Shazam Meets… Primary 1
Primary 1 has been on our radar ever since his debut single ‘Hold Me Down’ – released on Erol Alkan’s ‘Phantasy Sound label’ ingrained itself in our ears back in 2008. Since then the British producer, aka Joe Flory has kept our attention with a clutch of singles and remixes. After his recent collaborations with fellow producer Riton, Primary 1 returns with his latest single ‘Princess’ on 5th July, the first release from his recent deal with Atlantic. It’s an addictive slice of perky electro pop that is sure to soundtrack its fair share of hazy summer evenings this year. It’s also backed by a fantastic video, which brings to life the surrealist art of Rene Magritte.
We caught up with Primary 1 – fresh from his first appearance at Glastonbury – to discuss the single, future collaboration plans and if England’s disappointing exit from the World Cup soured the mood at Glastonbury.
You’ve just played Glastonbury, was it as much fun as it looked?
Yeah we had a great one! I’ve never been so I loved it, lucky us we got a hot and dry one! I saw The National, on everyone’s recommendation, and they played a tune called ‘England’. Really beautiful.
Did the result of the England game spoil the mood slightly?
I was back on the bus by then! We listened to it on the radio. Rubbish.
On your Twitter you mentioned a joint headline tour for September. Can you reveal who it’s with yet?
Nah. It’s a surprise. I hope it works out!
Your new single ‘Princess’ is out 5th July, is it dedicated to anyone in particular?
Yes but no one will ever know who. Not even that person. I was so young. So naive. So in love. Oh dear.
The video is pretty spectacular. Who directed it and developed the concept?
It was directed by Radical Friend, who have done brilliant videos for Yeasayer (‘Ambling Alp’ and ‘O.N.E.’) It was their concept and I really enjoyed just going along for the ride. Working with people who are very clear in their intentions is always a great experience, especially when they are so well executed. It was a real honour for me.
When can we expect to see your album, has it got a title yet?
Well, it was gonna come out in September, but now it looks more like February next year. It’s called ‘Other People’ and its all mastered and ready to go… next year! Bummer. But there will be lots happening between then and now, singles, tours, remixes. It’s all coming very soon.
Your collaboration with Riton has spawned two great singles. Is there anymore on the cards?
I think there will be some that will be on his album. We wrote loads together so yeah!
Do you have any other potential collaborators lined up?
Not for the moment!
Your singles have already received strong remixes from a variety of producers, who would you most like to remix a Primary 1 track?
I would love Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs to do one… Lindstrøm and Aeroplane too. It’s tricky though, obviously because they’re all great and hard to get hold of!
On the other hand, who would you most like to remix?
It’s not so much about the music, but more about what that artist wants out of the remix. I just finished one for a band called Fol Chen that I really enjoyed doing… basically I tend to avoid ‘banging’ remixes as there’s just too much of that. I love to do ‘reworks’ and sort of cover versions, because I feel that this is the most unique thing that I can offer. So I just love remixing for people who are open-minded…
You’ve got a load of festival dates lined up, what can we expect from the Primary 1 live experience?
Me and my three homies laughing and smiling and jazzing around. Trumpets. Loud Drums. Fun! Not actual jazz.
Finally, what three tracks are you currently loving in your DJ sets?
‘Baby I’m Yours’ by Breakbot, ’Baby, I Can’t Stop’ by Lindstrom, and ‘Gare Du Nord’ by Carte Blanche.
‘Princess’ is released on 5th July and is available for pre-order from iTunes.
