David Wright

Spotlight by Severine, We7 PR Guru

Are you looking for some emotive, chill out or atmospheric music? Then look no further, as We7 presents to you David Wright, the keyboard player who creates his own unique blend of electronic and ambient music.

Not only has he managed to have a successful solo career (producing 18 albums and counting!), David is also a dedicated member of Code Indigo and runs his own record label, AD Music.

So hold on tight as this week We7 takes a look at David Wright's remarkable journey through music...

The interview

How would you describe your music?

Well, it used to be termed "Electronic Music", now it gets called electronica, new age, space music, instrumental, down tempo, chill out, even Easy listening?

I prefer the term "Contemporary Instrumental" though but probably "Electronic Music" best describes it and most people are familiar with that.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Places, events and emotional experiences. Sometimes though its a mystery where the music actually comes from. For example, the 1995 album "Moments In Time" was an emotional interpretation of events surrounding the American Indians with text by the author Joyce Cooper which didn't go down too well in the USA on release, but sold well later. The haunting main theme from the 2002 album "Walking with Ghosts" came from watching the terrible events of 9/11 on TV. I should add that that point was not made public until 2007 because I felt it in very poor taste that an album or music should be released citing such a terrible event as part of its promotion. I was comfortable with the reasons for the music coming out years after the actual event. My latest album "Momentum" was inspired by a great USA concert in Philadelphia. The album contains some live music but I was inspired by the City and the audience and subsequently added to it in the studio.

Have you always had a passion for electronic music?

Yes. I loved the early 70's music of Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze along with Vangelis as previously mentioned. But I enjoy a lot of styles. I'm an avid Pink Floyd fan since the early days, and artists like Mike Oldfield, Hans Zimmer and Ryuichi Sakamoto are also favorites

Which album did you enjoy working on the most?

The next one! Seriously though, that's a difficult question because each album is an emotional investment by me, "Enjoyment" isn' quite the description I'd use. I'd say "Moments In Time" "Walking with Ghosts" "Continuum" and "Momentum" have given me the most satisfaction, but I tend to forget them when they're done. Also I'm my worst critic and whatever I do I always feel I could have done something more to make the album better either technically or musically. I tend to invest a lot of emotional energy in an album and when its done, its done. I leave it to others to (hopefully) enjoy and pass comment. I just concentrate on the next project.

You’ve worked with a lot of artists in the past. Who have you enjoyed working with most? Who would you most like to work with next?

I value and enjoy having another musicians input into my music. In the early days I was very much a "solo" electronic musician, but in the mid 90's when I started working with guitarists like Nik Smith I realized what a wonderful texture the guitar added to the music. Similarly, vocal textures, sampled voices and instruments, like violin, could totally transform a piece of music. To answer your question, I've enjoyed working with numerous musicians, no one more than any other because everyone has a unique perspective to contribute. Those I'd like to work with? In the electronic music scene I think I'd like to do an album with my friend the legendary Klaus Schulze. Also, who wouldn't want to work with Vangelis? The most important thing to me is making good music with musicians that aren't precious about it but are only interested in making good music that people can feel and relate to.

Between running your own record label (AD Music) and playing in Code Indigo, how do you find time to pursue your solo career?

It can be very, very difficult mainly because I'm seen as the unofficial leader of the band which adds extra pressure and responsibility. It has been the administration of the label more than Code Indigo that has detracted from my solo career. In truth, the extended rock fan base of Code Indigo has added to my own profile and sales, so with the profile and contacts that have materialized through running AD Music, the overall effect has been positive, not negative, even though at times it has been tiring and difficult. It's the old adage of wearing more than one hat and doing numerous jobs, taking care not to end up doing nothing well. I think I've managed to avoid that pitfall but it isn't something I'd recommend. It's also worth adding that without a fully supportive partner, my wife Elaine, and great support from my son Steven, I wouldn't have made it anywhere!

What has been your greatest achievement?

Surviving 20 years in the music industry and still smiling? Hey I don't know. My greatest achievement isn't musical. It's a 25 year old son Steven and a 17 year daughter Chloe, a happy marriage to my wife Elaine and still having all my hair!

What has been the highlight of your career?

I don't know because it isn't over yet! But I'd say, "The Journey", is a constant highlight. Corny and cliched I know, but its true. But also, the fans at every concert I've played at are a constant highlight - and simply being in the position to do something for a living that I love and enjoy so much.

Do you have plans for any future albums?

I'm releasing my 19th and 20th solo albums in the next few months and performing my only concert this year in East Anglia (The Fisher Theatre Bungay on 14th September). The albums are my 19th "Lost and Found" which contains studio tracks from the past few years that didn't make it onto albums. There are also some recent live tracks plus a couple of old favorites. The studio tracks aren't out-takes, but tracks that just didn't fit onto any recent final album mixes. The 20th album is "Dreams and Distant Moonlight", a studio album that has been in progress for 18 months and I hope to have ready for a September releases. I'm particularly pleased with this one and feel it encapsulates all there is to say about my music.

Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

On a beach in the south of France if Spielberg gives me the nod for one of his film soundtracks. Or maybe the new Dune movie soundtrack? Otherwise, probably relaxing in East Anglia wondering about the next album............ should be about number 30 by then!