Seams (SCQ's Year-End Questionnaire Part I)

I first became aware of Seams (aka James Welch) as a remixer, whose take on Bibio’s ‘All the Flowers’ had breached the number one spot on Hype Machine’s hot tracks list. From there, Seams’ debut album, A Juvenile Rush, was just a click away (right here, where his new download 'Nightcycles' also resides) and goes further in showcasing what an imaginative talent Welch is. Read on for word of his upcoming projects and live shows.

SCQ: What have been some of your favourite records of 2009? Gush away.

I think my favourite album of the year would probably have to be The Dirty Projector's 'Bitte Orca'.

The use of harmonies feels really fresh to me, and it's shown that it's not just cheesy r&b that can pull off vocal gymnastics. Tyondai Braxton's solo album is also pretty high up there, along with Animal Collective's and Black Moth Super Rainbow's recent albums. Oh and my favourite discovery was 'WHT' by Troels Abrahamsen, the production on that record is sublime.

SCQ: Be it from the radio, lost on Myspace or your own personal discovery, what song(s) could you not stop spinning?

Most day's I listen to a track by the band Taste Parade, called 'Be Deep Happy'. It's not even finished yet, but I love their sound. Hopefully they should be releasing their debut next year.

SCQ: Seldom celebrated but crucial to The Album’s identity is cover-art. Can you offer any shortlist of personal favourites from the past year?

A love the cover art for Prefuse 73's 'Everything She Touched Turned Ampexian' it totally captures the feel of the record, lush and organic, and at the same time otherworldly.

SCQ: When you look back on what transpired this year, what will stand out as your most memorable moment(s) of 2009?

Playing my first live shows were definitely a highlight, especially 93 Feet East, playing through a huge P.A. felt pretty special. Going to Glastonbury for the first time was also a pretty big deal, it's so big there, but never felt impersonal.

SCQ: Most of us probably haven’t thought as far as New Years Eve plans but still, looking forward, what do you have on the horizon for 2010?

Hopefully in 2010 I'll be following up the album with an EP of new tracks, so far its sounding a lot darker and more textural, but I've no idea how it'll turn out. Then hopefully as well as new material I'll be playing more shows, possibly throwing some live instruments into the mix.