“I find that a regimen of planking (for core strength), solo I-Spy, and rehearsing future awards acceptance speeches gets me through the day”.
It’s hardly the conventional way of whittling down the hours during lockdown. But when Daily Star Online caught up with Murdoc Niccals, bassist with the planet’s Most Successful Virtual Act Gorillaz, he insisted it’s part of his stringent daily routine.
It’s fair to say he doesn’t need much rehearsal with Grammys and BRITs already firmly under their belts.
Gorillaz – the creative vision of Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett – are one of the world’s most legendary acts thanks to their innovative attitude towards making groundbreaking, genre-defying music.
Ever since the release of 2001’s self-titled mega hit album, the virtual collective of 2D, Noodle, Murdoc and Russel Hobbs have continued to push boundaries.
And, in the words of Russel himself, they’re “breaking the mould ‘cos the mould got old”.
This year saw the launch of their Song Machine project where they team up with collaborators to produce a unique audio-visual experience through episodic single releases.
So far they have worked with an incredible line-up, featuring Slowthai, Slaves, Joy Division bassist Peter Hook, Georgia, and Fatoumata Diawara – and there’s more to come.
Each track is accompanied by Machine Bitez – brilliant, bitesized chats between the band members and their real life collaborators about their time in the recording studio together.
And with more episodes on the horizon, we can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.
Daily Star Online delved into 2D, Noodle, Murdoc and Russel’s world to find out more about their Song Machine series, how they’ve evolved from their debut EP, working with a stellar roster of musicians, and what life will be like after lockdown.
Gorillaz have been releasing regular tracks as part of their Song Machine series
Hi Gorillaz, I hope you are staying safe in these strange times. How have you been keeping yourselves occupied?
Murdoc: “Don’t forget, I’ve done a fair chunk of bird over the years, so I’ve got form for this lark. Literally.
“Routine is key. I find that a regimen of planking (for core strength), solo I-Spy, and rehearsing future awards acceptance speeches gets me through the day.”
So far this year you’ve dropped three episodes from your Song Machine series. How did you come up with the idea?
Russel: “The human brain is a mysterious engine, just like the Song Machine.
“All we can do is keep it switched on and let it do its thing. Plus a squirt of WD40 every few days, keep it out of bright sunlight, and don’t feed it after midnight. You know, just in case.”
The first track Momentary Bliss saw you working with thrilling British acts Slowthai and Slaves. What did they bring to the table?
2D: “Slaves brought a Stollen cake they got from LIDL. Slowthai brought the plates and I had scissors to cut it up. It was a bit dry.”
Your next release was with Malian superstar Fatoumata Diawara with Desole and features three different languages. Was writing and recording with Fatoumata a special experience?
Noodle: “Fatou teaches us all to be humble – true meaning of Desole – and also she shares her love of Nigerian pop. She has a very open heart.”
Gorillaz teamed up with Slaves and Slowthai for Momentary Bliss
You introduced your Machine Bitez chats with your Song Machine collaborators – that must have been a fun experience. Are there any outtakes or stand out moments?
2D: “Yeah actually, we took our cake and ate it standing out on the balcony thing. We watched the trains go past for a few hours, but when I turned to the others they were gone.”
What else can we expect from the Song Machine series? Can you let us into a secret of who else have worked with you?
Russel: “Uh, you can expect more songs. Clue’s in the name. And that’s the only clue you’re getting.
“Stay plugged into the Machine and all will be revealed. Got a few things bubbling right now, but like my slow-cooked chilli sauce, perfection takes patience. Will be ready as and when …”
Russel, you say the Gorillaz “break the mould cos the mould got old”. Why do you think it’s important Gorillaz stay at the top with their fingers on the pulse?
Russel: “Gorillaz was never about being at the top. Got no interest in climbing up, only moving forward. That’s how we stay fresh.”
The pandemic has effectively put the music industry on hold with festivals cancelled, bands having to postpone tours and venues having to close their doors. Do you have a message for those affected by this difficult period?
Noodle: “We say Nanakorobi yaoki. For you it’s ‘fall seven times and stand up eight’ very like Beyonce’s lemons.”
“Stay plugged into the Machine and all will be revealed”, Gorillaz told us when quizzed on new material
How do you think the musical landscape will look after this all blows over? Do you think incredible music will be produced as a result?
Murdoc: “Well, they say adversity breeds creativity, plus musicians have naff all else to do.
“The 70s were dreadful but it gave us punk. Just try to avoid writing songs explicitly about the situation, is my professional advice.
“Leastways because very few words rhyme with virus. You’ve got papyrus. Iris. Walrus at a push. Actually, might be something there.”
How do you think the Gorillaz have evolved since dropping your first EP Tomorrow Comes Today to the outfit you are now?
2D: “For today’s outfit, I have gone with the trousers I wore yesterday and a stripy top Noodle got me from the charity shop.”
The music scene is awash with incredible talent right now – are there any new artists that stand out to you currently?
Russel : “Lot of fresh noise out there right now. Check out Guapdad 4000, Leikeli47, Queen Kwong, and 2nd Exit.”
What’s next for the Gorillaz? Can we expect a follow up album to The Now Now on the horizon?
2D: “Don’t know. Maybe ask Noodle.”
Noodle: “I don’t know what album is anymore. The British say ‘make do’ so we make and we do. That’s it. “
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
