Music from the Heart, for the Heart - Robert Diament
PLAYLIST SESSION 1 - GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS
Running a venue (or Pub Hub as we like to call it) you get to meet a lot of people, sometimes you cant put names to the face, sometimes you only ever say hello and know very little about that person, but sometimes, you chat, you laugh and become good friends. So in an attempt for you to get to know your neighbours and maybe gain a friend or two next time you see them out, our first release of The George & Heart Playlist sessions will be all about... you guessed it...Getting to know your neighbours!
In our case, the fine people of Margate! As many of you that live here know, is a special place and attracts lots of special people. The pot of fun, creative, inspiring people that call Margate their home is boiling over so lets get to know them a little better.
Our first Playlist guest is Robert Diament, Director of the Carl Freedman Gallery and regular at the George & Heart. A major part of the ever emerging Margate Art scene we wanted to get to know him a little better and discover his musical tastes... we liked what we discovered.
Thank you for the music Robert, its been a pleasure getting to know you better and we absolutely LOVE your playlist :)
1. In a few words tell us about yourself and what brought you to Margate.
I moved to Margate when the gallery I work for relocated our HQ to Union Crescent. I’m director of Carl Freedman Gallery and Counter Editions print publishers. I live very close the gallery and am happier than ever before living here.
2. Describe your perfect night out?
I love food and going for dinner with friends is my perfect night out, followed by drinks after at the George & Heart. I really love the Margate Arts Club,
had some amazing nights there dancing til the early hours, and I also loved Margate Pride last summer, it was honestly one of the best events I’d ever been to.
It took me back to what it felt like as a teenager before parties were corrupted by brands! It’s also been exciting to see the food scene in Margate grow over the past few years. I’ve had some of best food in my life here. Before the lockdown, I was frequently eating at Sar Gasso, Bottega Caruso, Dory’s, New Street Bistro, Urchin Wines, Ralph’s Pizza and Pasha too!
3. If you could choose any Cocktail to accompany your playlist, what would it be and why?
I started drinking alcohol very late in life, a few years ago aged 37! So I’m still pretty unexperienced when it comes to cocktail menus but I’ve come to really enjoy white wine, champagne, and the freshness of a Mojito.
4. What are the reasons behind your choice of songs for the playlist and (if applicable) how do they relate to you?
I used to make music before I worked with artists. I recorded two pop albums with my band Temposhark and toured around the world, mainly in the USA. I’ve always loved electronic pop music which you’ll see in my playlist.
5. Who’s your musical icon?
Kate Bush. Saw her live in London a few years ago and it was one of best concerts I’ve seen. I discovered her when I was 14 and went through the whole of her back catalogue, one album each week for a few months and immersed myself in her music. It was truly life changing and I never tire of her songs.
6. If you could be described as any Margate landmark what would it be!?
Dreamland for sure, because of the name and I love the architecture in the old cinema which is currently closed. I really hope one day it will be restored and reopened. Dreamland also reminds me of Tracey Emin’s drawings of the Margate skyline - that and the Lido were both landmarks I first learned about via her monoprints and films.
7. Most memorable Margate moment and why?
The first time I swam in the Walpole Bay tidal pool with my friend Ben. It was truly magical and I swam there almost every day last summer for 6 weeks or so. I love watching the sun set into the sea as I swim.
The way the Margate light reflects onto the sea is pretty much the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
8. Tell us your First OR your worst album?
I think my first album was True Blue by Madonna. I convinced my Mum to buy it for me on cassette in Boots pharmacy. I was obsessed with the Herb Ritts portrait of her on the cover and loved her music all the way my life. Worst album was probably the second album ‘Girl Power' by Shampoo, the girlband pop duo… I was obsessed with them, total pre-cursor for Spice Girls! They were actually genius, loved their attitude! I’m adding ‘Trouble' to this playlist…
9. What have you been doing to get yourself through lockdown!? Any hints and tips?
I’ve been working from my kitchen each day, we’ve did a few fundraising prints already. One just sold out for Our Kitchen local community interest company helping distribute food to food banks across Thanet. I’ve been having fun at night recording my podcast Talk Art. I co-host it with actor Russell Tovey. So far we’ve remotely recorded 22 new episodes with artists and even a few well-known gay icons like Elton John, Rufus Wainwright and Stephen Fry! We release 2 episodes a week as a QuarARTine series! I tried my best to keep a routine and I’ve learned to cook better and even bake! My latest invention is hot cross buns versus scones. I’m actually beginning to enjoy the solitude.
10. And finally, If you could be on lockdown with any 3 people who would they be? (other than who you live with now so as not to offend anyone!)
I’d happily be in lockdown with Russell as we get on like family and he makes me laugh SO much, I have a tendency to take life too seriously and he taught me how to have fun. I really miss my friends Carmen and Catalina who live in Spain. I often holiday with them and I feel so comfortable spending long stretches of time with them. Again they are like family to me. If I could have people from the past, I’d choose Frida Kahlo for sure as I love her and reckon we’d have amazing conversations!!!
LINK TO THE PLAYLIST - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3nK7sLXbYF2lsWHwR7U4MV?si=zLZRDMsvQ4CHp64bJngNkQ
Tune in next week for more music and get to know another Margate resident!
@georgeandheart