NoiChan – Chiptune Network

Photograph by Stephen Grant

Power Player #23: Edward Shallow

World Head Law is something I’ve been working with the last year. It’s a universal law of hedonism and secular humanism, and it works under the belief that World Dead Time exists. World Dead Time is the time after a significant event occurs during which you’re unable to process information and record new information efficiently. World Head Law is a natural phenomenon by which intangible moments are attached to intangible melodies.

I avoid summarising myself at all. I didn’t call myself an artist for many years because of how loaded the statement is. I do what I do, and I’ll continue to do so. People throughout the world know me in a variety of different guises, whether that be as an artist, a musician, a video-maker, an actor, a writer or an organiser, I do what interests me at that moment and I keep going with it. It isn’t for me to say what I am, really. I did once claim I created the universe, however, and no-one has to yet to disprove it. So, I think everything should be taken with a pinch of salt.

If someone’s personal beliefs are strong, they’ll be strong enough to withstand my questioning, my statements and my retorts. If they’re not, then how strong were their personal beliefs, that a person such as I could rattle them? Some people have never questioned a thing in their existence, and I feel that’s a very lonely state of affairs. I like to be challenged over my beliefs. If ignorance is bliss then knowledge is ecstasy. Oh, that’s a good one. Write that down.

I live for a living.

• How did you like your trip to the US last summer? What did you do there?

I hated it. I’m intending to boycott all North America products. Nah, it was good. I picked fresh blueberries, attended Blip Fest, jumped off a bridge into a lake and shared a stage with Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

I’ve met an incredible amount of inspiring individuals through the chiptune scene, especially in North America. For the most part, the chiptune scene is accommodating and pro-active. Sure, it has cliques and, sure, it has bastards, but I’m not sure there is a scene in the world that doesn’t. There’s nothing I’d wish to change in that respect.

I’m continually amazed by work of scientists, philosophers and writers, but continually disappointed by a distinct lack of equality, compassion and love. Sharing enjoyment with the world and being empathetic to those you meet is a great start. Hedonism and humanism. I understand you didn’t ask for a solution, but there you go. Where’s my cheque?

• If you had to lose every piece of art you ever made except one, what would you keep and why?

I couldn’t care less. I’d just make something else.

Liam Neeson was taken.

Advancements in the field of quantum physics. The forecast is looking hazy.

No. There’s nothing I’ve ever wanted to do that I’ve not done everything in my power to make happen.