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• xfm 25

Xfm Meets Gary Numan

added 18 March 2008 at 18.46

Gary Numan - one of the most influential musicians of the post-punk era - has left an indelible mark upon modern music history. Casting a shadow over music genres as diverse as industrial rock and hip-hop, Numan remains a true one-off.

Xfm caught up with Gary Numan to discuss his 50th birthday, his influence on other artists and Trent Reznor. We also found out Gary's future plans and his opinon of the music industry's current status...

Why tour 'Replicas' after so long?

"It's my age, I've just turned 50 and February was the 30th anniversary of my first single and so I thought I'd do a tour to celebrate..." [Listen To Full Answer]

Your music has aged very well. What do you attribute that to?

"It might be that I was lucky enough to be one of the first people to become successful doing this kind of music..." [Listen To Full Answer]

What attracted you to your sound, how did it come about?

"I wasn't really attracted to it to be honest, i went into the studio to record a punk album..." [Listen To Full Answer]

Were you aware of how much of a wave you were making?

"I didn't actually because although it was selling really well, the press were so hostile at the time..." [Listen To Full Answer]

You have had such an influence on the music industry, in particular your sound has been embraced by the hip hop and industrial scene. Does it surprise you?

"Over the years it has, I was unaware of it all happening..." [Listen To Full Answer]

Where do you see the future of music going?

"As I understand it the emphasis seems to be swinging back to live..." [Listen To Full Answer]

A lot of your contemporaries are on revival tours or are doing musicals. What's been your drive to keep creating new material rather than living in the past?

"I love doing it. The here and now situation, these retro tours- it's an admission of defeat..." [Listen To Full Answer]

What's next for you?

"As soon as we get back from this, there's another new album..." [Listen To Full Answer]

Finally, is there anyone you would like to work with?

"Yeah, well I first met Trent a few years ago...." [Listen To Full Answer]

Tagged as Albums, Collaboration, Exclusive, Interview

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