North London Food & Culture

Ich Bin: Will Hunt, musician

The local face on playing "every" Alma Street, why Tolli should open at weekends - and missing the sirens on Kentish Town Road

Will Hunt: 'The world isn't waiting for you.' Photos: Stephen Emms
Will Hunt: ‘The world isn’t waiting for you.’ Photos: Stephen Emms

A well-known local producer and musician, Will Hunt was formerly signed to Columbia as Dansette Junior, and has proudly played “every Alma Street Fair and venue in KT since day dot.” He’s good mates with the likes of Mr Hudson and Ed Sheeran, from back when they used to jam at the Abbey Tavern. His father was in ELO/Wizzard, and one of his songs, , has been remixed with Will’s own Kentish Town-referencing Drums ‘n’ Bass, and is out this month.

When were you happiest?
Now. I know more people and have new places to hang out. It would be the same answer next year.

Where would you like to live?
In one of the old piano factories, as I like big open flats. It’s the only thing I knew about KT before I moved, that pianos were made here. I would definitely have a grand installed there, to be in keeping with the building’s history.

What is your favourite sound or smell?
After returning from a weekend away, I know I’m home when I hear the Kentish dawn chorus: police sirens, Co-op and Iceland deliveries at 6am when the sun’s rising through the smog. The joys of living the high life on the high street.


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What is your greatest life achievement?
To be able to afford to pay rent in the area I love the most. Just. Not sure if this will be the same answer in twelve months…

'We've got one go at it.' Photo: SE
Will Hunt: ‘We’ve got one go at it.’ Photo: SE
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
We’ve got one go at it.

What is your earliest local memory?
Playing at the Abbey Tavern, nearly ten years ago. My lovely friend Radha ran an open mic called Sound Bites on a Tuesday night. They used to stretch out into the early hours and many a good friend was made there. We usually took Wednesdays off.

What makes you unhappy?
Cucumber, and celery.

What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
To know that Tolli’s Italian Patisserie is open at weekends for breakfast.

What is your most unappealing habit?
Correcting people on grammar or general trivia, when I’m usually the one who’s wrong.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Petty shop theft, it gives me a buzz.

Alma Street Fair. Photo: Douglas Cape
Alma Street Fair. Photo: Douglas Cape

Where do you hang out?
Mostly the Oxford, but I enjoy going to The Grafton, Delicious, Tolli and the odd party at Flaxon Ptootch, with Friday night in the Abbey and a party back at ours for the revellers.

Who or what do you hate and why?
People who talk about the dream they had the night before and try to analyse or read into it.

What’s been your best experience here?
Alma Street Fair, as it brings everyone together and the sun always shines. Had the pleasure of playing a few stages and the crowd are always welcoming and generally drunk.

What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
I’m sure I’ve erased that from my memory; only good things up in here.

Tell us a secret.
I can’t, I promised.

What has your career taught you?
The world isn’t waiting for you. Get everything right before you show your cards.

Listen to music from Will here. Follow him on Twitter @willhuntmusic

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