David Gilmour’s Surprising Path to His Best Solo Album
When legendary guitarist and vocalist David Gilmour was considering producers for his fifth solo album, a well-known name came to mind. "We had thought about Rick Rubin," Gilmour admitted in an appearance on the Rockonteurs podcast. However, he decided to take a different route, opting instead for a young and up-and-coming producer who could offer a fresh perspective.
That producer was Charlie Andrew, known for his work with U.K. indie rock groups Alt-J, Wolf Alice, and London Grammar. Gilmour met Andrew through a suggestion made by his wife, Polly. "My lovely wife, Polly, came up with the notion of looking at who was younger and hot in the production world," Gilmour explained.
Gilmour’s Decision
Gilmour initially reached out to Andrew via Instagram, where he asked if Andrew would be interested in working together. Andrew visited Gilmour’s home studio, listened to the early demos, and asked questions before offering to take on the project.
The result of their collaboration is Luck and Strange, an album that Gilmour believes is his best work since Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. "There’s less of a crystal clear purity," he explained. "And the cohesiveness of the whole album, to me, I find quite extraordinary. They have put all those sounds together and every track ties in in a certain way. It’s a different sound. I don’t think it’s any less brilliant or any less pure."
Finding a New Sound
Some of Andrew’s choices may have initially seemed unconventional, such as "distorted elements" and "out of tune elements." Gilmour even admitted that he initially raised an eyebrow at some of Andrew’s suggestions. However, upon further reflection, he grew to appreciate Andrew’s creative approach.
The Perfect Collaboration
For Gilmour, the collaboration with Andrew was the perfect solution. "The fresh thing in those records really appealed to me," he explained. "They have taken all these strange and exotic sounds and used them as a kind of glue. It’s all very new and exciting to me, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it."
FAQs
Q: Why did David Gilmour consider Rick Rubin for his fifth solo album?
A: Gilmour was considering several options, but ultimately decided that Rubin might not be the right fit for his album.
Q: How did Charlie Andrew come into the project?
A: David Gilmour’s wife, Polly, suggested Andrew as a possible producer for the album. Gilmour reached out to Andrew via Instagram, and after a meeting at his home studio, Andrew agreed to take on the project.
Q: What made Luck and Strange stand out as a collaborative effort?
A: Gilmour credits Andrew’s fresh perspective and ability to incorporate unusual sounds into the album as key elements that set Luck and Strange apart from Gilmour’s previous solo work.
Q: Will David Gilmour continue to collaborate with Charlie Andrew in the future?
A: While nothing has been officially announced, Gilmour has spoken highly of Andrew and has expressed a willingness to collaborate with him again in the future.
Conclusion:
David Gilmour’s fifth solo album, Luck and Strange, is a testament to the power of collaboration and taking risks. By stepping out of his comfort zone and working with a young, up-and-coming producer, Gilmour has created an album that is both reminiscent of his past work with Pink Floyd and innovative and fresh in its own right. As fans of his music, we can’t wait to see what he does next.
