Luke Slater- "It's Amazing How Insane I Really Feel."
Author: Benedetta Ferraro
Friday, March 8, 2002
Sitting in a Mute Records conference room after his tenth interview of the day, Luke Slater, manages to sound both enthusiastic and cross as he discusses his new album Alright On Top.
"I was getting really fed up with music that wasn't hitting the right spot for me. I mean, put a minor chord into a song, it doesn't have to be always so bloody happy!"
Previously known as one of the world's top techno producers, he's about to be redrawn as Britain's undisputed king of electro, courtesy of the 80s- style electro songs contained on the record. Featuring the vocals of former Aloof singer Ricky Barrow the record sits seamlessly within the ultra trendy category currently dominated by Felix Da Housecat and DJ Hell though is even more accessible, being packed with melodies, lyrics and proper, hummable songs.
For Slater, who's recently switched from Novamute to Moby's label Mute, it's an album that is certain to transform his reputation for good. Chatting to Skrufff's Benedetta Ferraro, who last interviewed him backstage at Moby's Scala show in London (before Play took off), however, he remained friendly and full of fire.
Skrufff: What's been the reactions to your new album so far-
Luke Slater: "Urm, shock. I didn't think it was going to be such a big deal, but so far, every interview has started on this note. From my point of view it's different, because it has songs, but I don't think it's that distant from what I've done before."
Skrufff: Was it positive criticism though-
Luke Slater: "Well, yes it has all been pretty positive, but it feels like I have some explaining to do. The reality is, I just wanted to do it, and I needed some songs."
Skrufff: Many human beings are terrified of change. As if nobody ever had to grow old and be confronted with the whole ageing process…
Luke Slater: "Exactly. I think some people don't change, though. For me it's not the right way, I don't want to keep on doing what I've already done. I just don't want to."
Skrufff: How much were you expecting this reaction from the media-
Luke Slater: "I know it's going to sound like I'm slagging the media off, but I've never really been worried about what they think of me. If I was worried I would have made the same stuff I've been making so far."
Skrufff: Was signing to Mute part of the scheme of things-
Luke Slater: "Well, even when I was on Novamute I've always pushed the boundary with my albums. I also believe that Novamute are trying to bring the label back onto to a more underground footing, by releasing more 12" for example. Personally I feel Mute is the right label for what I want to do."
Skrufff: Would it surprise you if this album reaches the Top 10-
Luke Slater: "It wouldn't surprise me, I figure it can go either way, it could become really big or not big at all. I know it's a good album. It's what I want to hear, and there must be people out there who feel the same as I do. If it became really big, I don't know if I could handle what that would bring. An album selling a lot also brings many changes. Ultimately I'd like to think that I'm experienced enough to know how to take on something like that. I wouldn't like it to go to my head. I think my head is out there already. I do appear quite sane, but it's amazing how insane I really feel."
Skrufff: Mind you, it's full moon tonight! It's surprising how much it can bring out this side in people…
Luke Slater: "I totally agree. You know what really bugs me about music right now- I listen to songs on the radio and they all sound so happy. And it makes me wonder why am I not part of that club- I reckon a lot of people feel like I do; it's just become part of today' Tags