December under doctors orders but all the gigs have been rebooked from the end of the year onwards and I can’t wait to get back to work as soon as the doctors tell me it’s safe to do so.
How are you finding the solo career having been a founding member of UB40 and associated with the band for so long?
The way I’m feeling about my music now makes me feel that I should have left 10 years earlier – I’m loving the freedom, loving the control and loving playing with my new band round the world. The Dep Band are in my opinion the best reggae band on the circuit at the moment – so I am happier than I have been in years.
What, if anything, has changed about your approach to writing music?
It’s a much quicker process and much more spontaneous which gives me more confidence, and in turn I am much more prolific.
How did you recruit the Dep Band members?
I was very lucky – the band are all consumate professional musicians and we all get on very well – everything’s been so easy and fitted so well that I feel very lucky and fortunate.
How strong do you feel the reggae scene in the UK is today? How does that compare with 10/20 years ago?
Reggae is the most influential music there is – its effect on contemporary music is second to none. The reggae scene is going from strength to strength in my view.
Is there anywhere you’re particularly looking forward to performing your reworkings?
I can’t wait to get out and perform great British songs with the Dep Band in late 2010 and into 2011.
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