Scroobius Pip is preparing to release his debut solo album ‘Distraction Pieces’ on September 19th.
A maverick from the spoken word scene, Scroobius Pip teamed up with dan le sac to form an unlikely duo. Mixing electronics with some hip hop flavoured pieces, the pair have released some challenging material.
dan le sac is busy with his label and other commitments, leaving Scroobius Pip to work on material with a new flavour. Gathering a variety of collaborators, the spoken word artist has completed his debut solo album.
‘Distraction Pieces’ is due to be released on September 19th, with the album collecting work from Renholder (aka Danny Lohner NIN / A Perfect Circle), Richard Russell (XL), Steve Mason, Sage Francis, P.O.S. Zane Lowe, B Dolan and Aupheus.
Giving a track by track guide to ‘Distraction Pieces’ the spoken word artist has revealed a few illuminating influences. Opening with ‘Introdiction’ the piece is produced by Renholder (aka Danny Lohner of Nine Inch Nails / A Perfect Circle):
“This track is pretty much an introduction to the feel and sound of Distraction Pieces. It sets the tone and mood with levels of darkness, irreverence and straight forwardness. No time to mess around with verse/chorus/verse/chorus on this one I’m afraid!”
Elsewhere, XL label boss Richard Russell has contributed to ‘Try Dying’. According to Scroobius Pip: “This one is about man’s obsession with staying on this planet as long as he can. Always trying to claw those extra few bleak years. Punching through the subject without hanging around too long and ending on a rousing bit of chanting! Splendid.”
Steve Mason takes charge on ‘The Struggle’ which is apparently a dissection of celebrity culture. “This is a bit of a blues number. But tweeked appropriately. Kind of just telling a story and kind of looking at “celebrity” 50 odd years on from when cinema and TV pushed the idea to new levels.”
Ending with a Kate Bush cover – ‘Feel It’ no less – ‘Distraction Pieces’ will come backed with an Autumn tour. Set to play London’s Hoxton Bar & Kitchen on August 18th, Scroobius Pip will unveil material from his new album with a full live band.
Scroobius Pip will release ‘Distraction Pieces’ on September 19th.
