The latest live performance titled “Emergence” draws inspiration from an esteemed book that the creator has cherished for many years: “The Six-Cornered Snowflake” by Johannes Kepler. Kepler, renowned for his foundational laws of planetary motion established around 1610, penned this brief yet profound work during a snowstorm on New Year’s Eve in 1609. As he traversed the Charles Bridge in Prague on his way to visit his benefactor, he reflected on the snowflakes landing on his arm, captivated by their six-sided symmetry and pondering the question: what is the reason for this sixfold shape?
This inquiry resonates with contemporary scientific thought, reflecting a modern perspective on understanding the origins of natural phenomena. While Kepler lacked the knowledge that these symmetrical shapes are tied to the molecular structure of water, the essence of his writing captures a profound acknowledgment of the unknown—a notion he boldly embraced.
The live show encapsulates topics of knowledge, the mysteries that remain, and the potential unknowable aspects of our universe, highlighting their significance.
When asked which scientific query he would most like answered, the creator expressed a keen interest in the existence of extraterrestrial life. He noted that with two spacecraft currently headed towards the moons of Jupiter, and the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze atmospheres of exoplanets, there is a genuine possibility of identifying signs of life beyond Earth. The creator is eager to discover how far one must travel to find another living being.
Recently, he engaged in a conversation with Damian Lewis, who posed a thought-provoking question: is music a science or an art? The creator mused that this question could equally apply to science itself, emphasizing his discomfort with rigid discipline boundaries. He believes that music embodies both art and science, as they both stem from a response to the beauty and mysteries of the world.
Looking ahead, he speculated on the fields of science likely to experience groundbreaking advancements in the next decade. While the trajectory of artificial intelligence remains uncertain—holding both promise and potential challenges—he highlighted the intriguing realm of quantum computing. Experts in that field are divided on when we might harness the full potential of quantum mechanics, with opinions ranging from ‘not in my lifetime’ to ‘within five years,’ illustrating the revolutionary nature of these emerging technologies.
The creator also reflected on his evolving stance regarding social media, acknowledging its duality. Initially, he viewed it as a positive force for communication and diverse perspectives. However, he now recognizes its propensity for noise, misinformation, and negative influences on political discourse, leaving him in a state of continual reassessment regarding its overall impact.
When asked about the most valuable piece of advice he has received, he shared a personal anecdote about his parents encouraging him to pursue his passions. While they hoped he would attend university—something they themselves had not experienced—they supported his desire to be in a band. This encouragement allowed him to explore his interests, eventually leading him to a career in astronomy, despite its uncertain prospects in his northern Manchester upbringing.
On the topic of controversial opinions in pop culture, he admitted to feeling somewhat disconnected from contemporary trends. He noted that while Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth has expressed her lack of enthusiasm for Taylor Swift, he finds it understandable. His own controversial stance might be his observation that the level of innovation in music has stagnated in recent years, contrasting the rapid evolution seen from the 1950s to the 1980s with today’s musical landscape.
In a memorable encounter with a fan, he recounted his first meeting with Paul McCartney at an ELO concert, where the legendary musician approached him with questions about Saturn’s moon Enceladus. The surprise of meeting a personal idol left him overwhelmed, yet delighted by the interaction.
Finally, when reflecting on what song he would like played at his funeral, he mentioned his friendship with Eric Idle, who humorously suggested “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” as a fitting choice.
