Julian Hanton is an offbeat traveller with a passion for journeying to the more unusual parts of the globe. Born in New Zealand in 1975 Julian began travelling at the age of three. Almost seventy countries, seven cases of dysentery, and 567 hours on cheap local transport later he still vows to continue. Julian has been shot at in California, auditioned for Kenya’s Next Top Comic, pinned to the ground by a Mexican wrestler, chatted with Noam Chomsky about world politics and gone looking for love in Poland. Never short of an opinion, he met his travelling companion, Camilla while studying at film school and decided that her nosiness would be useful when travelling and invited her to join him on their first round the world trip in 2003. Currently living in London, he and Camilla reunited last year for more on the road adventures. For the most part he enjoys travelling with Camilla but is always quick to point out to all the ladies of the world that he and Camilla are only friends. Julian loves India, hates Indonesia and all dogs and is constantly getting himself lost in translation with the locals. Julian Hanton is a presenter for the Travel Channel International. Having presented 50 episodes his most recent series is American Times and he is currently filming in Asia for his new show Asian Times. In his free time Julian is a red hot chilli pepper enthusiast that’s the plant not the band. Here are five albums he’s loving right now…
1 – Monkey Swallows The Universe, The Bright Carvings: Sheffield isn’t much to look at but over the last decade it has been great to listen to. I’m sad they have broken up. Monkey Swallows the Universe took me back to my childhood watching Monkey Magic. I think that this reference is mainly in name as I sure Nat Johnston, the lead vocalist, is slightly too young to remember that classic. I managed to see them only once but it was a fantastic gig.
2 – Au Revoir Simone, The Bird of Music: After first seeing this all girl synthesiser trio in an operational church converted into a music venue I was hooked. I’m not sure if it was the acoustics or the angelic vibe that they gave off but their mix of repetitive words and rhythmic synth beats is mesmerising. It’s great to listen to before a night out and again recovering the following day.
3 – Kinky Freidman, Live from Austin, TX: After meeting Kinky outside Austin early last year I began to listen to this cigar-smoking, mean-talking, country and western singing novelist and politician. In person he is as rough-talking as his lyrics. A delight to meet and a challenge to listen to. He’s right wing and proud and after meeting President Bill Clinton and giving him a Cuban cigar told the President, “Remember Mr President we’re not supporting their economy we are burning their fields”. Classic country and western with a twist.
4 – V/A, The Best of the 80s: Ok I grew up with 80s music and much to the horror of most of my friends and fiancé it’s my go to playlist. Not so much an album but collection of tracks which includes: The Whole of The Moon, Toy Soldiers, Shattered Dreams, Livin’ On A Prayer, The Look, Eye of the Tiger, and yes – yes – even a tad of Air Supply in there for Making Love Out Of Nothing At All.
5 – Camera Obscura, My Maudlin Career: One of my favourite bands Camera Obscura is Belle and Sebastian-esque but without the depression. Perhaps it’s the name of one of their first hits which gets me, Eighties Fan but they are easy to listen to, Scottish which is a bonus and still having broken up!