sorin_dm wrote:
Fletcher: Looking Forward to Belgrade, We'll Sound Great
BELGRADE, March 6, 2013 (BETA) - The concert in Belgrade will be a
journey through the history of Depeche Mode and we are now rehearsing
the songs we will perform in Belgrade, Depeche Mode manager and member
Andrew Fletcher told BETA.
"We are currently putting together a list of songs that we will play
in Belgrade and we are rehearsing them every day. Unfortunately, I'm
not going to tell you which songs we will play, but I guarantee they
will sound excellent," said Fletcher, adding that he was looking
forward to coming to Belgrade, where he has already performed as a DJ.
The band canceled their concert in Belgrade in 2009, as well as in
Sofia, Bucharest and Zagreb due to the illness of singer Dave Gahan,
who was hospitalized for gastroenteritis. Depeche Mode will perform at
Belgrade's Usce outdoor venue on May 19.
"We were very disappointed when we had to cancel the concert in
Belgrade and other concerts on that tour. The band was in a really
stressful and upsetting situation. We wanted to come back on another
tour to the places where we had canceled concerts and there is an
excellent opportunity for that now. I hope the fans will be patient
and I can promise them a great concert," Fletcher told BETA.
In Belgrade on May 19, Depeche Mode will promote their new, 13th
studio album titled Delta Machine, which Fletcher said was created
mainly under the influence of blues and electronic music.
"The very name Delta Machine best describes the music on that album,
which is a mix of blues and electronic music. Some songs were made
more under the influence of blues, while others were more influenced
by electronic music, hence each song must be viewed individually,
separately. The overall sound is a mix of the two genres," Fletcher
pointed out.
Asked which music genre Depeche Mode have not tried their hand at,
Fletcher replied that the band's long-time wish is to record a reggae
album.
"I'm joking, of course. The truth is that we have a very broad taste
in music and are always seeking influence and inspiration in different
music genres, so we really aren't limited," said Fletcher, and added
that the band will continue to experiment with all types of music.
The band has so far released several singles from the new album Delta
Machine, and Fletcher said he still could not decide which are his
favorites.
"The point is that 'the favorite song' from the album is always a
different one, because we're constantly rehearsing, changing
arrangements, so my answer will already be different tomorrow. For now
I'm really enjoying all the songs from this album. My current
favorites are Heaven, Soft Touch and Secret. Tomorrow my answer may be
different," said Fletcher.
According to him, despite the fact that the band has been working on
the album for more than a year, they're still enjoying all the songs
and, as he put it, for the time being there is no indication they will
get tired of playing songs from this album anytime soon.
Depeche Mode has been active for over 30 years, during which, apart
from becoming a major concert band, they released 13 studio albums
but, according to fans, have never lost touch with their fans.
"I myself don't quite understand how we stay in touch with the fans,
we don't do that on purpose. We create music for ourselves and other
people find themselves in it. Of course, there is always the hope that
the audience will like our music, but we don't do it intentionally,"
said Fletcher.
He further said that it is true the band has lost a lot of the fans
who listened to them in the 1980s, even in the early 1990s, who are
"wondering why we no longer make albums like that."
"We are aware that much has changed since the beginning of our career.
For example, copyright. As an artist, I don't feel uncomfortable about
the fact that my work and the work of Depeche Mode can be downloaded
from the Internet for free; what makes me uncomfortable is the quality
of the downloads," Fletcher underscored.
"The quality of some of the versions that can be found on the Internet
is extremely poor. We spend a lot of time in the studio in order to
get our quality, distinctive sound. However, the times have changed
and that is the way things are now. Truth be told, most of our
listeners buy the CD, but it is very difficult for young bands living
off the sale of albums, which is not big enough to enable them to go
on tours. It is actually the hardest for them," said Fletcher.
He went on to say that the band had no fear regarding the fact that
Depeche Mode have released their 13th album, which contains 13 songs.
"I must say 13 is my favorite number and I haven't thought about that
so far. The last, 13th song on the album is called Goodbye, but there
is no symbolism to it. Although, I have to admit you've got me a
little worried now," Fletcher told BETA laughingly.
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