In September of 2008, Studio One vocal legend and Massive Attack collaborator Horace Andy met U.K. dubby dance producer Ashley Beedle in a London studio for a five-day recording session. The resulting album, the second in Strut’s Inspiration Information series, has to be the reggae record of the year. Getting these two underground music superstars in the same room isn’t easy—Andy hardly ever leaves Jamaica—but we managed to persuade Beedle to interview his hero Andy for a Time Out Chicago exclusive.
Ashley Beedle: What was your first recording and when?
Horace Andy: It was in 1966 for Phil Pratt, called “Black Man’s Country,” but it never got anywhere. It was a big flop. I couldn’t sing; I was still learning. For the next few years, I just practiced, practiced, practiced. Even when I went to Studio One in January 1970, I thought I could sing, but I had to learn to start all over again. It took me another three years to get a hit song.
Ashley Beedle: Do you think your cousin, the great reggae singer Justin Hinds, had an effect on you?
Horace Andy: Yes, he definitely influenced me as a young man. Hearing his songs was a big inspiration to me. I really give thanks for that.
Ashley Beedle: What was it like working with Bunny Lee?
Horace Andy: This was a learning time for me. Striker Lee was a very good communicator and he believed in me. In those times, I would just go to the studio and sing because I loved singing. We recorded a lot of tracks and ideas at that time. I still love it now—but I wouldn’t do it like that again!
Ashley Beedle: What’s your favorite song you have recorded with Massive Attack?
Horace Andy: “Big Wheel.” It’s a very inspirational song. Someone who is very conscious can listen to that song and they will know [what I mean]. I’ll always give big ups to 3D, Mushroom and Daddy Gee and bless them all the time.
Ashley Beedle: How do you feel in general about today’s reggae scene ?
Horace Andy: You still have good people doing good songs, just like when I was young, like Sizzla and Capleton. If I was 22 or 23, I would be doing what they are doing. I only complain against slack lyrics that give no inspiration to anyone. But what the youths are doing is their future. I’m an old man now!
Ashley Beedle: How did you find working on the Inspiration Information project?
Horace Andy: It wasn’t planned too tight, it just came around. I have a gift for writing but I don’t always enjoy writing. This album wasn’t hard. I think the lyrics make it very spiritual.
Horace Andy/Ashley Beedle: Inspiration Information Vol 02 is out now on Strut.
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