Darkstar’s second album News From Nowhere was released on Warp Records a couple of weeks ago and their brand of cerebral electronica further moves into a warmer places, exuding a closeness not previously heard. They’re playing Button Factory this Friday (win tickets below) and James Young (that’s him on the left) told me some of his favourite songs recently. He’s clearly a good man as he choose ‘Temporary Secretary’ among his choices which also include Girl Band’s Blawan cover.
What three songs/albums from other artists inspired your new album?
Jurgen Muller – Science Of The Sea LP
Arthur Russell – ‘Arm Around You’
Dave Clarke ‘Just Ride’
What’s your favourite track of your own right now?
‘Timeaway ’
Your favourite remix you’ve heard lately?
The House Ghost remix of ‘Give up The Ghost’ by Radiohead
Favourite song to wake up to?
‘ Temporary Secretary’ by Paul McCartney.
An artist you can’t stop listening to?
At the moment I’d have to say Actress.
A song in your live set that gets the best reaction?
Our new version of ‘Gold’ usually gets a good response, we’ve reworked it to fit in with the new material.
A song have you discovered/heard in a club, gig or mix recently that blew you away?
I thought the Girl Band cover of the Blawan tune ‘Why they hide their bodies under my garage’ was pretty amusing. (From QUOMPILATION #3)
A really good sad song?
‘Brandon’ by Harry Escott (Shame Soundtrack)
Your first vinyl purchase and why?
‘
Common People’ by Pulp because I loved the video.
Favourite slow jam?
UB40 – ‘Red Red Wine’.
A song that’s always likely to get played when you DJ?
‘ The Climax’ by Carl Craig.
A new artist are you most excited about..
Jai Paul
An album you’ve been recommending to people?
Moodymann’s I Got Werk EP
Darkstar play the Button Factory Saturday night. To win tickets email [email protected] with DARKSTAR as the subject and your name and phone number. They will only be used for communication with the winners.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
