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Smoove & Turrell : Q & A

  • Written by  Matt Jones

Geordie duo Smoove & Turrell have been rocking the contemporary soul scene for some time now. Through the debut album Antique Soul in 2009, established producer, DJ and soulful remixer Smoove found his perfect complement in the impassioned tones of John Turrell – resulting in a vintage sound with an edge sharpened in contemporary reality, both musically and lyrically.

The resulting success included headline performances at Glastonbury, the undivided attention of radio stations across Europe and the UK, and an equally successful second album, Eccentric Audio, released in 2011. Ahead of their gig in Cardiff this Friday, Muso’s Guide talks to the duo about their forthcoming album, wider influences and the future of sweet soul music.

Muso’s: 2012 was all about touring and writing for you. What does 2013 hold for S&T?

S&T: More of the same really - we have just been in the studio recording and are writing the third album right now. We plan to get back on tour soon too and in fact, we have a load of new dates on our website.

Muso’s: Let’s talk more about the third album, due to be released at the end of this year. How will it differ from the previous two and what is influencing you whilst producing it?

We'll still maintain that Smoove & Turrell sound of northern soul, funk, jazz, blues etc., but there will be a few more twists in the next instalment, to say the least. Jamming and playing live with fantastic musicians has been a really great experience and has inspired us to work alongside these guys in some of the writing process too.

Muso’s: You’ve both been key players on the soul scene for a while now – how have you seen it evolve and change?

A few years ago we didn’t really play many UK gigs as most of our work was in Europe and elsewhere, but we have had great success recently in the UK with many venues and festivals booking us to play live. The funk and soul scene has blossomed a lot over the past five years and there are some great new acts popping up all over the UK.

Muso’s: John, in past interviews you’ve pointed out that you think the contemporary soul scene is dominated by older performers (and in my experience, older audiences) because they have had time to experience the hardship which drives the music. What is the future of soul if this is indeed the case?

S: We are trying to correct this but I don’t think we can do it single handed!

T: It's the whole package - young bands who want to be "soul" think they have to cover and be the same as say, Motown, to be authentic - but soul is about not adhering to that type of stereotype. In order for soul to live it has to move on; become something new again.

Muso’s: What are your major influences outside of funk and soul?

S&T: Too many records to list here but some of the artists we have recently been listening to include Gary Numan, CCL, Hot Chocolate, Tony Hatch, The Meditation Singers, Vehicle, Eddie Fisher Quintet, Skyy, Gap Band, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Roxy Music.

Muso’s: And to finish on a tongue-twister - which records would you not be where you are now, without?

S&T: 'Slowdown' and 'Beggarman' - these songs seem to go down best with the audience at live gigs.

Smoove & Turrell will be shaking up The Globe, Cardiff this Friday 25th January from 7.30pm. Check out smooveandturrell.com for their other UK tour dates and look out for Muso’s Guide’s review of the Cardiff gig early next week!

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