Daniel Stephen is better known as Dan Le Sac, who is better known for his work alongside Scroobius Pip (or David Peter Meads-whichever you prefer!), however having unleashed two supremely successful albums as a unit, the pair have gone on a temporary hiatus to explore the solo world. With his debut solo album ‘Space Between The Words” having more than proven he is a capable musician and engaging artist, Dan Le Sac is undertaking yet another challenge-the solo tour. As he prepares to hit the road, The Kaje caught up with the Essex’ innovator to find out how he was feeling…You are best known for your work with Scroobius Pip-how nervous were you unveiling your solo work?
Really nervous but not because of what I’m known for, it was more about not being known as a solo artist. Hopefully I’ve acquitted myself well enough though!
What prompted the decision to go it alone?
Just time really, with Scroob of doing his “nu-metal” thing, his words not mine, I just started writing & after about 6 months or so I realised I had the foundations of an album. It took me a little longer to decide to actually put it out though!
Tell us some more about the album ‘Space Between The Words’…
It is a difficult beast to describe, it covers so many genres & styles that it has become hard to pigeon hole. The Dan & Pip records are eclectic but it gets to a new level when left to my own devices. I think that’s why I’ve used so many different vocalist on SBTW, it felt right to get B Dolan to share space with Emmy the Great or Merz.
While there aren’t Scroobius Pip collabs on the album, you have teamed up with an array of artists for the album. how do you choose who to work with?
It was fairly simple to be honest, most of the collaborators are friends & people I respect, and this album was a great opportunity to work with them all.
What makes a succesful partnership?
Just being honest, it makes no sense to go along with something for the sake of someone else’s feelings. You’ve both got to love what you do, or neither of you will end up happy.
Who out there do you dream of working with?
Thom Yorke, Cat Power, PJ Harvey, Bernard Sumner, Devendra Banhart to being with but I really like finding new voices to, Kid A on the 2nd DvP record is one of my favourite “finds”!
You are heading out on the road solo-excited?
Scared & excited! We did our first show at Bestival & it was great but I have never felt more nervous than I did on that stage. Even when walking out with Pip to play to 15000 people, I’m usually fairly relaxed but the solo thing is certainly a more raw experience for me.
What can be expected from your solo show?
It’s a live show, no dj tricks, no just pressing play, it’s Sarah Williams White & myself smashing out these new songs with as many guest vocalists as I can find along the way.
with ‘Space Between The Words’ out there, what is next?
I’ve got to get through the tour first before I can answer that correctly but Pip & I are starting on our 3rd LP, so I’m guessing that’ll take up a lot of my time, although I have been putting together a little electro band, think Human League “Being Boiled” Vs A Certain Ratio’s “Do the Du”, but we’ll just have to wait & see how that pans out!
The Kaje 