May 10, 2012 4:38PM

Oyster #98: Paul Smith's First Album

Remember The Time.
Illustration by Paul Smith.

"I can't remember exactly what my first ever album was, but some of the early purchases were Van Morrison and (of course) The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. I was probably around 18 years old and, after years of being a dedicated racing cyclist — being basically teetotal and a fitness freak — I discovered the English pub. It's been rock and roll since then! 

That is how I became a designer, because the pub I used to go to was full of the local art students. That time was very exciting, I discovered lots of new things: architecture, art, photography, graphic design and much, much more. A very good time.

My parents were horrified with the music I used to listen to, especially Bob Dylan. My brother and sister were a lot older than me, so I was the absolute rebel of the house, and everything I seemed to do was against the grain.

I still hang on to the music from that period but, unlike many, I continually re-establish my musical taste. And, as I work with so many young bands, I manage to keep in touch and enjoy all aspects of music. Lately I've been listening to White Denim Last Day of Summer and Lana Del Rey Born to Die. My most played songs in my iTunes are mostly by Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver or Battles. A particular favourite is 'Helplessness Blues' by Fleet Foxes."

Paul Smith is a British designer and lord of the pinstripe.

Emily Royal

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