Gang seek producer

Andy Gill reveals Gang Of Four consider hiring a producer on new record

01 June 2009 - Guitarist and producer Andy Gill started his career with the Gang of Four in the late 70s and is now working on their seventh album.

He has produced the likes of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Killing Joke and Mercury Prize-nominated Young Knives.

Speaking to BBC 6 Music he told us that their loyal fans will be happy with how the record is shaping up.

“It’s sounding fantastically exciting,” explained Gill. “It sounds like classic Gang Of Four. Funky, yet amazing guitar and I play the guitar now, surprising.”

"I think it would be a good idea to have somebody really good to be involved."
Andy Gill

The Leeds post-punk outfit’s last original studio instalment, Shrinkwrapped, was put out in 1995.

Gill and original Gang of Four singer Jon King are currently working on their new album in Gill’s studio in London with Mark Heaney on drums and Thomas McNeice on bass.

He said he has his work cut out so is thinking of recruiting someone to master the record: “It’s slightly insane because I’m producer, guitarist, songwriter, I do a lot of the vocals as well and all the songs are written with my partner John King.

“I sometimes think it would be great to have a producer to take that off my shoulders. We’ve been talking about maybe doing that, to get to the end of it.”

If they do get a producer, Gill added that he’d like to get a big name on board.

“There’s lots of people that we would be thrilled to work with. That’s something I really should explore a bit because I think it would be a good idea to have somebody really good to be involved in some capacity,” he said.

The gang have confirmed slots at Lovebox and Benicassim festivals this summer, with four UK tour dates in the diary in September.

Georgie Rogers