Music / new releases
‘I’m just a normal guy from a small area in Bristol’ – Tricky on his 15th album release
The 15th album from trip hop pioneer Tricky and his first solo effort in six years has been hailed as a success by critics who say the record marks the artist “at his unique best”.
Released on Friday, Different When It’s Silent has received upwards of 4 star reviews across the board, with writers suggesting the album reconnects musically with Tricky’s 1995 debut Maxinquaye and commending its juxtaposition of bleakness and beauty.
BBC6 Music presenter Lauren Laverne said there was an outpouring of love from listeners for the artist who appeared on her show on release day as part of a celebration of his career to date.
is needed now More than ever
In the interview Tricky, who is entirely self-funded, said his latest was the first record he had produced in Bristol and that he met local musician Mitch Sanders, whose voice is present throughout the record, through an old friend who knew the singer’s dad.
He said there was “not much opportunity” in his native Knowle West stomping ground, citing “footballer, army, policeman, drug dealer or construction work” as the only career options for people from the area.
He emphasized he is not a celebrity, saying: “People see their selves in me, they see similarities.
“I’m not a pop star, I don’t do any of the celebrity stuff, my feet’s on the ground and I think people can relate to that. I’m not a superstar, I’m just a normal guy from a small area in Bristol.”
When asked if he has changed over the years, he said: “The success I have had – losing your anonymity is not good, there’s a reason why so many musicians have mental health, drug problems, because it’s not a natural existence.
“I’ve changed abit because of what people say of success. Coming from this little area and then being known all over the world, it kind of messes with the mind”.
And speaking of the loss of the daughter he shared with Martina Topley-Bird, Mina Mazy, in 2019, he said he had been “all over the place” but that the new record had given him focus and he now feels like he is “back on the horse”.
Sharing the songs that have inspired him over time, including music by Kate Bush and Eric B. & Rakim, Tricky said he doesn’t like to reminiscence except for meaningful memories including being told his music had been played to people in a hospital burns unit and in comas.
“I always remember those moments and I realise it’s bigger than me,” he said.
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The release comes ahead of Tricky’s appearance at this year’s FORWARDS festival on August 29.
Listen to Different When It’s Silent at falseidols.lnk.to/DifferentWhenItsSilent
Main image: Steve Gullick
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