BIOGRAPHY

Composer/Producer

Rich has been composing and producing music since 1990.

Throughout the 90s he ran his own record label Flaw Recordings and was a member of The Aloof who were signed to Warner Brothers.

In 1994 he formed Red Snapper who released four albums on Warp Records and toured the world, supporting The Prodigy, Bjork and Massive Attack.

Red Snapper recently released their 9th album which was inspired by the soundtrack to 70s Senegalese road movie ToukiBouki that they composed and toured in 2013. They continue to tour the world.

Rich released two albums as Toob and has a new project of experimental electronic music called Petwo Evans.
He also releases experimental HipHop as Dicky Continental.
Rich Thair has produced library albums for Imagem/Boosey and Hawkes, Standard Music, De Wolfe/Rouge Music, Sky,Focus Music, Felt Music and Lift Music.

He has produced music for films such as Rancid Aluminium, Get Carter and Antikiller.
Adverts: Rimmel, Nokia, Ducatti, National Express and Sky.
Tv/Synch: BBC-eastenders, Damages, The Real Hustle, Dragons Den.
Sky sports, csi Miami, NCIS, Tru Calling, Spaced, Bear Grylis, Ray Mears.

Rich has his own recording studio in South Wales where he also develops and produces singer/songwriters on behalf of labels and management companies.

MUSIC

TEACHING AND WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE

  • I currently teach drums and percussion to 8 young people (8-17 yrs) privately on a one to one basis.
  • Ran music workshops for Solutions residential Independent School for children in care.
  • 2010 worked for Ystradgynlais Welfare hall on European/Arts council funded project Reach The Heights – running drum workshops in youth clubs in the Dulais valley, resulting in the project Strad and a performance/film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD_NJY1mwjA
  • 2011 Hiphop/dj skills workshop at Pentrahafod School, Swansea.
  • 2011 drum workshop at Pontardawe Arts Centre with young people drumming in  summer parade.
  • 2008 developing young bands at Ystradgynlais Welfare hall.
  • 2008-2010 working with young bands at Muziekgieterij live music venue and studio in Maastricht, developing album material and live performance.
  • 2009 employed by British Council in Caracas, Venezuela running workshop with local traditional drummers and djs resulting in a city centre performance.
  • In the past I have participated in many music/drum workshops in London, Bristol and Swansea including The London School of Samba.
  • Experience of teaching drums to children with ADHD/ADD
  • In February 2012 I was employed by Artscare to work with young offenders from Carmarthenshire for a week, running workshops in drumming, music production and dj skills.
  • In March 2012 Icomposed and producedthe soundtrack for Neath and Port Talbot’s Environmental Fashion Project and created a percussion piece with recycled instruments with Crynant youth club.
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In April 2012 I ran a music production/drum workshop for young carers on behalf of The Olion Project/Tan Dance.

I am Musical Director of Tan Dance’s Troy Boyz project.

In August 2012 I produced the music, sound design and drums/percussion with Tan Dance on their ‘Troy Boyz’ project with NEETS from Swansea whichresulted in a performance at Swansea Grand Theatre in September.

This year I have produced music and sound design, and worked with young people on live percussion for Tan Dance’s production of Street Odyssey on behalf of The Olion Project for a performance at Swansea Grand Theatre in August 2013.

In 2012 I recorded and produced Dai Sharkey’s album Schizophrenia on behalf of The Arts Council of Wales

http://www.artswales.org.uk/what-we-do/funding/creative-steps/david-white.

In 2012 I attended training workshops at Ystradgynlais Miners Welfare Hall on Arts Workshop practises and disability awareness.

I also composed original music and performed live with the Intergen Project on behalf of Olion/SMU in Summer 2013.

I have recently run music workshops on behalf of Learn Thru Music at care homes in Swansea, working with Autistic and Down syndrome adults.

In 2014 I ran dj skills and music production workshops on behalf of Rock Academy Wales in Llanelli, Aberavon and Sandfields.

 In 2014 I ran a music development programme for 12-18 year olds on behalf of Community Music Wales and Children in Need.

 I am currently working one to one as a music therapist for a client of ParkriseCarehomes.

 I am currently running a music development project called Future Blood at Pontardawe Arts centre. Aimed at 15-21 year olds. There will be two live performances each year and I will produce a compilation album at the end of each year. There are currently 22 participants.

 

SKILLS

 I am able to engage and communicate effectively with young people and share my skills and knowledge.

  • Playing different musical instruments and DJing
  • Rehearsing and practising
  • Performing live
  • Managing and organising a live band
  • Running a record label
  • Working in the music business
  • Running a radio show
  • Studio production skills

 

MUSIC INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Since 1990 I have written, recorded and produced 16 albums.

I constantly play live around UK and Europe with my two bands Red Snapperand Toob.

Experience as a session musician both live and in the studio.

I have DJd around UK/Europe for ten years.

I had my own internet radio station between 19982001

I have run my own record label and have experience of being signed to major and independent record companies.

I frequently compose music for film, TV and adverts.(see www.blueeyemusic.co.uk)

In 2012 I received £5000 funding from The Arts Council of Wales for my band Red Snapper to compose a new soundtrack to 70s Senegalese film ToukiBouki.

We performed the show at Pontardawe Arts Centre, QEH, Southbank, London and all over Europe.

In 2014 Red Snapper released their 9th album and continue to tour Europe promoting it.

I have my own professional recording studio in Pontardawe, South Wales.

I have the management skills to organize and coordinate art/music workshops in all environments because of my experience in the music industry.

I hold a current driving licence.

I have all my own equipment.

I hold a current DBS disclosure.