Been There - Done That interview (2013)

You recorded the main parts of your album in Iceland. But you surely have relocated in the meantime, right?

In fact I was in Iceland only for about a month, in August last year. Then I went back there for about a week in December to record another track. I was living in London until about September, but I am back in Glasgow now. Apparently I am at home in Glasgow.

But the thing about Iceland seems to be that you thought the atmosphere there may fit in with the mood you wanted for that album. Or what was it like?

I have been there before, but very briefly, with Ladytron, when we did a festival there quite a few years ago. And yes, I thought the mood of the record would fit in quite well with the surroundings of Iceland. But everything except for one or two tracks was written at home, in the UK. So the influence Iceland had on the album is quite limited, almost neglectable. The influences were drawn beforehand. Iceland was more a serene, a relaxing place where I could record the album. The fact that producer Barði Jóhannsson has his studio there, that was the most important part.

Jóhannsson shares the credits of the producer with your bandmate from Ladytron, Daniel Hunt. But both weren't there from the start, when you knew that you would be doing this solo album. In how far was and is it important for you, that Crystal World doesn't sound too much like an album by Ladytron?

I think that right from the beginning I knew that I would be working with Daniel. Of course I would always be connected with what I am doing with Ladytron, simply because of my voice and regardless of the music. But even though I knew I was working with Daniel, I knew that my songs were strong enough and different enough from what I was doing previously. Partly the structure of the songs is totally different and much more pop. Bringing Barði in as well surely helped the album being different, too. Also I did have a few songs before I knew that I would be doing this album, but then within eight or nine months I literally sat down to write songs exclusively for what would become the album. I think this is why Crystal World flows quite well.

Was this also a chance for you to let other musical influences come through than usually, except for being more pop?

I think it's quite hard to label and pinpoint certain influences. And I know that some people think that "pop" is some kind of dirty word. But I really wanted it all a bit more traditional in its structure and things like that. I wanted to work on hooks and choruses. When I sit down to write, I have to do it at the right time. That's more what my songwriting is about than about certain influences. I have an idea in my head and at the same time I feel what the song should be like. And it's not like "Now I want it to sound like ABBA. And the next one will be like Fleetwood Mac!" I appreciate their records and they surely influence me subconsciously, but you can't pinpoint that – and I have also been listening to a lot of contemporary acts from Glasgow as well.

I don't know how many breaks there were in the career of Ladytron, but now that the band is taking a break, was it never a question for you to do something different than recording a solo album? Are you that involved in making music?

I think this album is the one I was more involved in than I have ever been. Ladytron consists of four people, whereas there may be only twelve songs on the final album. So I may write five songs, but only two will make it. Also the last gig by Ladytron was probably in December 2011, so I did have quite some time off. And during the next months I also wouldn't be writing every day, you know. (laughs) I feel like I had quite a break.

I can hear that I need not fear that you are a total workaholic concerning music.

No, I just thought like the timing was right. Everyone was taking a step back, taking time off from touring, doing their own thing. Even when I was writing the songs I wasn't really thinking of making a solo album. It was still a daydream in my head then.

The album was first released via Pledge Music, which means that people paid beforehand and that you had to do lots of promotion even before its release. I have heard from people like Chris Corner of IAMX, who used pledge as well, that it can be difficult to make the process of recording an album public – and to ask for money from people before they have listened to a single full track. What was that like for you?

I don't think I really realized what I was taking on. I thought it was a good platform that would raise the money to put out the album. But apparently it is also very time consuming and it is also a very personal affair. I was quite happy to interact with people, but I also felt quite a bit of pressure. Because I was still working on the record, nothing was mixed, and I didn't have any songs I could let people listen to. So I gave them about a minute of an instrumental part, which was easy to do. Then I gave them a snippet from "The Hunter". So there was always this pressure like: What would the people expect? A Ladytron-like sounding record? Or a dance album?

There have also been deliberately interactive albums via web, like Einstürzende Neubauten did it, where the fans directly influenced if not determined what a song would be like. This is one way to deal with expectations, to directly involve the fans. But you are also letting go of your own handwriting then. Was it difficult not to give in too much to the pledgers' expectations and wishes?

I just tried to keep calm and do what I had to do. I concentrated on making clear to the pledgers what was happening, keep them updated, keep it all positive. They had a right to know what stage I was at. And there were a lot of delays. They had paid a lot for the album and other things accompanying it, so I tried to keep them on the level, to keep them happy. (chuckles)

Have you decided yet if you are also going to tour?

I can see that. Quite a lot of people ask me that. (laughs) I would really be into touring, but... (laughs again) But I would have to live up to a lot of expectations, also my own. I would need to find a band, to work it all out technically, etc. So: Yes, I would like to, but I am unsure yet.

It is known that you used to DJ a few years ago. What's up with that now?

I don't think I had much of a DJ career! I shied away from DJing for a while. At first it was fun, but then I think I had a bad experience. But in fact I just DJed with Mira from Ladytron again, in Moscow. The gig before that was last summer in Poland. I hope I will be getting more confident with that again. When I am acting live on stage I am quite confident with that. But when it comes to DJing I am getting nervous. I guess it's because of the expectations of the people about what I am going to play. I guess that's kind of strange, because I shouldn't be nervous!

This surely has to do with the size of the venues and that you have become much better known than in the beginning.

Yes, in the beginning it was more of a party thing, where I more or less played the records I liked. And then I forgot about it for a while and concentrated on live things. Now I can't just go there and play my top tunes anymore. Like in Moscow, where we play as Ladytron-DJs, and this is a really huge festival.

So you don't DJ at smaller venues under a different moniker or at private parties? Don't you miss this?

Well, I haven't done that for a long time. Probably because things went into the opposite direction, with bigger venues and festivals, things like that. The things you mentioned used to come up some time ago, and they were fun. But as things move on and get bigger you simply get bigger events. That's not always the case, but that's where we are right now. And when you are playing bigger events, you also get a bigger fee, probably – which is good for the band. But I'd be quite open about playing in a little bar in Glasgow and I probably will do in the future, after what I will be doing now with Crystal World.

Apart from one's own output as an artist it is great to simply share what one likes with other people, isn't it?

Yes. It's true. When I am writing music I try not to listen to other music. But DJing of course is totally different, because you get such a lot of stuff and you always think about what you want to play to the people.

I rarely talk about the lyrics of an album. But I think that there is a different perspective on your solo album. "Message" is another dirty word to some people, but is what you want to tell people about life and society presented differently now?

The general idea is more about sentiment and emotions and being quite forward. For example "Sugarland" has a clear message, though. Then some people may listen to certain songs and think that they mean this and that. But they don't. You know? People may think a song is about a relationship breakdown – but it's not! So it's all up to the listeners, but there is also lots of "hidden messages", maybe even less hidden than on albums by Ladytron. (laughs) This is a solo album and it is quite important that people can see me in this.

But if people think "Well, this is a break-up song", but then it's not that easy because you are not simply putting out a diary...

Right. Though... You see: They are not break-up songs!

Yes.

(Laughter)

Source

Marnie - "Crystal World" available on CD

Marnie's Crystal World is now available on CD through a small Belgian independent label, Les Disques du Crépuscule.

If you want to support a wonderful artist like Marnie and you don't have the album yet, you can buy the CD from here. Details of how to order the CD are on Mailorder page from their site.

Mira Aroyo DJ set in San Diego, 2011 (fragment)

9 min 31 sec from a Mira Aroyo DJ set in San Diego, 2011. From the video description: she also played 3 Ladytron songs (Destroy Everything You Touch, Ghosts, Ace of Hz) and a song from the video game Zelda.

Marnie lyrics

These are the lyrics of all songs from Helen Marnie' solo career. For Ladytron lyrics go here.

Crystal World
The Hunter
We Are the Sea
Hearts on Fire
Violet Affair
The Wind Breezes On
Sugarland
High Road
Laura
Submariner
Gold

Strange Words and Weird Wars
Alphabet Block
Bloom
G.I.R.L.S
Electric Youth
A Girl Walks Alone at Night
Lost Maps
Summer Boys
Little Knives
Invisible Girl
Heartbreak Kid

Various songs
Wolves
Sweet Dreams (with RM Hubbert)

Crystal World

The Hunter

A heart explodes every second on the street
The weight of the world and it's heaven
They'll always be together
The line is drawn and a circle is born
Stop and stare at your heart, at your heart
Open for all to see, a lifetime, a history

Oh help me please, why look away?
Oh can we stay together?
Oh help me please, why look away?
Oh can we stay together?

'Cause I am the hunter now
And I won't hear your cries
So dry your eyes friend
We'll make a wish then say goodbye
'Cause I am the hunter now
And I won't hear your cries
So dry your eyes friend
We'll make a wish then say goodbye

A heart explodes every second on the street
A sister, a daughter, a lover
Who hopes they're not forgotten
You crossed the line and committed a crime
It was there from the start, from the start
Oceans of empathy, and now this is history

Oh help me please, why look away?
Oh can we stay together?

'Cause I am the hunter now
And I won't hear your cries
So dry your eyes friend
We'll make a wish then say goodbye
'Cause I am the hunter now
And I won't hear your cries
So dry your eyes friend
We'll make a wish then say goodbye.
top

We Are the Sea

Under pentangle star our eyes flicker light from the distance
Life is a sea to me so harvest all you need to make a difference
In the wild we are free, this is all that we're meant to be
Leave all your fear behind, it's a hundred times better
I promise you, I promise you

Believe with full hearts
Origins and new starts
In you there's something magical
Our eyes under the pentangle
Begin again, the distance free
Leave it all behind, we are the sea

I hear that home is calling
Oh Lord, won't you take me back to sea

Nothing can stop us now our eyes glitter pride and joy fever
Life is a sea to me so stand and face the wave that it delivers
In the wild we are free, this is all that we're meant to be
Leave all your fear behind, it's a thousand times better
I promise you, I promise you

Believe with full hearts
Origins and new starts
In you there's something magical
Our eyes under the pentangle
Begin again, the distance free
Leave it all behind, we are the sea

I hear that home is calling
Oh Lord, won't you take me back to sea.
top

Hearts on Fire

I heard you lost your way
Marching to the beat of a serpent
A fire burning your horizon
Beyond the barricade
Fallen but this black heart is fighting
The hand it was dealt by fate

I hear you now and don't let me down
Leave the darkness behind
Cast aside and don't look behind, only silence
Promises will be all we need through the dark days
Lying softly to ourselves

Always never felt so good
We're the power
Our hearts on fire, hearts on fire
Promises we always made when our hearts on fire.
Always never felt so good
We're the power
Our hearts on fire, hearts on fire
Promises we always made when our hearts on fire.

They looked the other way
And now you don't even recognize them
Bound by a code of silence
So keep your enemies at bay
Marching to the beat of a serpent
Too close for comfort's sake

Always never felt so good
We're the power
Our hearts on fire, hearts on fire
Promises we always made when our hearts on fire.

Always never felt so good
We're the power
Our hearts on fire, hearts on fire
Promises we always made when our hearts on fire.
top

Violet Affair

Melt my heart
With summer in December for a while
Turnaround, take me back to the summertime

When you gave me violets
I pinned them in my hair
The scent, dizzy it fills the air
You gave me violets
I'll press them in my heart
We're unbound and free falling
Winter, spring, then summer falls
We're falling into this violet affair

Tempt my heart
July was so completely unparalleled
I know I'll never feel like that summertime

When you gave me violets
I pinned them in my hair
The scent, dizzy it fills the air
You gave me violets
I'll press them in my heart
We're unbound and free falling
Winter, spring, then summer falls
We're falling into this violet affair.
top

The Wind Breezes On

Well I got a secret
He told me it was sacred
Kick off your shoes and lay back
Today's not the day to show the cracks
Lift your head up, hold it now
Remember what the others say
Fear of the future's much too loud
What's there for you won't go running away

The wind breezes on
Like thoughts I can't rely on
The birds sing their song
While I figure out where I went wrong

I heard the others say
And watched them with their worry
Then turned and walked away
The wind it breezes on
I'll hold my breath so tightly
And run till it's OK.
top

Sugarland

Do you ever hold the flame?
Leave a light on
Will we recall their names?
Leave a light on
Deserter frequencies
There's no escape

Did we forget about fatality?
Where the wheels keep turning
In sugarland
We've lost control in all this urgency
And the fires keep burning
In sugarland

Our voyeurism won't ever set us free
A state emergency, not for you or me

Did we forget about fatality?
Where the wheels keep turning
In sugarland
We've lost control in all this urgency
And the fires keep burning
In sugarland

(Come to me, why won't you come to me?)
(A blackened heart, a blackened heart).
top

High Road

I hit the high road
Running till the batteries empty
A minefield of hope, but I'm ready
Ready to fly the nest or maybe fail the test
Let's make a date, take a chance, talk about it
An Olympian feat, I don't doubt it
Round and round he said to me

"Do you believe in love or rock n roll?"
"Do you believe in love or have you sold your soul?"
"Do you believe in love or rock n roll?"
"And which will be your downfall"

Be my baby, be my baby tonight
Be the boy that knows me but who never owes me
Saving all my best for you yet
And I need you now we're out of time
Be my baby tonight
Miles and miles but all the while
Won't you be my baby
Be my baby tonight

I'm not a fighter
Transparency's always apparent
But I'm always prepared for a torrent
Of tales and tests built only to impress
I'll take a chance, make a date, talk about it
With you if you think you are ready
Ready to fly the nest or maybe pass the test

Be my baby, be my baby tonight
Be the boy that knows me but who never owes me
Saving all my best for you yet
And I need you now we're out of time
Be my baby tonight
Miles and miles but all the while
Won't you be my baby
Be my baby tonight

I'm sorry if I let you down
You know that I can't give you up
And you said to me
"Do you believe in love or rock n roll?"
"Do you believe in love or have you sold your soul?"
"Do you believe in love or rock n roll?"
"And which will be your downfall?"
top

Laura

Laura, she was taken at the midnight hour
Full moon shining, lighting up the sky
No streetlights for guidance or warnings
When the eagle lands
Blood on our hands
Blood on our hands

Follow her, oh Laura
Her path gleams with rainwater
And foxes saunter, listening at their dens
The bats cry in despair till darkness ends
Under moonlit sky
Her jet black hair
Her jet black hair

And I wanna go where wild horses go
Where I left her, and nobody knows
I wanna go where wild horses go
Where I left her, and nobody knows
Noone knows, noone knows

And I wanna go where wild horses go
Where I left her, and nobody knows
I wanna go where wild horses go
Where I left her, and nobody knows
Noone knows, noone knows

Lost her in time and some other place
I remember when, back in '98
Lost her in time and some other place
Where Laura lies, now it's too late
Noone knows, noone knows

I'll wait for you where the horses run
But I'll never know where you have gone
I'll wait for you where the horses run
But I'll never know where you have gone
Noone knows, noone knows

And I wanna go where wild horses run
Where I left her, and nobody knows
I wanna go where wild horses run
Where I left her, and nobody knows
Noone knows, noone knows
Laura, oh Laura I love you.
top

Submariner

Your tired eyes
Leave me to the wilderness, leave me to the lions
And I see you there with the sun in your hand and the wind in your hair
A sorry man now the glory's gone
For you, for you,
He did it all for you

And your selfless pride
Bottled in a submarine
Leave it to the ocean
And I hold your hand
Sending shivers right down to the base of my spine
A lonely man, he's the only man
Who did it all
Who did it all for you

And you sold your soul to the deep blue sea
A submariner whose cool heart could never be free
Let him drift out on the tide
And you saved your heart for the deep blue sea
A submariner who promised to make you believe
That you'll never be apart

Your final reprise
Sail out on the heady seas
To salute devotion
And I see you there with the sun in your hand and the wind in your hair
A stoic man
A heroic man
Who did it all
Who did it all for you

And you sold your soul to the deep blue sea
A submariner whose cool heart could never be free
Let him drift out on the tide

And you saved your heart for the deep blue sea
A submariner who promised to make you believe
That you'll never be apart

And you sold your soul to the deep blue sea
A submariner whose cool heart could never be free
Let him drift out on the tide

And you saved your heart for the deep blue sea
A submariner who promised to make you believe
That you'll never be apart.
top

Gold

I fantasize
You and I, screaming just to make them go faster
I shut my eyes
The two of us, running till we're out of laughter

You're gold to me
Our light is fading
What's the use in crying
You know I'll always be there waiting
Softly now, reach out and make your pillow in my chest
From the playground of dreams
Where I don't mourn you anymore
You carved your name in my heart
So I can't break free from my past
And take a look at me now
Do you recognize me?

Long way from home
On a journey that I must make on my own
Through the playground of dreams
A shadow dancing all alone
You carved your name in my heart
Each initial etched so it would hurt
And take a look at me now
Do you recognize me?

I'm paralyzed
Broken ties, burned by our lack of answers
I shut my eyes
The two of us, running till we're out of laughter

You're gold to me
Our light is fading
What's the use in crying
You know I'll always be there waiting
Softly now, reach out and make your pillow in my chest
From the playground of dreams
Where I don't mourn you anymore
You carved your name in my heart
So I can't break free from my past
And take a look at me now
Do you recognize me?

Softly, softly now
Paint the town
A crystal world where we were born
A vision built to last
So please don't deny me

You carved your name in my heart
Each initial etched so it would hurt
And take a look at me now
Do you recognize me?
top

Strange Words and Weird Wars

Alphabet Block

Quick-fire, I'm on time, you're ahead of schedule
Blue walls, propaganda mixed with scare stories
Straight lines, colour coded, lead the way to a dead end waiting room

Machines throb, we're fluorescent in buzzing lights
These corridors smell so strange in this alphabet block I'm in
Fear and loathing, and wondering
Alphabet block

Holding on, holding on
Everybody's the same when it matters
Holding on, we're holding on
Hold my hand, don't let me go

Run, run, we won't waste a second,
A second you're out of time,
You might find, when you're on alphabet block

Run, run, we won't waste a second,
A second you're out of time,
You might find, when you're on alphabet block

Cigarettes litter ground, medieval houses
All the cars, bumper to bumper, not enough space
Break it down and resign to the fact that there are no promises here
drink this down, swallow hard, don't ask questions, right?
Just turn around, wait a week, til the alphabet block is done
Fear and loathing, still wondering
Alphabet block

Holding on, holding on
Everybody's the same when it matters
Holding on, we're holding on
Hold my hand, don't let me go

Run, run, we won't waste a second,
A second you're out of time,
You might find, when you're on alphabet block

Run, run, we won't waste a second,
A second you're out of time,
You might find, when you're on alphabet block

A softly spoken voice gives a choice
But I'm not ready to make a decision (solitary soul)
'Cause I need you with your warm advice
Won't hesitate, won't pay the price
All I ask of you: Can we just run

Run, we won't waste a second,
A second you're out of time,
You might find, when you're on alphabet block

Run, run, we won't waste a second,
A second you're out of time,
You might find, when you're on alphabet block
top

Bloom

You broke down the telephone
I was calling
A head so full of sorrow
Beggin' you baby, don't
Stop believing

Never forget our winter of discontent
When snow was not our friend
Beggin' you baby, don't stop
Don't stop
Don't stop
Believing

Oh oh, I'm in trouble again
We're an island battleground
Oh oh, I'm in trouble a, I'm in trouble again
Oh oh, I'm in trouble again
In a no-man's land we'll bloom
Oh oh, I'm in trouble a, I'm in trouble again

The old town, familiar souls
Time is stalling
A bitter taste to swallow
Beggin' you baby, don't stop believing

Never forget our winter of discontent
When snow was not our friend
Beggin' you baby, don't stop
Don't stop
Don't stop
Believing

Oh oh, I'm in trouble again
We're an island battleground
Oh oh, I'm in trouble a, I'm in trouble again
Oh oh, I'm in trouble again
In a no-man's land we'll bloom
Oh oh, I'm in trouble a, I'm in trouble again

A kiss so fond
Our love is blue
The time is now
I'm ready to fight for you
Oh baby I'm beggin' you

Oh oh, I'm in trouble again
We're an island battleground
Oh oh, I'm in trouble a, I'm in trouble again
Oh oh, I'm in trouble again
In a no-man's land we'll bloom
Oh oh, I'm in trouble a, I'm in trouble again
top

G.I.R.L.S

Frustration dripping from their eyes
Tongues a waggin' when she walks by
And I'm so in awe of you baby
They're in love with you (we're all human)

Crossing sides to glimpse a picture of a girl
A girl on fire, honey
Jealousy aside, we're only human
Girl, a girl on fire, honey
Feel the love inside (We're only human)

A girl on fire in my neighbourhood
She's got the whole place loving
her the way they should now
A girl on fire in my neighbourhood
She'll cross divides and unite us
Like the way we should now

Gotta start a fire if we're ever gonna learn
Burn burn burn, burn burn burn, burn burn burn
G.I.R.L.S.
Gotta get myself a girl on fire
Gotta start a fire if we're ever gonna learn
Burn burn burn, burn burn burn, burn burn burn
G.I.R.L.S.
Gotta get myself one of the girls.

Intoxication from her stride
The kids keep boasting that she's alright
And I'm so in awe of you baby
They're in love with you (we're all human)

Crossing sides to glimpse a picture of a girl
A girl on fire, honey
Jealousy aside, we're only human
Girl, a girl on fire, honey
Feel the love inside (We're only human)

Gotta start a fire if we're ever gonna learn
Burn burn burn, burn burn burn, burn burn burn
G.I.R.L.S.
Gotta get myself a girl on fire
Gotta start a fire if we're ever gonna learn
Burn burn burn, burn burn burn, burn burn burn
G.I.R.L.S.
Gotta get myself one of the girls
top

Electric Youth

A story of us unfolds
I stand arrested, my education strewn
A girl and a boy, a guilty pleasure

Plain to see that you're taking over me
So hurt me
I can't even help myself

Hey now, hey now, boy
I am your water now

Hey now, hey now, boy
I am your water now

When the nights are calling
Animal instinct always
Young blood cursing violent flames
When the nights are calling
Signals pulse like we're electric youth
When the nights are calling you

A girl and a boy, just fun,
No conversation
No complications here
Dark corners were made for dirty secrets

Work your way into my psyche and hurt me
I'm my own worst enemy

Hey now, hey now, boy
I am your water now
Hey now, hey now, boy
I am your water now

When the nights are calling
Animal instinct always
Young blood cursing violent flames
When the nights are calling
Signals pulse like we're electric youth
When the nights are calling you

When the nights are calling
When the nights are calling
When the nights are calling you
top

A Girl Walks Alone at Night

A girl walks home alone at night
A girl walks home alone at night
She doesn't think or feel tonight
Oh, like it's the best day of her life
The stage is set, bright lights are driving her on

Stranger's eyes, why do you wanna hurt me?
I'm not ready for broken dreams you deliver
My emergency
Cold, alone, black bangs cling to my wet skin
For all I've known and all I've been
All I could be
A girl walks home alone at night

A girl walks home alone at night
A girl walks home alone at night
Her friends have long been kissed goodnight
No, no one to keep you safe and sound
The bridge ahead, a talisman to fight for

Stranger's eyes, why do you wanna hurt me?
I'm not ready for broken dreams you deliver
My emergency
A girl walks home alone at night

Black and gold blur, can't find my way home
I'll keep the path and take my chance
Don't follow me
A girl walks home alone at night
top

Lost Maps

I see no empathy, bitter warnings, and lies
We are just ordinary people
Get on your knees and pray, I say

Whatcha gonna do, where are you gonna go
When the darkness closes on you
Is there anybody out there looking for you?
Do they know what you've been through?

Gotta find the time, search the silence,
Open up our minds, survival's not a crime
Is there anybody out there speaking the truth?
Don't believe what they tell you

A sly epidemic terrorizing our lives
No moral compass geography, we are lost maps today, I say

Whatcha gonna do, where are you gonna go
When the darkness closes on you
Is there anybody out there looking for you?
Do they know what you've been through?

Gotta find the time, search the silence,
Open up our minds, survival's not a crime
Is there anybody out there speaking the truth?
Don't believe what they tell you

Whatcha gonna do, where are you gonna go
When the darkness closes on you
Is there anybody out there looking for you?
Do they know what you've been through?

Gotta find the time, search the silence,
Open up our minds, survival's not a crime
Is there anybody out there speaking the truth?
Don't believe what they tell you
top

Summer Boys

Lay your blankets on the ground
Glitter falling from our eyes
Lips curling into smiles
Summer freckles come alive
Masquerading from the light
Mills and boons by our side

Over pools of pale midnight
Reflections dance and fight
And we are the runaways, runaways
Summer girls, summer days
Young and bold all out for fun

Remember them, those summer boys
We wanted just as friends
Getting high on their scent
The endless days of waterfalls
And drowning in their eyes
Summer boys, our heroes

Dark sunglasses close at hand
Second glances all the plan
Our web was slowly spun
Bathing suits rolled underarm
Ready for those summer guys
They let us walk right in

Summer girls rule on their own
Oh, we are the runaways
We'll take it on the run again
Run again, run again, run again
Darlings of those summer days

Remember them, those summer boys
We wanted just as friends
Getting high on their scent
The endless days of waterfalls
And drowning in their eyes
Summer boys, our heroes

Summer boys... Remember them...
top

Little Knives

I am, I am,
Wrecked now, wrecked now
I am, I am,
Wrecked now, wrecked now
Skin and bone
A relic, battle scars
Little knives
Hollow frame
Passion you're not the blame
But something's breaking...

I am the body, I'm the guardian
Bruise me and beat me with your wicked tongue
Lay down your fists and push those arms aside
And all that we're left with are those little knives

Stop talking, change the frequency baby
My satellite heart's come alive, I can breathe in
Time won't heal, memories are a flesh wound
But I am the blood and I'm keeping positive
A cartoon cutout when my back's turned
Keep it together when I, when I have no words
Oh your love, your little knives

(Little knives)

I am, I am,
Wrecked now, wrecked now
I am, I am,
Wrecked now, wrecked now
Skin and bone
Little knives
Hollow frame
Passion you're not the blame
But something's breaking...

I am the body, I'm the guardian
Bruise me and beat me with your wicked tongue
Lay down your fists and push those arms aside
And all that we're left with are those little knives

Stop talking, change the frequency baby
My satellite heart's come alive, I can breathe in
Time won't heal, memories are a flesh wound
But I am the blood and I'm keeping positive
A cartoon cutout when my back's turned
Keep it together when I, when I have no words
Oh your love, your little knives

(Little knives)

Stop talking, change the frequency baby
My satellite heart's come alive, I can breathe in
Time won't heal, memories are a flesh wound
But I am the blood and I'm keeping positive
A cartoon cutout when my back's turned
Keep it together when I, when I have no words
Oh your love, your little knives
top

Invisible Girl

I waited all those years
Lost heart to souvenirs
They're not a picture of you, nothing's fair
But I am old enough to know better
Whatever, I can't fight it
Fighting's not my game
So I'll remain an invisible girl

Why won't you wake up I'm by your side
Notice me an invisible girl

Why won't you wake up, I'm by your side
Notice me an invisible girl
Take me all in with your wild eyes
When I was dreaming, I was dreaming of...

You and I will never be one
We're just a little too far apart
Too far too distant
Always on the outside (I can't be)
Born to be the outside
Silently slide back to the shadows
Where this heavy heart will regroup
This heavy heart won't give it up

Regret's my greatest fear
A restless love affair
Always wanting more
But I was not clear
So let me tell you now that I'm older
Stronger and in control
A confident lover
Be it too late
Your invisible girl
top

Heartbreak Kid

Cool isolation where autumn sings the winter blues
Nothing but strange words and weird wars
It happens but once a year
Do you ever feel like you have lost your mind? But I'm OK
And on and on I'll go
And on and on and on I'll go

We don't have to worry now, the ghosts will never find us here
We'll keep on running now, and do it all again
You are my heartbreak kid
They say I'm the lucky one, but lucky doesn't know my name
I've known pain
I'm with the heartbreak kid

Sweet resolutions like weapons, dangerous desires
Can't see the woods for the trees
A poisonous paradise
If you ever feel like you have lost your mind, I'll have mercy
And on and on I'll go
And on and on and on I'll go

We don't have to worry now, the ghosts will never find us here
We'll keep on running now, and do it all again
You are my heartbreak kid
They say I'm the lucky one, but lucky doesn't know my name
I've known pain
I'm with the heartbreak kid

These strange words and weird wars are coming
A tree of buoys, a red road, our guide from the past
We'll be OK if we keep running
On frozen ground, no guts no glory

We don't have to worry now, the ghosts will never find us here
We'll keep on running now, and do it all again
You are my heartbreak kid
They say I'm the lucky one, but lucky doesn't know my name
I've known pain
I'm with the heartbreak kid
top

Various songs

Wolves

Hope or pray, but how long
before their cruel minds answer you?
Ha ha ha ha

Hope until we make the rules,
Hold on, how long?
Ha ha ha ha

Blow by blow, oh how long
before you grace us with your song?
Ha ha ha ha

So come with me,
Come with me,
Come with me,
Come with me,
Come with me,
Come with me,
There's a place where you can go, you're angry!

Raise all your voices
Gimme all your hands, take the chances
Don't be fooled, wolves in disguises,
All your hands! All your hands!
Hail for better days!

Raise all your voices
Gimme all your hands, take the chances
Don't be fooled, wolves in disguises,
All your hands! All your hands!
Hail for better days!

Fear or change, oh come on,
And grab your fight and follow though
Ha ha ha ha

Distance will set us apart
Come on, dream on
Ha ha ha ha

Blow by blow, oh how long
before we make it on our own?
Ha ha ha ha

Raise all your voices
Gimme all your hands, take the chances
Don't be fooled, wolves in disguises,
All your hands! All your hands!
Hail for better days!

Raise all your voices
Gimme all your hands, take the chances
Don't be fooled, wolves in disguises,
All your hands! All your hands!
Hail for better days!
top

Sweet Dreams

[Collaboration with RM Hubbert]

How many times
Have I've fallen for the best of them
The lies when I mistook you for a friend
So many times
I'll be your honest girl,
I'll be your honest girl

Am I the devil, am I the worst?
Have I got what I deserve?
And I can see
I'm not the only one
The only one you have to run to.

So give me all, so give me all your,
sweet dreams,
Your sweet dreams,
Your sweet dreams,
Your sweet, sweet dreams.

These dreams are mine,
They are mine to stop the blood
And hurt, the thorns I hide
As I grow more distant
Forever blind
Do we get what we deserve
Honesty's overrated.
I don't what I am waiting for
If I can be the only one I'll run
I'll run where my dreams cannot find me.

So give me all, so give me all your,
sweet dreams,
Your sweet dreams,
Your sweet dreams.
top

Helen Marnie's new mixtape

Mixtape Marnie 2013 by Ladytron on Mixcloud

Content:
01. ABBA - Hey, Hey, Helen
02. Miaoux Miaoux - Better For Now
03. Jenny Wilson - Let My Shoes Lead Me Forward (The Knife Remix)
04. Friends - I'm His Girl
05. The Delgados - Pull the Wires From the Walls
06. Shadow Dancer - Parallax
07. Frida - I Know There's Something Going On
08. Santigold - The Keepers (The Knocks Remix)
09. Homework - It's All Over
10. Carly Simon - Why
11. The M Machine - Shadow in the Rose Garden
12. Neil Young - Heart of Gold
13. Siobhan Wilson - All Dressed Up
14. FPU - Ocean Drive
15. Broadcast - Come On Let's Go
16. Land of Bingo - Get Up
17. M.I.A. - Bad Girls (Monolith Remix)
18. The Twilight Sad - Another Bed
19. Roman Nose - Man's Gotta Eat
20. MS MR - Hurricane (Chvrches Remix)
21. Grizzly Bear - Foreground

Reuben Wu's June 2013 mixtape

Content:
01. Night Works - Long Forgotten Boy (Erol Alkan's Extended Rework)
02. Canyons - Dancing on Silk
03. Ladytron - Mirage (Mixhell Remix)
04. Disclosure - When the Fire Starts to Burn
05. Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
06. Blood Diamonds feat. Grimes - Phone Sex
07. Xeno & Oaklander - Italy
08. Housemeister - Italodisco
09. Fast Eddie - Acid Thunder (Fast Eddie Mix)
10. ADULT. - We Will Rest
11. Purity Ring - Grammy Ring
12. Ladytron - Moon Palace (ARIISK Remix)

The VPME interview (2013)

Firstly congratulations on Crystal World, which, without sounding ridiculously effusive, it is a truly spectacular album... So to the questions – rather than ask why you chose to release it via Pledge, I'd be far more interested to find out how you enjoyed the process - updating fans and interacting, getting instant feedback etc. Did it feel rather less like a solitary process knowing you had a fan base out there right behind you, following each stage of the creative process?

I actually really enjoyed the contact that Pledge gave me with people. I've always been quite into meeting fans, seeing what they're about, what they're into, and Pledge gave me this instantly. It was like a huge support network of friends spurring me on when things weren't quite going to plan. I felt really bad to have to keep announcing delays. I mean, if a record was released in the usual way this would not be an issue, but I did feel pressure. However, I'd say 99.9% of the pledgers were totally cool and just kept giving me messages of encouragement. For this, I am grateful.

Following on from that question, you say you felt pressure... was that because as a solo project it's all basically down to you and not a collective effort?

I felt great pressure, but more so because I got Pledge involved. Having people buy my album, along with some very pricey exclusives, without them knowing what the album would sound like scared the hell out of me. They put their trust in me, having only heard one little instrumental snippet. The day I uploaded the album to Pledge was a huge relief. It's like I didn't have to worry any more.

Was the writing process hugely different from working on Ladytron songs. Was it difficult without having a group of people to bounce ideas off?

I'd say it wasn't that much different to the Ladytron process – songs usually start in a solitary way and then may be passed on to someone else. The only difference is that I was working away on my own in my spare bedroom in London and would complete the song-writing alone. I had a pretty clear idea in my mind of the type of songs I wanted to write, the kind of structure I wanted. I knew I wanted it to be more Pop. The majority of the songs were written over the course of about 6-8 months and I feel like it was a time of great change for me personally.

When did you actually start writing the songs for Crystal World? I mean had you been working on them for a while with a view to a possible solo project at some hazy future point, or was it the Ladytron hiatus that gave you the time and space to start seriously writing?

I'd say 8 out of the 10 songs were written specifically for a solo record. The others were a little older but I knew I wanted them used for something. I guess after December 2011, I really started to write a lot, until I went to Iceland in August 2012. So that 7 month period was quite productive for me. 9 songs were taken to Iceland and completed. I then wrote the final track 'Gold' at home in Glasgow late last year, flew for one last time to Reykjavik, and recorded it there in December 2012. Having time away from touring really gave me the incentive to write.

You'd said you'd wanted your solo album to be more 'pop' than Ladytron. However, how would you define pop, do you mean 'pop' in the sense of it not quite being as heavy perhaps as Ladytron- more melody driven?

No, I think more traditional in a song-writing sense, with choruses really taking centre stage. Pop can be dark. Some of the best pop is. If people don't think Crystal World is dark then I think there must be something wrong with them. I also think Crystal World is perhaps more accessible to a wider audience. I've had feedback from friends, family, fans, of all different ages and backgrounds and they all seem to get it. Of course, whether it reaches a wider audience remains to be seen. I'm just proud to have it out there.

The album's production is perfectly judged, the songs sound beautifully polished but are given space to breathe. How did Danny get involved, where you a little worried that having someone from Ladytron would get a sort of, "Ah so it's Ladytron but without the other two" reaction? Saying that I'd imagine it was very important to have somebody on board who you have total trust in?

Danny's production really helped bring the album to life. He was really into me doing the solo thing and wanted to be a part of it. I was aware I would probably be judged for the Ladytron connection but I felt like my songs were strong enough to stand-alone. I am one quarter of Ladytron and I wasn't looking to make an album completely veering away from what we do, however, I think I've made an album that is subtly different, perhaps a little softer around the edges. People can say what they will. I will never please everyone. But I am more than happy with the result.

The album seems to have a number of recurring topics, with the sea being dominant. In literature, the water/the ocean are often used to symbolise change, the ebb and flow of life and of rebirth, new beginnings. Are these kinds of themes you were exploring when referencing the sea?

Definitely, it was a great period of change for me. I felt positive and excited at the prospect of new things on the horizon. I reference the sea quite a lot for other reasons also though, particularly on Submariner. I can't even begin to tell you how much this song means to me. That was another thing with this album. I felt like it was vital for people to hear and feel the real me in it. I wanted it to be personal. For people to listen and relate to what I was saying, or just realise the emotion.

The album photoshoot/publicity shots – again there's the water theme… you in a swimming pool initially in traditional swimming attire. Then in a swimming pool which is empty looking very rock n roll. Where did the photo shoot take place and what's the idea behind the imagery?

Well, the Pledge press photo was taken a few years ago by a friend called Amy K. Walker. She wanted to enter a photography competition and asked me to take part. It was shot in this strange, absolutely freezing, pool in the courtyard of her studio flat in Brixton. The album imagery was shot by another friend Lisa Devine, assisted by Mack Photography, in Govanhill Baths in Glasgow. I'm very into keeping things as local as I can and supporting the area around me and I'd been interested in using this as a possible location for a shoot. We got so much good stuff in there. I think the cover really epitomises the pop aspect of the record and that's exactly what I wanted, it also really works in relation to the title 'Crystal World'. It's stark, glacial, clean, and pretty.

Have you considered performing the album live, I'm sure we could sort something out here in Liverpool, Ladytron's spiritual home?

I have considered it and would love to do live gigs, but that would be the next challenge and at the moment, I'm not quite sure where to start! Right now, I have a huge pledge campaign to fulfil and that it my main objective. Again, I am thankful to pledgers for their patience!

Talking of homes, you've recently moved back to Glasgow after a number of years in Hackney- Was it something you'd always planned to do at some stage, was the pull of the homeland too much to resist. Are you up with the music scene in Glasgow?

My heart has always been in Scotland. Always. I did my time in London, around 13 years, and it was great, but I always knew I would move back to the motherland. Right now Glasgow seems to be bursting at the seams with great music. I'm trying to take more of it in.

I read somewhere that you'd said you were a bit of a technophobe. This may come as something of a shock to fans of Ladytron, who probably imagine all band members travel in futuristic "hover-cars" and live in the sort of high-tech hideaways that make the Bat-cave look like an early Neolithic hut. Can it be true, you really aren't surrounded by state of the art gadgets.

It is true; I am not a huge tech head or gadget fan. Sorry. I get by. I grew up with a piano, and later adapted to a synth. That pretty much says it all.

Finally, "do you believe in love or rock n' roll"

I believe in rock n roll love.

Source

"Crystal World" available on iTunes and Amazon

Crystal World is now available to buy from iTunes and Amazon.