In case you missed part one of our EQ interview with Dangerous Muse last week – click here.
Also make sure you check out new Dangerous Muse fan site – www.dangerousmuse.net
In part two of our interview, Furey and Tom talk about their costumes for the "I Want It All" video, what they thought of the whole Adam Lambert controversy, their involvement with H&M and why Tom is "scared shitless" of the London Dungeons...enjoy!
EQ: And after that, now we have our first bit of new Dangerous Muse in a long time – the fantastic new single "I Want It All". Tell me, what is your take on that track.
Furey: I'm very interested in the examination of pure emotion. I like to explore the moments when we feel the strongest and to pull that split-second essence over three minutes or so. "I Want It All" explores the ugly streak of desire that we all have — to be the best, to have it all. "Too Much to Ask" another song on the forthcoming album, explores desire from a vulnerable side. These songs, as you will hear, are polar opposites — much like our emotions can be at times!
You guys have some very cool costumes for the video – Did you guys make the costumes…viva very Gaga.
Furey: No, they aren't homemade. [laughs] They aren't Haus of Furey, either. The wardrobe was put together by our good friend and stylist, Brett Bailey. Some special pieces were handmade by Franc Fernandez. The look and premise of the video was inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy. Bondage and sadism is hot, but tie it to classic literature and you've got me.
What do you guys make of the whole Adam Lambert AMA controversy…blown out of proportion much?
Furey: Adam is a friend. I think he's been handling it well. I wonder what the AMAs would have done if he jammed a microphone down someone's throat and jacked it off…
You guys obviously appeal to gay audiences and have tons of gay fans – do you guys feel there is a bit of dishonesty in pop music when it comes to sexuality? Or is it getting better these days?
Furey: We love our fans — even though I hate that word. I prefer to call them our friends. We love their sexy bodies and, more importantly, their brilliant minds. Discrimination is a bi-product of ignorance. The best thing we can do is project what we would like to get back. Like Ghandi said, "you must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Tell me about your involvement in the H&M Fashion Against Aids project.
Furey: The H&M Fashion Against Aids campaign was a perfect way for us to combine music, art, and fashion to create a message that encourages awareness. We designed a sculpture made out of condoms and photographed it for a t-shirt that was sold in H&M stores across the world in 32 countries. At first we thought such an image would be too much for a conservative brand, but they went for it.
Tom: We were honored to be asked by H&M and Designers Against Aids to be selected among such a group of talented artists.
And the big question – when are you guys coming to perform in London? We're dying to see you live over here…have you guys ever been to London before?
Tom: I’ve been to London once, when I was twelve in 1997. I fucking loved it. I remember vividly getting scared shitless in the London Dungeons. It was so bad that I think I almost passed out when they told us through the fog, that Jack the Ripper was about and if we felt anyone graze our necks that we should shout as loud as we could. I couldn’t get through that quickly enough. I can’t wait to perform over there.
Furey: We'll be there soon, Raj. I'm looking forward to hearing you scream…
Oooh – I'm getting shivers! So it's 2010 now – what was your favourite song and album of 2009?
Furey: My favorite song is the one that my sixteen-year-old little brother wrote — his first one ever. He's so smart. My favorite album is one of photos that my Mom gave me of my family and friends hanging at the beach last summer. I look at it when I'm feeling especially jaded.
Tom: Favorite album is a definite three-way time between Röyksopp’s "Junior", The Prodigy’s "Invaders Must Die", and IAMX’s "Kingdom of Welcome Addiction". My favorite song was DEFINITELY “New In Town” by Little Boots.
So tell me about the upcoming album. Is it more fierce electro-pop that we have come to love from DM or are there any surprises in store?
Furey: It's better to let you find out for yourself.
Well you know I'm totally looking foward to it. So that's it guys – thanks for your time – any parting words for EQ readers?
Tom: When we come to London, I may need volunteers for my obligatory walk through the London Dungeons…
Furey: Stop reading this and go do something dangerous…