John Burton, aka Leafcutter John, born in West Yorkshire, originally wanted to be a painter, and studied at Norwich School Of Art. Burton was also a songwriter, spending his spare time composing folk songs on a guitar. Then one day, he bought a PC, to type his university assignments. That’s when he discovered the possibilities of electronic music. Burton relies on the inspiration he gets from environmental noises and acoustic sounds recorded in all sorts of different places or situation, or during sonic workshops he organises in art galleries. When asked about people who inspire him, Burton cites Richard D. James as well as Pierre Henry, Karlheinz Stockhausen or Pierre Schaeffer. The analogy between Leafcutter John and the musique concrète movement is quite obvious. If not as remote as the music produced by any of these composers, Burton’s creations remain quite difficult to apprehend, even when he flirts with more conventional electro. Burton´s sound is refreshing and challenging enough to put it above the rest, and to isolate Leafcutter John as an exceptional creator.
 
> leafcutter.33-rpm.net
 
Appearances:
> CTM.04