Following his recent batch of UK tour dates, I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the wonderful Duke Special as he returned to Ireland before embarking on a support slot for Billy Bragg – here is what the Duke had to say:
Hi Duke
Firstly, hope all is well and thank you for taking time out for the interview, it’s really appreciated…
- So how has the tour been, where are you as you reply to this?
“I am currently in Belfast after playing some shows in Germany. Last night I was at the Northern Ireland Music Prize which is an annual event to highlight the best albums from our wee country each year. We have a tradition of punching above our weight and this year was no exception with Soak winning the award – she is also nominated for the Mercury Music award!”
- Is there anywhere that’s been particularly special to play, or anywhere you’re looking forward to on the next set of dates with Billy Bragg?
“I have to say, the Convent near Stroud was one of the most amazing venues I have ever played in! It is a converted convent which is now a boutique hotel, music venue and live streaming music experience. Amazing place! Also very excited to play Findhorn, Scotland on the upcoming Billy Bragg tour. I am aware it is this very creative, soulful community so am very excited to be playing there.”
- I saw you at the Wedgewood Rooms date in Southsea/Portsmouth – having played here a few times over the years do you get to see much of our city?
“Unfortunately I haven’t seen much of Portsmouth as I am usually arriving shortly before sound-check and leaving after the show. Maybe you can tell me about some things I should go and see the next time I am visiting?”
- These dates are often just yourself performing with Chip Bailey on percussion, what’s Chip like to go on the road with?
“Chip is one of the most kind and lovely people you could ever meet. He is also completely mad and I have to break him out each time I ask him to come on tour with me.”
- How does going solo compare to having the full band?
“I LOVE touring with a band and even more so with an orchestra. I have to say it’s slightly cheaper doing things solo and I never have to print out a set list when I play on my own!”
- The Portsmouth show was great as always and lovely to hear a couple of the new tracks stripped back, is this how they were originally written or is the “Look Out Machines!” album how you envisaged them turning out?
“Look out machines was conceived in various ways but interestingly, many of the songs stay true to the original demos – electronic, ‘pretend’ instruments, drum machines….”
- How would you describe the new album in comparison to your earlier work?
“Each album is a photograph of where I am walking. This particular one happens to be mining some 80’s sounding terrain and memories.”
- I rightly or wrongly consider this release (along with “Songs From the Deep Forest” and “I Never Thought this Day Would Come” etc) as the official albums with the likes of “Under a Dark Cloth” and “The Silent World of Hector Mann” as an opportunity to explore your more artistic and experimental side – would this be a fair comment?
“I know what you mean but I just see this record as a series of photographs entitled – ‘2014 – 2015’ “
- Having releases based on a collection of photographs, musicals and songs inspired by silent movies are there any other concept albums in the pipeline?
“Yes.”
- Or any concepts (no matter how far-fetched!) that you’d love to explore?
“Yes, will keep you posted.”
- As you often perform cover versions in your own style, who would you like to hear play one of your songs?
“Would love to hear a poet read something. Also, an instrumental version of ‘Son of the left hand’ using only instruments found in a kitchen.”
- Who’s inspired you to write/play, either from your early influences or anyone new along the way?
“Recently, Ivor Cutler and Kurt Weill.”
- I also had the pleasure of seeing you on stage as part of your residency for the “Mother Courage and her Children” musical a few years back, how was that experience?
“Life changing.”
- Is this something you’d like to get involved in again?
“Yes, although I am really enjoying writing things for other people, as in, I no longer feel the need to be ‘in’ the thing I am writing for.”
- For now though I see your next batch of Ireland dates take you up to March 2016, what else does next year have in store… or will there be a well-deserved rest?
“I have some exciting news which I can’t divulge for a couple of weeks but safe to say – ‘ yes, I will be touring a fair bit in Ireland next year but expect a new way of being from Duke Special from now on.’ “
Thank you.
Duke Special.
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“LOOK OUT MACHINES!” is out now, but whilst being left intrigued as to what 2016 will bring, be sure to also check out Duke Special and his varied previous releases ranging from “Under the Dark Cloth” – a series of songs based on the photographs of Stieglitz, Steichen & Strand to “Orchestral Manoeuvers in Belfast” – where Duke plays a number of his songs accompanied by the Ulster Orchestra live in Belfast.
