Mark Stewart - Interview

Mark Stewart has been at the cutting edge of the British underground for the best part of 30 years. Initially starting out in Bristol with his first band; The Pop Group, he forged a path for post punk bands that had a bit more to say than “there is no future anymore…” After sowing the seeds of a scene in Bristol that would go on to give the world the likes of Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky et al, he disbanded The Pop Group and headed to London for a number of collaborative projects that continue to this day. As much at home with Sound System culture of Jamaica, as he is with Electro Rap of DJ Assault, Mark Stewart has forged a path that sees him take his influences in the most mercenary way. A natural joker, and as hard to pin down as an angry cat, I sent my questions to Mr. Stewart and hoped for the best….. A month or so later, this is what I got back. [At this point I had not heard the album].

How did this album come about?
It was recorded between Jamaica where ragga beatsmith Jazwad, laid down some of the track skeletons. We also worked with Capleton, Elephant Man and Turbulence, Patric Pulsingers’ studio in Vienna , Grime Crew, The Bug and Indian desi stars were added in London then off to Berlin for Adult.

Who did you work with?
Lee Perry, Adrian Sherwood and Eric D Clark.

How did you create the songs?
I kind of initially think of a concept like radio play, and then contact the people I need to illustrate my point. I’m currently on Mad Mike, Aux 88 and DJ Assaults’ ass.

What was a typical day in the studio like?
Every location was bizarre in its own way. In the studio in Vienna I was constantly harassed by a 7 year old. Vancouver was so physical it was like working in a sweat box.

What was your main influence in creating the album?
The 200 unreported wars going in the world today, and the shadow war.

What is inspiring you musically now? Who do you think is cool?
I think my mates who are fighting in Burma and helping Indian tribes protect their land are cool. Currently there’s talk of a collaboration with Brodinsky, who I like. I love Sebastian’s cut ups / Burial/ Yo Majesty / Lady Saw/ Vice Versa / Leo Ferre/Early Roxy / Adult (again!)/ Jamaican sound system; Stone Love.

How do you inspire yourself creatively?
Open the curtains, then I look behind the mirror.

Do you think that music is capable anymore of offering something completely new?
The real art of now is juxtaposition; putting things that shouldn’t go together then a spark creates something new.

Does it grate to be referred to the godfather of trip hop / punk funk?
It’s strange, because over the years I’m supposed to have inspired about ten different scenes. I suppose its because I’m constantly genre crashing and people are inspired and run off with it.

Would you rather people concentrated on your newer work rather than referencing the past?
I always KISS THE FUTURE.

Do you think the Pop Group is still relevant as some people do?
As much as the Velvet Underground is still relevant…

Does it bore you when people want to talk about the Pop Group, things you did nearly 30 years ago?
Sorry G cant answer this one.

Last piece of music you thought was crap?
The national anthem.

Last piece of music you thought was great?
Keith Hudson; Studio Kinda Cloudy.

What’s the worst rumor you have ever heard about yourself?
That I am the anti-Christ.