Music > Interviews

Plaid

Norwich Arts Centre

21/12/16

 

London duo Plaid have been described as post-techno, IDM, electronica and ‘a bit like Aphex Twin’. Originally meeting in Suffolk, Ed and Andy have been making experimental music together since the late 80’s. Signed to Warp Records, a seal of approval in itself, their latest album The Digging Remedy is a strong and important addition to their catalogue. I spoke to Ed about working with the doyenne of musical experiments, Bjork, and how they’ve managed to keep things current and new for 25 years.

 

Ed, you’ve been making experimental music with Andy for 25 years now. How did you initially meet and start making music together?

We were at high school together in Suffolk in the mid-80's when hip hop culture was emerging from New York. We became obsessed with it and were in rival breakdancing crews that eventually merged. We both ended up in London in the late 80's and helped form The Black Dog, a band inspired by Detroit techno and Chicago acid house.

 

You’ve done loads of remixes for the likes of Goldfrapp and Red Snapper – which of your remixes are the most proud of and why?

We've done so many over the years that it's hard to pick one. If you love the original it helps – Bjork’s All Is Full Of Love was received well.

 

You’ve actually worked with Bjork- what was that experience like?

We toured and wrote with her many years ago. She is incredible to work with, naturally musical and serious about creativity. We had an eye opening time touring and developed friendships we still have now.

 

 

Your latest album The Digging Remedy is your ninth, not counting your soundtrack work. What were you hoping to achieve with this album?

We were going for something simple, without too many layers or complex structures. It was also a chance to work more closely with our co-writer and guitarist Benet Walsh; we have worked with him for many years but this was the first time we had five tracks together on one album.

 

You recently ran a fan competition for people to remix your track Tether. What did you think of the entries?

There were so many responses (100+) that it was hard to listen to them all. There were 10 or so really exceptional ones, some from people we knew but mainly from producers we hadn't come across. We were really happy that so many people engaged with it.

 

You last played in Norwich in 2010 – since then you’ve mainly been touring worldwide rather than the UK – how come we have the pleasure of a visit from you at this point?

It was fairly last minute - as you say we don't play much in the UK so we said yes straight away.

 

 

Plaid have a very identifiable sound that hasn’t fallen victim to changing fashions but stayed true to itself – how have you managed to keep your music feeling fresh both for yourselves and your fans?

We collaborate with quite a diverse range of musicians on other projects, and this helps challenge and inspire us when it comes to making a new Plaid album. It can be difficult though and we jettison quite a few ideas when we realise we are repeating ourselves too much.

 

You had an amazing stage set for Bloc this year, with a screen in front of you with triangles cut out (based on your album cover) that had projections on it. What do you feel this adds to the performance for the audience?

Thanks, there is usually not much to see with a pure electronic performance so it’s either playing in the dark or incorporate some synchronised visuals and lights. We liked the idea of playing behind a screen, it goes back to when we first started and insisted on playing offstage. It was an attempt to focus attention on the music and less on the people making it. We had trouble convincing promoters that this was the way forward and eventually started enjoying producing the visual elements as well.

 

 

What were the best parts of 2016 for Plaid, and what are your plans for this year?

We have really enjoyed touring, which always has its thrills. One of the highlights was having three weeks in Cuba working with local musicians. Next year will be more of a writing year which, at it's best, can be more exciting than travelling.

 

Plaid play Norwich Arts Centre on 13th of January. Tickets available from norwichartscentre.co.uk