Daniel
Barassi: Ben Hillier is the producer of the new album. How does Ben have to support the development of this new record, and do you feel that he and his people bring to a project of Depeche Mode? Fletch: We are very pleased with the work of Ben in this last album. Normally, Depeche Mode does not use the same kind twice. Maybe it's because the same person does not want to work with us twice (laughs). Ben has been more like a tyrant in this album. We have recorded many more songs than usual, so there was much work to do. He was really immersed in it. Daniel Barassi: webclips In some studies, a team of people Ben is playing much guitar with Martin. Can you tell us more? Fletch: His name is Luke Smith. In the previous album had Dave McCracken. Lucas is doing the same role on this album, he does basically an extra musician. To be honest, the atmosphere is generally very, very good. It is very soft. Is also good fun and we are very satisfied with what we have produced. I think we've produced something that is very good. Daniel Barassi: Was there any particular sound, the band was intended, to go into the studio? Fletch: Normally when we entered the studio there is a specific sound. Obviously, we had the demos for Martin, but I think one of the driving, inspirational, was Martin's obsession with analog synthesizers eBay. Daniel Barassi: The truth is I wanted to ask about that topic. "Ben was already collecting this kind of material they were doing," Playing The Angel "?. Right? Fletch: Yes and Martin got a new obsession I guess, chose analog synthesizers and guitar pedals. Every two days, a new packet arrives. We wanted to make the content and see how it sounded. That was quite an inspiration. In general, I think is a more electronic album. There's guitar, of course, but much more electronic than "Playing The Angel." Daniel Barassi: Do you think all the new toys in the study, helped or damaged the recording process? Did fear of excessive production, or new equipment was helpful? Fletch: was inspiring, just got something you had heard it was Well, the next step was to try it. You sound like you, and we said "let's try this." Literally every day appeared, there appeared a new box. Daniel Barassi: It is clear that some teams were very old. We all really work? Fletch: All were in very good condition. Daniel Barassi: Dave contributed some songs to this new album, as he did in "Playing The Angel." How is having two writers in the band now, and believe that this adds strength to the project? Fletch: Well, before we had two writers in the band ... Daniel Barassi: Yes (Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder), but I mean now, in the current lineup. Fletch: The truth is that I think the fact that Dave has made write songs a little more this group is much safer. It is one of the main reasons why the band is really more blended. The lyrics of the songs from Dave are getting better all the time. Honestly, sometimes it's really difficult to distinguish between the songs of Dave and Martin. Above all, Martin has probably been more prolific as a composer on this project, which in the past. He has written more songs, all good quality, that it has for a long time, that is why I think there is much quality in this album that goes from start to finish. Daniel Barassi: Do you think that the passage of new songs to a live performance will be difficult, or will be a simple process? Fletch: Some songs are more suited to the live version, and some others are not. Traditionally, when we are in the studio, we do not really live presentation. When we finished the album, recently began to focus squarely on the tour. We are in the process, at the moment of choosing the songs from the new album that we play live, what old songs we choose, and which versions we will make every one of them. Sometimes remixes by example, give us some inspiration. Daniel Barassi: Has there been any quarrel between the three, songs, or versions of these songs you want to play on this tour? Fletch: not think it's a problem. I think the main issue is the enormous amount of songs we have. Choose a set of songs, of the 200 ... if you do, let's play six or seven new songs, so they are probably two hundred fourteen songs from the historical that we choose. This makes it very, very difficult. And considering that the first leg of the tour is in stages, I think we must be cautious when choosing the right set for this type of place. Daniel Barassi: You've recorded something while in the study. Were you surprised by the positive reaction of the fans for FletchCam?, And how they feel with the camera in the study, affects the recording process? Fletch: do not think the camera in the study affect the process at all. Basically, what I'm trying to do is record everything that is relevant. You know, these guys like to be recorded (laughs). Daniel Barassi: Did you have fun doing it? Fletch: Yes Normally I do not see myself as a good cameraman. I think in "Playing The Angel" trembled a little, so I tried to stay a little firmer this time. Daniel Barassi: Do you like being in front of the camera, or behind? Fletch: I do not care. When I am recording, sometimes it's weird, because I'm doing the recording, and I'm not aware seeing what I record. I do not care actually be in front or behind the camera. Clip No. 6. Daniel Barassi: The interest in the press conference held in October was so great that he initially burst both the official website of Depeche Mode, as the website that provides streaming video. After so many years, records and tours, what so satisfying for the band is keeping such a high level of hardcore fans, and what they attribute? Fletch: To be honest, we were surprised. Live is even bigger than it was when we were at the top of the charts. Some of these concerts were in Europe ... I mean the era of "Violator", we played in small venues, and we were on the charts. It's incredible. I think one of the reasons which have sold as many tickets for this tour, is because we strive to make each show a high quality. Daniel Barassi: It must be interesting to see that the number of record sales is one, and their live shows have a number even greater ticket sales. Does that discourage? Fletch: Not really, as Depeche Mode has existed for nearly 30 years. People have fallen in love with Depeche Mode during that time. A people like one more step to another. No, I understand. In general we have sold few records. Hard to say, considering that in general do not sell many records. Daniel Barassi: In the study, you can see a sign "No On Prop 8" stuck in a window (this is a reference to the proposed California gay marriage). About the poster who has written the slogan "Unfair and Wrong". The first single is called "Wrong." Coincidence? Fletch: It is no coincidence. "Wrong" was written before that. That was very interesting. In Santa Barbara, our study was by the Obama headquarters. We are next door and had some gifts of propaganda, so we had badges and everything. It was cool. Daniel Barassi: Have any of you are actually registered to vote in the U.S.? Flecth: We are all British citizens. Daniel Barassi: Was there any thought to persuade fans, or is it just that the band had an opinion and nothing more? Fletch: Remember that Dave lives in the United States and is married to an American. Martin is married to an American. I'm really aware of the political thing. Obama knew, and elections were when we were in the United States. We were very pro-Obama, and feel the emotion . Daniel Barassi: Is there something you want to say to fans who read the website? Flecth: There are a lot of information that's out soon. I understand fans' frustration at the limited info on the website, but as I said before, is an official site. One of the problems is the official web site upload information only when it's official. Daniel Barassi: What you see in the future of Depeche Mode, the long term? Fletch: Well, to be honest, I always give the same answer. We made the record, and then make the tour. Other than that, we are not looking for something beyond. All I can say is that the atmosphere around the band at this point is very very good, and is a good omen for the future. 
