| Biography | As a multi-instrumentalist and established DJ who divides his time between the club and the live circuit, Pete Cunningham defies categorisation. He initially bubbled up amongst an emergent class of young guns coming through the Wolf Music and Church stables, alongside Seb Wildblood, Medlar & Frits Wentink. With his name now established, Cunningham has brought his history of playing in bands around full circle and the latest stage of his career has taken shape to reflect this: enter Ishmael Ensemble.
2017 saw the Ishmael Ensembles first EP, Songs for Knotty, followed by a remix for Detroit techno demigod Carl Craig. These formative steps will become a sprint in 2018, as a string of 7s entitled Severn Songs flows out across the year. The Bristol-inspired records variously bridge fleet-footed jazz, lush downtempo, modulated electronica, Fourth World tones, and all manner of stirring sonic swells. Cunninghams restless spirit will be on display on the road, too. As well as dates focused on their original compositions, a fondness for legendary Japanese synth-pop pioneers Yellow Magic Orchestra has blossomed into the band re-working YMO's fifth album Technodelic into a time-travelling whirlwind of a show. This overall thrum of activity shows a group bristling with confidence and itching to prise open new possibilities.
Cunningham's drive, diverse tastes, and deft ear are just as well applied behind a different sort of mixer to the studio console. Having built an expansive record collection and played out since the age of 14, Cunningham continues to DJ at festivals and venues across Europe. Just as likely to draw for a rare psych record as he is an instrumental beat cut or slice of arresting house, a highly-regarded recent instalment in Gottwood Festivals mix series has shone light on this additional string in his bow. From band leader to consummate selector, there are multiple sides of Pete Cunningham, but they all extend from the same deep-rooted love of music, and dedication to his craft.
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