The Peoples String Foundation
Making Waves
The Peoples String Foundation began in 2005 on a canal boat when Ben and Zaid came together on a commission to create and score music for a local film producer. Coming from a classical background, Bens multi-instrumental skills coupled with Zaids world blues guitar playing made for more than memorable collaborations. Following their first commission it was clear to see that working together musically was not just a choice but also a necessity for them both. Writing music and gigging acoustically around the Bath and Somerset area brought them to their next venture which involved a change in location and the exploration of different musical genres.
In 2007 Rogue Theatre commissioned them to write the music for Madame Lucindas Wonder Show, a production that was toured nationally to great acclaim. With more songs and a greater understanding of marrying various musical genres successfully, they moved on to touring their new base in Cornwall, promoting themselves on BBC radio and receiving great reviews, successfully captivating their audience and illustrating how inventive and accommodating the music was.
Their first album Making Waves began its journey in 2008 firstly in the home studio and moving on to Black and White studios once its real worth became apparent. The combined effort of three men managed to complete the epic task, drawing on ethnic and world influences, carried along with the help of many like-minded friends who came bearing djembe, bass, bassoon and harmonies. Their imaginative combination of classical and roots genres successfully made this music palatable for a modern audience.
After several more ambitious commissions for film and theatre and with Making Waves available on Itunes and ready to distribute, Ben and Zaid are setting goals, touring relentlessly and thinking how best to capitalise on their specific and profitable music style. Their next project, inspired by The Epic of Gilgamesh, attempts to represent musically the characters nightmares: The Lost Dreams of Gilgamesh.
They have discovered that although playing live makes up a large part of their love for music; their real passion lies in writing and evolving ideas in the studio. With Bens main emphasis on the violin but with an awesome ability at playing whatever you hand him, he can grasp and twist gypsy, folk, classical and world all into one seamless thread. Backed by Zaids great leadership and accomplished guitar playing, they have achieved what many cannot.
