Interview by Chris Hammond Februrary 2002

It’s been about a year and a half since his last single and now Gilbert Gabriel is surging forward with something so different, so infectious, that MTV (UK and Ireland) have come down with a highly virulent case of "Reminiscence".
This is the title of his new single and I had the pleasure of catching up with Gilbert between final cutting room edits and meetings with MTV executives. The history of present illness went something like this:

"Reminiscence" has some very beautiful lyrics. "I love you still...even if you can't remember." What was the inspiration behind this?

Gilbert: The lyrics were inspired by my belief that if we are not on this earth forever we should make everyday "an art house where we can hang our pictures."

I understand you recently spent some long days shooting a video for the single in Cambridge (UK). Who directed it? Who came up with the story line (if there is one)? I understand MTV Europe wants to put this on the airwaves! Where else can we hope to see this!?

Gilbert: The video was a collaborative effort between myself, Nigel KariKari (filmmaker and editor), and Sarah Gibson (filmmaker).The basic story is that a woman floats downstream and reconnects with her "stream of subconscious." (laughs) It was a rainy day in Cambridge with tourists looking on with bemusement as Mia (the singer) sat on a sofa, which was positioned on a pontoon that was floated downstream as the 'creative folk’ tried to immortalise the event for eternity. Currently, MTV have put it on The PartyZone, 3-6 in the early hours this Friday, then slipping it into their MTV Dance Channel randomly next week and then a slot the week after. It’s been a brilliant three weeks of hyper-activity with recording, shooting, directing , and editing a video with my accomplices.

Tell me about some of the mixes for this single. They are listed as "DJMP" mixes. Is this you?

Gilbert: DJMP is a good friend from Italy who is working in conjunction with myself Andy Fryer and John Robinson to produce singles and eventually an album.

Any chance for an album full of Futurasound tracks soon? Are you recording most of the songs in Cambridge itself?

Gilbert: Yes, the tracks are on their way for an album which will also include collaborations from Dario G's creative forces as well as a couple of guest appearances of famous folk (to be confirmed). I am also working on a new project with Dario G that will come out under a new name (still to be discussed).

After all of these years, have you ever thought of going back on the road to play?

Gilbert: Yes, I think the time is approaching where I feel confident that my team players and technology have conspired to make that a reality. I have a PA lined up in April for three songs, which we will perform in Cambridge in a 700 capacity club. The tracks sound gigantic over their sound system. I am also in the process of organising some gigs in Eastern Europe.

I know you are a connoisseur of culture and cuisine. If you could have one meal from anywhere in the world, what and from where would it be?

Gilbert: Alas, my favourite restaurant in Crouch End has closed down. It was Malaysian, of course. After eating there for about 7 years I discovered the food I loved so much was prepared by Buddhists!!

Besides writing your own songs, what music is currently on your turntable or CD deck?

Gilbert: Stina Nordenstam, Nitin Sawhney and Arvo Part.

You must get tired of being asked about your old mates, (Nick Laird-Clowes and Kate St. John), but I've noticed that everyone has been working with each other in some capacity recently. You and Nick on Trashmonk's "Fur Hat" (an exclusive track on the re-released version of Mona Lisa Overdrive on Poptones) , Kate and Nick on "Amsterdam" (on the Invisible Circus Soundtrack). Do you think it is silly for fans to still have the pipe dream that the Dream Academy may someday reform?

Gilbert: It is very difficult to say. I think Nick is busy but perhaps Kate might be working with me on the album and some spin off projects I have in mind. Lets see!!!

If you guys ever did reform, how would you approach the promotion of your music as the Dream Academy? I only ask this because I see so many "80s" artists out there rehashing their old material on nostalgic tours of the sheds and wonder if this approach is really worth it?

Gilbert: If we reformed, I would like to be part of a 21st century show that reflects the world that exists now rather than a kitsch time machine that revisits the past!

What does the future hold for Futurasound?

Gilbert: The future is bright!! I really feel the album is coming slowly together and am buzzing about the potential of live performances. I would like to thank Geoff Travis, Tracey Fox, Delilah Webb, Unique,Watts, John Barlow, John Robinson, Aidan (Burningcandle), Pino Agnello, Ben at HMV (Cambridge), special thanks to Andrea (DJMP) and to Chris and Brent for your continued support with this record so far. Thanks again for your incisive questions and support Chris.

Here is Gilbert's previous interview -

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.

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.

Gilbert: 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?

Gilbert: "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?

Gilbert: "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?)

Gilbert: 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?

Gilbert: The spoken words are an echo of the lyrics featured in the 7 inch version. The club version you two have heard it 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?

Gilbert: 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?

Gilbert: 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...?

Gilbert: 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?"

Gilbert: 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?

Gilbert: 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?

Gilbert: 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.