BIO

Amsterdam

At the beginning of 1992, I came to Amsterdam, for the first time. I walked out of Centraal Station and my first thoughts were: I'm home...

16 years on I'm still here in this beautiful city which never ceases to amaze me or lose its edge.

I currently work as a freelance (copy)writer/editor/designer for various publications and projects (C.V. here)

All too often Amsterdam is portrayed through tacky images on mass-produced souvenir postcards and somewhere along the way picked up a bad reputation. But it is so much more and this website – Shark – is all about finding those places which make Amsterdam the unique, historical, and architecturally stunning city it is – and sharing them with others.

My Brain

I have a 2.1 BA (Hons) Graphic Design (specialising in Animation) and additionally took a course in Empirical and Theoretical Parapsychology affiliated to the University of Amsterdam.

My DJing

As well as writing, I also DJ. At clubs, special events, for my friend's parties... or in the comfort of my own bedroom. Details of past DJ gigs here

I play a variety of sets:

Lounge, easy tune, film soundtracks
Ella-esque Sinatra set
Alternative indie
Current eclectic dance music
Triphop-chillout
Progressive funk
70s, 80s... and even classical.

I often co-DJ with my best friend George (aka DJ G Bean). Email DJ Duck for rates and more information. For more information on us both (and a cool, downloadable Bedroom Lounge mix) see www.amsterdamdjs.com

My Music

In some vague past life I wrote songs: www.myspace.com/peripheralpip

Other Projects

I always have something to juggle to stop boredom setting in. From 2004, I organised talks with (mostly) British writers and speakers in Amsterdam and three editions of ALF (Amsterdam Literary Festival) from 2005-2007. Additionally, I set up a website about Amsterdam DJs with useful links to clubs, parties and record stores. And at LoveAmsterdam you can buy pretty cool Amsterdam t-shirts online with my trademarked design – and help me earn money while I sleep (!).

Finally...

I hope you enjoy the site and it is helpful to you wherever you are in this world.

Thanks for reading,

PiP