Beyond Orbital: Paul Hartnoll

Orbital, brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll, were one of the most exciting and innovative electronic bands of the last two decades. Their debut single “Chime” remains one of the defining anthems of the acid house era and their legendary appearances at Glastonbury defied expectations of whether dance music could cut it “live”.

Mark Biddle

Orbital, brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll, were one of the most exciting and innovative electronic bands of the last two decades. Their debut single “Chime” remains one of the defining anthems of the acid house era and their legendary appearances at Glastonbury defied expectations of whether dance music could cut it “live”.

Three years since going their separate ways, Paul has released his first solo album The Ideal Condition, which finds the techno pioneer experimenting with an orchestra, a 32-piece choir and the Cure’s Robert Smith.

Canvas Magazine snatched a few minutes of his time as he prepared to take the new album on the road this summer.

How did it feel to leave Orbital behind and work on your own? Was it a scary prospect or a liberating feeling?
           
It was both, really. Scary because you take away the easy option to carry on the same way and liberating because you go off on a new uncertain path.

Your brother Phil has gone on to form another band (Long Range) since Orbital split. Did you decide to record on your own as a solo artist, as opposed to forming another band?
             
No, it just happened that way. I started writing on my own and that's how it went, apart from the collaborations with vocalists, which was varied and fun to do.
           
The Ideal Condition is an intriguing title - what's the thinking behind it? Is there a concept behind the album?

The title came to me while writing the album as an observation on something people do all the time - always searching for the ideal condition, whether it’s finding the right spot on the beach to sit or as a way of living. I guess it was something I found myself doing a lot at the time, always trying to find the ideal condition to write the album. I suppose it’s just in reference to the amount of time we all spent preparing for the moment, rather than living it.

           
How did you get Robert Smith involved (on Pleased)? Were you a big fan of the Cure?
           
I met Robert a few years back at a festival in Sweden and thought he was a nice man, so when I thought of him for the track I just sent it the song and he was up for it. I was into the Cure, yes (still am).
           
           
What can we expect from the live shows this summer?  Will the orchestra and the singers be coming out on the road?
           
We’re going on the road with nine players, no orchestra or choir (we couldn't get a tour bus big enough). There will be four keyboard players, two string, one woodwind, one singer/guitarist (Lianne Hall, who sings on For Silence and Please) and a drummer. So it will be different from the album -  more electronic and mostly hand-played with very little sequencing.
           
Orbital's appearances at Glastonbury have recently been immortalised on
 DVD. Your first set there in 1994 is widely regarded as one of the best gigs of all time. How did it feel on stage?
           
I don't mind telling you that I was shitting myself! But it was one of the biggest musical buzzes I'd ever had, it was overwhelming, and it felt like I was in the centre of the universe.Mind you, I always feel like that at Glastonbury whether I’m playing or not!
           
What's the plan now that your solo album is finally finished - any thoughts on a follow-up?
           
I’m already thinking of another album and have started to get a few ideas down but I'm trying to focus on the live shows right now. It’s coming together really well and sounding good, so I’m getting excited about playing live again.

The Ideal Condition is out now on ACR recordings. Listen to tracks on www.paulhartnoll.com

Paul Hartnoll headlines at the Big Chill Festival, 3-5 August, www.bigchill.net