“Not Utopia� has been a stunning example of your work from start to finish, but what has been the highlight of the whole project for you? Highlights? Actually there have been many. One has been working with Lee. We had worked together on the live circuit for many years, but this was our first album project together. And we're still friends! So altogether a success. In fact we've already embarked on a new album project. It has been incredibly enjoyable to work with someone with a great sense of humour and an exceptional imagination, not only musically, but also when it comes to discussing visuals, presentation, concepts etc. It has made everything bigger and better.
by genre-specific fad and fashion driven music and can wrap their heads around what it is I do.
Julie Gristwood
When filming the video a Orchestra was used constructed from adverts in the local media. I spoke to Julie Gristwood and asked her why she chose to get involved. What made you decide to take part in the project? I saw the article in the Mercury and was intrigued. Although I haven't played my violin seriously since I was at school over 30 years ago I have recently picked it up again just for fun, so I thought it would be good to take the The other highlight has been making the videos. I have opportunity to get involved. When I heard the track I never been so involved in the process, from conception, immediately loved it and got a real buzz from playing along story-boarding, production etc, and it's been at home. However, as the day of the filming approached I surprisingly rewarding and exciting. We'll definitely be got more and more nervous. making more! Was it what you expected? If not, how did it differ? I had expected there to be more musicians so I felt even What does the future hold for Doris? more daunted when I arrived and discovered how small Well I'd love to be able to say that I will sell millions of the orchestra was. Still, I needn't have worried, as CDs and sell out Wembley. I shall briefly crash back everyone, particularly Doris, was very encouraging, and I down to earth. Realistically I will continue doing what I do. A new album project has already begun. Once again soon got caught up in the atmosphere and forgot my nerves. with Lee. We already have more new songs than we
can fit on one album. It's likely to continue in the vein of multi-genre eclectic largely un-commercial and hopefully original compositions that I think is now expected from me. Undoubtedly there will be more gigs - both acoustic and band. And I will continue to enjoy the priviledge of being able to record the music I want to record, and am thankful for every non-conformist, individualistic individual who refuses to be constrained
What did you enjoy the most on the day? I enjoyed the whole experience. It gave a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of how a music video is made. But the best bit was definitely when we played the song through at the end without the backing track. It sounded amazing and made me realise that I had been very lucky to be part of such a special experience.
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Firebrand Magazine