this just in
This may not be relevant (or interesting) to all of you, but I am extremely excited. It has just been officially announced that in December, Depeche Mode will be meeting in Santa Barbara with producer Ben Hillier to discuss upcoming album details (!), and studio sessions will begin in January, after a holiday break. Hurrah!The choice of Ben Hillier was a welcome surprise. Although there has been speculation about Alan Wilder (see biography) being a potential producer, I thought this was complete and utter toss. He left the band, and it is highly unlikely that he should come back, much less to produce an album.
I hope Ben Hillier is able to take Depeche Mode's sound even further - no two DM albums sound alike so it'll be interesting to see which direction he chooses. The man's CV is extremely impressive, having produced material for Doves, Elbow, Blur, Idlewild, Pulp, Suede, Smashing Pumpkins, Travis, U2, and New Order, just to name a few. It has been suggested that the forthcoming album could take on a glam-electronic sound. Another likely possibility is that Ben will opt to work the same sort of magic he did on the Doves, Elbow, and Blur albums - swirling guitars, dark atmospheres, and a general sense of moodiness - perfect complements to Depeche Mode's repetoire of music.
Coincidentally Ben has worked with some of my other favourite bands, so I am very excited about what his collaboration with my favourite group can accomplish. It's only a question of time...
L'Esthete @ 17:54
