10 Questions: Matt Aitken

The music programmer at the Colston Hall is the driving force behind The Last Train, a new Sunday night series in The Lantern that promises “an immersive night of music, visuals and storytelling, emulating a trip on the last train home, as you slip in and out between waking moments and lucid dreams”.

On May 8, The Last Train will feature John Metcalfe – arranger for the likes of Blur, Morrissey and Coldplay, co-producer of albums with Peter Gabriel, and violist in the renowned Duke Quartet – performing music from his latest solo album The Appearance of Colour.

The show also includes performances by Daniel Bachman.

1. What was your earliest ambition?

I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do when I was younger, but the one constant was organising events. It all started organising socials in sixth form and now that ambition has evolved into what I’m doing now – organising events at Colston Hall. 

2. How physically fit are you?

Depends on the day of the week!  I play football and I go to the gym, but at the moment I’m injured, so I wouldn’t say I’m at my best. Apart from the injury, I’d like to think I’m healthy apart from after an evening with friends.

3. If you were mayor of Bristol for the day what would you do?

I would make sure there is an annual soup box race down Whiteladies Road or Park Street, and start plans for an urban zoo using old shops and unused land for artists to design animals.

4. What’s your favourite holiday destination?

Lossiemouth, Scotland. During my younger years I spent every summer in North Scotland getting a runny nose while everyone else was getting a tan. But it’s beautiful with long sandy beaches without the crowds, fresh fish and fresher than fresh air. It’s located between Inverness and Aberdeen so the drive there is half the experience. 

5. What’s your biggest extravagance?

I would definitely say its good food and musical equipment. I tend to treat myself with a nice breakfast. There are lots of good breakfast places in Bristol. I’d say Kale & Kettle and Bakers & Co are up there for my biggest spends/extravagances. 

6. In what place in Bristol are you happiest?

I grew up in Westbury-on-Trym, so I enjoy going back as much as I can. I also love that it still feels like a village even though it’s part of a vibrant and buzzing city. I have a lot of fond memories of the area, like The Westbury 8, a pub crawl centred on the eight pubs in the village. Plus, Blaise Castle isn’t far from there, that places always takes me down memory lane.

7. What ambitions do you still have?

I have a few for this year, and ask me again in a few months and they’ll probably be a few more! It would be great to put a festival together at Ashton Court or on the Downs. Another big one is to evolve Simple Things into an outdoor festival or bring it to a unique venue within a year or two. 

8. What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?

It has to be working at Colston Hall and starting Simple Things Festival. Being born in Bristol, Colston Hall has always been the venue, and ever since my first show with my mum – Terence Trent D’Arby, I have always been a regular. It’s a true honour.

9. Can you sum up Bristol in a sentence?

Bristol is an exciting, vibrant and unpredictable city which likes to do things in its own way. 

10. What is your favourite secret spot in Bristol? 

My garden! But as everyone can’t fit in my garden, I’d say Blaise Castle because it has a bit of everything, a country feel so close to the city, incredible views and it’s steeped in history.

Read more: 10 Questions: Florrie Arnold