Delphic – Interview

Delphic – Interview Main Image

Delphic triumphantly returned to our stereos in 2012 with the release of their second album entitled Collections. The Manchester three piece, who placed third in the BBC’s sounds of 2010, took a radically different approach with their sophomore release and took cues from hip-hop and R&B rather than the dance-oriented album Acolyte. The band return to Japan as part of this month’s Hacienda music festival in Oiso, so what better time to catch up with Matt Cocksedge, the band’s guitarist, to hear about what they have been up to.

How are you feeling ahead of your return to Japan for the Hacienda festival?

Very well thank you, although I hurt my knee the other day. It will get better soon though.

What are you looking forward to doing/seeing while you are here?

We always love coming to Japan, we’re looking forward to wandering around Shibuya, eating some excellent Japanese food, and maybe visiting some arcades too. We always want to play football on that pitch on top of the skyscraper but I think you have to book way in advance, and we never do… Maybe next time though?!

As a Manchester band playing alongside such legends as Peter Hook, Happy Mondays and 808 State at the festival, it must feel pretty special?

Absolutely, it’s pretty crazy to be in such illustrious company. I think we’ve been invited to make the tea.

Your second album is markedly different from your first effort. What was the reasoning behind the change in direction?

We get bored very easily and like to do thing the difficult way… We felt that the easy option would’ve been to do Acolyte part 2, so naturally we went in completely the other direction.

Why did you choose to work with several producers on the album rather than just one? Does it echo the idea of the record being called Collections?

Absolutely. We wanted to work with people who were leaders in their particular field, and due to the diversity of the record we had to look far and wide. Many things fed in to the record being called Collections and this was just one of them, but it was always important for us to try and unify the record, so whilst we had a few producers, we mixed the whole record with Ben Allen.

Which track are you most proud of and why?

Atlas, because it was a long time in the writing (probably around 2 years overall), and emotionally it always does something to me. Plus I really enjoy playing that guitar riff.

Does being “a band from Manchester” still affect how people see you do you think?

I think it’s less of an issue now because the sound of the new record means it’s not so easy to label us. But we would never hide the fact that we’re from Manchester, we’re proud of our home city, even if we feel it doesn’t define us or the music we make.

What’s the music and clubbing scene like in Manchester these days?

BANGIN.

What are your thoughts on the original Hacienda and the influence it’s had upon music and clubbing? Did it influence you in any way?

The Hacienda obviously has an enormous legacy, however we were too young to go so any influence it has had on us can only be indirectly.

Can you sum up a Delphic live show in three words?

No. Need more.

Are there any other acts you’re particularly looking forward to checking out at the festival?

We’re just looking forward to having a dance and enjoying ourselves. We don’t like to define the soundtrack until we’re in the moment.

Any message for your Japanese fans?

Hello again! We can’t wait to be back in Japan and we are really excited to be playing for you again. We hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we know we will.

AUDIO | THE HACIENDA OISO FESTIVAL April 28th (Sat) & 29th (Sun) @ Oiso Long Beach Special indoor / outdoor venue, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Words: Mark Birtles

Translation: Kaori Ishikawa

April 20, 2013