I am greeted at the door downstairs by a man who offers me splendid homemade Guinness-and-chocolate cake. I comment on its moistness which, as an old friend once said to me, is the highest compliment you can give a cake. So how does this all work then? I ask. He tells me you plug your headphones into each others’ players, listen… and maybe make friends. I’m marked with a blue cross and told I will be in the inside of the circle, part of the group doing the moving. Alice, la femme in charge, introduces herself, we share a bourbon, then we’re off.

There are about twenty-five, thirty people – it’s certainly a cosy event, and it all goes off rather nicely in the bijou surrounds and considerate lighting. As for the way it works, each time you form a new pairing you have seven minutes to ascertain your partner’s taste and play something you equally recommend,  like aural sommeliers. As you might expect, each musical tryst varies in its intrigue and compatibility. Sometimes you feel as though you’ve got to endure your partner’s playlist, other times you’re  just getting into it before it’s time to abruptly rotate.

I turn up with the first iPod ever made,  telling people I like repetitive Kraut-inflected psychedelia – cue a few blank looks. During one of my rounds,  the chap I’m talking to, a composer, takes his ears out. ‘This is awful’, he says.  My next mini-epoch is with a young woman who has no power in her player, so she’s forced to listens to my recommendations. When I speak, she removes her earpiece, yells ‘what was that?’ ‘Never mind’ I say. She seems to like it.

What I take from the evening is that I should listen to old Fleetwood Mac, most people like music with beats, The Death Grips and Scorn are a bands I now like and I doubt I have converted anyone to my msucial tastes. But I’ve certainly discovered some new music to investigate further, which makes this a fine little foray for a Thursday evening. (Words: Ed Spencer)

Speed Listening takes place every third Thursday until June.  The next event is on March 21st, but for more info visit: www.thenotewell.com

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The area in London I call home is… East London. I’ve also happily lived West and Walthamstow, but East London wins.

I’ve got to have a meal at…Addis at Kings Cross. I am a sucker for injera (traditional Ethiopian bread). If anyone knows of better Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurants, holler at your girl.

I tend to get my threads from…Charity shops, festivals, clothing exchanges, sample sales, friends, the street. I used to work at Buffalo Exchange in New York and tend to stock up whenever I go back. I also love Laura Dawson, a London-based American designer with admirable eco-values and great easy-wearin’ pieces.

To enjoy London’s nightlife,  you should…Stay local so you can stay out as late as you’d like–or arrange a crashpad in your going-out area of choice. Nurse a bottle as you stroll to your destination. Avoid standing in line. Seek live music (Songkick is rad for this). Make new friends. Also, throw your own parties. Invite me–I’ll DJ.

If I were mayor, I would...Support more free summer events. That's the biggest thing New York has over London--I miss the great (and gratis) concerts, festivals, films, theater. It's a wonderful way for public and private sectors to engage with citizens. Additionally, I'd work to make the 25 bus somewhat bearable--it'd be a tough fight, but I'd be ready to battle.

My favourite spot to check out art is…Whitechapel Art Gallery. It’s around the corner from my house, and I never risk “museum fatigue” in going to such a tiny space. I also have a great fondness for the Salvador Dalí Universe. I love that dude.

I’d kindly tell a tourist to…Eat at St. Johns Bread and Wine. It will change any negative perceptions of British cuisine.

The things I miss when I leave London are…Amazing gigs aplenty, hundreds of ales, American expats (the cream of the crop fly the coop).

My soundtrack to London would include…

This is my QUESTION! The Note Well publishes six-track playlists every now and again. For some reason, they are always monosyllabic in name. Here’s my playlist for LONDON MUSIC:

“Sun” by Caribou. Good for when it’s raining, great for when it’s bright. Also, Caribou Dan and guitarist Ryan live in London–again, go local when possible. And the Kidstreet remix of this song is great for keeping cool on a crowded and insane 25 bus.

“Dodfucksupanescorttune” by Drums of Death. It’s my UK mobile ringtone, so if you hear a tinny, lo-fi version pop up randomly around town, it means I’m around, and I’m blowin’ up.

“Super Inuit (live)” by Holy Fuck. For walking somewhere super fast. If you underestimate your distance to be traveled (as I often do), the rest of the album will power you through.

“Fire Dream” by Patten. For if you need something fresh. Damien (the man behind the band) is a wonderful human being, and he gigs in London quite often. GO.

“White Sails” by Marques Toliver. For when you feel lost in the world. Marques lives locally (though he’s from Florida, like me) and has a habit of busking all around.

“Lost in the World” by Kanye West (feat. everyone) – For when it feels great to be alive in one of the greatest cities ever.

And Owen Pallett/Final Fantasy for all other times,  always.

To find out more about The Notewell, visit: www.thenotewell.com

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