Regarded as one of the most important bands, Depeche Mode has already sold over a million records. The lead singer and song writer Martin Gore describes the sound in their latest album ‘Sounds of the Universe’ as ‘nostalgic yet futuristic’ sound.
Text: CZARINA | Translation: dilettante
G: Martin Gore
30 YRS
Q: What is the drive behind your thirty-year avant-garde career?
G: From an album to the next, a tour to another, we really believe that there is a meaning in creating music with contemporary relevance, that the latest album is always the best one. We don’t want to rule the world with our band, it is just about making good music. That keeps us going.
Q: Depeche Mode is regarded as one of the greatest bands in the world. How do you feel about it?
G: It is very exciting to hear quite a few new bands counting Depeche Mode as their influence. I am thrilled.
Q: What is the concept of the new album ‘Sounds of the Universe’?
G: We didn’t set out with a concept, rather it came after four or five songs. ‘Peace’ and ‘Little Soul’ has minds of their own and lead to the other songs in the album.
Q: Your fans claim that your songs enable them to see more facets of this world. Is that your aim?
G: I like communicating with music, to express an emotion that I captured.
SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE
Q: How is this album different from the previous ones?
G: Every album is unique, although we have stuck with the same producer. We are very pleased and proud of ‘Sounds of the Universe’. We even want to play all the tracks in the new tour, of course this is a very one-sided view.
Q: This is your twelfth studio album. Do you find it challenging to inject new elements?
G: It is essential to keep it interesting and challenging, that keeps it fun during the production. We dug out the analog synthesizer we used in the past and resurrected it for this album. The process of recording is very interesting this time, with the input of new technology.
Q: What is the significance of new technology to DM?
G: The songs themselves are the most important. However, DM is an electronic band since day one, and we want to be cutting edge and unique.
WRONG & PEACE
Q: There were demos on the internet even before the album was released. How do you feel about it?
G: It feels very strange, because there were some early versions too. Demo is like something you keep at home, and in theory only three people could access it. There is no way they would throw their work out like this. I suspect it was planned and they thought it was a good way to promote the album.
Q: May be it is just that your fans have been eagerly anticipating the album. Did it help?
G: The first song was an early version of monitor mix, and it sounded like it was recorded on the radio. The sound was so terrible that fans were complaining on the forum, saying ‘Oh my God, is this the new album?’ Luckily to this date not much damage has been done yet. It is normal to be curious about the new album. I understand there were fans out there waiting for our new work.
Q: What does the album title ‘Sounds of the Universe’ mean?
G: We really like this name on many levels. It was a bit snobby, and it fits with the semi-spiritual theme of the album. With the analog synthesizers, this album is ‘nostalgically futuristic’.
Q: How did you pick ‘Wrong’ as the first single?
G: We haven’t released any new work in three and a half years. ‘Wrong’ is very different from what we did in the past, therefore we hope it will bring in new energy.
Q: What is your favourite track?
G: ‘Peace’ is my personal favourite. I think it could be one of the best songs I have ever written. It could be the next single.
Q: What is your expectation for the new album?
G: At the moment only the press has listened to the new album, and the response has been very positive. I think it is a good start.
THE DM
Q: How would you describe your relationship with Dave and Andrew (the two other band members)?
G: Very pleasant. That is also to do with us growing old, getting more mature and having more respect for each other. Since three years ago I gave up some ideas in my head. Dave has been clean and somber for thirteen years, so we have something in common now. I guess I am not such as a pain as I was before. Of course Dave and Andrew had their problems too, but it all seems much better now.
Q: Do you guys hang out outside work?
G: At the moment we get together mostly for work, like last year. We had a month’s holiday beginning of this year. After the promotion, we will take a break for a week. And then there will be more rehearsal and then the tour.
Q: Are there any young bands out there that you like?
G: I like MGMT and their album (‘Oracular Spectacular’). There is something fresh in their music and lyrics, which sets themselves apart from the others.
Q: There are many cover versions of DM songs over the years. Which is your favourite?
G: ‘Personal Jesus’ by Johnny Cash. We were very honored and he is my hero. I am very fond of his music. It means a lot to us that the cover version was in his last few albums (before he passed away).
Q: It had been years since you last visited Hong Kong. There are many fans here waiting for DM to come back.
G: We are planning the tour in Europe and US at the moment, but I don’t think it’ll end there. There are many places on our list, and I suppose there is a chance still.
Q: What would you like to say to your fans in Hong Kong?
G: That we are sorry not to be able to come to Hong Kong earlier, and thank you for your support. We hope you’ll like the new album.
