MSN Depche Mode Chat TranscriptHardworking electronic pop band Depeche Mode has been releasing new music steadily since the early '80s. Their latest release Exciter is hitting it big!
Who else but Depeche Mode could make lyrics like, "There's no time for hesitating. Pain is ready, pain is waiting. Primed to do it's educating" (Dream On) actually singable?
Digital Dish Diva says:
Welcome to MSN Live! Tonight we are pleased to welcome Depeche Mode to MSN! Their newest CD is "Exciter." Welcome, guys.Depeche Mode says:
I just want to say a big hello to our fans. Thanks for buying the album. The album is doing well. We're rehearsing right now and it's going great!Digital Dish Diva says:
Let's get started.Digital Dish Diva says:
sketchygal Asks: Where has been the funnest place you guys have performed at?Digital Dish Diva says:
Oddest place? Funniest place?Depeche Mode says:
I think the funniest place was early on in our career we played Martin's living room with about five people and ten teddy bears. Trying to get the crowd up. (laughs)Depeche Mode says:
We've played in too many fun places. There's some great highlights like Vancouver, New York, and Milan. We're in a very fortunate position.Digital Dish Diva says:
isdreamingon Asks: Now all us loyal Depeche Mode fans know where the band's name came from, but how long did it take you guys to get to it?Depeche Mode says:
We had a very dodgy name-- "Composition of Sound" and we didn't like it. We heard of a French magazine, which inspired us. We changed the name and I think it was a good move.Digital Dish Diva says:
mia Asks: Will your tour t-shirts have a picture of the "Exciter" album cover on them? I think this is the best cover ever produced and love the subtle phallic (male & female) imagery. Not to mention how cool the flower looks.Depeche Mode says:
Yes, it will be available, plus some face t-shirts. We like the cover as well. It's one of Anton Corbin's best.Digital Dish Diva says:
Modelicious Asks: Do you think you'll ever get back to your more dance oriented roots instead of letting others remix your tracks into more danceable versions? Do you think you'll ever work with Alan Wilder again?Depeche Mode says:
I wouldn't say we'd never work with Alan Wilder, but not in the near future. We haven't tried to make dance music and don't think of ourselves as a dance band. Although we've been lucky to be played in clubs and a lot of our songs are danceable like "I Feel Loved," but we've never considered ourselves a dance band.Digital Dish Diva says:
punkboy Asks: What do you think about the early accidental release of your album, on Napster and Audio GalaxyDepeche Mode says:
We think it's generated a lot of interest in the group. We put a lot of effort into our websites and we realized it would be leaked. We've taken the view that it's been a good thing. Things need to be sorted out as far as publishing and releasing it, but we're not "anti" to it.Digital Dish Diva says:
UvealFool Asks: Is there any song you're sick of playing to the point that you won't play it any longer?Depeche Mode says:
Not really. We're in a fortunate and unfortunate position. We have about 189 songs to choose from and it's difficult to pick a set. There are some songs we're sick of like "People are People." We don't think it's one of our best songs. Although it's one of our most successful.Digital Dish Diva says:
CureMe_1 Asks: In the video "In Your Room," what is the symbolism behind the light bulb? Thanks.Depeche Mode says:
Most of Anton's videos confuse us and I'm sure they confuse the audience. (Iaughs) He uses a lot of imagery and doesn't explain too much of what's going on.Digital Dish Diva says:
SlingingG Asks: What song off "Exciter" are you most excited to play live?Depeche Mode says:
That's interesting because we're rehearsing at the moment. We're doing a new version of "Dream On" and "When the Body Speaks" sounds good as well. It's a challenge to play the new songs from the album and create a new atmosphere to the album.Digital Dish Diva says:
wotongo Asks: Which video do you think you look best in?Depeche Mode says:
(laughs!) There are plenty of videos that I think I look terrible in. It's hard because in the new video for "I Feel Loved" we all look pretty good, even though we are getting on at the moment. (laughs)Digital Dish Diva says:
FervidFetish Asks: I want to know if DM starts writing music with a tune in mind, or the lyrics and mood?Depeche Mode says:
Well Martin writes the lyrics and basic song and then it's up to us to create the atmosphere. I think he would say that the words would come first, but sometimes a melody would come first.Digital Dish Diva says:
nikki Asks: Your songs are really intense. Do you feel that they also reflect your personalities or do you think you're pretty laid back?Depeche Mode says:
I think we like making pop music that has a dark edge. I think sometimes our songs don't represent our personalities because we're "up" people. We do try to touch emotions with our music and I think we're very successful at doing that.Digital Dish Diva says:
Ãngê£ÃçBëãût¥²™ Asks: What was the song "Walking in my Shoes" actually about?Depeche Mode says:
Again, it's not me trying to duck out, but Martin doesn't like to talk too much about the meaning of songs. We feel that everyone has a different picture in his or her mind of what it is about. When you explain the writer's picture, it ruins the picture in your mind.Digital Dish Diva says:
richard32372 Asks: I was wondering if being older men with families is influencing the sound of Depeche Mode?Depeche Mode says:
We're not 21 anymore, so we feel our sound is a bit more mature. I think it still appeals to lots of people. I think the important thing is not our age, but our state of mind. We're all very happy and stable in our lives, which hasn't been that way for us in a long time.Digital Dish Diva says:
vanillasky Asks: How do you view the current music scene? Do you think MTV caters too much to flash in the pans groups?Depeche Mode says:
We don't really mind boy bands. We don't like the music, but we know young kids like the music. Radio stations are playing a lot of bubble-gum pop. We'd like to see more alternative music get more time.Digital Dish Diva says:
Corvus00 Asks: What is the most rewarding aspect of a 20 plus year career?Depeche Mode says:
I think just generally, for us, it's been in a group with your friends, traveling, playing music we love, and still be doing it successfully 20 years on.Digital Dish Diva says:
Thanks, Andy. Hey, Dave, how are you?Depeche Mode says:
Hi! I'm good, how are you?Digital Dish Diva says:
dyane05 Asks: What is the key to your happiness?Depeche Mode says:
I have to kind of work on it daily to be honest. I've got nothing to complain about. I have a great life and I'm very grateful that I actually get to be part of it. Each day brings new challenges and I have a great supportive family, wife and kids. I do a lot of things. I get up early with the kids, and always coffee first and then I like to go for a run for about 5 miles, and then some exercises and then I'm ready to go for the day.Digital Dish Diva says:
ariana Asks: Dave, which song do you get into singing the most emotionally? Thank you, Ariana.Depeche Mode says:
We've just been singing some songs and "In Your Room." I just love the emotion of it.Depeche Mode says:
It's on "Songs of Faith and Devotion." On this album I like "When the Body Speaks." It's different every time, but when it's great, it feels so good!Digital Dish Diva says:
ebilkitten Asks: Do you guys ever feel like you should have chosen a different profession?Depeche Mode says:
There have probably been times through the last twenty years, I think "What am I doing here"? I'm a closet guitarist and I'm a fan of blues guitarists. I've got like the best job in the world and get to express myself through my music. It's the best feeling singing to a crowd and they are all in tune together.Digital Dish Diva says:
ExcitedJonas Asks: Dave, do you still do yoga?Depeche Mode says:
Just a little. Not so much anymore. I really enjoy the high of running and the challenge as well.Digital Dish Diva says:
Alinne Asks: Are you scared a little about going to a new tour?Depeche Mode says:
Not today. (laughs) But some days I have been. Before I came out here with the guys I was in New York and the days went between fear and excitement, wanting to conquer the world, and the next want to hide under the covers. I think everyone does that. I'm fine now though. (laughs)Digital Dish Diva says:
personalexciter Asks: What has been the most exciting thing in your life ever?Depeche Mode says:
I think watching my daughter, Stella Rose, being born. I don't think I've ever been so overwhelmed, she's definitely a gift. I'll have to thank my wife for that.Digital Dish Diva says:
Have you written a song for or about Stella Rose?Depeche Mode says:
Yeah, I have a couple of songs. Not with Depeche Mode. Next year I'm going to do that and some other songs with her in mind.Digital Dish Diva says:
Koreen68 Asks: Do you get to see the sites in the towns you play in?Depeche Mode says:
Yeah. In fact on the last tour we did, I really made an effort to do that a lot more than I ever had. I don't really go out and go drinking late. I'm awake pretty early. It's nice to see the towns we're playing in. I plan to do that on this tour as well. Meet people as well.Digital Dish Diva says:
chaton Asks: What will the set and atmosphere be like on your upcoming tour?Depeche Mode says:
It's designed by Anton Corbjin. He's designed the set again. There will be some film and projections and some screens, one on top of the other. Basically we're all playing close together again. We enjoyed that on the last tour. The film stuff is kind of interesting. We're doing some songs as far back as "Music of the Masses." Martin will change some songs and also songs from the new album.Digital Dish Diva says:
Viajero287 Asks: I am curious if you are a big reader. If so, what authors/works have influenced you? I think your writing is just beautiful.Depeche Mode says:
I wouldn't say I'm a big reader. I'm much more of a watcher, things that visually stimulate me. I love movies, I like to see films. I like watching people, I get a lot from that.Digital Dish Diva says:
Roseahi Asks: Aside from music and time with your families and close friends what do you fill your days with when you aren't touring?Depeche Mode says:
Well, to be honest, in the last couple of years we've been working quite a lot, working on this album. I was writing with a friend of mine in New York. I walk my son to school every morning. I like to do vocal exercises, it makes me feel like I'm doing some work (laughs) and it also makes me ready to do work. Just go see movies, go out, and spend time with my family.Digital Dish Diva says:
remixxit Asks: I used to live in Mountain View, California. You most like performing at Shoreline Amphitheatre a lot. Why do perform there so often? Is the sound there so good?Depeche Mode says:
I think we enjoy playing there, I think we're playing there as well. There's a lack of indoor venues around, fans really seem to enjoy that.Digital Dish Diva says:
ES_dm Asks: Dave, what is your favorite computer game?Depeche Mode says:
My favorite one is "Crash CTR." It's a Playstation game.Digital Dish Diva says:
AuthenticDancer Asks: Hello from Cajun Land! Are you going to taste some tradition and yummies when ya'll get here in NOLA?Depeche Mode says:
Oh yeah, definitely! What is it? Gumbo? We did that last time actually. I can't remember the name of where we went. It was "Mama" something. I think we're going to spend a few days there this time.Digital Dish Diva says:
Favorite American food?Depeche Mode says:
I like a good burger. Can't beat a good burger.Digital Dish Diva says:
Can't get good burgers in the UK anymore, can you?Depeche Mode says:
I've lived over her for like 10 years, but no, you can't get a good burger over there.Digital Dish Diva says:
I hear that whole hoof and mouth thing is pretty awful.Depeche Mode says:
Actually I've been going to turkey burgers quite a lot lately. (laughs)Digital Dish Diva says:
buxx3 Asks: What is your biggest challenge of the upcoming tour?Depeche Mode says:
It's always a challenge and I like it to be a challenge. Just trying to try and enjoy yourself, because it should be fun.Digital Dish Diva says:
We now have Martin with us. Hey, Martin.Depeche Mode says:
Hello. I'm good (laughs)Digital Dish Diva says:
NondoA Asks: Are you going to play "Home" during your line-up?Depeche Mode says:
I'm not going to tell you with 100% certainty, because it's nice to keep it a surprise, but there is a possibility.Digital Dish Diva says:
Panama_19 Asks: Martin, I love you voice in "Breathe"! have you ever thought of singing on more tracks?Depeche Mode says:
Not really. I usually sing a couple of songs on each album and they are the ones that suit my voice. I think Dave's voice suits the songs better than mine. He has an aggression in his voice that I don't have.Digital Dish Diva says:
cartman Asks: Hi Martin. You write amazing lyrics. Do you use your personal experiences as material for your songs?Depeche Mode says:
I always write in the first person, people often think I write for Dave but that's really not the case.Digital Dish Diva says:
alanis says: You rock my world. Who rocks your world?Depeche Mode says:
Picasso, at the moment. I find him a funny character, I've been reading his biography. He makes me laugh.Digital Dish Diva says:
You need to pick up an original Picasso. (laughs)Digital Dish Diva says:
rocyon Asks: I've always hoped that DM write a "James Bond" theme! Any chances?Depeche Mode says:
No, I think that was some misunderstanding. We kept getting told we had been offered a "James Bond" film and asked where we'd be doing it. I don't think it was offered realistically. If it was, it wasn't considered seriously because we were busy doing other things. It's just one of those things that didn't make it much past the VERY early stage.Digital Dish Diva says:
BlackCelebration Asks: Who wore more makeup in the 80's DM or the Cure?Depeche Mode says:
I think we wore more of an array. They stuck to the lipstick and we had full-on blusher. It's very difficult explaining how you looked to your young daughter.Digital Dish Diva says:
Ever embarrassed looking back at those photos?Depeche Mode says:
I do get embarrassed. There are some that embarrassed me. (laughs)Digital Dish Diva says:
eaiel Asks: Hey Martin, was the Black Plague an inspiration at least in part for "Black Celebration"?Depeche Mode says:
No. I didn't live through that. (laughs)Digital Dish Diva says:
LIANNE says: What is your favorite dream or recurring dream?Depeche Mode says:
This is very complicated, I had one recently where I was on top of an enormous pyramid, and could see over half the world and in the distance I could see a black sanding stone of Mecca and the pyramid was revolving and I had to be careful not to fall off. Everything was golden. It was like some magical kingdom.Digital Dish Diva says:
vanillasky Asks: Are your children musically inclined?Depeche Mode says:
One will be ten in a couple of weeks and has a great voice. One is six and likes it, but it's too early to tell yet. She's been told by both of her headmasters that she has an angelic voice and they love listening to her sing.Digital Dish Diva says:
jumpspinrollkick Asks: What is your instrument of choice?Depeche Mode says:
Probably guitar because I started playing at thirteen. It feels more natural to me. I find it easier to express myself on it. But I also LOVE playing around with electronics because I think that's how to keep songs interesting and modern.Digital Dish Diva says:
pleasuretree says: Anything unusual you ask for backstage?Depeche Mode says:
Nothing too strange. We made the mistake in the past to get Vegetables to Moses (an Indian Dish) and got a hard pastry with vegetables in the middle.Digital Dish Diva says:
So, you don't ask for that anymore. (laughs)Depeche Mode says:
Not in Eastern Europe! (laughs)Depeche Mode says:
We take a foosball table backstage with us and we play every day.Digital Dish Diva says:
Who is better? (laughs)Depeche Mode says:
I'm the best. (laughs) Everyone thinks they are the best, obviously.Digital Dish Diva says:
jaredsmom0 Asks: Martin, do your children come to shows. What do they think?Depeche Mode says:
They come whenever they can. They love the concerts. My daughter actually came on stage with us when she was two years old in Hawaii. She asked if she could come on and Dave said OK. She sat by the drums for the last song. There must have been a lot of racket going on there. (laughs)Digital Dish Diva says:
Eggatron Asks: When do you feel you were at your best? Do you feel that you've yet to reach it?Depeche Mode says:
I really don't know. I would like to think we're still making some of our best music, so hopefully we'll continue to do that.Digital Dish Diva says:
FritzAMix Asks: Martin, "Breathe" has many biblical names. I was wondering if religion plays a part in this song and does religion or God play a big part in your life now?Depeche Mode says:
I've never been into any organized religion, but I've always had a fascination with it. I thought using a biblical name in "Breathe" was be good. For me it touched on hypocrisy and Christianity. The song is about gossip.Digital Dish Diva says:
florence_00 Asks: Which decade of music is your favorite?Digital Dish Diva says:
Amazing that we can even ask that question of you guys!Depeche Mode says:
I would have to say the '70's because those were my formative years and it was really exciting to be around the "glam rock" and "punk rock" years.Digital Dish Diva says:
Martin, thanks for joining us tonight on MSN Live. Guys, thanks!Depeche Mode says:
Thanks to everyone that came online and asked questions! See you all soon!