Limahl - 'Still in love' - Exclusive Interview
Limahl - ‘Still In Love - Exclusive Interview for Decibel Report by Andy Rawll.
80s icon and beloved anagram Limahl is back with ‘Still in love’, his first solo single release in eight years.
In truth, he’s never really been away. As a figurehead of the sights and sounds of 80s music, he’s remained in high demand ever since the post-Millennium revival of music from that eclectic and fun era of mega-mullets, baggy trousers, skin-tight spandex, headbands and leg-warmers.
His contemporary look may be more Harry Connick junior than Flock of Seagulls senior, yet his new music represents more of an evolution of his signature style of anthemic electro-pop than a reinvention as an interpreter of jazz standards.
‘Still in love’ is far from the saccharine ballad that the title might suggest. It breezes along with a lovely bittersweet swoon, enraptured by a sparkling arrangement by co-writer Miro Markus.
‘Still In Love' music video. (written/produced by Limahl & Miro Markus. https://ffm.to/stillinlove
Indeed, Limahl’s voice remains in fine fettle, exuding natural soul and warmth, and unadorned by the unnecessary studio enhancements that plague so many modern recordings.
Markus has achieved a finely-executed balance between old and new, melding the sparkling electronica of prime time Moroder and the organic sound of KJGG, whose oft-forgotten musicianship was more Level 42 than Wham. It’s a sound that’s sure to appeal to fans from across the ages.
The result is gorgeously ethereal and the impact affirmingly heart-warming.
Limahl talks about ‘Still in love’ and much more in this new interview for Decibel Report.
Andy Rawll from Decibel Report spoke to Limahl about the new single and how it marks his 40th year in the entertainment business. He revealed how serendipity had played an important role in his career, from the chance meeting, when he working as a waiter in a cocktail bar, that led to a record deal; how he narrowly avoided boyband obscurity and a recent crossroads moment that almost changed his life forever. Watch the video for revelations including:
How it all started on a wet Wednesday in Brixton ?
How Lamar begat Limahl ?
How being the best man at his brother’s wedding stymied his Shakin’ Stevens connection ?
How Buck’s Fizz’s Mike Nolan became a life-long friend ?
How Lemmy used to terrorise the clientele at the Embassy Club ?
How his first crossroads moment made his career ?
Partying with Whitney and Anita in New York ?
How Arista lost $250,000 on him ?
Why he sees himself as a valuable antique ?
Q&A
To round-up our time in Limahl’s engaging company, we delved into his musical peccadillos:
What was the first single you bought ?
“The first single I bought was ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond. Mum & Dad had bought our first ‘Stereogram’ which was a combined record player and radio in a nice piece of furniture finished in polished wood. The sound was fantastic. Looking back I imagine the neighbours were probably saying to themselves “oh no not ‘Sweet f-ing Caroline’ AGAIN”.
Who was/is your biggest musical influence ?
“Growing up in Wigan (Lancs), I heard a lot of early Northern Soul music by my older brother who frequented the famous Northern Soul venue, The Wigan Casino. I also loved almost anything on the Motown label and the TSOP label (The Sound Of Philadelphia). Polished soul/pop at its best.”
What was the most recent music that you acquired ?
“At the moment, on my Spotify Playlist: ‘Bust This Town’ by Stereophonics , ‘Mother’ by Charlie Puth, ‘Counting Stars’ by OneRepublic, ‘No Roots’ by Alice Merton, ‘Strong’ by Mark Kingswood, ‘Nice To Meet Ya’ by Niall Horan, ‘Colours’ by Black Pumas, ‘Trampoline’ by Shaed & Zayn, ‘Candlelight’ by Jack Savoretti, ‘Don’t Start Now’ by Dua Lipa, ‘Rolling’ & ‘Hero’ by Michael Kiwanuka, ‘Do It So Well’ by Example, ‘Tongue Tied’ by Earl, ‘Circles’ by Post Malone, ‘Like Sugar’ by Chaka Khan, ‘Lola’s Theme’ by Shapeshifters, ‘Giant’ by Calvin Harris/Rag n’ Bone Man. And finally, various tracks/mixes by Purple Disco Machine.”
Do you have a special skill or a fact about you that your follower may not know about ?
·”I can sing ‘How much Is that doggy in the window’ backwards”
What question do you wish that people would stop asking you ?
“My age !”
LIVE PERFORMANCES:
Prior to lockdown Limahl was planning a full-scale return this year. UK Festivals confirmed for 2020 included: Forever Young 11th July in Kildare/Ireland plus Rewind Scotland 19th July & Rewind South (Henley) 15th August. Overseas appearances include ‘X Factor’ Denmark Feb 28th, 80’s Pioneers Zurich 30th May & Formel Eins 80’s Live Dusseldorf Nov 14th.
For updates on rescheduled dates, please visit www.limahl.com
NEWS UPDATES:
www.facebook.com/limahlofficial
www.youtube.com/user/Limahlonline
www.instagram.com/limahl_official