In the Studio with Bryan Ferry Laying Down Tracks for the Rock Legend's New Album Olympia
In the Studio with Bryan Ferry
In the Studio with Bryan Ferry
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Music & Dance

In the Studio with Bryan Ferry

Laying Down Tracks for the Rock Legend's New Album Olympia

For Olympia

, Bryan Ferry’s first studio album of original material in eight years, the former Roxy Music front man put together a dream team of collaborators, including Flea, Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, Roxy Music alum Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera and Andy Mackay, and—remarkably—a singing whale. Still, the record is still very much Ferry's own, a labor of love resulting from years of tinkering in the studio. Nowhere is this more apparent than in his re-interpretation of Tim Buckley’s “Song to the Siren” (featuring the aforementioned whale). The recording and mixing of this track is documented in today’s exclusive video, directed by Roma Levin and containing excerpts from

The Making of Olympia, a 30-minute documentary released with the album today. We tracked down the always impeccably dressed Ferry to pick his brains about style and sub-aquatic sounds.

Why did it take so long to perfect your remake of “Song to the Siren”?

I first heard the song in the version by This Mortal Coil in 1983, and I instantly felt that I would like to do it myself. A few years later I did a backing track and every now and then I would add something to it, not knowing where it was going to end, or which project it would fit into. The good thing about this is that all kinds of disparate musical talents came to work on the track. I think the big production tends to suit the epic theme of the song.

How did you finally decide on the perfect whale song for "Song to the Siren"?

As with most things, by trial and error. I didn't know that whales had such a rich and varied language.

What are some other non-human, non-instrumental sounds that you like?

The crackling of the fire. The sounds of the sea. The rushing of the wind.

You've been known to be a devotee of Dunhill and Kilgour, and to have rocked Slimane-era Dior Homme on tour. What are you wearing now?

On stage recently I have been wearing Gucci and some Louis Vuitton. Otherwise Anderson & Sheppard, Rubinacci and Charvet. Always Berluti shoes.

What musicians today have good style?

Prince always springs to mind as someone who has got “it”... Not to mention the great Gaga.

You have a great appreciation of other artistic giants—Bob Dylan included. Who is currently on your radar?

Richard Strauss and Coleman Hawkins.

In ten years, you'll be... ?

Toast.

Is love still the drug?
 
Mais oui...

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In the Studio with Bryan Ferry