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Chief of the Week: Skin Côntact's Richard Hemming

Published:  23 January, 2015

Drum roll please for our Chief of the Week who is the man behind the wine industry's very own rock band, Skin Côntact, that has been brought together to not only bring some much needed entertainment for the drinks trade but to help raise money for Comic Relief.

Just look at those fingers move: Richard Hemming on the keys Just look at those fingers move: Richard Hemming on the keys

Drum roll please for our Chief of the Week who is the man behind the wine industry's very own rock band, Skin Côntact, that has been brought together to not only bring some much needed entertainment for the drinks trade but to help raise money for Comic Relief.

Yes Richard Hemming, he of JancisRobinson.com fame, has quietly being looking around for the best musical talent to help create his own band that will be taking to the stage at London's Vinopolis on March 9 to help raise money for Comic Relief's Wine Rellief. 

Hemming, a talented pianist and keyboard player, has pulled together a line up that includes Alex Hunt, Berkmann Wines on lead guitar, Matt James, founder of Bordeaux Cellar and formerly of proper band, Gene on drums, Ben Smith of Concha y Toro and Curiosity Killed the Cat fame, and Anne McHale MW of Berry Bros & Rudd and PR star, Helen Chesshire on backing vocals.

The night will also feature a series of guest singers with Joe Wadsack and Charles Metcalfe already lined up to take part and who knows perhaps one of the Côtes du Rhône Wines team, that are sponsoring the whole thing, will be persuaded to bring some Gallic flair to proceedings.

So what musical roots, likes and dislikes does Hemming have?

 

So, you're lucky enough to be in the greatest (and only) UK wine trade covers band of all time. How does that feel?

Like all my wildest dreams have come true.

Let's get to know each other. What was the first album and first single you bought?

C'mon Everybody by Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers. I'd love to say I was being ironic.

Who are your favourite musicians nowadays?

Ben Folds and The Divine Comedy are my all time faves. I've been listening to a lot of Royal Blood and Foo Fighters recently. Then there's Kate Tempest, Joey Bada$$, Foo Fighters, Peace, Tame Impala ...

Top three all-time classic albums?

Appetite for Destruction, The Bends, A Short Album About Love

And your idea of musical purgatory?

I'm pretty tolerant, but Colombian Death Metal is quite hard work.

What's been the most rock and roll moment of your life so far?

Having backstage passes for the main stage at Wireless Hyde Park in 2013.

What song are you most looking forward to playing at Skin Côntact LIVE?

Oh What A Night or Don't Stop Me Now. Both piano classics.

We should probably mention wine too, I suppose. What was the last wine you drank?

Rocking Horse white by Thorne Daughters. It's a kooky South African blend.

Any good?

Pretty good. A bit phenolic. Probably from some skin contact. I swear that's a coincidence.

Is there a particular wine you've always wanted to taste?

Château Grillet? Screaming Eagle?

How about your fall-back, failsafe bottle to crack open when you have unexpected guests?

Tio Pepe. What do you mean you don't like sherry?

And what are your favourite Rhône appellations / producers?

It's all north for me: Jamet Côte Rotie is just about the perfect combination.

Finally, what's on your rider for backstage at Skin Côntact LIVE?

Anti-stress pills.

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