http://www.theb52s.com/ne...pdate.html

Studio Update -- Keith, Nov. 2006

Is the band excited about the new record? How would you describe the results?
Keith: Yes, we are all very excited. It is Rock 'n Roll-Glam-Electro-Soul for your pleasure zones, and sky blue with the volume turned up to hot pink.

What is the reason it took so long for the band to do a new album?
We took a short break which ended up lasting several years with each of us going our individual ways musically. I continued to write and experiment on music. I considered doing a solo album, but in a moment of clarity I decided that I would rather put my energy into a new B-52's album. After several years of performing together again we eventually agreed to start writing as well. In 2003 we began writing for the new album. Since then there have been some unavoidable delays and business distractions, but now, at last, we're on our way.

Why did you choose Steve Osborne to produce the new album?
Steve Osborne produced the New Order album Get Ready, which I love. When we were discussing producers for the album, I suggested Steve. He was at the top of my wish list of producers. I had a hunch that he would understand perfectly the sound and direction of our new songs. Steve has been a delight to work with.

Is Steve Osborne augmenting your sound with new elements you may have never considered, or is he putting finishing touches on tracks you've already produced as demos?
We are using our demos as the basic tracks, which is very cool. I recorded most of my guitar and other instruments on ProTools at my home in Key West. Much of Fred, Cindy and Kate's vocal performances are first-takes from their jam sessions which we added in Atlanta. Steve has been fine tuning the tracks by incorporating more loops and grooves with analog and acoustic elements for more atmosphere and ambience.

Are you working sensible 9 to 5 office hours? Or are they crazed all night graveyard rock 'n roll shifts on a 'caffeine buzz'?
Yes...there's too much caffeine in my bloodstream. There have been numerous occasions where I've been up until dawn writing music and then had to catch a flight to meet Cindy, Fred and Kate in Atlanta for their writing sessions. Once there it's a much more sensible schedule.

Will the new album be more earthy with songs like "Roam" or "Revolution Earth", or will it be more about outer space? Or something totally different?
About halfway through these sessions we noticed a theme developing. However, I don't want to spoil the experience for you by giving it away. You've got to hear it to believe it.

No solo songs like "Give Me Back My Man"?
So far there are not. However, I must say I love "Give Me Back My Man." It's one of my favorite songs to perform. It is a very cinematic, surreal and emotional song. I love the chord changes and the way the music builds into a catharsis. It makes me think of Ricky. I have been moved to tears performing that song.**

Fred Sheinder has a really good show on Sirius's 1st Wave, which plays classic alternative. It's on Friday nights and only recently have I started catching parts of it. He plays some interesting stuff.

Nick715 said:

Sounds promising.

Thanks for posting this.

VinnyM27 said:

Is this show available online at all?

This interview makes it sound like Keith is the leader of the group, which i guess makes sense cause hes become more and more active after ricky died.

But for some reason I was always on the impression it was a Fred/Kate ran group.

But good to hear, also somewhere on here someone was saying that they have been producing Sophie Ellis Bextor, which sounds like a strange combo to me, but who knows.

Mara said:

I don't think so. You have to have Sirius. You can listen to Sirius online if you're a subscriber.