Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2011
From the late ‘80s to early ‘90s, Alan McGee’s Creation Records was the place to be. The home to bands like Ride, Primal Scream and Oasis, the label was synonymous with British indie and what later came to be known as Britpop. Two decades later, McGee joins Primal Scream and a host of other British acts in celebrating the era at Sonicmania, the all-night warm-up for this weekend’s Summer Sonic. Metropolis caught up with McGee before his Friday night appearance, which is to include a DJ set and screening of the documentary about the veteran producer’s wild ride in the music biz, “Upside Down.”
With terrible events occurring like the recent happenings in Norway, what keeps you sane and healthy?
I retreated to Wales from the city and only enter cities when I have something specific to do like a talk or DJ set. I live in the middle of nowhere in Wales so I have no neighbors. I only deal with people when I have to go and do a gig.
What stands out most from your early days?
I remember my childhood in Glasgow. I was determined not to be my dad, who by the way is a great guy, but I didn’t want to be him. I never wanted a real job and have avoided doing that since I was 22, and I am now 50. So good work, I would say.
Public Image Limited are playing Summer Sonic 2011 as are you. “Rise” was one of their later hits. What makes the road rise with you?
I like positive people and try and stay around that. Other than that I live in a world of books and films of Crowley/Peter J Carroll/Austin Osman Spare and Kenneth Anger.
If you were to have someone guide you in Japan, whom would it be and why?
Malcolm McLaren. He was my initial inspiration to do music.
What would you like to contribute to Japan’s growth from 2011 onward?
I love Japan. I love the people. I just hope you guys recover from the earthquake. It was heartbreaking to watch.
What gets you up each day and what is the penultimate achievement for you?
My daughter is the shining light of my life as everything I am she has in spades. She is ten and at a great point in life and has all she wants for whatever she wants to do in life. I am cool as long as she is happy.
Is this where you thought you would end up?
I needed a break and to get out of Glasgow. I was lucky. I managed it. I probably should have ended up a taxi driver weighing 20 stone and having 3 kids. Instead, I went to London and made it in music and now I live in a mansion in Wales with my family.
Sonicmania, Aug 12 (listing).
