It was widely reported that in the run-up to recording Currents, Parker split up with his girlfriend, Melody Prochet of French shoegaze outfit Melody’s Echo Chamber. But I hate the idea that I rely on alcohol or weed to be creative. I drink while I’m recording because I drink while I’m doing anything that’s fun! And if there’s a spliff there, I’ll smoke it. That’s not to say I start a recording session absolutely zapped. The more drawn in by the music you can be, the better. “For me it’s about being relaxed enough to be completely absorbed by the music. Rock music and pharmaceuticals often go hand in hand and Prog did read an article where Parker admitted to spliffing up in the studio, which was a surprise because his multilayered music clearly requires a lot of focus. The only thing that’s different is one is plucking a string and the other is pressing a key.” I don’t see a huge line in the sand that others do, that guitars represent organic rock music and synths belong to digital electronic music. “But part of me doing this album was to prove to myself, and other people, that they can all mean the same thing. “I assumed there were going to be a lot of people into guitar rock who believed the sound of a keyboard represented a different type of music or perspective from guitar music,” he considers. Does he check Twitter for negative comments?
Some long-term fans may not be keen on Tame’s new blissed-out vibes and synth-funk sound. Letting the guys play how they want to play makes for a better performance and vibe.”
I used to be protective about what kind of drum fills to do and stuff, but I quickly realised that stuffing someone’s musical personalty into a box only makes it sound stifled and contrived. Sometimes I have to show them little things. That would be depressing.ĭoes he have to teach his band their parts? “Well, the guys are my best friends, but they’re also amazing musicians,” he says. I hate the idea that I rely on alcohol or weed to be creative. Playing live is all about connecting musically. Even if they’re songs I’ve written myself, it still feels like a normal band when we’re onstage. “For me, being onstage is far too much of a communal thing. Playing live is different, though, and Parker isn’t tempted to appear onstage solo. It was just another way to be expressive.” It was only when I discovered that people like Stevie Wonder and Dungen did everything, I realised it could be an art form in its own right. I thought if people knew what I was doing – overdubbing and multitracking all the parts – they’d think it was selfish. “I always make music by myself but I didn’t think what I was doing was right,” he adds. There’s also a Swedish artist who goes by the name of Dungen – I’ve always looked up to him. “Well,” he says, “Stevie Wonder would be up there, and not just because he’s blind but because I never had any idea it was all him, especially the drums. Of all rock’s feted do-it-all wunderkinds – Paul McCartney, Emitt Rhodes, Todd Rundgren, Jeff Lynne, Prince, Stevie Wonder – who does he most respect? (The Rundgren connection was made circa Lonerism, when Parker cited Rundgren’s album A Wizard, A True Star as one of his prime influences later, Rundgren would remix a Lonerism track, Elephant.) And guitar and bass I’m pretty good at keyboards I’m pretty average but I can just about feel my way around.” “If I was to have a jam behind a bunch of people, I’d go for the drums because that’s the instrument I can play without thinking. “I’m probably the best at drums but I’m not even that good,” he admits. He describes himself as “a Jack of all trades and master of none”. One thing unlikely to happen at any time in the future is Parker delegating in the studio: the vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, synths and drums that you hear on his records? That’s all him. In some ways I’m getting closer to the ultimate music I’d want to listen to.” “Right now, this is my favourite kind of music. That’s when the most interesting things happen.”ĭoes he believe the idea of the dramatic changes between Tame albums has been overplayed? I like it when people from opposite extremes of the musical spectrum get together. Put it this way: it’s exactly what I’d expect from those two. “Yeah, I listened to it the other day,” he says.
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