and I still bring it up in conversation with my mate today.
Song 3
Born Slippy - Underworld
I really got into this song just before I got the job opportunity to move to the US. I was 19/20, a full-time student, and had everything planned to stay exactly where I was (including a flat with my a really good mate of mine, which I had to give up). The company was a startup so it was a bit of a risky leap, but I'm so glad I took the opportunity. Before going, I was up and out at 6am latest every morning to squeeze the gym, work, and Uni into the day. I'd listen to this track while walking through the city streets to the gym, passing people still stumbling on their way home after a few too many the night before, and business owners just setting up shop for the day. I think I found the mix of people out at that time of the morning entertaining, and the track definitely helped me through an uncertain time. I wish I could still wake up before 6am today!
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