Edward Ka-Spel is the voice and keyboard player in the LEGENDARY PINK DOTS, who are surely one of Europe’s finest, most original, and intelligent bands. Their music combines aspects of many different styles, from classical to experimental to psychedelic. Since 1980, the Dots have been releasing recordings that are unclassifiable and cryptic, radiating both light and darkness. When listening to them, one always experiences strange and filmic visual imagery (especially with headphones in total darkness). Besides producing Pink Dots material, Ka-Spel periodically records with cEvin Key (of SKINNY PUPPY) as THE TEAR GARDEN. This project is not dissimilar to the Dots, with it’s mellow, seething, swirling psychological drama and emotion. Both bands prove to be excursions into worlds unlike any ever before experienced–truly music with an atmosphere and feeling. The latest LEGENDARY PINK DOTS material is now available in America through Wax Trax!/Play It Again Sam Records. Recently, Edward took the time to answer these questions for us. Interview conducted via post by GODSEND’s Clint Davis.
(original link — The date of this interview was approximated.)
GODSEND (G): What is the current lineup for the LEGENDARY PINK DOTS?
Edward Ka-Spel (EKS): The Silver Man (keyboards,samples), Edward Ka-Spel (voice,keyboards), Niels Van Hoorn (saxophone,flute), Hanz Myre (electronics,sax,flute), Bob Pistoor (guitar,sitar).
G: When did the band form and how?
EKS: We formed in August 1980 (The Silver Man, Edward, April Iliffe) in a dilapidated, reputedly haunted squat in East London. We were all friends for some time.
G: Has any band member besides Edward done outside work?
EKS: Phil (The Silver Man) worked on a side project called “MOISTEN BEFORE USE” (2 cassette releases), in England.
G: Do you have any influences in your music?
EKS: We’re influenced by everything we like (from ABBA to XENAKIS), but if you really want to know the common favorites (those rarely off the turntable at Le Dots), we have to mention BRAINTICKET, CAN, AMON DUUL II, ASH RA TEMPEL–mind warp psychedelia.
G: What is your position on bands like SEVERED HEADS, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, OR MINISTRY? Does your relationship with cEvin Key go as far as professional?
EKS: cEvin is a friend for some years. He’ll still be that whether or not TEAR GARDEN continues. I (Edward) honestly feel that the hard beat music that SKINNY PUPPY produces is the best (much pain and emotion that others lack). I’m also fond of SEVERED HEADS. Oh..and FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY are a wonderful live band (just saw them in London)!
G: What are your views on animal rights?
EKS: FIREBOMB the furriers and the abbatoirs (when they’re closed, of course). We mean it. Abuse to animals makes me angrier than just about anything. The only “political” cause we EVER supported was Animal Liberation Front–the so-called “Animal Terrorists”–we still stand by their actions.
G: What are the future plans for the LEGENDARY PINK DOTS?
EKS: There’s the Legendary Pink Box (3 albums in a box)–2 years work. A new album currently in progress documenting in gory, glorious detail the events of the Crushed Velvet Apocalypse.
G: Any closing comments?
EKS: For Fundamentalist Christians in Indiana, Fundamentalist Moslems in Teheran–you are of the same breed. Religion in whatever form is boxing(?), formulating spirituality. Religion is man-made. Free yourselves, think for yourselves. Sing While You May.
