Interview with Analog Angel
Interview with Derek, John and Robert, members of Scottish electro band Analog Angel. After a long break from creating music, the band's coming back with brand new album Dischords. They agreed to answer some questions regarding the newest circumstances and some stories from the past too. Analog Angel:
Please say a few words about your beginning your acquaintance and a place of your youth.
John: Well, we were all born and raised in Glasgow. I have spent all my life here (except for a couple of years living in England aged about 6 or 7). Personally, I leave as often as possible to visit many new places around the World - Glasgow is typical old, grey, industrial city. It is starting to change into a more Cosmoplitan city but very slowly!! I met Derek at school - we both attended one of the tough secondary schools that are dotted around the city. We were both in an electronic band called The Quiet Roo for a couple of years before going our seperate ways. When I tried to reform Dr Strangelove, Derek was a natural choice as a replacement for the former member who didn't want to rejoin.
Derek: Obviously my answer is going to be similar to John's. I also remember attending a Dr Strangelove gig in 1990 and was blown away with the sound.
Robert: Beginnings, to answer that we need to travel back in time to 1989, that’s when I first meet John. John has already mentioned Dr Strangelove. I was in Dr Strangelove with my brother Paul and John Sim. We were going through a process of looking for a new singer; we placed an ad in a Glasgow music store looking for a singer. I think it said something simple like, ‘Electronic band looking for a new singer’. To be honest I wasn’t sure if anyone would get in contact with us, but a week after placing the ad the phone rang and it was John! We had a chat and set up a date for him to audition for us. The rest is history John - got the job. If you have played our old tracks and present songs you can hear the reason why he got the job no questions asked. I was born and brought up in the East End of Glasgow with my 3 brothers and 1 sister. It was always a very busy house so I think this is why my brother Paul and I escaped with our music – good days!
What kind of music have had the most influence on you and which bands beside Depeche Mode inspired you in the past and now?
Derek: I listen to all sorts of music from Rock 'n' Roll, punk, rock, ska but my main love is electronic music. Depeche, DAF, Nitzer Ebb, Front 242, Sparks, New Order, Fad Gadget......I think you get the picture!!! Not to forget Kraftwerk and YMO!!
Robert: I think my musical influences are a bit eclectic to say the least. I’ve always been a big fan of The Beatles, Elvis, and all the Motown Classics from Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. I also liked The Cure and Thomas Dolby. Coming up to the present I find Radiohead’s dark mix of electronics and guitar very refreshing.
John: Depeche played a HUGE part in me growing up and I have been fortunate enough to see them live on every tour since 1984! I managed to catch up with them in LA and Santa Barbara earlier this year when I was fortunate enough to meet them backstage (and also to meet and have a long chat with Mr McArthy from Nitzer Ebb!! A friend of ANALOG ANGEL (Scott) introduced me to the music of Gary Numan about 8 years ago and I was blown away! Most of my other interests are covered by Derek and Robert and I love the production skills of Mr Wilder.
What can you say about Glasgow (music culture) and its most popular trends previously and now?
Derek: Glasgow has always had a vibrant music scene but it is mostly slanted towards the guitar/indie scene. Electronic music has never really managed to break into the mainstream - hopefully ANALOG ANGEL can change that!
Robert: Lulu, Simple Minds, Wet Wet Wet, Midge Ure are a few names off the top of my head.
John: There is a venue called the CLASSIC GRAND in Glasgow which is trying to push the electronic scene. We saw VNV Nation there recently and we are supporting ASSEMBLAGE 23 there in February.
Have you been a part of DM subculture at the time of making videoclip 'Why do you do?'. The reason why we are asking is that you looked as if you were. Was it only arranged for the clip?
John: I can answer this one - there has NEVER been a DM subculture in Glasgow!! The look was probably unintentional. I didn't actually own any clothes like the ones in the video - I had to actually borrow the ones I am wearing in the video!!
Robert: No it wasn’t arranged, we were into black, I think most bands go through a black phase and for some bands that phase never leaves them. The music for Why Do You Do is an electronic landscape that goes deep and dark, and is melodic too. John’s vocals add richness and depth to the track bringing it alive. Depeche Mode is the best electronic band in the world for my money, and they have influenced countless electronic bands including us to a degree.
About a year ago you were nonexistend yet now your playing together again, doing gigs, your debut album 'Dischord' is about to be released. How do you feel about it? What your families and friends say?
Derek: John phoned me last Christmas to tell me of the interest in the video of Why Do You Do? on Youtube. He wanted to see if we could the band back together and try and put some songs together. I thought "Why Not?" You know the story from there. Family and friends initially thought it was a joke but most of them have changed their minds after hearing some of our songs.
Robert: It’s terrific being part of a band again, getting my teeth back into music after such a long time out - it is very for fulfilling for me. Playing gigs - there is no other feeling in the world like it. It’s fantastic to be back on stage. My family and friend s are very supportive of the work we are doing, and they actually like it too!
John: To cut a long story short - we were asked by Oren Sarig (DM Israel) to put together a demo and submit it with a view to being considered as local support to DM in Tel Aviv. We didn't get the gig but were offered a deal by Rage in Eden. It feels quite strange being back in music to be honest. We have our own website and MySpace profile which is taking huge numbers of hits every day. We also have a fanpage on MySpace which is run by Jan Rune from Norway. I find it quite strange that so many people like our music. We have so many new friends around the World but for some reason; mainly in Poland and Germany.
You have signed a contract with Polish label 'Rage in Eden'. Please say a few words about it.
Derek: RAGE in EDEN have been great in showing faith in us from day one and for putting up with the technical hitches which delayed the recording process. Hopefully this faith will pay off and be beneficial to us and them. So, a HUGE thanks to Robert and all at Rage in Eden.
Which pieces that are on the album have their origin in the past and which are brand new? How did the recording go for you?
Robert: All the music on DISCHORD is new. The only exceptions I guess you could say would be Shadows and High Heels which we demoed at the start of the year
John: As Robert says - all the songs are new songs; maybe with the exception of TOUCHED which first appeared on a solo album I recorded a few years ago. The recording process was a nightmare - I won't go into it too deepy but we had loads of technical problems and then our laptop died!! We are generally happy with the result - we tried to be a bit different with some of the recording processes. We played a lot of analogue synths live into Ableton and left it as played. We didn't quantize everything and it gives the album a slightly warmer, live feel than you might normally get on an album by an electronic band. The vocals were recorded in a similar way. They are all first takes with no AutoTune or double tracking. This means there are a few little tuning and timing issues but we like it that way.
Derek: A few people asked why we didn't rework Why Do You Do? Well the former member of Dr.Strangelove who didn't join us (John Sim) copyrighted the song as his own and refused permission to re-record it. It probably worked out for us though as we manged to write some pretty good songs. It's time to leave Dr Strangelove in the past!!
John's texts mention about isolation in the society, difficulties to adapt to the rules of the world, emotional problems and also an escape into hedonistic world of bodily pleasures. What have led to such dark and existential texts?
John: I don't actually write all the lyrics; it's a joint effort by the three of us. We generally work all the songs like that. Generally a certain sound or musical phrase will take a song in a certain direction. The hedonistic lyrics are Derek and Roberts - I will let them answer that one!!
Robert: The collaboration of song writing has come mostly through life experiences. Maybe not so much personal, but from what we have seen - life has so many subject matters to choose from. Every one of us has had experiences that we can dwell on. The songs on DISCHORD are no exception. Life produces many emotions (open or hidden) and all of these are combined in this album.
Derek: The lyrics in DEVIANCE and NO CONTEST are probably the ones you are referring to! DEVIANCE was actually written with someone particular in mind. She is aware of the lyrics and still can't believe I wrote them about her!!! I have no idea where I got the lyrics for no contest - a burst of inspiration!!!
John: HIGH HEELS and INNER INNOCENCE are probably written in a similar subject matter - now that I think about it; we come across as perverts!!! (Laughs out loud!!!)
9th Dec your going to play in Cosmopol in Glasgow as a part of Rammy of the Universe. Its going to be a big night because almost all of the tickets are sold. Do you feel nervous about this gig and can you give any details of the planned set and possible duration of it?
Robert: I think the Rammy gig will be great – it’s a complete electronic night. For us, we get to air, for the first time, the songs from our new album. We are also very proud of being a part of a Depeche Mode night - DM hasn’t played in Glasgow for over twenty years. To play a gig that coincides with the biggest band in the world coming to our home town is very exciting for us.
Derek: Excited. Nervous. A lot of fans will travel a long way to see us for the first time and we don't want to let them down.
John: Nervous? Not at the moment - just as I go on stage; I am almost physically sick. That is caused mostly by what Derek said - we don't want to let anyone down! If we get off to a good start and the crowd are getting into it then that helps us. I am looking forward to seeing the other two bands - they are superb.
Would you like to say anything to your fans in Poland?
Robert: I would like to thank all our Polish fans for their kind words and support. We are looking forward to meeting some of you on the 11th and 12th December in Glasgow and perhaps sharing a beer or two (as long as you are buying - laughs out loud!!!)
Derek: I can I just thank the fans in Poland for appreciating what we do and for spreading the word. Hopefully we will get the opportunity to repay them in some way by gigging in your homeland.
John: Can I just say first of all - I still find it strange calling people fans. I can't imagine having fans!! I touched on this earlier - Poland has been good for us and we are constantly gaining new friends from here. We can't thank them enough to be honest. I hope some promoters will take a chance on us and bring us to Poland so that we can play some gigs. Can I just say - things have been going really well (not just in Poland) and we hope we can continue to grow as a band. The new album is out soon, we have a couple of big gigs on the horizon and then a support slot with ASSEMBLAGE 23. This has been down to hard work on our part but importantly the love, kindness and patience of everyone has been a joy. On behalf of ANALOG ANGEL can I thank you for that and I hope the songs on the new album are good enough that you our fans will continue to support us. For those coming to Glasgow to see us - we look forward to meeting you.
Thank you very much indeed for the interview. I wish you a great success in selling a new album. See you soon in Glasgow.
by Pollack
Other articles:
Please say a few words about your beginning your acquaintance and a place of your youth.
John: Well, we were all born and raised in Glasgow. I have spent all my life here (except for a couple of years living in England aged about 6 or 7). Personally, I leave as often as possible to visit many new places around the World - Glasgow is typical old, grey, industrial city. It is starting to change into a more Cosmoplitan city but very slowly!! I met Derek at school - we both attended one of the tough secondary schools that are dotted around the city. We were both in an electronic band called The Quiet Roo for a couple of years before going our seperate ways. When I tried to reform Dr Strangelove, Derek was a natural choice as a replacement for the former member who didn't want to rejoin.
Derek: Obviously my answer is going to be similar to John's. I also remember attending a Dr Strangelove gig in 1990 and was blown away with the sound.
Robert: Beginnings, to answer that we need to travel back in time to 1989, that’s when I first meet John. John has already mentioned Dr Strangelove. I was in Dr Strangelove with my brother Paul and John Sim. We were going through a process of looking for a new singer; we placed an ad in a Glasgow music store looking for a singer. I think it said something simple like, ‘Electronic band looking for a new singer’. To be honest I wasn’t sure if anyone would get in contact with us, but a week after placing the ad the phone rang and it was John! We had a chat and set up a date for him to audition for us. The rest is history John - got the job. If you have played our old tracks and present songs you can hear the reason why he got the job no questions asked. I was born and brought up in the East End of Glasgow with my 3 brothers and 1 sister. It was always a very busy house so I think this is why my brother Paul and I escaped with our music – good days!
What kind of music have had the most influence on you and which bands beside Depeche Mode inspired you in the past and now?
Derek: I listen to all sorts of music from Rock 'n' Roll, punk, rock, ska but my main love is electronic music. Depeche, DAF, Nitzer Ebb, Front 242, Sparks, New Order, Fad Gadget......I think you get the picture!!! Not to forget Kraftwerk and YMO!!
Robert: I think my musical influences are a bit eclectic to say the least. I’ve always been a big fan of The Beatles, Elvis, and all the Motown Classics from Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. I also liked The Cure and Thomas Dolby. Coming up to the present I find Radiohead’s dark mix of electronics and guitar very refreshing.
John: Depeche played a HUGE part in me growing up and I have been fortunate enough to see them live on every tour since 1984! I managed to catch up with them in LA and Santa Barbara earlier this year when I was fortunate enough to meet them backstage (and also to meet and have a long chat with Mr McArthy from Nitzer Ebb!! A friend of ANALOG ANGEL (Scott) introduced me to the music of Gary Numan about 8 years ago and I was blown away! Most of my other interests are covered by Derek and Robert and I love the production skills of Mr Wilder.
What can you say about Glasgow (music culture) and its most popular trends previously and now?
Derek: Glasgow has always had a vibrant music scene but it is mostly slanted towards the guitar/indie scene. Electronic music has never really managed to break into the mainstream - hopefully ANALOG ANGEL can change that!
Robert: Lulu, Simple Minds, Wet Wet Wet, Midge Ure are a few names off the top of my head.
John: There is a venue called the CLASSIC GRAND in Glasgow which is trying to push the electronic scene. We saw VNV Nation there recently and we are supporting ASSEMBLAGE 23 there in February.
Have you been a part of DM subculture at the time of making videoclip 'Why do you do?'. The reason why we are asking is that you looked as if you were. Was it only arranged for the clip?
John: I can answer this one - there has NEVER been a DM subculture in Glasgow!! The look was probably unintentional. I didn't actually own any clothes like the ones in the video - I had to actually borrow the ones I am wearing in the video!!
Robert: No it wasn’t arranged, we were into black, I think most bands go through a black phase and for some bands that phase never leaves them. The music for Why Do You Do is an electronic landscape that goes deep and dark, and is melodic too. John’s vocals add richness and depth to the track bringing it alive. Depeche Mode is the best electronic band in the world for my money, and they have influenced countless electronic bands including us to a degree.
About a year ago you were nonexistend yet now your playing together again, doing gigs, your debut album 'Dischord' is about to be released. How do you feel about it? What your families and friends say?
Derek: John phoned me last Christmas to tell me of the interest in the video of Why Do You Do? on Youtube. He wanted to see if we could the band back together and try and put some songs together. I thought "Why Not?" You know the story from there. Family and friends initially thought it was a joke but most of them have changed their minds after hearing some of our songs.
Robert: It’s terrific being part of a band again, getting my teeth back into music after such a long time out - it is very for fulfilling for me. Playing gigs - there is no other feeling in the world like it. It’s fantastic to be back on stage. My family and friend s are very supportive of the work we are doing, and they actually like it too!
John: To cut a long story short - we were asked by Oren Sarig (DM Israel) to put together a demo and submit it with a view to being considered as local support to DM in Tel Aviv. We didn't get the gig but were offered a deal by Rage in Eden. It feels quite strange being back in music to be honest. We have our own website and MySpace profile which is taking huge numbers of hits every day. We also have a fanpage on MySpace which is run by Jan Rune from Norway. I find it quite strange that so many people like our music. We have so many new friends around the World but for some reason; mainly in Poland and Germany.
You have signed a contract with Polish label 'Rage in Eden'. Please say a few words about it.
Derek: RAGE in EDEN have been great in showing faith in us from day one and for putting up with the technical hitches which delayed the recording process. Hopefully this faith will pay off and be beneficial to us and them. So, a HUGE thanks to Robert and all at Rage in Eden.
Which pieces that are on the album have their origin in the past and which are brand new? How did the recording go for you?
Robert: All the music on DISCHORD is new. The only exceptions I guess you could say would be Shadows and High Heels which we demoed at the start of the year
John: As Robert says - all the songs are new songs; maybe with the exception of TOUCHED which first appeared on a solo album I recorded a few years ago. The recording process was a nightmare - I won't go into it too deepy but we had loads of technical problems and then our laptop died!! We are generally happy with the result - we tried to be a bit different with some of the recording processes. We played a lot of analogue synths live into Ableton and left it as played. We didn't quantize everything and it gives the album a slightly warmer, live feel than you might normally get on an album by an electronic band. The vocals were recorded in a similar way. They are all first takes with no AutoTune or double tracking. This means there are a few little tuning and timing issues but we like it that way.
Derek: A few people asked why we didn't rework Why Do You Do? Well the former member of Dr.Strangelove who didn't join us (John Sim) copyrighted the song as his own and refused permission to re-record it. It probably worked out for us though as we manged to write some pretty good songs. It's time to leave Dr Strangelove in the past!!
John's texts mention about isolation in the society, difficulties to adapt to the rules of the world, emotional problems and also an escape into hedonistic world of bodily pleasures. What have led to such dark and existential texts?
John: I don't actually write all the lyrics; it's a joint effort by the three of us. We generally work all the songs like that. Generally a certain sound or musical phrase will take a song in a certain direction. The hedonistic lyrics are Derek and Roberts - I will let them answer that one!!
Robert: The collaboration of song writing has come mostly through life experiences. Maybe not so much personal, but from what we have seen - life has so many subject matters to choose from. Every one of us has had experiences that we can dwell on. The songs on DISCHORD are no exception. Life produces many emotions (open or hidden) and all of these are combined in this album.
Derek: The lyrics in DEVIANCE and NO CONTEST are probably the ones you are referring to! DEVIANCE was actually written with someone particular in mind. She is aware of the lyrics and still can't believe I wrote them about her!!! I have no idea where I got the lyrics for no contest - a burst of inspiration!!!
John: HIGH HEELS and INNER INNOCENCE are probably written in a similar subject matter - now that I think about it; we come across as perverts!!! (Laughs out loud!!!)
9th Dec your going to play in Cosmopol in Glasgow as a part of Rammy of the Universe. Its going to be a big night because almost all of the tickets are sold. Do you feel nervous about this gig and can you give any details of the planned set and possible duration of it?
Robert: I think the Rammy gig will be great – it’s a complete electronic night. For us, we get to air, for the first time, the songs from our new album. We are also very proud of being a part of a Depeche Mode night - DM hasn’t played in Glasgow for over twenty years. To play a gig that coincides with the biggest band in the world coming to our home town is very exciting for us.
Derek: Excited. Nervous. A lot of fans will travel a long way to see us for the first time and we don't want to let them down.
John: Nervous? Not at the moment - just as I go on stage; I am almost physically sick. That is caused mostly by what Derek said - we don't want to let anyone down! If we get off to a good start and the crowd are getting into it then that helps us. I am looking forward to seeing the other two bands - they are superb.
Would you like to say anything to your fans in Poland?
Robert: I would like to thank all our Polish fans for their kind words and support. We are looking forward to meeting some of you on the 11th and 12th December in Glasgow and perhaps sharing a beer or two (as long as you are buying - laughs out loud!!!)
Derek: I can I just thank the fans in Poland for appreciating what we do and for spreading the word. Hopefully we will get the opportunity to repay them in some way by gigging in your homeland.
John: Can I just say first of all - I still find it strange calling people fans. I can't imagine having fans!! I touched on this earlier - Poland has been good for us and we are constantly gaining new friends from here. We can't thank them enough to be honest. I hope some promoters will take a chance on us and bring us to Poland so that we can play some gigs. Can I just say - things have been going really well (not just in Poland) and we hope we can continue to grow as a band. The new album is out soon, we have a couple of big gigs on the horizon and then a support slot with ASSEMBLAGE 23. This has been down to hard work on our part but importantly the love, kindness and patience of everyone has been a joy. On behalf of ANALOG ANGEL can I thank you for that and I hope the songs on the new album are good enough that you our fans will continue to support us. For those coming to Glasgow to see us - we look forward to meeting you.
Thank you very much indeed for the interview. I wish you a great success in selling a new album. See you soon in Glasgow.
by Pollack
Other articles:
- Analog Angel - Dischord - 2011-04-22 (Music reviews)
