Jamie Lidell Says Beck Is 'Quite a Character'

Beck is "quite a character," says Jamie Lidell, who collaborated with the iconic indie visionary on his new album 'Compass' (due out on Warp Records on May 18). Recorded in part at Beck's Hudson Studios in Los Angeles, Beck also produced the LP. Lidell says, with utmost admiration, that his Beckness is a freak -- in a good way.
"He's quite an inspired character to have around," says British-born 36-year old, who recently moved from Berlin to New York. "He's really excited and passionate about what he does. He's into spontaneity. That's a big thing with Beck, the spontaneous moment."

Also featuring Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor, Wilco's Pat Sansone and Canadian vedettes Feist and Gonzales, 'Compass' resonates with that of-the-moment feel.

Lidell skillfully blends his funky background of leftfield electro, synth- and bass-heavy electronica with a soulful, pop-friendly sound that will surely bring up comparisons to Motown and Prince. Lyrics are personal and earnest, with Lidell's unmistakeable voice shining through.

"Everything came together really quickly," says Lidell, who also makes electronic music with techno artist Cristian Vogel as Super Collider.


After releasing 'Jim' in 2008, Lidell was overflowing with life experiences to write about. He penned all 14 songs on 'Compass' in just one month and managed to finish the record in five months, which he says is quite a speedy operation compared to his usual process of "procrastinating" and "mulling over details." Blame it on that hectic New York pace -- and, of course, on Beck's influence.

"He always manages to approach everything with a fresh attitude," Lidell says. "He's quite a formidable musician in general, constantly motivated by new experiences. He likes to be part of the modern world. He's inventive, he's quite a punk, really -- he's an eccentric guy. You never really get to know him, but he's really entertaining. He's proud of his career and he's a great storyteller."

As for Lidell, he's embarking on a hardcore summer touring schedule with his full band. A testament to this unique artist's appeal, some dates are already sold-out in both Europe and North America. Lidell tries to stay healthy and energized while on the move through exercise, a rider that specifies fresh fruits and nutritious snacks, and seeking out good restaurants to keep everything in its proper balance.

"In terms of life on the road, there are only a few givens: You know you're gonna eat and you know you're gonna have to play. You can control the small aspects of the day to make it more pleasurable."