Alexis Ffrench

"As an artist in the classical space, I have always been keen to explore without being restricted by perceived boundaries. This approach is mirrored by my formative experience growing up in a household rich with eclectic sounds, informed by my dad’s love of Stevie Wonder (Talking Book), Bob Marley (Uprising), Aretha Franklin (Aretha Now) and Jonny Mathis (Merry Christmas). This music was infused into my DNA and, when listening, I always found myself exploring the harmony and construction as if I were deconstructing Bach fugues or Palestrina. In terms of a pivotal album, it has to be aged 14 and hearing Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ for the first time. I remember where I was - on the steps of Harrow Tube Station in London on my way to the Purcell School of Music - and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer audacity and scale of the record. This was closely followed by the first time I heard Jorge Bolet’s recording of Debussy Preludes but ‘Thriller’ definitely edges it!"

- Alexis Ffrench