Oven grills and metal lids give a hard edge

Real, by Ace Dance and Music, is an interpretation of female sexuality, body image, and fashion from different times and cultures.

Th music specially created for Ace combines live vocals and percussion with pieces of recorded music.

Junk metal music created from oven grills, pan lids and violin bows, recorded jazz guitar and Andy's own voice are used in the composition.

The cutting-edge composer is largely self-taught and his influences are popular culture and film rather than classical.

A former singer with Malvern band The Headhunters, he is first and foremost a vocalist. He uses his voice free-style with elements of classical counter-tenor, male soprano and traditional Indian and Arabic singing.

"My music is very visual. I like to create images and emotional atmosphere," said Andy, who trained in art and first began creating music and singing at art college as soundtracks for his art installations.

"I'd always wanted to sing but never had the confidence until then," said Andy.

He believes his love of such a diverse range of music and the multi-cultural influences stem from his own mixed ethnic roots. He describes himself as Anglo-Himalayan.

He has no time for the snobbery surrounding some classical music or for the kind of experimental music that no-one can understand.

"I like to create new ground and new formats but I want my music to be as accessible to people. The popular format is under-rated," he said.

Ace Dance and Music asked him to compose something different from its more usual African-influenced music.

"I used a lot of metal to create something with a cold, hard feel to it," he said.

Andy, who lives in Malvern, arrived here to perform and never left: "I love living here. There is so much talent around. I can draw upon some great artists as inspiration for my music."

Real is at The Forum on Wednesday, November 16, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and £12 from 01684 892277.