It's been about a year and a half since his last single and now Gilbert Gabriel is surging forward with something so different, so infectious, that MTV (UK and Ireland) have come down with a highly virulent case of "Reminiscence." This is the title of his new single and I had the pleasure of catching up with Gilbert between final cutting room edits and meetings with MTV executives. The history of present illness went something like this:

"Reminiscence" has some very beautiful lyrics. "I love you still...even if you can't remember." What was the inspiration behind this?

The lyrics were inspired by my belief that if we are not on this earth forever we should make everyday "an art house where we can hang our pictures."

I understand you recently spent some long days shooting a video for the single in Cambridge (UK). Who directed it? Who came up with the story line (if there is one)? I understand MTV Europe wants to put this on the airwaves! Where else can we hope to see this!?

The video was a collaborative effort between myself, Nigel KariKari (filmmaker and editor), and Sarah Gibson (filmmaker).The basic story is that a woman floats downstream and reconnects with her "stream of subconscious." (laughs) It was a rainy day in Cambridge with tourists looking on with bemusement as Mia (the singer) sat on a sofa, which was positioned on a pontoon that was floated downstream as the 'creative folk' tried to immortalize the event for eternity.

Currently, MTV have put it on The PartyZone, 3-6 in the early hours this Friday, then slipping it into their MTV Dance Channel randomly next week and then a slot the week after. It's been a brilliant three weeks of hyper-activity with recording, shooting, directing , and editing a video with my accomplices.

Tell me about some of the mixes for this single. They are listed as "DJMP" mixes. Is this you?

DJMP is a good friend from Italy who is working in conjunction with myself Andy Fryer and John Robinson to produce singles and eventually an album.

Any chance for an album full of Futurasound tracks soon? Are you recording most of the songs in Cambridge itself?

Yes, the tracks are on their way for an album which will also include collaborations from Dario G's creative forces as well as a couple of guest appearances of famous folk (to be confirmed). I am also working on a new project with Dario G that will come out under a new name (still to be discussed).

After all of these years, have you ever thought of going back on the road to play?

Yes, I think the time is approaching where I feel confident that my team players and technology have conspired to make that a reality. I have a PA lined up in April for three songs, which we will perform in Cambridge in a 700 capacity club. The tracks sound gigantic over their sound system. I am also in the process of organising some gigs in Eastern Europe.

I know you are a connoisseur of culture and cuisine. If you could have one meal from anywhere in the world, what and from where would it be?

Alas, my favourite restaurant in Crouch End has closed down. It was Malaysian, of course. After eating there for about 7 years I discovered the food I loved so much was prepared by Buddhists!!

Besides writing your own songs, what music is currently on your turntable or Cd deck?

Stina Nordenstam, Nitin Sawhney and Arvo Part. Also, the music scene seems to be changing in England for the better with some really interesting talent coming up from the underground.

You must get tired of being asked about your old mates, (Nick Laird-Clowes and Kate St. John), but I've noticed that everyone has been working with each other in some capacity recently. You and Nick on Trashmonk's "Fur Hat" (an exclusive track on the re-released version of Mona Lisa Overdrive on Poptones) , Kate and Nick on "Amsterdam" (on the Invisible Circus Soundtrack). Do you think it is silly for fans to still have the pipe dream that the Dream Academy may someday reform?

It is very difficult to say. I think Nick is busy but perhaps Kate might be working with me on the album and some spin off projects I have in mind. Lets see!!!

If you guys ever did reform, how would you approach the promotion of your music as the Dream Academy? I only ask this because I see so many "80s" artists out there rehashing their old material on nostalgic tours of the sheds and wonder if this approach is really worth it?

If we reformed, I would like to be part of a 21st century show that reflects the world that exists now rather than a kitsh time machine that revisits the past!

What does the future hold for Futurasound?

The future is bright!! I really feel the album is coming slowly together and am buzzing about the potential of live performances. I am really looking forward to the gig so I can practise my new found multi-media skills. We might even manage a web broadcast, but let's see.

Didn't you also mention something about an upcoming writer's camp?

Yes, the workshop takes place in Tiverton, which is in Devon, England. All I know is that 15 songwriters will share their creative aspirations with each other from the March 6th to March 13th. It takes place in a mansion with many tales of "mystery." Chris Difford (from Squeeze), Rick Wright (from Pink Floyd), and Mark Nevin (Fairground) will be there to name a few.

It's great to hear about what you are up to these days. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule.

I would like to thank Geoff Travis, Tracey Fox, Delilah Webb, Unique, Watts, John Barlow, John Robinson, Aidan (Burningcandle), Ben at HMV (Cambridge), Pino Agnello, and especially you and Brent for your continued support with this record so far. Thanks again for your incisive questions and support Chris.

Interview by Chris Hammond Februrary 2002

 
 
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