As regular readers of GCUK will know, Ooberman are one of the most eclectic and fun British bands around at the moment, and when their unique brand of trippy fast pop caught the attention of Radio One's Mark and Lard, their first EP 'Shorley Wall' received much airplay and acclaim. With the release of new single 'Dolphin Blue' just a few weeks away, lead singer Danny Popplewell kindly took the time out to chat to us about the bands' past antics and future plans.
DP: I think when we first realised we might lose the record deal we were really concerned that it was the end of Ooberman. It all made us a bit depressed on and off through to this spring. But once we actually parted with them things really picked up. Once you know where you are things are easier. We just got to work on the new album, optimistic that someone would put it out, even if it was me selling them from my doorstep.
You were all clearly upset when Radio One failed to playlist the re-release of Shorley Wall - how do you feel about the station now?
We weren't upset with Radio One! We did an interview where we slagged Independiente off for being liars, but it was 'silenced' by our press office and instead it was printed that we were complaining about not getting on the playlist, which we never did. It's frustrating when something keeps getting printed that isn't true.
Hopefully with MP3's and music on the net in general becoming more and more popular, Radio One's influence on the charts will lessen - but how do you feel about Napster?
It's great! I've got all my childhood singles back. I think that music you hear through napster makes you buy albums so it's really healthy. By the time we all have broadband, we still won't be downloading full albums, cos Napster will be a moneymaking scam by then.
Originally described (at least in the Reading '98 programme) as a cross between The Who, Queen and XTC, what/who would you say has influenced you the most?
Lately it's been the Flaming Lips, Grandaddy and Belle and Sebastian. More spooky atmospheric melodies please.
Do you still have the time to go down and talk to the cows?
Not for a while.
A lot of critics noticed that when Stephen Street produced tracks, it took away the raw edge of the band, and the tracks Danny produced were often more popular. How do you feel about this? Were you happy with Street?
I think Stephen was much better than me at getting a big deep tight thump to the music, but I'm better at evoking emotions out the production. So, he's better for louder faster songs.
What track were you most proud of on the album?
We all have different favourites and we're always changing our minds, but maybe Shorley Wall and Roll Me in Cotton are the two we all agree on.
How did it feel playing the main stage of Reading this year, compared to the Carling Premier tent two years ago?
Well, being first on with no dressing room, before the gates have opened isn't exactly the high life. But yeah, there's a sense that we're slowly inching our way up the music ladder.
Any backstage gossip? Did you bump in to Noel and Liam? And how would you say bands get on with each other in general at festivals?
Noel and Liam walked past us like gods, and we stared at them. In general bands hardly meet because you're all on at different times.
Who came up with the idea of an Ooberman Annual CD? What can we expect to see on it?
I think it was my idea but I could be wrong. You can expect all sorts of copyright-infringing illegal stuff - bootlegs from live sessions, videos owned by large corporations, and so on. There's also my 'Steps Wars' space invader game where the oober-guy shoots members of steps, and a zx spectrum emulator.
You're next single, Dolphin Blue is released on December 11th. How would you describe it? Is it similar to any of the tracks on The Magic Treehouse?
It's not like any track in particular, but it's in a similar style - poppy, trippy with harmonies.It's one of the most playful of the new songs.
On the official website you mention that the video involves five tiger sharks and Sophia dressed as a nun - which sounds just a little surreal - what was the idea behind the video?
The video was done like the song, just following what worked instinctively. It matches the song really well.
The poll results on The Ooberforest website made us smile - why do you think Alan is the most popular member of the band? Were you surprised by the fans choice of favourite songs for the forthcoming live tour?
Alan? Well, who knows. No, we worked out our live set before the poll and we ended up with a very similar idea. Over time you realise what songs are great live, which are getting boring, and which new ones it'd be nice to do.The only thing is that the poll looked a bit biased towards a real fan's viewpoint - a lot of b-sides, with singles not doing as well, so we have to balance it with what would work with a mixed audience.
Anything special planned for the live dates?
Well, we've being trying to get a projection sorted out for 'Here Come The Ice Wolves' but it's proving too complicated and expensive and time's running out.
How's the next album going? Can you give us an idea when it will be released?
It's maybe half finished. Realistically it looks like late spring now. We're following a really different approach to the last album - spending a lot of time experimenting with ideas instead of bashing it all down quickly. I hope it'll turn out to be an amazing piece of recorded beauty, and I'm doing everything I can to make it that.
The Official Ooberman Site
The Ooberforest
Yahoo Ooberfans Club
Ooberman Fansite
Bands You Can't Help But Love No.2: Ooberman
Our Ooberman Live Review
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