The Grid: 5pm Interview
The Grid are arguably best known for their 1994 banjo-laden classic ‘Swamp Thing’, which absolutely consumed dancefloors in the early 90s, eventually breaking into the UK charts at number 3, and shifting over a million copies in the process. Leading the way in the electronic music scene, Richard Norris and Dave Ball (the latter also one half of Soft Cell, interestingly enough) released an epic 3 albums and 10 singles between ‘88 and ‘95 until they eventually completely disappeared off the map for quite some time.
With the Grid making their big return in the form of ‘Doppelganger’, their first album in well over ten years, it seemed like a good time for Gavin Leversuch to catch up with Mr Norris for a quick chat about what it all means…
It’s been quite some time since you were putting records out as ‘The Grid’. What do you think has been the biggest change to the scene since you were last active? Do you think things are better or worse now?
“It all goes in cycles. I think it’s pretty good right now. The internet has brought a lot more variety of music to people, so more specialist, crate digging areas are getting a much wider audience. You’ve got to remember we haven’t put out a record since before the internet arrived! I think that’s the biggest change, availability. I don’t think dance music is particularly better or worse; a good party is still a good party, and a good tune still works.”
What have you been up to for all these years?
“Dave worked with Kylie and reformed Soft Cell with Marc Almond; I worked with Joe Strummer, formed the Droyds, then Beyond The Wizard’s Sleeve with Erol Alkan and wrote Paul Oakenfold’s biography.”
Check out The Grid’s classic top 5 hit, ‘Swamp Thing’:
Was writing an album always part of the plan, or was it a spontaneous reaction to the success of ‘Put Your Hands Together’?
“Yes, all part of the plan. We started working on some electronic soundtrack music a couple of years ago but it sounded so good we thought we had to make a new Grid album.”
How do you think your styles complement each other?
Dave has a great feel for synthesizers; a hands on, old school analogue approach, whereas I am more a programming fiend.
Does ‘Doppelganger’ symbolize that you are now back for good, is it a trip down memory lane, or are you just taking it as it comes?
I’m sure we’ll be making electronic music for ever. Together or apart!
What’s the biggest thing you have learnt over the last 10 years as solo artists that you are now bringing to the Grid table?
Technical stuff, I’m a far better studio musician than I was, in many areas. Other than that, it’s the same when we get together; much laughter, a couple of synthesizers, a pint of cider and a tune!
The Grid’s Current Top 5:
- Date: Apr 17th 08
- Categories: 5pm Interview