'Who wants guitars with Coldplay?'
Vic Twenty returned on 14 February 2005
with a new single, the fantastic 'I Sold Your Heart On eBay', released
on the Essex-based Lucky
Pierre Records. In his second interview with Vic Twenty's
Adrian Morris, Mat Smith quizzes the synth wizard
on his new single and upcoming plans. Photography by Julian
Burgin.
MAT SMITH : Welcome back! It's nearly two years
since 'Txt Msg' was released - what have you been up to?
ADRIAN MORRIS : Well, the usual stuff (for me)-
been pondering, recording, writing. I've had bouts of depression,
inspiration and managed to capture a few great tracks from the song
ether on the way. The thing about Vic Twenty is that there was very
little stuff actually recorded, but I have now got all the good
stuff down - finally!
So, last year was spent recording and doing the
odd live date here and there - just to keep the ol'fingers working
you know...
MS : How would you describe the new tracks? I
think there's a dose of bitterness in there...
AM : Nearly all the songs I write are bitter. 'Txt
Msg' was bitter, 'Ibiza Mon Amour' - very bitter. 'I Sold Your Heart
on eBay' I find quite joyous though. It is declaring one's independence
from the comfort blanket of playlist and club culture - I mean,
'Who wants guitars with Coldplay?' I certainly don't. It
is a song for people who want to put their foot through the radio
upon hearing 'Wires' by Athlete for the tenth time in half an hour.
The track 'Wrong' I've had for a while. People seem to like that
one as it is a bit darker. I have my dark side you know.
MS : Has anyone told you that you occasionally
sound like Andy McLuskey?
AM : Never had that one at all! It is interesting
though as OMD were one of the bands I used to put on the
turntable with headphones on as i drifted off to sleep when young.
Organisation and especially Architecture
and Morality are great albums. Sonically beautiful. I'm not a huge
fan of my voice as it doesn't resonate
enough - that's why I quite like getting others in to help!
MS : 'I Sold Your Heart On eBay' has been released
on T Square / Lucky Pierre - what happened to Credible Sexy Units?
AM : Lucky Pierre is a small indie label run by
a guy from the home UK synth pop (Essex!). He loves songs rather
than playing games with the style mags. As for CSU, I understand
it was created just for the
one release. At the same time EMI bought Mute and they signed a
load of effing awful bands touted by style
pundits at Dazed and Confused Magazine like Pink Grease.
I can understand being in the luxurious position of wanting to diversify,
but feel they lost sight of what made the label successful i.e.
pop songs! Where would they be without Vince Clarke eh?
MS : When I interviewed you last year, you were
working on the album, which had a working title of 'Music For Adverts'
and prior to that 'How Art Thou Rocker' - how close are you to releasing
that debut album? What will it be like?
AM : Well, you'll be pleased to hear the new album
keeps the bitter tradition going strong with songs like 'Dim
Star', 'Benny Hill's Not Alive Today' and 'Everyone Has Their Own
Agenda'. They are all thriving with insecurity with a sprinkling
of wry humour. It has now been graced with the title of 'Electrostalinist'.
Twelve tracks and a few guest vocals from Angie [Penhaligon, AKA
Piney Gir], Anne Marie Gilkes of Erasure and Ann Mari Davies of
The Trembling Blue Stars.
It is completed - just awaiting the artwork. May
is likely now.
MS : What's next for Vic Twenty? A tour?
AM : Next is the album. That is the biggie. I'd
love to tour at some point if the opportunity arises. Am now
writing for the next album too. Let's not get too hasty though eh?
|
