INTERVIEW SUPERGRASS

Running your own label isn't all about romance, it also implies lots of paperwork and other administrative tasks. Can we apply for jobs now?

"The 'Rebel In You' single on Supergrass Records was a pretty small scale operation (me, a laptop and a lot of envelopes) and it was flowers and romance. As a band we're still reviewing the options for future album releases, and I'm not convinced that the rest of the band want to get their hands quite as dirty, so hiring you lot might be an option."

Music making never seemed a problem with Supergrass - can we look forward to a much more productive Supergrass in the future?

"If I didn't have to spend so much time on record company admin you mean? It's an interesting question - I'm not sure - is the short answer. I think we might become a more diverse band, Gaz and Danny are doing their side project, Diamond Hoo Ha Men and have recorded an album of covers with Nigel Godrich, I'm pursuing soundtrack work etc. - all whilst writing the new Supergrass record. Music never has been a problem with Supergrass, it's the lyrics that hold us up."

Your second last album "Road to Rouen" was self produced by choice, how about upcoming stuff? Will you use the same approach?

"It depends on how strong we're feeling and how many production ideas we can learn/steal from somebody else. Having just worked with Nick Launay, he's given us enough ideas for a few records."

What do you guys have with France?

"Food, space and gout from drinking huge amounts of wine, but since the pound has crashed against the Euro we might have to give it a miss on the next record."

You've once said Supergrass' greatest achievement is: "Not doing Calvin Klein. Not doing Spielberg. Not doing nearly all the things we've been offered." Do you feel other bands have sold their souls to commerce?

"I wouldn't personally sell my wedding picture to Hello but I am proud that we didn't take every commercial offer at the start of our career and instead spent our time making a name for ourselves with what we are good at."

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