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Andy Bell: The wallflower on his own (for the original in German click here)

No, the end of Erasure has not arrived yet, Andy Bell assures in an interview with Jan Gebauer from Queer.de. His new album "Electric Blue" is the first solo project of his career. In our conversation we explain him what is to be expected by us without Vince Clarke. Also we questioned him about whether he supports the UK Labour party, what he feels about stardom and his thoughts about icons such as Elton John and Barbra Streisand.

Q-What do you think about labelings such as "gay icon"?
AB-I do not know whether that is correct at all. If I go somewhere, there is no big turmoil about it. I also do not give it any importance. I am normally treated like every other person also, which makes me feel quite comfortable.

Q-Is being in public any difficult for you?
AB-It depends on your self-assurance. Before Erasure I had wished to be some kind of wallflower, but I have levelled out my way along my career. That does not mean however that I describe myself as such, but there�s no reason for hiding it. That�s why I do not see myself as a "gay icon". I�d rather somebody else took over that.

Q-Someone like Elton John?
AB-I met it twice in my life. I was never in the circle of people that surround him. We would never be invited. But it has a very dear partner. And although I am not a great fan of Elton, I think he wrote some fantastic songs.

Q-And he is a fanatic vynil collector - do you also collect vynil?
AB- Yes, but I don�t collect vinyl. Those times for me are part of the past. I possess however too many CDs - they lie about everywhere around me, so that I have already stumbled over them. I have also too many things - I must urgently start cleaning out again (laughs).

Q- Is there also any gay cliche music such as Barbra Streisand in your collection?
AB-Oh, Barbra is sweet. Naturally I have her albums. Even if it is a clilche, I love everything that she does. The concert event "One Voice", which was organized in her garden was so exceptional. Her voice is so brilliant and unique. I would firmly grasp any chance in the world I may ever have to work with her. Well, there are ways to make your voice be heard.

Q-Where do you take the inspiration to sing from?
AB-Oh no, I can not keep up with this. Barbra�s voice is much more unique. She has dedicated hours and hours to train it and that can�t even be compared to me... No, it�s just completely banal things that inspire me or have any influence on my singing. Happiness, walking down the road, celebrating with friends and listening to Blondie. Good mood is bloody important. Although sometimes there is somethings that make me cry. Something that affects you so much that you cannot hold the tears it anymore.

Q-"Electric Blue" is the first solo album of your career. Is this the end of Erasure?
AB-No! No! and again no! No way! We continue together.

Q-Have you felt bored occasionally?

AB-Actually I�ve had this idea for a long time. Originally the Erasure album "Other People's Songs" was meant to be a solo album, but we finally made it together. After our last tour I got a demo from DJs and Remixers Manhattan Clique and I felt quite enthusiastic over the songs so I asked that they didn�t give them to nobody else. Then I wrote the lyrics with them and that�s how it all got together. We were so prolific that we had approximately 20 songs in the end, from which 14 are now included on the actual CD. But in the next year I will be back with Erasure � that�s when the long announced acoustic album will be released.

Q-Which significant differences are there between the music of Andy Bell and Erasure?

AB-It difficult to tell- perhaps some people will notice no difference (laughs) I would say, my songs are more carefree. For my taste also, somewhat colder - perhaps more danceable. Yes, there is something to it. I love dance music and I like going out dancing. I wanted to speed up the solo project tempo a bit. The last Erasure songs were rather midtempo. There is more strain on "Electric Blue" - less melancholy than on "Nightbird".

Q-May that apply also to your private life?
AB-Now, I believe that it is to be regarded rather as hobby. An attempt - like at that time with "ABBA Esque". We did not have any time pressure as with most of Erasure projects, but could simply run riot. "Electric Blue" is an adventure, like when Freddie Mercury did with his "Barcelona" project at that time. Only that now I can simoply let the Disco Diva come out sometime.

Q-An outstanding song on the new album, "Shaking My Soul", has a clear Motown Touch.
AB-Yes, you are completely right. I love Motown! In England, Northern Soul is also very popular and present in the clubs, for example. I do not know the interpreters correctly, but the music is classy. In the clubs I quite enjoy dancing to it.

Q-What can we expects us if you go on a solo tour?
AB-That will be very hard. I must also arrange a band - a tour would only happen next year. I would also love to have Claudia Br�cken (ex Propaganda) there as well- who also worked on my album. She�s simply great. It took a lot of time before we had her Vocals because she�s a great perfectionist. The other star guest on "Electric Blue" is Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters � that�s why I think I am so lucky.

Q- Was "Nightbird" really the return of Erasure or were you never away indeed?
AB- I never felt that as comeback. People sometimes asked me whether I had stopped singing, but soon I informed them better. Perhaps we were no longer so present because we gave fewer shows and appearances.

Q- And how was it like for you in the eighties?
AB-I think everything is new and exciting when you begin, it�s all the same whatever happens. Today, sometimes it is still like that also, but your naivety of those times is naturally flown away. I know what to expect now, I know the journalists and it is become more calculable. Sometimes I would like to make them disappear, but this is how it has to be. Today it is more a case of having a good fa�ade, most of all since all those "mad" Pop Idol shows. To be a Popstar is not to win a "prize" comes � it has more to do with earning it by hard working. They are more concerned about fast money-making and the extent of their fame than the music. That is totally crazy.

The new album of Andy Bell, "Electric Blue", is released by Sanctuary on 30 September.

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