Catching up with OMD in lockdown mode…
The current Coronavirus crisis has completely changed the landscape of the music industry, with the live circuit effectively coming to a dead halt. But the lockdown has also lead to a spurt of innovation and new approaches in engaging audiences, targeting them in their own homes.
OMD are no exception, with their planned Birkenhead performance postponed and the a calendar of potential dates in doubt. Luckily, they came up with the idea of a virtual concert and the OMD Live From Your Sofa concept was born (footage of their 2019 London gig was streamed online). Meanwhile, the Twitter Listening Parties organised by Tim Burgess have been an astounding success, including the first OMD one for Architecture & Morality – and more are scheduled for the future (Dazzle Ships is scheduled for June).
[evp_embed_video url=”https://www.omd-messages.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ANDY MCCLUSKEY INTERVIEW BY JOHNNY NORMAL MAY 20.mov”]But what does all this mean for the artists themselves? How has the isolation affected Andy McCluskey and what is his perspective on the current crisis?
Fortunately, in this new interview with Johnny Normal conducted for Artefaktor Radio, Andy has made himself available to discuss this and to discuss his thoughts on OMD in general.
In short, he’s been writing new material and has also conducted other interviews from home (particularly in the tragic wake of the passing of Florian Schneider).
Andy also discusses the hot topic of analogue versus digital in the creation of electronic music, the idea of OMD collaborations, his thoughts on remixes and also his current favourite OMD album.
The audio version of this interview was originally broadcast on Artefaktor Radio on Sunday 17th May 2020.
Johnny Normal is a radio presenter, musician and event producer responsible for the Synthetic City electronic music events. As a musician, Johnny has been performing his catalogue of original synth-pop since 2008. In 2018 he created The Rude Awakening and, along with Bridget Gray, and released the widely acclaimed Kaleidoscope album in 2019 on the Pink Dolphin Music label (see the review on our sister site The Electricity Club).
www.abnormalproductions.rocks
https://www.facebook.com/therudeawakeningftbridgetgray/
Founded in 2016 by Renato Moyssén, Artefaktor Radio broadcasts live from Mexico City 24/7 with a selection of synthwave, electronica, technopop, dark wave, synth-pop and other electronic music. It’s presenters include Rusty Egan, Johnny Normal, Bridget Gray and Stuart Calder.
Thanks to Johnny Normal and Artefaktor Radio.
