I wrote URBIS shortly after moving to Manchester from the countryside aged sixteen and, somewhat wide-eyed, I was immediately taken by city life. I wanted to write a set of character pieces that evoked the colours and rhythm of the city, looking specifically at things that were completely new to me at the time: night clubs, skyscrapers, the city at night etc. URBIS was one of the first pieces of music I ever wrote and, though somewhat juvenile in its approach I’m still rather fond of the youthful naivety and energy in the work. The American influences are clear of course, but in some of the movements (Nightclub & Backstreet for example) you can find the beginnings of what I’d now associate with my musical language. © Gavin Higgins