ME
I’m a London chap, Hampstead to be exact. Both parents Italian.
My creativity originated in art class, my strongest subject.
My school was a “Make Boys Into Men” establishment which started in the mid 1500’s, and felt like it had the same rules when I was there. I got suspended and expelled, managed to talk my way back in. That followed with college where I studied Graphic Design & Photography. After falling in love with music I went back to college to study Music Technology & Sound Engineering. That progressed to my career in the music business. I’m still very much involved in the music scene, however I have the luxury of delving into photography, and tinkering in the Ai world too. Who ever said you can’t have enough projects!?!
I don’t conform, I never will, and I hate rules. Tell me to do something, I’ll do the opposite.
I have two beautiful kids that are the world to me. They come before everything.
I have a good chunk of tattoos, some with meaning, some without. My shoe size is a UK 9 and my ring size is a T.
Just like everyone in this world I’m a little quirky. Let’s face it, none of us are normal, I don’t think normal exists. Fortunately for me, my quirky brain lends itself perfectly to creativity and curiosity. It’s firing 24 hours a day. It’s the factory that constructs my music, my art, my writings, my high functioning anxiety and my life.
I’ve got myself into many a situation, some good, some not so good. Escaped near death, nearly lost my arm., lived the highs and lows of the music business with too many drug fuelled escapades to remember. Had an an unfortunate run in with a boa constrictor, and a face off with a battery of barracuda. Had relationships with the wrong people, lost good friends, and came of age in the north London ‘Bec’ scene. Was graced with a graffiti fad, an alcohol heavy decade, and a penchant for growing green in London. I lived with five hostesses and a drug dealer in Japan, dj’d the Millennium on a beach full of lanterns and fireworks, and walked in on friends famous parents and their mistresses.
At five I stole three dinosaur rubbers to make friends at my new school. Apart from a pack of chewing gum (from the same shop) that was the end of my shoplifting career.
What amazes me is how these moments can lead to unseen inspiration. Heartbreak can craft the most powerful songs. Loss can evoke the most thought provoking art. Anger can lead to legendary writings. Our ability to channel emotions, both good and bad into an art form is absolutely incredible.
Contact.
Whether it’s a commission, collaboration, or curiosity, I’m a click away.
tonyraps@me.com