Column dedicated to the mavericks. Most of us can't put two musical notes together. So what inspires Alex Archer to compose our travel theme song, Rather Oud...

SJP: The last time we spoke, you were working on a meditation CD project. How did that go?
AA: It has been an interesting journey. I had advice from four industry professionals to distribute this direct. Some of the big names in the spiritual/meditation arena are doing this and have trippled their income by not going to the record company. So, i'm doing the same. This practically means going to spritual fairs and new age shops. I'm ending up speaking to hippies on a regular basis and loving it!

SJP: Describe your musical style.
AA: That's are hard question. I write on guitar, bass, keyboard, vocal and on the computer. At any time any of these instruments can lead in the composition. So... I don't think I have a musical style. My compositions in my library range from classical feel to driving rock. They all have to be good though. I am very self critical and only pursue good ideas/themes.

SJP: How does travel or sojourn inspire your music?
AA: I've been a pro musician for 11 years and have travelled with my job to the Middle East, Spain, France, Belgium, Italy, Libya, Greece, Germany and all over the UK. I guess I'm like a musical sponge! You can't help but be influenced by the places you visit and the people you meet.

SJP: Tell us a bit about the theme you wrote for us?
AA: The theme started on bass with a 'happy eastern drone feel' . The percussion took it further that way. It almost wrote itself after that. The melody was just going round and round in my head and I found that instantly on the keyboard. Having said that, getting the right sound for the melody was a real challenge! I heard the guitar line in my head, but that took me about four hours to get my fingers to play what was in my head.

SJP: What have you learned from your travels?
AA: You can't get the experiences you need staying at home. This is kind of ironic as my career is changing so I am creating music at home and not going abroad to work... I guess I'll have to have more holidays!

SJP: Why are musicians so sexy when they perform? Do you get adoring females around your gig?
AA: I have a question for you, why are far eastern media girls so hot! Actually I always work with a girl in the duo and the band. People assume I'm seeing the girl. I worked in a casino in Cardiff last night and the drummer got all the attention. He got eye contact with women on the dance floor and flirted non-stop with them while playing drums. Smooth pro!

Sojournpussy also likes... "Firefly" and "There Is Only Now"
Check Alex's music on www.alexarchercomposer.com and myspace.com/alexarcher

Ultimate Meditation retails at £11.99. Email for further detail