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had installed some additional PA speakers. That cable was visibly swaying in time with the music as the balcony moved up and down. Blur were on fire and it was an incredible show to witness. We were #1 in the indie charts, they were #1 in the mainstream charts. Quite an event. At that time it was clear something big was going on.

How did being included in the Trainspotting soundtrack boost the profile of the band?

We were invited to an early screening of the film and saw what became the director’s cut. It was clear this was going to be a huge success. We were asked to cover a Blondie song because they wanted too much money and we were cheaper. We were glad to do it because it was a huge opportunity. We are still probably better known for our version of “Atomic” in America than we are for any of our own songs. Of course, you don’t get so much publishing revenue if you do a cover version. We did have an original song in the film, “Statuesque”. We had a big debate within the band about whether or not we should allow our own song to be used on the soundtrack. Our manager wanted to save it for a single. That seemed like a good idea because it went in the top ten.

However, in the long run, the Trainspotting soundtrack album went on to become a huge selling record worldwide. We would probably have done better too allow our own song to be used on that rather than the Blondie song. Those kind of decisions are always easier to make in hindsight. Every artist has at least one story where they have made a similar mistake one way or the other. It was just a great privilege to be associated with such a culturally important film.

How did the decline of Britpop effect the band?

It was quite clear that Britpop was going to come to an end sooner or later. All movements do. That’s only natural. A new generation of people come along and want their own music. We got to have three albums of original material plus a Greatest Hits collection. Today that would be quite a substantial career. At the time, however, it felt like it was one album short of a decent run … because it is usually sometime after a band’s fourth album that they are able to renegotiate their record and/ or publishing contract. That can be quite a lucrative moment. It’s sometimes the point at which artists become sufficiently empowered to realise some of the income they might have generated for others along the way.

Could you tell me about how the media coined the word “Sleeperbloke” and your thoughts on it?

I don’t have too many thoughts on it. I didn’t really want to engage with the media at the time. I don’t want to engage with them now. I’m not really a fan of the media as such. I’m really, genuinely, only interested in music. Music is my passion. I don’t really care about radio, television or the music press. I guess ultimately it reflects how strong Louise was, and is, as frontperson. I have always felt very lucky to be in a band with Louise. She is a truly great songwriter.

What was your high point of the 90s?

I was very lucky to tour the UK and Europe, and then America and Japan. That is about as much fun as you can have in a band.

What was your low-point of the 90s?

There are a lot of highs and lows in music. Any band who loses a record contract would probably describe that as being a painful moment. However you have to remember that you are incredibly privileged to be given the opportunity in the first place.

Favourite and least favourite Britpop acts?

My favourite bands and albums from that era are not really Britpop bands as such. I love Pavement, Madder Rose, and Buffalo Daughter. They are American and Japanese bands. I thought Radiohead were probably the best British band of that era. The Sun is Often Out by Long Pigs is probably my favourite album from the time. Seven singles, I think. In terms of my own influences as a guitarist, I always thought The Wedding Present released a superb string of albums throughout the 1990s … despite never being considered Britpop. I don’t have any least favourite acts. I don’t have anything negative to say about other artists.

What do you think caused the decline of Britpop?

Music scenes come and go. It’s as simple as that.