ALL BACK TO MY PLACE

OUR FRIEND ELECTRIC

Gary Numan, Margo Price and Laraaji. But who’s tuned into the infinite field vibrating everywhere?.

What music are you currently grooving to? An album called Elysium For The Brave by Azam Ali. My new album has a number of Eastern flavourings and I listened to several of Azam Ali’s albums, and others with a Middle Eastern vibe, to try and learn a little more about the melodies and instrumentation that they use.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album? I have several that I love, but I’ll go for Songs Of Faith And Devotion by Depeche Mode. It came along at a time when my career was at an alltime low and it encouraged me to go back to writing about things I was genuinely interested in, rather than continue my entirely unsuccessful attempts to write chart hits.

What was the first record you ever bought? And where did you buy it? I bought a Hank Williams Jr album for my mum. It was the first time I’d ever had my own pocket money to spend and I remember it made her cry that I’d bought something for her. It came from a record shop in Ashford, Middlesex, but I can’t remember the name I’m afraid.

Which musician, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be? I’ve never wanted to be anyone else. But, when I was a teenager, Marc Bolan projected a lifestyle that I very much wanted to create for myself.

What do you sing in the shower? Nothing at all. I’m extremely self-conscious, even around my own family, and I never sing unless I’m actually recording in the studio, or on-stage.

What is your favourite Saturday night record? I have to confess that I rarely listen to music. But, if I was to put a song on as I was walking out the door, it would be I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas.

And your Sunday morning record? Head Like A Hole by Nine Inch Nails. If anything will get you out of bed that one will.