In our CasinoBeats Rhymes and Life feature we are revealing the soundtracks that provide a backdrop for the gaming industry.
In this edition, Oliver Niner, Head of B2B at PandaScore, walks us through a family affair for his first-ever gig, the early Oasis album that “defined his musical identity” and a dream trip to an SBC event with Liam Gallagher.
What was your first-ever gig, and what was it like?
My first ever live music experience was watching my brother’s band, International Jet Set, at the King’s Head in Fulham, London. A bunch of mates and I got the tube into the city and had more beers than we should have had before the band took to the stage.
The music itself was good but what I remember most was just how loud it was – by the end of the gig, my ear drums were hurting. But it was such a great experience it lit a passion for live music that has stayed with me ever since.
So while International Jet Set didn’t go on to top the charts, it did provide a great introduction to the live music scene for a young Oliver Niner.
What’s the best performance you have ever seen live, and why was it so good?
Hands down it was Noel Gallagher at Wythenshawe Park. The performance had everything it needed to be truly iconic – it was in Manchester (so a sort of homecoming for Noel), it was raining, the crowd was energetic, and Gallagher put on one of the best shows of his career.
It was just a truly incredible evening from start to finish – emotive, powerful, electric – and I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of it. I’ve been to hundreds of live performances over the years, and this was by far and away the most special and memorable.
Is there an artist who, in your eyes, can do no wrong? If so, why?
That’s a tough one, but I’d have to say Queens of the Stone Age because they are authentic and have never been afraid of who they are. For some bands, the more successful they become, the further they get from their roots, but Queens of the Stone Age have remained really tight musically and create music for their core fans first and foremost.
I think that is quite unusual in the world of music, where bands are often influenced by trends and a need for their songs to achieve chart success. Queen of the Stone Age have stayed true to themselves and that’s why for their fans at least, they can do no wrong.
What is your most cherished album, and what makes it so special to you?
This is an easier one to answer – Definitely Maybe by Oasis. It came out (on tape, may I add) when I was around 14 or 15 and after listening to it over and over again, it came to mean everything to me. Even today, I can repeat the lyrics to each song verbatim.
Definitely Maybe ultimately defined my musical identity and created my love for indie rock. When I listen to it now, it stirs a really strong sense of nostalgia and takes me right back to my teenage years, which was a really great time in my life. And beyond my emotional connection to it, Definitely Maybe is simply one of the best rock albums of all time, period.
What song always makes it to your gym playlist? What activities do you usually do in the gym while listening to it?
My gym sessions are a combination of cardio and weights, and while I listen to music while doing cardio, which is usually an arduous session on the rowing machine, I don’t while lifting weights as I’m always worried I’ll get a bit too into the music and end up throwing the dumbbell. So what do I listen to while on the rowing machine? It’s usually AC/DC and songs like Shoot to Thrill and If You Want Blood – both of which get me fired up and ready to grow.
Which artist or song helps take your mind off work? Why have you chosen this artist and genre?
For me, all music is a diversion away from work and listening to a record, popping into a vinyl shop or attending a gig is a surefire way to take my mind off any stress or pressure I’m going through. I actually have an extensive vinyl collection, and I love nothing more than going to a vinyl shop – it’s a sort of safe space for me – and browsing for singles and albums to add to my collection.
If you could go on a night out with any musician, who would it be, and where would you take them?
I’d take Liam Gallagher to an SBC networking event as I just think it would be an incredibly entertaining situation to be in.