Thighpaulsandra is one of those names you don't forget if you've already heard it, but if like me you didn't know much about the South  Wales based synthesist, here you go:

He started out working for Julan Cope, working on a couple of albums before joining psychedelic space rockers Spiritualized and also Coil. Now he plays for ex Cocteau Twin Liz Fraser - his credentials as a keyboardist and synthesizer player are pretty flawless. Add to that a series of controversial solo and collaborative albums and you have an interesting career.

A keen collector and user of vintage synthesizers, he was asked to perform at Cardiff's Cymru Beats this year and brought a collection of vintage electronics and more modern technology. We talked to him about his setup - featuring the extremely rare Synton Fenix, a couple of panels of Serge, the Synthi AKS, Nord Modular and a few other interesting items.

His set was challenging but brilliant, a densely packed collection of synthesis techniques and approaches, with a tinge if insanity thrown in.

More Information

• thighpaulsandra.co.uk