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Post by Fiction Plane Info Center on Feb 9, 2009 21:44:38 GMT -5
A new interview cropped up on ArtistiKrezo.com with Joe Sumner. Joe discusses musical influences, Welcome To The Voice, and growing up Sumner. By the context of the interview, it originally occurred on December 5, 2008 in Paris, the day of the Elysée Montmartre show. Here are the links: Original French versionEnglish-Translated versionEnjoy! |
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Post by Fiction Plane Info Center on Feb 10, 2009 21:34:54 GMT -5
For anyone having trouble getting the English Translation link to work, here is the text:
One can not help but feel compassion for Joseph "Joe" Sumner. Yet, it is beautiful boy, is one of the inheritors of a colossal fortune, is a talented and recognized artist, author, composer, multi instrumentalist, singer and even a degree in environmental science! No, this feeling of pity is that Joe Sumner whatever do or say will always be compared to his father, the illustrious Gordon Sumner aka Sting. Although Joe Sumner gives the impression to provide the stick to be beaten: he sings and plays bass guitar in a trio Pop / Rock as his father before him, for it is nothing in the fact that nature has given him the same voice perched above its famous parent. And judging by the success of their 2nd album 'Left Side Of The Brain ", this similarity is not to serve ...Meeting Artistik Rezo exclusive artist with a sensitive and endearing.
How old are you Joe?
JS: 32 ans. JS: 32 years.
Where were you born and where were you high?
JS: I was born in Newcastle but I was brought up in London.
Your father is not also from Newcastle?
JS: Exactly, he was born and has been high. But 3 weeks after my birth, the family moved to London because it was too cold in the north of England.
When did you start singing?
JS: At the age of 16 years. I have found Nirvana and I formed a group.
When did you actually decided to do your job?
JS: I think I made the decision at 16, but I've never really taken the step before the age of 25 ans. Mes principles dictated me of being anti-business, to be against anything bearing the label of "corporation", against the majors. It was what I thought (note: he continued momentarily in the interview almost a French accent). I was against everyone, against the fact becoming known, and sell my songs bought at any price because it is not what comes from the soul and the golf course before making a living in music seemed littered with too many concessions .
It was a crisis of adolescence a little late?
JS: (laughs) Yes it's here, she is almost finished now.
Your father-t'a he encouraged to follow this path?
JS: It has never deterred from doing so anyway.
Did you take singing lessons?
JS: I have taken two courses in singing all my life, the first at the age of 24 years in emergency because I was on tour and I had a loss of voice, I was advised not as much force and slow the pace of concerts.
The second course was taken three days ago in fact, advised me to open my mouth more great singing. Je n'ai jamais pris de cours lyriques non plus. I have never taken a course rather than lyrical.
And your father ever gave you some tips for using your voice best?
JS: No, never.
Initially, I was singing in a band reminiscent of Nirvana and I realized today that I sang all the time when extremely high. It was not a problem in the studio, but on the road when I sang perched top ten nights in a row, I literally gum up the voice.
Today I learned to find the vital energy needed to cover the sound of the guitar and drums in cramped.
After the grunge style to what you changed?
JS: Towards a more experimental style to Mr Bungle (Editor's note: Mike Patton, the excellent singer of the late Faith No More) or Primus. I was singer / guitarist, then I played drums in several trainings, this was not convincing because I was not good. After this interlude, I formed the band Fiction Plane in 2000.
After two albums distributed worldwide, did not you disown your old principles and sold your soul to big labels?
JS: (Laughs) It just was not childish really, it actually masked a real fear. Fear to succeed ... or fail ... Now it's good: I always understood the need to prove itself.
Why be moved from guitar to bass?
JS: For two reasons. First, Fiction Plane bassist left the group and it seemed easier than I put myself on bass rather than return to the process of hearing and having to integrate a new member and all that like changes in the balance of a group. Second, because after having tried vocals and bass, I immediately discovered that it was the best thing to do for me because it leaves me more space for singing. The sound frequencies of the voice is high and the bass more serious, it becomes easier, then as a guitarist the task was complicated because of the common frequency on guitar and vocals. I also find that the setting of sound is much easier to do on bass.
In fact, there is much similarity between your voice and that of Sting, your father. Like him, you are bassist-singer, you opened for "The Police" with your group throughout the tour reformation in 2007 and now you crowd the stage of the Théâtre du Châtelet in her side to interpret the opera "Welcome to the voice ". Do you not t'attires and the wrath of critics?
JS: Yes, although I am generally autonome. I've found that in every way that I am completely independent of him, as was the case in the past, or associated with a project or a tour with him, people will always find fault. I have had bad press because of it with a group in the past. And even when I cleaned the excrement of animals at the zoo in Regent's Park in London, it was such, some were suspicious about my sincerity. I can never escape me at this weight. Although my relationship is with him, I will always be criticized, but criticism for criticism, I now prefer to take my position.
After reviewing the worst in being the son of Sting, can you tell us what is best?
JS: It is to witness to new experiences like going to suffer those vain, false and boring. Observe this small world surface is interesting.
What you think is the idea that makes most people have of Sting?
JS: I can not say. I have the impression that they are wrong on every count.
And the idea the more false, they are you, Joe?
JS: They are wrong on every line. Really.
Speaking of "Welcome to the voice." How did you find to play and sing in this opera singers mixing and profane?
JS: The librettist, the composer and the director came to see Fiction Plane in Concert in Paris at Nouveau Casino in October 2007 and offered me the role of the Friend of Dionysos (Editor's note: the latter played by Sting) in the wake. I agreed, thinking that I would vacation and an interesting experience to live.
The magnitude of the challenge Did not she scared?
JS: I did not think a second.
When you have accepted the role, did you know that your father would be part of the cast?
JS: No, I did not know.
He did not, therefore, worked to ensure that you do part of the distribution?
JS: No, at least not directly. Perhaps those who have supervised had an idea behind the head ... I knew the work of Steve Nieve (Editor's note: pianist) in Attractions Group, Elvis Costello, but for my first venture into an opera, I was impressed by the singers: talented, powerful voice with incredible singing techniques especially Sylvia Schwartz, a diva who is very nice and is quite rare because they are often valuable.
Is this the first time you shared the stage with Sting?
JS: Yes, first. It is not strange? Apart from the time in Hawaii where, for our last date together, The Police and Fiction Plane have played together on "Next to you". It was good.
What do you admire most in him?
JS: His ability to not be achieved by the critics. It does not really depressed or really puts angry. Unlike me ... I sometimes think that the success also helps s'immuniser against the criticisms that may be offensive.
What is the next step for Joe Sumner as a singer / musician?
JS: It will be to compose and record our new album and progress as a singer. There was some evidence of loans that will play tonight at the Elysée Montmartre, but half of the album to come remains to be done. But already I think it will be more "groovy", more "funky", more adapted to the stage as the previous one.
What are your two favorite bands?
JS: The Long Blondes and ... Nirvana for the period from 1st album "Bleach", my favorite.
The two singers love you the most influential?
JS: Kurt Cobain and Jeff Buckley.
Have you had a chance to see Jeff Buckley in concert?
JS: No, I declined the invitation that I was made to attend one of his concerts. I saw a photo of him in a magazine and I thought it was a "wanker" ... and I am not going ... I soon regretted!
What are your favorite guitarists and bass players?
JS: It's strange but I never really focused my attention on bassistes.Pour guitarists, I love those I do not work. As Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead, I can not understand how he managed to play what he composed.
What are your book, your play and your favorite movie?
JS: The book "War and Peace" by Tolstoy, "Festen" from the Danish film by Thomas Vinterberg for room and "Star Wars"-episode 4 - the original version of 1977 and "Spinal Tap", which I do not lasse ever for movies.
Where are you Joe?
JS: No, I do not have any apartment because I'm always on tour. I live in the "tour bus".
And if you had to choose a continent where ask your bags, you choose Europe or America?
JS: Europe because I like places where people speak different languages.
Can 't you have your opinion on the election of Barack Obama in the USA?
JS: I am very happy that he was elected. It is the victory of common sense. Given the speech that he wished, it is logical that he won. But it was the same case in Britain with Tony Blair until he came to power and lost his head! It's reassuring to know that the most powerful country in the world finally has a president who speaks English properly! Finally! But let's be vigilant as to what Blair endorse the actions of Bush, it was a no-fault, was coherent and sensible. It broke the heart of our nation, has sold the balance of Uncle Sam and lost all credibility in the future. He betrayed his people and this is no small matter. And in the Arab world, we move to a country that is allowed while on a land that is not hers. We are the aggressors and not attacked.
Have you anything to add to conclude this interview?
JS: I am really happy to perform again in France, Fiction Plane is the country where the home is the most enthusiastic of the entire planet. For several years, it has never faltered, the French public because it impresses me is receptive and warm conditions and the smooth running of the show. When I was a teenager, I thought England was the best place in the world, I did not like Germany because of the war of 39/45 and I feel superior because they were British. Not anymore! Today, London is multi-ethnic and my job makes me discover other cultures, confirming me in the idea that difference enriches us beyond all expectations.
Interview by Jett Eviland.
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Post by drinksmithwicks on Feb 11, 2009 12:32:20 GMT -5
This guy never stops shilling The Long Blondes, does he?
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Post by clevermoniker on Feb 11, 2009 15:05:07 GMT -5
It makes me squirm when people bring up Sting. I know it shouldn't as FP did tour with them...but still. Seriously, did the interviewer have to bring him up so much?
Also, the fact that Joe likes Russian lit and is a history buff makes him that much cooler.
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Post by drinksmithwicks on Feb 11, 2009 15:31:11 GMT -5
It makes me squirm when people bring up Sting. I know it shouldn't as FP did tour with them...but still. Seriously, did the interviewer have to bring him up so much? Yeah, it made no sense to me. What is FP doing touring with an out-of-work wrestler (who dressed like The Crow) anyway? Also, the fact that Joe likes Russian lit and is a history buff makes him that much cooler. From my experiences, Seton is even MORE of a history buff, but sadly, that never comes up in interviews. |
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Post by clevermoniker on Feb 11, 2009 16:11:32 GMT -5
It would if we could finally score him that interview with "Maimed Veterans of Tropical Wars and Inconsequential Skirmishes (MVoTWIS)" Monthly. Then he could show his encyclopedic knowledge of the Russo-Japanese War. Jeeze, the guy just won't shut up about that.
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londonmews
Full Member
la la la la la...
Posts: 210
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Post by londonmews on Feb 12, 2009 20:16:51 GMT -5
Nice interview. Who knew those Sumners were so high?
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londonmews
Full Member
la la la la la...
Posts: 210
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Post by londonmews on Feb 12, 2009 20:20:47 GMT -5
It makes me squirm when people bring up Sting. I know it shouldn't as FP did tour with them...but still. Seriously, did the interviewer have to bring him up so much? Also, the fact that Joe likes Russian lit and is a history buff makes him that much cooler. I have to second his recommendation of War and Peace. It is the greatest novel ever written, IMO. |
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Post by drinksmithwicks on Feb 12, 2009 22:49:53 GMT -5
I have to second his recommendation of War and Peace. It is the greatest novel ever written, IMO. I prefer the score by Nino Rota. |
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Post by jen on Feb 12, 2009 23:08:27 GMT -5
here I am wishing I would have paid more attention in world history class in high school.
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Post by drinksmithwicks on Feb 12, 2009 23:15:53 GMT -5
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Post by jen on Feb 13, 2009 1:05:58 GMT -5
hey, me too! I have that book. |
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Post by nicrn77 on Feb 13, 2009 7:39:58 GMT -5
here I am wishing I would have paid more attention in world history class in high school. Me too! Weird when I was in high school History was my least favorite class. Nowadays I love anything to do with history. |
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Post by drinksmithwicks on Feb 13, 2009 7:43:20 GMT -5
Me too! Weird when I was in high school History was my least favorite class. Nowadays I love anything to do with history. S'okay, when I was in high school, I hated English...now I write. I'm a big fan of history, too, but not the watered down, flowery crap they show on tv. I like when they mix the triumph with tragedy. Makes it more relevant. |
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Post by clevermoniker on Feb 14, 2009 19:58:52 GMT -5
How so Smithie? I've found a lot of PBS's historical programming amazing. Also HBO has taken up the reigns with mini-series like "Band of Brothers" and "John Adams". It seems, to me at least, that the study of history is becoming more and more mainstream. It's pretty cool I think.
Would you give examples of how you think history is being watered down?
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