After playing guitar, bass and drums in his own groups during the 1980s, Ian`s interest in electronic music led to experimentation at the start of the 1990s, with building and modifying 9v circuitry. He has gone on to construct a range of Hellitron sound generators, all housed in uniquely customised boxes, and used to make the soundtracks to all his super-8 films. His self-built machines 'The Megatherm' and 'Hellioptical', are light sensitive instruments which react to specially made super-8 films to generate electronic sound. In November 2005 he constructed his first mini-synth - the 'Hellisizer 1000', built from a modified electronic percussion circuit.
The more ambitious 'Hellisizer 2000' - designed from scratch and 8 months
in construction, made its debut during Brighton Live in September 2007, and
formed part of Ian`s Music, Movies & Machines exhibition.

Explanations and inside info on Ian`s history and working methods:
www.mustekala.info/node/61

Available recordings:
Signal is a compilation of works from a variety of sound artists first deployed
on an internet broadcast channel set up by Brighton outfit Finetuned. This
handsome double cd set features Ian`s piece Sand And Cement, alongside
tracks by 16 other sound artists. (Finetuned 2007)
Workshop of the World - 41 track double cdr retrospective featuring music recorded on cassette 4-track from 1991-99, including pieces for guitar, bass, drums, tape loops, radio, synthesizer and self-built electronic generators. (2005)
Transitions 4 Ep – 4 track vinyl 7inch on Lefta Records. Electronic music created with Helliwell`s customised circuits, including the soundtrack to ‘The Post Office Tower’. LEFTA 012 (2001) www.avantofestival.com click on the 2004 compilation, then cd and scroll down to Transitions 4 cover.
New York NY – film soundtrack on ‘Sonic Postcards’ compilation cd. SANCD01 (2001)
Electron Guns – ‘Saturation’. 6 track cd by Helliwell`s electro-acoustic group featuring tape loops, electronics, violin, cornet and percussion. TRIODE 1 (2001)
Into The Light – electronic music soundtrack on ‘Avanto 00’ compilation cd. (2000)