Playlist: Music To Cut Hair To with Leo Walton

A trip to the hair salon is rarely just purely functional. When in the right setting, it becomes a shared and social experience. Hairdressers behave like friends and counsellors. The salon is a place for relaxation, self-reflection and a good ol' conversation. Therefore, there is nothing more annoying than bad music. OK, the stylist can be forgiven if they have as much personality as a wet blanket, so long as the haircut is to a certain standard, but if I hear them banging an EDM number or the latest pop drivel, it’s just unacceptable. Not only is it an interruption of what we believe the salon atmosphere should be but when you are working up to 12 hours on your feet, do you want to be listening to rubbish? No thank you.

Here at the About This Place, a salon headed by the Hair Mistress, Victoria Saunders has perfected that blend. She cuts the hair of half the DJs in London and apparently the reason they keep coming back, aside from a damn fine haircut and our ability to talk bollocks professionally, is the fact the music is spot on – hence being asked by R$N to compile a fortnightly feature for them. Music To Cut Hair To, a selection of some great music played in the salon alongside some appearances from friends…

"LEO. Yes said in capitals because that’s the what this man invokes in me. A true gent, excellent taste in music and a kind/funny soul. To say that I have been waiting patiently for this playlist and Q&A is a slight understatement. Boy it doesn’t disappoint. Perfect way to end this decade."

1.When were you at your happiest?

For pure magic, I would have to say the day my daughter was born. Unbeatable happiness. – This year, I’d say it was DJing alongside my dear friend Rob (Leggatt) as ‘Amateurism’ at the Beat Hotel in Marrakech, we had the best time.

2. What’s your greatest fear?

Finding out I’m on the naughty list this Christmas.

3. Who do you admire?

The superheroes of the NHS.

4. What trait do you deplore in yourself / other people?

Being hungover. It gets worse.

5. What’s your worst habit?

I can’t resist getting hungover.

6. Favourite word?

TERRIFIC

7. Who would you like to say sorry to?

I stood on a snail the other day by accident. Poor little guy.

8. Who do you despise?

People in power who ruthlessly fuel hatred and division for their own gains. Despicable.

9. Who or what is the love of your life?

My wife and daughter. Absolute beauties!

10. What would improve your life?

A completely soundproofed record room in my house.

11. Worst job you have ever done?

Retrieving lobsters out of Jane Mansfield’s bottom.

12. What’s your greatest achievement?

My close friendships.

13. What keeps you awake at night?

Quietly searching for new records on my phone!

14. How would you like to be remembered?

As a muthaf*ckin’ hustler, ya better ask somebody!

15. What lessons has life taught you?

Don’t litter and never lose your manners.

16. What would your super power be?

How about the power to make politicians only tell the truth, that would be useful.

17. Favourite smell?

Onions and garlic sizzling in olive oil: the start of something good.

18. Who would play you in a film?

Mr T.

19. What song would you like played at your funeral?

Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force – Planet Rock

20. Top tip?

Time your runs.

21. Tell us a secret…

I’m sleeping with my secretary. Too much?

Also anything exciting you would like to shout about, upcoming gigs, parties. weddings etc etc..

I’d like to say a very big THANK YOU to the lovely Vicky Drama for asking me to take part in her playlist series, I hope you like it! Also, I’m really excited to be DJing at the Marina Fountain in Hastings this weekend before the great Maurice Fulton, if you haven’t been to this most excellent new seaside pub, you must check it out! Unfortunately for anyone not already booked, the night is now sold out, but if you’d like to experience an Amateurism party, come down to The Social on Little Portland Street in London on Friday 20th December. It’s FREE, it’s across both floors, and it’s Christmaaaaaas!

View the Amateurism site HERE.