Recently Brent Aliverti and I had the great privilege to chat with Gilbert Gabriel about his latest release, Futura's "Call My Name." The Cd single is out now in the UK and was in the British club charts a few months back.
-Chris Hammond

First of all, who is Futura and how did it's creation come about? Is it a one man group or do you consider it an evolving line-up with you as the main creator and director?

Gilbert: Futura is an evolutionary project which hopefully will culminate in an album next year. It will feature different guest vocalists as well as instrumental music.

When I first heard "Call My Name", I was so amazed at the change of direction from your last released work, the meditational "Lotus." But after a few listens I began to realize that the two do have ties to each other.

Yes and my ambient work will continue too. "Lotus" was the first album and it will be followed by "Waves." Also, I am thinking of releasing a solo piano album. Futura is more song based though and will feature current dance/production techniques.

After having just completed "Lotus", did you feel it was time to take a slightly different direction and thus the creation of something that is very danceable and club-ready?

"Call My Name" began as a conventional song and has evolved into its present dance form which has been very educational as a development from my more pastoral Dream Academy days.

"Call My Name" has so many congealing influences. In many ways it is very British dance sounding but I also can sense the consistent Spanish influence from the percussion and part of the spoken word and I can also pick up some old Dream Academy influences with the melody and strings. Would you say that the song reflects the last few decades of your musical influences?

"Call My Name" is still evolving even though the single was released here in the UK on April 24th. I have been involved in a garage mix of this song which should reveal itself soon.

Where did the Spanish speaking part come from? Didn't you live in Spain for some time? (Hablas Castellano? Bastante para defenderte?)

It is a friend in my MA Film Studies course who is Spanish. Si', me gusta mucho el espanol, especialamente Valencia.

Are there any deeper meanings in the spoken words that appear over the beds of lush, melodic music?

The spoken words are an echo of the lyrics featured in the 7 inch version. The club version you have heard is slightly more expanded.

Many artists have resigned themselves to recording a great deal of their music 'at home' now. Do you do this and if so, what kind of equipment and software are you using?

Technology. Where do I start? Digital Performer, Recycle, Rebirth...... it is all very mind-blowing! Yes, I work at home. "Lotus" was recorded on a Roland VS880. "Call My Name" is a combination of working in professional studios as well as using my own humble technology.

How did you hook up with Jody Wisternoff and Andrew Fryer and what qualities do they best bring to Futura?

Jody is very adventurous with his use of samples and breakbeats. Andy Fryer is a cool dude who is an engineer at Warner Chappell studios in London.

Who are Way Out West? Are they a group of remixers, producers...?

Way Out West are a dance outfit from Bristol, here in the UK. They have remixed quite a few British acts., as well as being popular DJs who work internationally.

Are there plans for a U.S. release for "Call My Name?"

Yes, the 12 inch is being released on F1-11, a label out of New York. Andrew of F1-11 has already shipped a few thousand copies to clubs and alternative radio stations with some reorders. Further U.S. plans are in the hands of Andrew of F1-11 so I hope it goes well. I have also been told by friends and family that you can order the single through various music on-line websites based out of the UK (as an import). Blanco y Negro have also mentioned to me that the single is generating some interest in Holland right now so that is exciting too.

Since the release of the Dream Academy's "Life in a Northern Town" in 1985, you've been releasing material on Blanco y Negro out of the UK. Do you have a long standing contract with them or were they just good enough to spot you and sign you up for your post-DA projects as well?

Blanco y Negro and Rough Trade have been very supportive to me as an artist through the years. I hope this will continue.

What will be the next step for you and Futura? Will the next Futura single be as energetic and groovy?

Yes, I hope my future music is always groovy. I'm hoping to do a follow-up single to "Call my Name" with another Blanco y Negro artist (who will be revealed at a later time!)

Thanks Gilbert. All the best of success for the current single. It's already a smash hit at our own homes. Keep up the fantastic work.

Thanks. Best regards. Gilbert

 
 
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