about mike street

Hello! My name is Mike Street and I am a Brighton based student. I have several interests and hobbies which take up my weekdays and weekends.

the way of the web

I started learning HTML when I was about 14. Having a thirst for knowledge in the subject, I pursued learning in my own time. Joining a band (looking back, it wasn't really a band, more of a collection of people who could sort of play) gave me my first real test of website design. It was hugely basic and horrible to look at, but I learnt new skills and my hunger to know more and develop more as a website designer grew.

As website standards changed I have adapted to follow. Once using tables, the internet now uses Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to layout and design sites. This gives the designer more flexibility and makes designing that much easier. I continued to make small websites but these were simple ones that didn't look much different from any other site out there.

I had taken a unwanted break. I wasn't good enough to make websites for other people, but yet I needed to practice to get myself up to that level. When I was asked by SusSAR (Sussex Search and Rescue) to re-build their website, I leapt at the chance. It was both a challenge and experience to build a 'big' website. One that would be viewed by hundreds of people and one that the unit could be proud of. I have since been informed that the website is the main source for new members, which is a big change from their old one which was dissuading them!

I have also been asked to create several flyers and other media, including a Student Radio fundraiser and flyers for other gigs being put on.

the student life...

I am currently studying a Music Production degree in Worthing. Music is one of my main interests and I have pursued this subject since I picked up the violin at the age of 6. Studying Music GCSE, Music Technology A Level, Music Technology ND and now a Music Production degree has broadened my knowledge and enjoyment of music and the behind-the-scenes goings on. The construction of a track, of a speaker or a listening room fascinates me. I'm very much a 'how does it work' man and I think that's why I enjoy web design so much.

music to my ears

As mentioned, I absolutely love music. Starting the violin at 6, I moved onto playing the guitar at the age of 10. Since then I have been in a couple of 'bands' but nothing has really stuck. September 2007 (when I started my Music Production ND course) saw the start of the 'electronic era' (as such) for Mike Street, and I have made music under the alias The Red Attack. It is not strictly Drum 'n' Bass, or Electronica, as my classical (with thanks to the violin) and indie/rock (down to my guitar) interests influence the music heavily. I have an album which was released in 2009 which demonstrates the wide variety of music I create. A friend approached me in the summer of 2009 asking if I wanted to play some of my tracks live. I jumped at the chance and we now practice regularly building up to a standard where we can play live! (videos can be found on the live page of the Red Attack website).

a breath of fresh air

When i'm not composing and playing music or designing websites I try and get out as much as I can. I am a Cub Scout leader at my local pack which encourages me to get out the house at least once a week! We go on regular walks and have meetings outside which, unusually for England, is normally met with dry weather!

I am also involved in the (surprsingly addictive) hobby of 'Geocaching'. I'll let the description from geocaching.com explain exactly what it is:

"Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment."

It gets me out to see place thats i've never seen before. Geocaches aren't always hidden in the countryside, there are several located in rural areas. So watch out!

and the rest

On top of all that, I have a part time job in an outdoor camping shop a couple of days a week which keeps me out of trouble and in the black!