2D Or Not 2-D
The Eye, May 2005
... that is the question. As Gorillaz bring out a second album, Paul Connolly asks the virtual band why they are worth getting animated about.
It's such a staggeringly simple concept that one can't help but wonder why nobody had made it work so well before ('The Archies' or 'The Banana Splits' don't count because they were novelty acts in the first place). Thoroughly bored with the cyclical superstar grind of the record / interview / photoshoot tour mill, Blur's Damon Albarn was keen to embark on a more gritty side project. Then he bumped into Jamie Hewlett, creator of Tank Girl and one of the UK's most exciting graphic artists. Together, they created a preposterously cool and commercially successful band composed entirely of cartoon characters.
Gorillaz are 2-D (vacuous, pretty-boy singer), Murdoc (smelly, arrogant bassist), Noodle (ten-year-old guitar maestro from Japan who also happens to be a trained killer) and Russel (burly, hip-hop drummer with the ghost of a friend, Del, trapped inside him). For Albarn it's a no-lose situation - the first self-titled album sold six million copies and he didn't have to do a single photo-shoot or interview.
Indeed, so successful was the Gorillaz project that when it was announced that the second album, 'Demon Days', along with the new Coldplay album 'X&Y' would not be released in the 2004-05 financial year, the "band's" record company, EMI suffered a share price collapse. The virtual band caused a very real crisis.
Now, though, the second album, preceded by the magnificent new single, Feel Good Inc, is finally with us. I was lucky enough to be granted an exclusive "audience" with Gorillaz to discuss what they've been doing since the phenomenal success of their debut and the dynamics of being a two-dimensional animation in a 3-D world.
Since they have no presence in our universe, the only way to communicate with them is via-email. I hit "send" hoping for depth and insight, but their replies left me wondering how they stayed together - whatever world it is they live in.
First, can I just say it's lovely to see you back.
Murdoc: [with heavy sarcasm] Oh, you are too kind dear.
What does Demon Days mean to you?
Murdoc: What does it mean? Ask a stupid question.... it means this is how I want to lead my life. I say I, because Gorillaz is me, really. Let's face it. Every day is a Demon Day for us. Hell is where we want to be. There's too much light and fluff around these days, too many Day-Glo people with plastic smiles, too much niceness and big companies trying to be your friend and fingering your pockets at the same time.
2-D: Pain, misery, torture, on the whole, with degradation, illness, decline, violence and the ever-present scent of death... everything you want from a Saturday night, really.
Noodle seems to have taken control of the new record. Murdoc, how do you feel about handing over the creative reins to a ten-year-old girl?
Murdoc: Well the clue's in the question, mate. Only a real leader would have the power to pass the reins. Age is a state of mind. Or, I guess you colud say you're as old as the person you feel, assuming there's anyone close to hand. Noodle is infinitely wise beyond her years, she understands music like Phil Collins understands baldness.
The new album is your baby, Noodle. It's much darker then the first record. Why is that?
Noodle: Because 2-D didn't pay the studio electricity bill. But also as the album is a reflection of the climate and environment we inhabit, and it was right to raise our targets from the first album. The album only became my baby by default. While awaiting the return of the other Gorillaz, I began sketches for songs, which then became my duty to finish.
Who did you most enjoy working with on the album?
Murdoc: Myself. call me egocentric if you like, but I'd prefer it if you put "megalomaniac" instead. I've never denied it. But second, I would have to say Shaun Ryder. He, like mysefl, is a mucky puppy when it comes to... play-time. But as long as you deliver the goods, you're batting on my team. And Dennis Hopper was a legend to meet.
Noodle: Shaun Ryder was exceptional... he is in touch with something deep within music. Working with Dennis Hopper wasn't work. We just listened.
There are rumours that you are a Satanist, Murdoc. Have you ensnared the soul of Damon Albarn and, if so, when will Damon be released back into the Islington community?
Murdoc: Damon is a lost cause. There's nothing you could do to get him back, trust me. Not that we've tried of course. He's getting up at five in the morning and, after his jog, he's been coming in to give 2-D vocal lessons. Constant warbling and scales, but it helped for the album.
I think 2-D's lost a little of his originality now that Damon claims to be a mentor, but you all deny this. Do you think Damon claims this connection to bolster his own faltering career?
Murdoc: Noodle maintains the guy's been a great help, suggesting collaborators, passing their records for reference but y'know, personally, I wish he would sod off back to Timbuktu or wherever he's working next. If he keeps "offering his support" we're gonna end up sounding like... I dunno... one of his side projects. But what do I know? I'm just a drawing on a page.
I'm sure I detected not only a Salt'n'Pepa sample on Kids With Guns but also a bassline very reminiscent of Imagination's Just An Illusion on 'Fire Coming Out Of The Monkey's Head'. Noodle, surely you're too young to be remember these prehistoric acts.
Noodle: There is no Salt 'n' Pepa sample, and the bassline from Just An Illusion is just an illusion. We have imagination in this band, you see. And I think you'd be very surprised at the extent of my knowledge.
2-D: have you rebuilt your friendship with Murdoc yet?
2-D: [Thinks hard] Friendship... that's a strange word to describe a profound bond of mutual hatred and emnity. Listen, this band came together because of creative differences. We broke up before we started. Between you and me, though, without the other Gorillaz around him Murdoc just falls apart. Everything's always someone else's fault.
Do you think that he doesn't give you enough credit for the success of the first album? When will you confront him?
2-D: I think you're misunderstanding something. Murdoc thinks he is in control of this. He's not. He thinks he's got his teeth into me, but again, he hasn't. Laugh now, but one day I'll be in control. As for credit, that's something you put into your mobile phone, innit?
Many top bands find it difficult to walk down the street without being recognised. You find it difficult just to walk down the street. Given these limitations, how important is the internet to you as a way of remaining visible?
Murdoc: Our idea of hell is being a "top band", as you call it. What a meagre ambition. Who wants to be top? Is thatone above being "middle"? We aim downwards. Until you realise this, you'll never understand... get with the programme.
You're a virtual band, so how long before you stop producing CDs and sell your music via iTunes?
Russel: People obsess about formats and technologies. What matters is the music. If we could make music in the form of a gas we would do it today. people would free their minds and their asses would follow.
Murdoc: As I've said before. downloading is a great idea. For me. But if I catch anyone else downloading my tunes for free, I'll sure you till your eyes pop out.
What are the pros and cons of being virtual?
Noodle: One advantage is that server space is cheaper than rent. The disadvantage is that you can't expect Murdoc and 2-D squabbling the whole time.
2-D: Paternity suits don't stick 'cos I don't have any DNA. Also I don't have any fingerprints, so if I wanted to be a criminal it'd be easy.
Murdoc: hmm... yeah... a 6ft2 animated twat with no eyeballs and blue spiky hair. You're like... "invisible", dude. In an identity parade you'd just blend into the background, right?
Hey Russel, you're a a big lad - don't you think you should bash Murdoc and 2-D's head's together?
Russel: Look: one of them has blue hair and the other has green skin. I don't expect them to function like anyone else. Dysfunction is second nature to these two.
Do you feel you've matured, as cartoon musicians?
Russel: Music isn't about marketing or messages or doing the right thing because everyone says you have to. It's about music. Ask yourself this: do you like the music? Or do you just like the box the music comes in?
2-D: Er... is this a trick question?
Do you have any recurring nightmares?
Russel: Oh yeah. A recurring dream is when I wake up and realise I've been awake the whole time, which means I can go to sleep and forget about the whole thing. Does that make sense? Sorry, I'm very tired...
Noodle: Each new dream is a new start, and each nightmare represents the end of a cycle, the death of a dream. This album isn't our second album but our first. The past is irrelevant. All that matters is now.
Murdoc: Well said, 'cos I'm outta here. Ciao losers!
It's such a staggeringly simple concept that one can't help but wonder why nobody had made it work so well before ('The Archies' or 'The Banana Splits' don't count because they were novelty acts in the first place). Thoroughly bored with the cyclical superstar grind of the record / interview / photoshoot tour mill, Blur's Damon Albarn was keen to embark on a more gritty side project. Then he bumped into Jamie Hewlett, creator of Tank Girl and one of the UK's most exciting graphic artists. Together, they created a preposterously cool and commercially successful band composed entirely of cartoon characters.
Gorillaz are 2-D (vacuous, pretty-boy singer), Murdoc (smelly, arrogant bassist), Noodle (ten-year-old guitar maestro from Japan who also happens to be a trained killer) and Russel (burly, hip-hop drummer with the ghost of a friend, Del, trapped inside him). For Albarn it's a no-lose situation - the first self-titled album sold six million copies and he didn't have to do a single photo-shoot or interview.
Indeed, so successful was the Gorillaz project that when it was announced that the second album, 'Demon Days', along with the new Coldplay album 'X&Y' would not be released in the 2004-05 financial year, the "band's" record company, EMI suffered a share price collapse. The virtual band caused a very real crisis.
Now, though, the second album, preceded by the magnificent new single, Feel Good Inc, is finally with us. I was lucky enough to be granted an exclusive "audience" with Gorillaz to discuss what they've been doing since the phenomenal success of their debut and the dynamics of being a two-dimensional animation in a 3-D world.
Since they have no presence in our universe, the only way to communicate with them is via-email. I hit "send" hoping for depth and insight, but their replies left me wondering how they stayed together - whatever world it is they live in.
First, can I just say it's lovely to see you back.
Murdoc: [with heavy sarcasm] Oh, you are too kind dear.
What does Demon Days mean to you?
Murdoc: What does it mean? Ask a stupid question.... it means this is how I want to lead my life. I say I, because Gorillaz is me, really. Let's face it. Every day is a Demon Day for us. Hell is where we want to be. There's too much light and fluff around these days, too many Day-Glo people with plastic smiles, too much niceness and big companies trying to be your friend and fingering your pockets at the same time.
2-D: Pain, misery, torture, on the whole, with degradation, illness, decline, violence and the ever-present scent of death... everything you want from a Saturday night, really.
Noodle seems to have taken control of the new record. Murdoc, how do you feel about handing over the creative reins to a ten-year-old girl?
Murdoc: Well the clue's in the question, mate. Only a real leader would have the power to pass the reins. Age is a state of mind. Or, I guess you colud say you're as old as the person you feel, assuming there's anyone close to hand. Noodle is infinitely wise beyond her years, she understands music like Phil Collins understands baldness.
The new album is your baby, Noodle. It's much darker then the first record. Why is that?
Noodle: Because 2-D didn't pay the studio electricity bill. But also as the album is a reflection of the climate and environment we inhabit, and it was right to raise our targets from the first album. The album only became my baby by default. While awaiting the return of the other Gorillaz, I began sketches for songs, which then became my duty to finish.
Who did you most enjoy working with on the album?
Murdoc: Myself. call me egocentric if you like, but I'd prefer it if you put "megalomaniac" instead. I've never denied it. But second, I would have to say Shaun Ryder. He, like mysefl, is a mucky puppy when it comes to... play-time. But as long as you deliver the goods, you're batting on my team. And Dennis Hopper was a legend to meet.
Noodle: Shaun Ryder was exceptional... he is in touch with something deep within music. Working with Dennis Hopper wasn't work. We just listened.
There are rumours that you are a Satanist, Murdoc. Have you ensnared the soul of Damon Albarn and, if so, when will Damon be released back into the Islington community?
Murdoc: Damon is a lost cause. There's nothing you could do to get him back, trust me. Not that we've tried of course. He's getting up at five in the morning and, after his jog, he's been coming in to give 2-D vocal lessons. Constant warbling and scales, but it helped for the album.
I think 2-D's lost a little of his originality now that Damon claims to be a mentor, but you all deny this. Do you think Damon claims this connection to bolster his own faltering career?
Murdoc: Noodle maintains the guy's been a great help, suggesting collaborators, passing their records for reference but y'know, personally, I wish he would sod off back to Timbuktu or wherever he's working next. If he keeps "offering his support" we're gonna end up sounding like... I dunno... one of his side projects. But what do I know? I'm just a drawing on a page.
I'm sure I detected not only a Salt'n'Pepa sample on Kids With Guns but also a bassline very reminiscent of Imagination's Just An Illusion on 'Fire Coming Out Of The Monkey's Head'. Noodle, surely you're too young to be remember these prehistoric acts.
Noodle: There is no Salt 'n' Pepa sample, and the bassline from Just An Illusion is just an illusion. We have imagination in this band, you see. And I think you'd be very surprised at the extent of my knowledge.
2-D: have you rebuilt your friendship with Murdoc yet?
2-D: [Thinks hard] Friendship... that's a strange word to describe a profound bond of mutual hatred and emnity. Listen, this band came together because of creative differences. We broke up before we started. Between you and me, though, without the other Gorillaz around him Murdoc just falls apart. Everything's always someone else's fault.
Do you think that he doesn't give you enough credit for the success of the first album? When will you confront him?
2-D: I think you're misunderstanding something. Murdoc thinks he is in control of this. He's not. He thinks he's got his teeth into me, but again, he hasn't. Laugh now, but one day I'll be in control. As for credit, that's something you put into your mobile phone, innit?
Many top bands find it difficult to walk down the street without being recognised. You find it difficult just to walk down the street. Given these limitations, how important is the internet to you as a way of remaining visible?
Murdoc: Our idea of hell is being a "top band", as you call it. What a meagre ambition. Who wants to be top? Is thatone above being "middle"? We aim downwards. Until you realise this, you'll never understand... get with the programme.
You're a virtual band, so how long before you stop producing CDs and sell your music via iTunes?
Russel: People obsess about formats and technologies. What matters is the music. If we could make music in the form of a gas we would do it today. people would free their minds and their asses would follow.
Murdoc: As I've said before. downloading is a great idea. For me. But if I catch anyone else downloading my tunes for free, I'll sure you till your eyes pop out.
What are the pros and cons of being virtual?
Noodle: One advantage is that server space is cheaper than rent. The disadvantage is that you can't expect Murdoc and 2-D squabbling the whole time.
2-D: Paternity suits don't stick 'cos I don't have any DNA. Also I don't have any fingerprints, so if I wanted to be a criminal it'd be easy.
Murdoc: hmm... yeah... a 6ft2 animated twat with no eyeballs and blue spiky hair. You're like... "invisible", dude. In an identity parade you'd just blend into the background, right?
Hey Russel, you're a a big lad - don't you think you should bash Murdoc and 2-D's head's together?
Russel: Look: one of them has blue hair and the other has green skin. I don't expect them to function like anyone else. Dysfunction is second nature to these two.
Do you feel you've matured, as cartoon musicians?
Russel: Music isn't about marketing or messages or doing the right thing because everyone says you have to. It's about music. Ask yourself this: do you like the music? Or do you just like the box the music comes in?
2-D: Er... is this a trick question?
Do you have any recurring nightmares?
Russel: Oh yeah. A recurring dream is when I wake up and realise I've been awake the whole time, which means I can go to sleep and forget about the whole thing. Does that make sense? Sorry, I'm very tired...
Noodle: Each new dream is a new start, and each nightmare represents the end of a cycle, the death of a dream. This album isn't our second album but our first. The past is irrelevant. All that matters is now.
Murdoc: Well said, 'cos I'm outta here. Ciao losers!