Having recently returned from Ibiza where he was delivering a limited number of white label remixes of new track ‘Minotaur’ to select DJs on the dance island, Bazza Mills caught up with Gigslutz nominated artist Pete MacLeod to talk about his forthcoming album.
Hi Pete, how was the trip to Ibiza?
Hello Bazza. It was a trip, a different one for me as I had never been to the white island up until now. I like to experience new places so it was a short interesting visit. You visualise something in your own mind but of course people talk and that gives you an impression on the experience they’ve had and before you know it, your left with Chinese whispers like everything else in life. So it was good to get a feel for a different place that connects with music.
As a fan of your debut album Rolling Stone, I was somewhat surprised when I first heard new track ‘Minotaur’. How did the change in direction come about?
Thanks for listening. I appreciate that. I’d be bored with myself if I just released and performed the same sound time and time again. At the end of the day if your not enjoying what your doing then who are you doing it for? Everything starts within yourself and it felt right to experiment more with this album. Something I had been wanting to do for a long time but felt it was my duty to get those first songs out that I’d written for Rolling Stone. And of course during the recording process you get inspired by what your doing musically and with writing so other songs and melodies come out too. Like ‘Today I Went Swimming‘. That was written whilst I was recording the first album. ‘Minotaur’ and many more came out whilst recording my second album with Youth.
The producer of your new album Youth has worked with number of prestigious artists including The View, The Charlatans, The Verve and Pink Floyd (to name but a few). How did the link-up happen and what were the highlights in working with him?
Ah Youth. A lovely man and very talented and experienced. He reminds me of two people…an art teacher I had at primary school, who always had time for me, and a younger better looking Gandalf. That’s the wizard and wisdom in him I suppose. I’ve got so many wee stories from my experiences working with Youth, Michael, Eddie and Bede. Everyone treated me with respect and love. Which is important when you are in a creative environment. I’ll never forget so many wee magical moments. I’ll share a couple here if you want? I like fog…it’s mysterious…I remember one Morning after a late night getting on one with the team in the town, we were all walking about outside in the fog and darkness around the studio in the hills of Granada, not being able to see one foot in front of the other but trusting your gut…everyone just laughing there heads off but not being able to see each other. One of us could have fell off a cliff man. Pfffttt. Then after that we were playing table tennis at 6am still drunk but having a laugh. The patter was brilliant. Randomly picking up instruments around you when others were playing intense table tennis matches! It got serious man. Haha. Over the course of a few days it came down to the final with Youth and I. I was so close man…haha…he just pipped me on a match point…but it was so funny. “OneLove! Match point and back in the game“. Getting back to your first question on how we linked up. Alan and I discussed the concept of my album and Youth was the perfect producer to work with. Luckily he gave me the opportunity to work with him as he is in demand and a very high profile producer. I mean when you think about it…Youth just produced the no.1 album by Pink Floyd and then I walked in the door…that could give many the fear that haven’t got the bottle or are unsure about how things are going to pan out y’know…which I could actually appreciate and understand too. I was very humbled when he gave me the approval and some very encouraging words about my song writing and voice. When a genius calls you a genius then your getting into a territory that could be dangerous if your not doing music for the right reasons. Just as well I’m not a genius eh.
The highlight for me was coming through an amazing experience with an album that delivers what we set out to do. I could have failed, we both could have…sometimes that really does happen. You could say relief but I’m not relieved, more grateful and happy that it’s even better than I imagined in my mind. I’m just grateful for everyone’s time in what can be such a selfish industry.
Following you on-line, the new album appears to have a bit of mystique surrounding it with very little about the tracks known. One thing we do know is there is going to be a Nirvana cover on the album…can you tell us a bit more about that one?
Yeah pretty much like that walk in the fog right? Some stuff happened to me when I was recording this album. I can only describe it as spiritual. Physical and real stuff happening around me. Different day’s and little different spiritual things. It really was magical. I keep most of it to myself. OK, allow me to explain some topics covered in the songwriting for the album. This really was a journey for me with many signs. I did a lot of travelling on my own you see…which can be a good thing if your head’s right…but can be really lonely if it isn’t y’know. I tested myself with this album and I feel awakened now. It’s great. I’ve even been sober for 10 weeks today. I go to some different types of meetings now too and they help me have a better understanding of serenity and doing the right thing by ourselves. Which can be challenging. I do appreciate that’s not for everyone but it’s certainly a good shield for sobriety when you tell others you are sober etc. They fuckin shit themselves or run a mile. Haha…so it protects you. Some of the songs on this album I’m asking myself why would I be anonymous about being sober? If any shame at all is to be attached to that then surely it’s the other way around right? I’ve been anonymous whilst being an addict and could have died a few times whilst being anonymous the other way. I had some close calls in all honesty. I really would be anonymous if that happened right? I have kids that I love and family and friends too. Now all of THAT…comes out in this album. All of it because I’ve learned that’s how I write. I write what I feel. It’s my experiences in life. It’s my judgement on myself before others. We really only can do these sort of things ourselves. It’s a solo path. We have to help ourselves don’t we?
I covered Nirvana’s ‘Lounge Act’ for many reasons really. Nevermind was the first album I ever bought on CD. I always loved the melodies in that song. Probably my favourite. It’s lyrical melancholy at it’s best. Kurt Cobain was such a great talent and he inspired me to become a songwriter. I thought I had a special and different version in me and when I recorded it on my phone late at night. I listened back and thought it was worth playing to Alan and Youth. I pushed for it to be recorded as it was an important moment and memory for me as teenager and becoming a songwriter up until this point now. Also Kurt had a wee nod to Youth’s band Killing Joke with the song Eighties and Nirvana’s Come As You Are…then Dave Grohl played on a Killing Joke album. I’ve met Dave a couple of times. Good guy. Courtney say’s Kurt would have liked my version and Nirvana and Foo’s manager Jon likes it too. That will do for me. I can’t get better approval than that. Very humbling to hear that.
You recently announced that you are opening for the Happy Mondays on their tour. What can fans expect in your set?
Yes. Shaun is very likeable isn’t he? He’s a grafter and is a musical intellect. Tony Wilson said Shaun was the smartest man he worked with I think didn’t he? Then of course you have Bez..he’s a dude…Rowetta, she’s KooL…I’ve spoken with Gaz a few times and he’s KooL. Haven’t spoken with Paul yet but hopefully we’ll catch up on the tour. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be playing songs from my new album on the tour. Hopefully some of the Mondays fans will like what I do.
Alan McGee, the man who signed Oasis, is your manager. What is like working with him?
It’s an honour. He’s got my back and I’ve got his. Simple as that really. We went along to my Mum’s house the other day and they met for the first time. That was a nice moment. They got on well. Alan loved his Mum..my Mum reminded Alan of his Mum. It was good to see that. Would have been good if my Dad met Alan. They would have got on I think too.
On the topic of Oasis, what’s your thoughts on the band reforming? Yes or No
If Noel and Liam want to do it then KooL. I would like to see any band that I’m a fan of working on music together. Why not? Good songs are timeless. Oasis have plenty. It’s only a matter of time really eh. Good on them.
Finally, what would you like 2016 to deliver for Pete MacLeod?
Oh I have no expectations whatsoever. Taking each day at a time here. Thanks Bazza. Always good talking to you. You care about new music and your enthusiasm is second to none. Have a good one!
Pete is supporting the Happy Mondays on their Pills ‘N’ Thrills tour and has his own headline show at the Hug and Pint, Glasgow on December 17 – tickets from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/333873 or http://www.seetickets.com/artist/happy-mondays/71241
A free download of cracking new non-album song ‘I Need Your Love’ will be available from www.petemacleod.net on October 15.
Hot Press: To celebrate the launch of their new label, Clark & McGee Ltd, Mick Clark and Alan McGee are having a party on Tuesday October 27th at Notting Hill Arts Club featuring live music from two exceptional talents: Willow Robinson and Pete MacLeod plus Alan and Mick DJing this is a free event…no guest-list, first come first served.
Words: Bazza Mills
Twitter: @bazzamills
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