DOT ALLISON : CHEMICAL SISTER

-There's a continuity, except this one's more abstract, a little bit darker, and more electronic than ‘Afterglow’, and some songs are more experimental, for some of them.

-What are for you the main differences with « Afterglow » ?

- Probably, it’s a bit more raw and the sound of it is probably tougher. The actual way that it's been balanced in the mix is also different. Keith Tennis, who's engineered it, has worked with people like Primal scream and has that kind of sensitivity and that's what I wanted. I wasn't gonna really process every sound, so it's got a kind of naivety I think is quite nice.

-What have been your inspirations for those songs ?

-Lots of different things : some experiences from years ago in the past, like "wishing stone", which is a kind of love song, but that was years ago and then it's also about areas of the music industry I’m not so keen on !

For some songs, like ‘Performance’, the lyrics are more like a collage and less linear and narrative. Images just get pulled together. It's quite diverse.

-How did you choose this title, «We are science» ?

-I like the idea of «Are we science ?». Is there something more than chemical reactions going on for love, emotions, etc.? I'm kind of hoping there is, but if it's just chemistry, it's not bad. I'm just asking myself those questions about life and love, etc.

-You started in music in 91 with «One dove» and then started a solo career : why this choice and did you ever regret it ?

-Sometimes I miss being in a band, because I miss this human contact, but then, the band I was in, there was one very strong character and it wasn’t as relaxed as it could have been. I think in the right band, it could be amazing. It depends on the personalities involved, so I was quite glad to be on my own, because there's no ego problems and things that go on in bands. And also you don't have to clear your ideas with anyone. As the singer, it's understood that you get involved in all songs, otherwise obviously they're instrumental and if you don't really feel a song, it can be hard.

-Are you alone on stage or do you have musicians with you ?

-Yes I have musicians with me, I play guitar and keyboards, and we've got some sampled stuff as well, and also a bass a guitar and drums, so we are four on stage.

-Now, you have your own studio in London...

-I was gradual, over the years : I used to keep it in my flat, and there was never enough room ; it’s quite a luxury having a studio, because it gives you so much freedom. When you rent a studio, it can be difficult if you know you have just 2 days left and the drums aren't right, for instance. But it took me many years to collect the equipment, because it costs a lot of money.

-Does it change a lot of things in your way of working and composing?

-Yes, it does, I learned discipline, because when it's in your house, it’s very difficult to separate your relaxation time from your working time, because it's like you're always working and yet not really working. It's really healthy to separate that space.

-Did you produce this LP yourself ?

-I did most of it, 2 tracks are co produced by Dave Friedman, with Grasshopper and the drummer from Mercury Rev playing on them. On "Substance" and "I think I love you", Keith Tennis co-produced as well, because his engineering was quite creative on those songs. But I want to work with a producer next time, because it's difficult to take on yourself writing, performing and producing and I really enjoy getting someone else's perspective on stuff I decided. It's usually better.

-Can we say that, in some ways, «We are science» is your first ‘real’ lp ?

-Maybe, yes !

-Why do you do so few concerts ? Don’t you like it or is it more a lack of opportunities ?

-Well, I just didn’t had the opportunity to do so many concerts till now. But I enjoy it. In the past, it also cost a lot of money and we would have to cancel shows for money problems, which was very annoying, but it was not on this label. Now, it seems to be getting better.

-You collaborated sometimes with « Death in Vegas », on stage and on record : will you do it again ?

-Yes, and I have actually, I’ve done it, I sing on one track on the new album, and I will definitely go on stage with them again !

-What did you listen to ten years ago ?

-Ten years ago, to be honest, I didn’t buy so many records ‘cause I had no money being a student ! I really already loved electronic music. I moved to Glasgow in 89 and immediately went to this acid house club called the Black market. I've been into electronic music for more than 10 years. I like many different things, I just like songs.

-Some of the songs of «We’re science» remind me of the songs in the Twin peaks movie : »Fire walk with me», those by Julee Cruise in particular, when I listen to «Performance»... Have you never been tempted to compose songs for soundtracks ?

-Well, I've been asked to do the music for a film and I’m really excited about that. I will do the full score ! I've been given the script and it's a feature film. It’s quite a dark story, with Hollywood funding, but a British director. I think there's a scope for layers of harmonies, with a bleak undertone. I'm really looking forward to it.

-Are you interested in the DVD format for videos, with small films like Bjork does ?

-Yes definitely. I'm interested in marrying visuals and music.

Interview and photos by JP Coillard.