Today's couch speakers are certainly both pioneers in their field, and there's an air of anticipation and static before we take positions in the lecture hall. The man comfortably taking the reigns of this morning's session is Mission Commander of Warp records and general straight-talker, Steve Beckett. Starting with their record shop and club scene in Sheffield in the eighties, Steve brought the warehouses of the industrial North of England to vivid reality, sweat, police dogs, and all.





Steve makes the science and art of running a record label sound so straight forward, it's a surprise that we're not awash with quality electronic music from all directions. From getting the business right, to making impeccable A&R decisions, and always coming up with those curve ball artists that keep everyone on their toes, Steve and Warp are set to mould the music industry practises of the future.

Some re-arrangements later, and we have a drum kit mik'ed up and skins ready to sing from the deft wrist movements from a true giant - Tony Allen. Not just a man with the poly-rhythmic dexterity of four men a quarter his age, Mr Allen propelled the runaway Fela train all around the world, through whatever storm is being whipped up by corrupt police, arson, or politicians.
Mr Allen then proceeded to breakdown the drumstick mathematics of Afrobeat and it's rhythms, flipping beats backwards for fun. It's not often the qualities of humility, and charisma are combined in someone with such a natural gift while remaining so relaxed and friendly. Mr. Allen, we applaud you.