Only days after we opened the doors to our Golborne Road shop, British music legend Guy Chambers became one of our first customers. Since then, he’s become a regular, stopping by to top up both his and his son’s wardrobes with natural fibres.

With the sun on full blast, it felt like an opportune time to get him in to choose our Spring Sounds Playlist - a dozen songs curated from the OF vinyl and CD collection - to take us through the next few months.

It was fantastic to sit down and talk about our shared love for this corner of London - where Guy has his recording studio - and learn more about his storied career in music. From growing up with a Dad in the London Philharmonic Orchestra, to winning the award for composition at the Guildhall School of Music to writing music with Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Tina Turner ( to name a few ) it was a conversation rich in musical anecdote and a privilege to hear. All before Guy headed off to Ronnie Scott’s. Of course.

We hope you enjoy it.

What inspired your love of music?

I grew up in a musical household. My Dad played in the London Philharmonic Orchestra and my Mum had worked for Decca. There was a piano and tons of records. I was lucky enough to be taken to concerts at the Festival Hall and then Glyndebourne from the age of 5.  

Do you prefer writing or performing?

I love both, and it works for me to switch them, I love the spontaneous nature of live performance and the fact that every show is one in a lifetime performance.  Writing is much considered and, at times, laborious, especially when trying to write great lyrics. .

What are the essential ingredients of a good pop song?

At least 5 hooks. Immediacy and an addictive quality that demands that you want to replay it on first listen.