Hey Music Mag - Issue 2 - October 2018

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FEATURE PAUL WELLER “Compared to the 1970s and 1980s, there’s a lot of things that are way better now. People’s attitudes in general are better. People are fairer and open-minded; they’re well-travelled. I think, generally speaking, there is less racism. “I don’t believe in the idea of ‘divided Britain’ – I think that’s a lot of boll**ks. I could cite many examples of people being totally united, all colors, all religions, everyone. ‘Divided Britain’ is just another tool of the Tories and right wing propagandists.” From the new album, Books reflects on how governments have twisted and manipulated religion into a catalyst for wars. “The starting phrase for most religions, whatever way it’s phrased, is ‘thy shall not kill’. Which sounds like a pretty good place to start,” reckons Weller. “Who am I to knock other people’s faith? I wouldn’t do that. I think whatever makes people happy or gets them through their lives is ultimately a good thing, I suppose. But the way it’s used and abused and manipulated by the people in control is the antithesis of what it’s supposed to be about.” Weller offers a measured response when asked if he feels contemporary politics and society is not reflected in popular music as it was in previous decades. “I don’t think that’s true in hiphop or grime, is it? Those artists seem to be still telling it like it is. But in pop or rock? I guess not. I think it’s inevitable, really, after 20 years or so of wishy-washy politics. “You have to ask, has music still got that cultural force? I think the last shout on all of that was in the 1990s. I don’t think music holds the same place for people. I think “Humility is a quality that we must find at some point in our lives. It’s a good thing to learn” some of that’s down to it being disposable; you don’t have to pay for it. <strong>Music</strong> doesn’t have the same cultural value, possibly.” Had he not become a successful musician, Weller says he’d be “playing in pubs and clubs in Surrey. I’ve got mates who were in bands at the same time as I was and are the same age as me now. They still play gigs at the weekend. They’ve got day jobs but still love going out playing. If it’s in your blood, it’s a hard thing to stop doing, whatever level we’re talking about.” For many, Weller is also considered a fashion icon but does he find it unusual seeing men with haircuts he has inspired. Laughing, he says: “Yeah, sometimes. What can I say? I’ve copied so many of my heroes’ haircuts. Sometimes with success, sometimes it’s a complete disaster. But I don’t walk around thinking I’m a style icon. Humility is a quality that we must find at some point in our lives. It’s a good thing to learn.” 16 OCTOBER <strong>2018</strong>
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Hey Music Mag - Issue 2 - October 2018

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