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Lloyd Cole: Embracing minimalism and new sounds in music

At 63, Lloyd Cole continues to innovate with minimalism and electronica.

Lloyd Cole esplora il minimalismo nella musica moderna
Scopri come Lloyd Cole abbraccia il minimalismo e i nuovi suoni.

Lloyd Cole: Embracing minimalism and new sounds in music
At the age of 63, Lloyd Cole, the legendary singer-songwriter known for his work with The Commotions, is not resting on his laurels. Instead, he is diving headfirst into the realms of minimalism and electronica, showcasing a willingness to evolve and experiment with his sound.

This shift marks a significant chapter in his career, which has spanned over four decades, beginning with his breakout success in the 1980s.

Influences and Inspirations

In a recent interview, Cole revealed that he has been influenced by Detroit minimalist techno artist Plastikman, also known as Ritchie Hawtin.

He admires how Plastikman can create an engaging track using just a few instruments, primarily relying on a drum machine. Cole expressed his desire to embrace this minimalist approach in his own music, stating, “Minimalism is a lovely challenge when recording, and it is something we have decided to embrace more on this tour.” This newfound inspiration is evident in his latest album, On Pain, which features a blend of minimalist electronica and pop, with lyrics that delve into themes of loss, mortality, and the passage of time.

A Full Band Experience

As he prepares for his upcoming performance at The Tivoli Theatre in Aberdeen, Cole is excited to reunite with a full band, including founding members of The Commotions, Blair Cowan and Neil Clark. This collaboration allows him to revisit his extensive back catalog, which includes hits from his debut album, Rattlesnakes, released in 1984. Cole noted, “I’m excited to play with a band again as I went quite a few years without that.” The dynamics of performing with a full band present a different set of challenges, particularly in terms of logistics and rehearsal. However, Cole relishes the opportunity to explore songs that may not work in an acoustic setting, stating, “With the band, it is a completely different show, and we can play certain songs that don’t work acoustically.”

Groundbreaking Collaborations

Throughout his career, Cole has not only been known for his guitar-oriented rock but has also ventured into groundbreaking synth music. His 2001 album, Plastic Wood, showcased his ability to blend genres, while his collaboration with Hans-Joachim Roedelius of the legendary German band Cluster resulted in Selected Studies, Vol. I. Cole reminisced about the creative process behind this collaboration, explaining how they exchanged unfinished pieces to complete each other’s work. This innovative approach led to a unique musical dialogue, culminating in a performance at Roedelius’s 80th birthday celebrations in Berlin. Cole hinted at the possibility of a future collaboration, stating, “I haven’t given up on the idea of us doing Selected Studies Volume 2… you never know.”

As Lloyd Cole continues to push the boundaries of his music, his journey serves as a testament to the power of evolution and creativity in the arts. With each new project, he invites listeners to join him on a sonic adventure that embraces both the past and the future.


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