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Red
Red fills us in on his love of Stand up comedy, James Brown and Michael Jackson
What motivates you to make music?
If you treat music as a way of expressing yourself, then any emotion you feel can be a motivation to make music.
In terms of specific experiences that make me wanna make music, it could be anything. Seeing a rad (or shit) gig will make me wanna be on stage either way, and it’ll usually make me wanna get in the lab and make some music too.
I sometimes like to make music as if it was a soundtrack to a recent experience – like a party I went or something like that.
Feeling depressed, missing someone – that can be a powerful one for me too.
What three aspects or parts of your latest release (single or album) are you most proud of?
I’m really proud of Seen. I think it’s a really unique track. Not just in the way it was made (by scratching every part), but the sound and ideas are pretty fresh. I made that tune like 4 years ago too, and it still feels hip.
It’s also a popular tune – people diss pop music, but it’s probably harder to make something that is really popular, rather than some weird ass shit that only you and your mum like. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely make plenty of weird ass shit that only I like, and I enjoy it just as much. But my point is – I made a really popular tune that I feel was creative, well crafted, original, and had a wicked sound.
I’m also really proud of that track cos that’s what started my band, Full Fat. Initially, we got together to do a live version of it, and now the band has developed its own sound and repertoire. My favorite gigs are usually Full Fat gigs. I’m really proud of the music and shows we’ve done with that band.
If time and money were no issue, how long do you think it would take you to make the perfect album?
Time and money will never be an issue for me when trying to make the perfect album. I’ll always try to make some great shit regardless.
What do you enjoy doing away from music?
I like partying. I support Arsenal and I go to games when I can. I cook. I read. I learn Brazilian Portuguese.
Which song or piece of music other than your own draws the strongest emotional response from you?
Probably some Michael Jackson shit. When I was 6, I lived in California. My parents would play Thriller and Off The Wall in the car as we drove around in the sun surrounded by all the palm trees. It was a really happy time in my life, and I love Michael’s music for that reason alone. But even if I hadn’t had that experience, I would still have a hard on for that stuff. It’s some of the best music ever made – the production, sound, vibe, song writing and performances are incredible. Quincy Jones is a big influence.
Outside of recording and playing music, which part of the musician’s life do you find the most dull?
Getting to and from gigs. Lugging your equipment around. Setting up and sound-checking
Which instrument do you wish you could play and why?
Thing is, I can play a few instruments quite well. I can play drums pretty well. I can play a bit of guitar. I’m terrible at keys, but I play. But what I’d really like to do is play that shit next level well! But ultimately, I’d love to be able to sing like a motherfucker. Like James Brown or something. That would be the ultimate as far as I’m concerned.
Apart from music are there any other art forms you relate to?
I love stand up. I’ve got mega respect for stand up comedians. That is some hard shit. I get nervous before my gigs, so if I had to do stand up, I’d be all over the shop. It’s just you and a mic, and you are judged on how funny you are. You gotta have balls.
Literature. I read books by Bukowski and Fante and they talk about being broke and struggling to earn a living from their art form. Most musicians can relate to that. Well, I definitely can! So I guess any artist who is penniless, haha.
Acting. I’ve done a lot of music tuition and workshops. I’m a middle class guy who goes into rough areas and tries to teach inner city kids who carry guns how to beatbox and shit. If I went in there talking like Prince Charles they’d think I was even more of a cunt than I am. So I definitely pronounce some words a little differently and change myself a little bit when I’m in situations like that, and therefore I feel I am acting (albeit very badly). So when I see great actors doing their thing, I’m like, damn.
What role do you believe music plays in the world and how do you help to fulfill it?
Music essentially enhances people’s lives. People seem to like my music, so maybe I enhance their lives. Hah.
With the rise of the internet fans are able to become closer to and know more about their artists. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
The positives far outweigh the negatives. I’m all for the internet because the industry has become a bit more of an even plateau. You don’t have to have big bucks to reach loads of people. DIY artists have been successful, and the internet is a big reason. Also, it really is one of the best feelings as an artist when people say they like your music, and I like that people can tell me that more easily via the internet!
How do you think music will be distributed, exchanged or sold in 5 years time?
I don’t think CDs and Vinyl will die, there will always be nostalgia, and the analogue versus digital debate will always be there in some shape or form. But I think in 5 years time, the internet will be even more of a force. Look at the Iphone – you’ve got nearly everything on that thing. If that shit takes off like the Ipod did, then people will be downloading (legally or illegally) their music and listening to it on their phones on a massive scale. If that happens, the industry will start thinking of innovative ways to capitalize on that cultural change.
File sharing sites will still be in full effect, unless people start getting punished on a big scale. It’s like speeding – if you knew you would get caught and fined 99% of the time when you drove over the speed limit, you probably wouldn’t do it. If the same odds applied to illegal downloading, you’d probably think twice.
But I kind of hope that the whole game is completely different in 5 years time. Like it turns into something no one expected!
If you could rename your band, what would it be?
Arrocunts.
Looking back on the last century, which decade had the best music?
I like styles, sounds and ideas from 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. But if you answered that question based on my vinyl collection alone, you’d say 70s.
In 10 years time, what will you be doing?
I’ll be 36. I hope I’m still making music. But I would like to have a family at some point.
Please leave us with your favourite lyric, line of poetry, quote or phrase.
“I sort of fused Flashdance with MC Hammer shit.”
Red's single Seen is released on 12" vinyl on 3rd March
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