About 9 is the musical alias of British musician and producer Jake Skinner. Born in Plymouth, Devon in 1986 and growing up partially in Cornwall, Switzerland, Saffron Walden, and Cambridge he is no stranger to moving around. As a small child he was forever making noise, whether it was banging on pot and pan drums or plonking around on the family piano and guitar. The musical seed was firmly planted! He got his first electric guitar when he was 8 and then became hooked on drumming after playing a friends kit a year or two later. Ever since he has been on a constant mission to explore the endless possibilities of rhythm and melody. After a few years of playing in various bands he bought his first computer and dived into the world of music production. His music is a blend of organic instrumentation, electronic soundscapes, and a mixture of live drums and electronic beats. Some of his tracks also feature guest appearances and collaborations with friends. Taking inspiration from a wide range of musical styles his most recent material has been described as being reminiscent of The Album Leaf, Bonobo, Four Tet, and The Cinematic Orchestra amongst others. Comfortable Silence EP is his first proper release and he is chuffed to be a part of Summer Rain. About 9 still plays in several bands and gigs regularly. He is aiming to put together an About 9 live band soon, so watch this space…

Summer Rain Recordings, established in the summer of 2007, is a record label with a difference. Every artist signed to the label donates a minimum of 5% of their royalties for every release to NextAid, or a charity of their choice, and we match their percentage donation from the label profits from the release. ioda, our distributor, also donate 25% of their fees for each of our releases to next aid too. As well as a fine selection of fresh new music from new artists, you will find guest releases from more established artists who wish to give something back in the form of royalty donations to charity. We are not about greedy profits, unfair contracts, fame and fortune, we are about excellent music, honesty, fairness, and giving something back to the world in which we live in. To listen and get more info please visit: www.summerrainrecordings.net
Please send demos to demos(at)summerrainrecordings.net

Every purchase of our music helps NextAid to raise funds for their pilot project, the building of an ecological community center and children’s residential village in Dennilton, South Africa. Now complete are 10 structures of the 25 slated for construction by summer 2010. The center will serve as a safe home for 50 children orphaned by AIDS, a multi-purpose center for the larger community, a hub for economic enterprise, and an example of innovative solutions for future projects throughout Africa.