Jamie Lidell aka “soul scientist” is back on the scene with a Motown inspired album and more views on Chas & Dave than you could ever imagine.

In 2005 Lidell released the album “Multiply” which received critical acclaim from the likes of NME. Now he’s back with a brand new album titled “Jim”, tour dates set for April and a new live band.

However it was his hilarious, witty and often random sense of humour which caught the attention of Chloe Addo, as she chatted to him about his favourite artists to listen to, his hate for Chas & Dave and desires to make a record with er, James Blunt.

Be warned, it’s anyone’s guess as to when Lidell decides to tell the truth. For some reason we found it difficult to believe pop princess Kylie Minogue really did inspire Lidell’s soul infused tunes and we’re not sure he really is mates with James Morrison. Read on with caution…

How would you describe your style?

I try not to. I don’t think I’m qualified. From what people keep telling me I’m a soul scientist and that’s all I can say. I wear glasses, I make soul and I play with machines.

Who are your influences?

Er you - Urbanplanet.co.uk, Ferrari’s, Maseraties, the Hercules 15, the vacuum cleaner; preferably 150 watts, my left CC speaker and Kylie Minogue - essentially: With a few others thrown in the works. Oh and Best British male, I’m influenced by their work ethic.

Are there any Motown Artists who influence your music?

Not really, Amy Winehouse… is she Motown?

Some may say there have been a number artists who have produced similar music to yourself- is there anyone you think does it badly?

Shakin Stevens and Chas & Dave.

Who do you think will buy your music?

Basically a lot of Urbanplanet.co.uk readers. I’ve heard their quite avid buyers of stuff, obviously not magazines - they like to get it for free and probably like to get the music for free too. So Urbanplanet readers do the right thing- nick some and then come to a show. The thing is 50 percent of teens didn’t buy a CD at all in 2007, it doesn’t bode well for US teens and doesn’t bode well for the Baltic states. Maybe 35-50 year olds.

Who would you like to think will buy your music?

This is a commercial record so hopefully everyone who buys Amy Winehouse.

So, are you hoping to steal her audience?

I started before her, she stole my audience. Ha ha.

You’re planning to perform with a live band on tour in April - did you make the album with the band or was it done electronically?

It’s all humans, it’s all humans, but there were different musicians playing on each record. My live band is a special configuration of friends and conspirators. It’s going to be a different affair from the sound on the record.

Can you say more on how it will be different?

Well, I’ve been playing for the last 6 years solo predominately and using my voice and proving myself as a one man tornado, so I’ll be doing my shit with the electronics but their will be four other people doing their shit with sticks of wood, bits of brass.

Its all a bit like carpentry it’s like woodwork and metal work but in Japan set in the 60s. You could be in a woodwork lab, in a plane crossing the Atlantic, flying between Japan and America - post country revelation into the funk stylie.

(Laughing) Oh I don’t know- maybe there’s some truth in that… (more seriously) maybe not.

Who are currently your favourite band(s)/artists?

Raymond Scott
Shuggy Otis
Moon Dog (Louis Thomas Hardin)
Prince

If you were to pick one, who do you think will make it big in 2008?

Probably Coldplay, their coming back with an album produced by Brian Eno - I’ve heard he’s quite good. I’m predicting I’m taking a risk here - I think Coldplay will make it big in 2008. Do you like the way I gamble? Like I’m living life on the edge, either that or Duffy. Fuck she’s is already number one, don’t think you can get much better than that. Can you?

Are you a Duffy fan?

I don’t know yet, I haven’t heard the album. I haven’t heard the single either. I don’t live in England and it’s not big in Germany. I heard she’s big over there. I saw her perform in some black and white photo’s - nice and committal. Joking apart I do like my pop I get the feeling it will be nice post Winehouse, Motownest pop and I like me a bit of that.

What one song means the most to you?

Martin Denies Harbour Lights, just because it’s relaxing and takes my mind off death.

Who is your all time favourite act?

Definitely would have to say Tyrone Davis

Are there any acts you love to hate?

Yes.

Who are they?

Chas & Dave - they called me a cunt once.

Why did they do that?

I saw them in Brighton and I wanted them to sign my t-shirt but I was a little bit drunk at the time and was laughing at them. There was a little undercurrent of “There’s Chas & Dave- whoa”. But they couldn’t take a joke and I saw their true colours. He dropped the C bomb in my face. No class. Like he’s never had that reaction before come on “raba, raba, rabbit rabbit rabbit” (he sings) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLHKzs12OGw). Its not exactly out of order, I was giving them more rabbit than Sainsbury’s but they had to turn me down into a metaphoric buttock. But fuck them. I’m bringing Chas & Dave down.

If you had a fight with them, do you think you’d win?

No. They’d probably play dirty and bring out darts and billiard equipment and get really filthy.

If you could use a weapon what would you go for?

Probably a cigarette mounted on a dart. That would be pay back for those boys.

Which one song do you wish you had written?

Wolly by Chas & Dave, they actually did write that song it was on a computer game I used to play. No probably The Lebanon by Human League.

How do British audiences compare to those in Germany?

Brits 7 out of 10, Germany 6 out of 10. Germany is a big country; I’ve averaged it off because I only like playing in Berlin and Hamburg, the rest of its shit. Munich is crap; Cologne is crap, Frankfurt’s crap. But in England most it’s pretty good.

Where’s your favourite place to perform in the UK?

Leeds.

What was your first job?

Worked in WH.Smiths in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

Which other celebrity would you least like to be stuck on a desert island with and why?

Phil Spector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Spector) – he doesn’t seem like a very nice man. I wouldn’t like to hang out with him much. Might be quite fun to pick his brains though. I think he’s a bit dangerous; he’d probably do you in during the middle of the night if you were alone with him on an island.

About Phil Spector

We would have to agree considering his current convictions for shooting a nightclub hostess at his apartment in 2003. Read more:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk/2000/newsmakers/2737229.stmhttp://music.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2257524,00.html

Are you familiar with James Morrison?

Yes

How do you feel being compared to him?

He’s a mate of mine (we’re unable to state whether this is true or not); I’m actually going to write his next album. He’s a good lad and he’s done well. He paved the way for people, well of course I started it in 2005 and all then all these people used the clear stepping stone that I made and took all my Grammy’s and Brit awards. But I’m back guys so watch your fucking arse alright. Me and James are going to hit it hard - a collaboration between me, James and James Blunt. It’s called the 3 tenors and its going to have pictures of 3 ten pound notes in a wine glass free a free packet of crisps and vocal lessons.

What flavour crisps?

Cheese

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully selling Fromage or in the fishing game. Organic fishing that is, sustainable, none of this fish farm nonsense.

Are you going to give up on music then?

I might do it as a side hobby.