Since his first release in 1977, dub and EDM producer Adrian Sherwood has been at the forefront of electronica and remains a legend of the form.
This March, Australian audiences will have the opportunity to see Adrian mix live at WOMADelaide. “What I'm doing is I'm playing nearly all of my own productions and rare dub plays from other people,” Adrian says.
“From when I start to when I finish I'll be playing music that no one else can play, or is pretty unique versions of everything, and I'll be mixing them live from a mixing desk.
“For the crowd, they can't see what I'm doing so it won't sound like a normal record, it will sound quite three-dimensional; that's the idea, using lots of reverbs and delays. I'm going to work it so people can dance to it.”
Although Adrian has played countless stages across the world, including several performances at other WOMAD events, this will be the first time he appears at WOMADelaide. “I don't really think in terms of getting anything other than the pleasure of doing it,” he says.
“It's the same with musicians or anybody – I'm a producer doing a live dub show, really – but anytime you do a gig, if it's a great gig you come away from it elated. That's what I'm hoping to get from it.
“So I want to go there, make sure it's a really good gig and come away buzzing after doing it, which I think is what anybody would want, I'd hope. I haven't been to Australia for quite a few years and I'm looking forward to coming and seeing a few old friends and enjoying the country.”
Adrian recently celebrated his 60th birthday, meaning he's spent nearly three-quarters of his life in production. In 1979, he founded his label On-U Sound Records that he still runs today and worked extensively with reggae idol Lee 'Scratch' Perry in formulating the modern dub sound.
Throughout his career Adrian has produced many great records, but he says his most recent collaboration with dubstep artist Pinch – under their moniker Sherwood & Pinch – is one of his proudest creations. “I think it's a contemporary dub album of the highest quality,” he says.
“It doesn't sound like everybody else's record, and where we aimed to go on it we might not have quite achieved but I think that is a very contemporary, listenable album. More than listenable; quite challenging and it's beautiful as well.”
Ahead of his WOMADelaide performance Adrian assures potential crowds of a diverse and far-reaching setlist that will keep feet moving on the dancefloor.
“The thing is I do what I do and I think the set I'm doing at the moment is quite engaging because it's covering lots of aspects, but it's got the flow through it with the beat, the bass and all the effects.
“I can literally play one of my Colombian tracks then switch it into a dance tune and the flow and rhythmic quality would satisfy people who are really fans of groove, music and performance.”
Adrian Sherwood Tour Dates
Fri 9 Mar - WOMADelaide (Adelaide)Sat 10 Mar - The Basement (Sydney)
Sun 11 Mar - Golden Plains Festival (Victoria)
Wed 14 Mar - The Curtin Band Room (Melbourne)
