Interview with Stateless

• 1st Aug 2007

After reviewing their superb debut LP, I wanted to know a little more about Stateless. Chris James(CJ) and David Levin (DL) took time out to answer a few questions.

1. WHO would be your dream collaborator?

CJ: For me, for ages it was Bjork, but she's just done those duets with Anthony (& the Johnsons) so now I'm not so sure, it’s nice to try something new. Liz Fraser (Cocteau Twins) would be amazing, her voice is absolutely stunning. I met her a few times when I was on tour with DJ Shadow as we played on the same bill as Massive Attack and she was singing with them. I asked her to collaborate, so we'll see if she comes back to me, I think she's quite hard to get hold of. I'd also love to hear Roots Manuva do a verse on some Stateless music, he would destroy it I'm sure! This is always tough, to narrow it down. There are a lot of talented people around, it’s hard to choose!

DL: I'd love to get Zack de la Rocha (Rage against the Machine), Prince, Michael Jackson, and the bass player of the Guillemots (Canadian Aristazabel Hawkes) in one room, and all on one Stateless track. Then I'd like Zack, Prince, and Michael to leave the room. Have you checked out the bass player of the Guillemots? Oh man!

2. WHERE do intend to retire to when it all gets too much?

CJ: I can't imagine being retired; I’d like to carry on travelling and writing music. Until I drop dead, there’s no need to stop. I'd like to write music for films when I'm too old to try and be a rock star. So I guess I'll retire somewhere with a grand piano by a big window with a good view and maybe by the sea if I can afford it. I can't make plans in advance though so, one step at a time!

DL: The Playboy Mansion or maybe Harrogate!

3. WHAT was getting in with DJ Shadow like?

CJ: Amazing. It’s weird now that I'm friends with him to remember how it felt when it first happened. I remember meeting him at his hotel in London the first time. I was so nervous. Its weird meeting someone when you've loved their music for so long. You feel like you know them already somehow. Working with him was a trip, and the world tour was incredible. 70 shows across 19 countries. He took me around the world! It was inspirational for me.

DL: He's a total legend. We all learned so much from being on tour with him. He's so passionate about music, and he knows so much about it. He was like a Guru. He was kind of like Mr. Miyagi and we were Karate Kid, and the tour was our training. Then, on the last night at Brixton Academy (the greatest night of our lives!!), we unleashed the crane kick and the championship was ours!

4. WHY has it taken 'til now for an LP to come out?

CJ: We signed to Sony in 2004, and that didn't work out. They wanted a pop indie version of us and not really us, so after various disagreements, we stuck to our guns and made the album we wanted to make, regardless. It took until now because we had to get out of that contract, change managers, find a new label, do the contracts etc etc these things all take time, too much time. It feels so good to have it released now though,
and with a label where we can express ourselves freely. It’s been worth the wait.

5. WHEN you sneak your collective sniper rifle into a gig, you're aiming at?

CJ: You mean who would we like to erase from the world of music? Dave?

DL: Keane. Shooting them is a little extreme, but I'd certainly like to karate kick the singer in his stupid fat face. We're not a violent band though. Stateless are lovers not fighters.

Check out their new album now. Catch them live at their upcoming shows in Camden (Lock Tavern) on August 5th and Leeds (Metro Uni) on September 1st. Details for tour dates abroad are available from their websites – link & link. Whatever you do, don’t miss out!