A man who needs no introduction, Phil Hartnoll is one of the founding fathers of modern music. After revolutionizing the electronica scene with his brother Paul as the groundbreaking duo Orbital, the two have since ventured on their own paths. Phil Hartnoll continues to push and explore the realm of electronic music while fusing elements from all genres with his latest project Long Range.
HigherFrequency was able to sit down with this living legend and find out more about this musical pioneer on a recent tour on Japan.
> Interview : Ryo Tsutsui(HigherFrequency)_Introduction : Len Iima(HigherFrequency)
HigherFrequency (HRFQ) : How did you meet Nick Smith and what led to starting Long Range?
Phil Hartnoll : I used to live in London then I moved to Brighton and I didn’t know anybody, I knew that a friend of mine used to live in Brighton so he said you should phone up this guy and he’ll show you around. And it started from there really, a friend of a friend. He was doing Trance music at the time (that was ten years ago) and had done a couple of albums so we got along well. Then he moved into sound design for films and adverts and things like that and I thought that side was very interesting. So he quit his job at about the same time that Orbital finished so we said let’s get together and do a project. I thought he would be good to work with to try and introduce a bit more sound design into the music and see how that would develop. So that’s what we did and that’s how we started Long Range.
We wanted me and him to be the central Long Range, but then draw in other people, like other singers, a bit like how Massive Attack work, they getting different people for different projects. Down in Brighton, it’s a funny place, and there are lots of creative people there especially in the electronic world that are really talented. Since Orbital was closed off, we occasionally worked with other people but essentially it was just me and my brother I really wanted to get other people, which was the opposite way of working really. Then I started doing a lot of DJing at that time so that really sparked off a different enthusiasm and that’s how that developed really.
HRFQ : What do you want to express through Long Range?
Phil Hartnoll : I never know what’s going to happen until it’s happened. I can think ideas or think I really like what that person does, I’d like to work with them but until you get into the studio and it actually starts developing I never really know. That’s why I think on the album there are quite a lot of different styles that come in, and I don’t restrict it, it’s just good to let that happen. There’s no plan apart from that person or respect to that person. On this last album I enjoyed working with folk, acoustic singers, which is where Kelly (Malone) came in, and cause they’ve never worked with electronic people, and I’m used to working with acoustic people so I really enjoyed that. So it’s really nice to get some lyrics and a bit more song base rather than doing instrumentals all the time. I found another folk singer/songwriter which I’m looking forward to working with her for the next project and other various people, like I’ve got this very good drummer who’s going to come and just have fun and really enjoy it.
HRFQ : I read that you said you wanted to make more danceable tracks when you broke up Orbital. Could you tell us more about what were you thinking at that time?
Phil Hartnoll : Maybe that was the plan at that time. This album is not very dance floor orientated, it’s more of an album. We got some good remixes coming from the album which are done by Hybrid, Lee Combs, and a guy called Maggie who’s a breakbeat DJ which are really good remixes. I think maybe this next one will be more (danceable) I really love the Ellen Allien album, “Orchestra of Bubbles” it’s been out awhile but I only sort of discovered it properly. That’s what I’m always trying to achieve, she’s got a great balance of home listening but you could play out live. There are some really good melodies in there as well. That my goal right there!
HRFQ : What have been some of the most memorable moments you’ve had as an artist?
Phil Hartnoll : I’ve been so lucky and so privileged, to pick one thing doesn’t seem fair on everything else. I just enjoy having success doing what I enjoy doing. I had the chances to play at Glastonbury Festival, I’ve remixed Madonna, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Kraftwerk. Karl Bartos, it’s like all these people, sometimes I feel I’m not worthy. I try and make the best out of everything and some of the opportunities that I’ve had have really good so there are a few to choose from. I guess the most important thing is that if people enjoy it (my music) and get a connection that is the best thing I could ever ask for, and I feel so happy when that happens.
HRFQ : Since you have already accomplished so much as a pioneer of electronic music, what’s next on your list?
Phil Hartnoll : I’ve never gone “I’d like to do this or Id like to that” that’s not my way, its more like “wow I’m here” if everything were to all finish tomorrow I’d go that was brilliant, I was so honoured and privileged. I suppose it a continuation of connecting my music with people, because if that doesn’t happen there’s no point in trying to do it as a career. If people don’t get it, I can’t do anything else so then I’d have to get a day job and just do it at home for myself. I suppose to keep on connecting with people is the answer.
End of the interview
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