dnews
4
does it rock? yea baby, yea!
****
Q U O T E ****
"I am not ashamed in the least to talk openly about the fact that the boys
and I are all Christians and believe in all that Christ stood for." - Martin
Smith, delirious?
**** Contents
****
The Definitive 'Selling Out'
Article
Koncert for Kosovo Review (Chichester)
Parachute Interview
Exclusive Interview
Furious? PR Matters
deliRINGous vote
d:brief - the Christian Herald
d:end
**** The Definitive 'Selling Out' Article ****
Statement from Delirious? concerning 'Sold out e-mails'
Dear D:friends.
It's the summer
of 1999 and we are on a plane heading for Atlanta in
Georgia, so I have at last found some time to put pen to paper (or index
finger to laptop if that impresses you!) and to attempt to respond to the
handful of e-mails that have posed various questions concerning Delirious?
and the perception by some that we have 'sold out'.
As you can imagine
this is a difficult question to answer on two counts.
Firstly we are talking about something that is a perception, and perception
is something very unique to each person. For example, a hundred people could
read the same poem and be affected in different ways and experience many
different emotions. The poem is still the same set of words in print, but to
every reader it tells a different story.
Secondly, anything
that appears on our web site becomes public property for
all to read, not only by fans in England but all across the world. This also
means that anyone in the music press, from radio to the heads of record
labels, can hook on to information that can be used for or against us and
possibly out of context. But anyhow, I will endeavour to be as clear to
members of the Christian community, some of whom may feel let down or
confused by the direction that Delirious? has taken in the last year.
So, what does
it mean if you 'sell-out?'. I think it is paramount to define
what this phrase means. Simply, I guess it is when someone has a conviction
or ethos about something or someone but then chooses to deny those promises
for personal gain. For example, if a man promises to be faithful to his
wife, but then perceives that the grass is greener, so to speak, and leaves
her for another woman, then in my book he has sold out. Or, if an oil
company has promised to be environmentally friendly, but it decides to dump
waste because it might save them millions of pounds, then in my book they
have sold out. In both scenarios, they have broken promises and chosen what
will better them above others.
With regards to
music, and especially Christians in music, it is much harder
to be so black and white in our opinions, and we must not ever confuse the
spirituality and ethics of a band with what may be just personal 'taste'. It
is also important to understand that we cannot assume what a person is like
when our only contact with them is through the media, press or listening to
their records. As a band, we would hope to think that our lives and
characters are made up of a lot more than just being in Delirious?, and what
is equally important to us is what is done in "secret" and away from
the
stage. These are the things that will speak of the invisible in the long
term rather than 'lingo' that satisfies the short-term needs of a Christian
sub-culture. When we think of music or beautiful paintings, or experiencing
a great theatre show, we must agree that it is a mystery as to why things
affect us emotionally or 'touch' us so to speak. It is no surprise then that
God, who is the author of all these things, can ordain art that is obviously
about the 'light' and also art that is created by the 'light'. For us as a
band, in our own small way we have always tried to reflect both in the
context of the songs and lyrics etc. Historically, it has always been a
problem for the Christian community when musicians or artists explore
territory beyond the "Jesus, thank you for saving me" lyric, to "It's
okay,
you know I'll live to fight another day". If Delirious? had started out
simply as a regular rock band, singing about non-descript stuff, then that w
ould be okay. It's only that people have seen us grow and shift position
lyrically that leads people to think we have changed or 'sold out'.
The song It's
OK caused controversy because of the word "hell" in the lyric,
and has been pulled from several Christian stores in the U.S., despite the
fact it has touched many people profoundly.For us boys, this is a case of
"let's keep anything impure away from the church" when, in my opinion,
purity is all about bringing justice to a God-less society. I am not ashamed
in the least to talk openly about the fact that the boys and I are all
Christians and believe in all that Christ stood for. It is no secret anyhow,
as the whole music industry is every bit aware of Delirious?, the "God
squad". It is for us like a two-twine chord, having a friendship with God
and playing music inspired by that friendship that makes it so powerful.
The age-old question
is, 'can a band that believe in Jesus play good
rock-n-roll that is loved by people outside the Christian community and at
the same time please a Christian community with lyrics that satisfy their
own 'needs' and wants?'. Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that it is
nearly impossible and creates a big tension between the two camps. As
Abraham Lincoln once said
"you can
please some people some of the time, but you can't please everybody
all of the time".
This does not
in anyway mean we have chosen to walk away from our original
'vision', but we have boots on now, rather than sandals, but believe me it's
the same feet inside.
On the one hand
I am every bit proud of my heritage and humbled by the way
we have played a part in inspiring people to go "deeper" with God
and live a
radical life. On the other hand we are passionate about "opening up the
doors" and letting people be aware of our music and spirituality. It is
truly the mezzanine floor for us, and to go back to what we were doing
musically would feel uncomfortable and bring death to the creativity, not
perhaps for a few years but definitely in the future. Hence, "If I go they
say I'm wrong, if I stay there'll be no song". The flip-side is that our
dream of mainstream 'success' is not here either, and perhaps it is not
possible with the values and morals we hold, BUT, something inside of us
tells us to keep going. For some we have slipped from 4th gear to 2nd,but I
can assure you that this car has barely left the garage. We've got a new
engine under the bonnet called Mezzamorphis and we're not backing down. It's
time for the freeway. It's time to overtake.
Martin Smith.
July 6th 1999.
[This is taken
directly from the official website, d:vine
(http://www.delirious.co.uk), from
a page that is only accessible with
shockwave. Everyone here at Spurious? loves this letter, and hopes it puts
silly selling-out rumours to rest.]
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**** Koncert for Kosovo Review ****
So, a two hour
train journey to Maidenhead to meet up with Scooby and
Gordon, followed by a two hour drive to Chichester for a delirious? gig,
coupled with the facts that I was in Maidenhead at 6:30 when I needed to be
back in Sutton at 8:35 for school and a 360km round trip journey awaited me,
was it worth it? The simple answer is yes.
After a hilarious
car journey which involved the Badger Initiation
(something we should all a-spire to), we arrived with a little while to go.
Striding purposely from the car park with a 6 foot fluffy question mark and
two sets of fake ginger goatees, we were met with a hushed sense of awe from
the crowd. Ok, the crowd were all inside and we arrived to some shifty
looks, but delirious? were hanging round having a chat with anyone who
wanted to. They looked pleased to see us (Jon later said it was always nice
to see some friendly, familiar faces) and we had a chat for a while. Wanting
to catch Fruit in action (a quality band supporting d:) we waved our
goodbyes and settled in for a good evening. Fruit seemed pretty good, but
the band that stole the show was River Deep. The classic caterwauling, the
stupid beats and the 'yo yo in the house' style-music went down well with
the crowd (they were a local band) but the Spurious? crew amused themselves
by attempting to balance the question mark on their foot. Scooby held the
record at just over 4 seconds.
Then, the moment
we were waiting for; delirious? took to the stage. Starting
off with a snippet from 'Love Falls Down', the band quickly moved into
'Bliss' (my favourite song) which totally rocked and was one of the few
songs where the whole crowd got animated. They switched into 'Promise'
without respite, and then went straight into 'Gravity' which also had a lot
of crowd participation. Stopping for a minute, Martin welcomed everyone and
introduced the band (but forgot himself again!), but that didn't matter as
the band quickly slipped into 'Follow', which used half-hearted strobes with
blue and green lights, and was fantastic. They then performed the souped-up
'Louder Than The Radio' and moved on through 'Mezzanine Floor' (which, for
the first time live that I've heard it, sounded pretty good) before the
jangly-happy 'Love Falls Down'.
The mellow section
started with the hauntingly melodic 'It's OK', where
Martin cleverly and spontaneously linked the last line "I will sing again"
to that Cutting Edge classic, 'I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever', which was
met with the most fervent cheers from the crowd. It seemed that most were
there for a 'traditional' worship concert, for it was noticeable that the
crowd flagged towards the end (and so did the band). They then moved into
'Beautiful Sun', complete with the Christmas-tree style lighting cord, and
the mirror ball (used so effectively in 'It's OK') shone with warm, yellow
light. Martin then calmed things down and talked about how sometimes the
band get caught up in wanting a Top 10 hit or something, but really it's not
about that' it's about God and he used the example that pictures of children
from Kosovo (it was a charity gig for Kosovo) really humbled him. Trying
desperately to introduce the next song cleverly, he simply said, "The next
song has got nothing to do with that."
And it didn't,
really: 'Deeper' broke through the seriousness of the moment
and had the crown bouncing to the classic chunky powerpop tune. The next
song, 'Heaven' did have something to do with Kosovo ("Heaven is my home
/
And there'll be no refugees") and d: returned to the excellent strobe
technique that made the song. They then played 'See The Star' (my least
favourite tune), but went on to the classic 'I'm Not Ashamed' which had the
re-instatement of the lyric "I'm not ashamed anymore as I've found Jesus!"
(as opposed to the Mezza tour's 'mezzamorphissy'), and then the moody
'Blindfold' broke out and Stu G's biting chords lifted the song into pure
worship, but the crowd didn't catch on to the 'Glory, glory' bit - but
Scooby, Gordon and I were screaming 'glory, glory in the highest' right at
the front, totally caught up in the moment of the song.
D: then went off
for a well-earned break, but (shock horror) they came back
for an encore (hmm, that's never happened before). They came back with the
rock-tastic song 'Metamorphis' which was met well, but I loved it and made a
complete fool of myself. The band finished with 'History Maker', with a
small talky bit, which roused the crowd into a final farewell. Although the
set-list said 'Kiss Your Feet', the band didn't get round to playing it.
A brief chat with
the band afterwards revealed that they haven't produced
any 'Gravity' singles yet, that Tim had new glasses,'The Happy Song' may
make a surprise appearance in the future, that it was Martin's idea for the
word 'I' to have 15 syllables in 'Bliss' (at which point I thanked him
profusely for the greatest musical moment ever) and one very cool thing
happened that Spurious? might tell you about later.
The journey back
was met with much frivolity; Gordon revealed he watched
Miami 7 (and was promptly threatened with expulsion from the car), and we
didn't get lost once. We also had a surprise encounter with a real-life
badger. However, we were unable to visit the beach, but were left full and
satisfied with an excellent concert and our chat with d: proved just how
humble they are. They may be 'rock stars' but they ain't arrogant; as Mike
puts it, 'God smiles on them', but as I put it, they are God's band.
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DEEP AND MEANINGFUL WITH DELIRIOUS
It’s the
Delirious press conference. The moment I’ve been waiting for, the
dizzy heights of the Parachute experience. Everyone else is looking cool and
unimpressed. I wish I could be like them, instead of choking on my own hero
worship. You’d think they were rock stars.
But as soon as
the five boys from Littlehampton walk in, all the anxiety
(and posiness) dissolves. They are striking for their humility. They are
friendly, genuine and eager to be helpful. They are the creators of a new
genre, blending pop music with worship. I guess this is why their concerts
seem to turn all eyes on the Lord, not on the stage.
The press conference
quickly turned to the big questions. So, here’s our
deep and meaningful with Delirious... (And they are totally cute in real
life).
Q: You’ve
said you want this to be a generation in love with God, as you’re
travelling, do you see that this is a generation that really is in love with
God?
A: Something’s
changed, in England I wouldn’t say there’s been a
revival, but there’s definitely something different between young people
five years ago and young people now. There’s a different attitude, a
different vibe, from young people who think, ‘I can make a difference,
I can
make history’. People come in [to our gigs]because they want to have a
God
focused event, which is great. When I was 16 I wouldn’t have done that,
it
was totally uncool.
Q: In concert
you appear very genuine, what makes you so focused on Jesus
when all you see around you from other musos is inflated egos and money?
A: In Amercia
you can make a lot more money, but in England it’s a lot
different. Individually we’re just trying our hardest to keep God at the
centre of what we do in our personal lives. What’s important is that we
need
to see that reflected not only in our music but in our relationship with our
family and our children. So the worship element, which is so fundamental to
what we do, is not just a
focus on the stage, but a real lifestyle.
Q: How do you keep yourselves spiritually fed while you’re on the road?
Stuart Smith:
The amazing thing is we’re really looking after each other, we
’re best mates as well as being in the band, so we really do know each
other
inside out. We’re all encouraging each other and if someone needs a kick
up
the backside, then they get it. When you’ve got your friends with you and
doing something you love, and involved in worship and expressing the way you
feel about God, then it really is just a fantastic life. There are no boring
bits.
Tim: I think also
that, people think we’re 100% spiritually super fit all
the time, but we’re not really like that, sometimes you can feel quite
unspiritual. But that’s what gives us an edge as well, it’s just good
to be
hungry.
Martin: We’re
really rooted in our local church, and all our wives are
involved there, and we try to be there as often as possible.
Q: How do you balance worshipping God with being entertainers on stage?
A: There’s
that whole thing that you must be invisible if you’re in worship,
head down and don’t smile. But you’ve got this entertainer inside
you, so
how do you live with that? During last five years, we’ve really grown in
that, and this is who we are. Just as a child will love his dad, you can
have a lot of fun with him
as well. This stage thing isn’t the be all and end all, it’s when
you get
home and that humble heart before God. But we feel God is just saying, ‘Go
for it this is what I’ve put inside you’.
Q: What’s
the biggest concern for young people that you’ve seen around the
world?
A: That difficult,
it’s almost an unaswerable question. But one thing we’ve
found that if you can give them a little bit of hope, that’s a plus. Also,
young people need to feel special and that’s how God feels about them.
It
doesn’t matter if you’re a Christian or non-Christian, you need to
feel
loved. And as we travel around we want to give them a little glimpse of that
love, and make them feel that they belong and that God does love them.
Q: What did you
guys think of the welcome on stage? [In one of Parachute’s
most awesome moments, the band were welcomed on stage with a powhiri].
Tim: Absolutely
fantastic. We had a video camera there too, because it was
one of those moments where you get home, and you can’t even begin to explain
what it was like absolutely fantastic.
Stuart Garrard: Certainly the most interesting support act we’ve ever had.
Martin: I’m glad to be alive.
Jon: I thought it was fantastic, I was really honoured.
Stewart Smith:
I used to be in a band with a Kiwi guy in England, and he
would have been right proud of me.
Q: What piece of advice do you most remember?
A: Don’t
whistle with your mouth full of jelly. Don’t ever forget where you
came from. Together we always try and keep in mind that God took us from
something really small, and it mushroomed in its own way. We always talk
about how it started and we can’t believe it really
Q: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Jon: Elvis Presley
for me. We try to keep up with music, we’re watching the
charts, we’re watching what’s on the ground just to keep fresh, because
its
our jobs as musicians to know the score.
Q: Can you tell us about your new album, Mezzamorphis?
A: The title comes
from two tracks, one is ‘The Mezzanine Floor’, where you
have left where you were, but you’re not quite where you’re going.
The other
one is 'Metamorphis’, about change. We feel that we’re in that kind
of
place, constantly changing and evolving. The Mezzanine floor is symbolic of
our whole lives. We’re at this in-between place where there is all this
tension, trying to fit into this body where it never quite works, and the
only thing that really satisfies us is that one day we’re going to meet
Jesus.
The full text,
complete with new picture, can be found at:
http://www.soulpurpose.co.nz/mainpage6.htm
[Spurious? would like to thank Clipto for this one]
****
Exclusive Interview ****
Spurious? would like to announce an exclusive interview with delirious? to
be broadcast over the net using Real Audio (possibly), and for a complete
transcription to appear on the site (definitely). Featuring some innovative
questioning, some brand-new answers and even the sound of a cup of hot
ribena falling, this is a treat not to be missed. Thanks go to Mike Jones
(have a nice knife).
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****
Furious? PR Matters ****
In a move that has shocked literally a dozen people, Craig Borlase - the PR
Manager - has parted with Furious? Records in the most amicable way
possible. Here's what he had to say:
_______________________
I am writing to let you know about a change that's taking place at Furious?
Records as from 1st July 1999.
In future, all
press and related enquiries will be handled initially from
the Furious? Records office in Littlehampton - details as above - rather
than by myself. I will be taking on a freelance role and doing a few other
things, but I'm sure we'll be in contact again. Please speak to either Emma
or Nykki, and they will be pleased to help you with anything you need to
know. Tony Patoto, the Delirious? Manager, also works out of the office, so
there will be plenty of people on hand to assist.
It's been good
doing business with you and Furious looks forward to a
continued relationship.
With kind regards
Craig Borlase
_______________________
Spurious? has
enjoyed a healthy relationship with Craig (and hopes to keep
on doing so), so we have decided to run a tribute to him. Gathering comments
from his closest e-mail acquaintances, we compiled a glowing send-off for
him:
"I don’t
have any startling anecdotes or fascinating facts to reveal" - Russ
Bravo, editor, Christian Herald (http://www.christianherald.org.uk)
"Has he had a haircut yet?" - Mike Roberts
"Craig, I
wish I could say something really poetic here but I can't...thanks
for all the patience and the info. I hope you have the time of your life."
-
Ian Barker
"When I first
received an e-mail from Craig it was to thank me for the
unofficial web site I had been running for several months. In those days
there were only about 4 d:sites, most of which no longer exist. Craig's
e-mails became more regular, in the form of Press Releases and news from the
d:boys...but more than just a contact at Furious? Craig soon became a good
friend. After having e-mailed him for over a year, I finally had the
pleasure of meeting him at Soul Survivor, where I saw him in a whole new
light! Not only could this guy write some very entertaining PRs, but he was
a darn good guitarist!!
Anyway...its been a pleasure hearing from you Craig. No doubt we'll continue
to get those PRs full of made-up words to describe the ever changing d:style
in your new freelance role. All the best for the future Mr
Chunky-Powerpop...cheers, DAVE!!" - Dave Wood
"That's a
shame. Between him and Jonson, I never had to buy a drink." -
Scooby
"He's the
only person I know who's voluntarily pretended to be Belgian." -
Adam Kirkman
[Spurious? would
like to thank everyone who took part in the Tribute to
Craig, and we hope he is suitably embarrassed. ]
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****
deliRINGous vote ****
deliRINGous, the *only* delirious? webring for the serious surfer, has taken
it into its head to run a vote for your favourite d:site. Although run by
Dan Ficker, deliRINGous is hosted by Spurious? and this newsletter is also
sent out by Spurious? so I would hope that you take the time out to vote for
Spurious?, I mean, whatever site you think is best, not that I'm trying to
leave a hint or anything. I'm also rather partial to a site called
'Mezzamorphine'; don't ask me why.
You can vote in
several categories, including Best Site, Best News Coverage,
Most Updated, Best Design, Best Original Features and Best Reviews at
http://www.spurious.org/dring/vote.html
as soon as possible!
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****
d:brief - the Christian Herald ****
Although dnews under Spurious? is the most regular, most in-depth delirious?
newsletter you are likely to receive, it does have a (competitive) rival in
d:brief, the delirious? column in the weekly Christian Herald. d:brief,
written by Furious? man Craig Borlase (or is that ex-Furious? man?), is the
definitive printed word on delirious? and appears monthly in the paper (i.e.
every four editions). You can visit the website for this fantastic Christian
newspaper at http://www.christianherald.org.uk
and read d:brief in the week
of print in the Arts section. We do recommend, however, that you buy the
paper as it contains many excellent articles and features about facets of
the Christian faith. The men from Spurious? say....go look.
Thanks go to Russ
Bravo.
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****
d:end ****
That's it from another quality edition of dnews. In a slightly topical
farewell (at least for people in the UK), may the force be with you.