Loopz Interview - 2003

We do intend to write some historic information on how Loopz started but it may be interesting to read this interview we did in May 2003 with Globaldancefloor.

If Hybid-Group.com is queen of the fan site, then Loopz is surely king. Make way for HRH, Steve Price: What was the inspiration behind dedicating a site to Orbital? "Orbitals music was the pure drive from day one. I remember at the time they were in a field of their own creating soundscapes of looping layers of beautiful sounds which were all intwined perfectly. I was gobsmacked when I saw them live. I always believe that in order to create an in-depth interesting site you need to have full inspiration and interest in the subject matter. They certainly gave me that from day one".

How did your site compare to the other Orbital sites around at that time? "I don't remember too much about other sites to be truthful. I remember Paul Misons "Stopped Clock" website which was good. There was the official RISE site as most called it (taken from www.rise.co.uk/orbital) which was visually interesting but the content was poor and was never updated. There was a point when I offered to update the site but there was too much red tape to make it worthwhile. I concentrated my efforts on the Loopz site and the Rise site disappeared after a few months".

What influenced you in the way in which the site was created? "I remember writing down all the individual sections that I would be interested to view via an official website. The end result was an eye-sore".

Your site Loopz became Orbital's official website. Tell us a little about that… "I had an overseas friend come over to visit - it was someone who I had made contact with because of the internet and our mutual interest in electronic music. I was still writing for the paper version of Loopz and had organised a meetup with Orbital for a face to face interview in their studio. I decided to suprise my friend by taking him to London and then springing a "You're going to interview Orbital" suprise. It was after this interview that we sat down to listen to the next single 'The Saint' when Phil posed the question of the Loopz website taking the official reign. I dont remember too much about the conversation as I was overcome with excitment. I remember Phil saying that he liked the website especially as it was constantly updated and I was always in contact for the latest goings on. It was as simple as that really - A fantastic day".

Do you still own the rights to the site, or is it now owned by Orbital's publishers? "I own Loopz throughout but I like to think its definatly a team ownership now".

What are the benefits of working on the official Orbital site? "Where can I start! I've been very lucky to hear tracks before they are released, seen them working on tracks including the DVD recording and been on tour in the UK and USA with them. As soon as they made the site official, I was given easy access to take photos and get more detailed information on any Orbital happenings. Basically...its made my life easier when it came to updating the site. I've also been able to get to know the two people who have inspired me to produce the website in the first place".

What is your favourite Orbital album? "In Sides. I dont think there is one weak track on this album and it contains 3 of my favourite Orbital tracks ('The Girl With The Sun In Her Head', 'Dwr Budr' and 'Out There Somewhere'). Its a moody album in a way, but I tend to be attracted to the more darker side of music in general".

…and single? "I probably would chose three singles instead of the one :) 'Raddicio' was probably the first EP that really appealed to me with the classic 'Halcyon', 'Naked and the Dead' and beautiful 'Sunday'. I also love 'The Box' EP as it contains the other versions that take the music on a imaginary film scenario. 'Peel Sessions' EP has 4 outstanding tracks merged into two musical pieces".

How do you keep the site's content fresh? "I try to think what I would be interested in seeing on the site. I'm lucky as I can think as most fans would, so I can also cater for most of the fans. There are always times when Orbital are locked up for months writing new material and this is the most important time to keep the visitors interested. The active times are the easiest as the music and live dates tend to keep the website fresh with reviews, photos and news items".

How many users do you have visit Loopz each month? "It changes depending on Orbitals and the website activities. Thats a polite way of saying 'pass'".

How do you see Loopz evolving in the next few years? "It's a hard question to answer. Away from the site, I tend to react to situations or events, and its not too different with the website. I've just launched the Net Radio side of things on the website after winning a good solid sponsership backing. This is a weekly broadcast on Sundays only (3pm to 7pm UK time) where we play rare and live Orbital, featured DJ sets from named and unknown artists, plus we get a few live gigs contributed as well. It's all early days but www.loopz.co.uk/radio is the place to read the latest. So this is something I'm concentrating on at the moment and it helps me promote other musicians that I like to listen to. The tour archive needs to be completed - that should take many years so there are a few avenues to pursue".

What other artists would you consider dedicating a site to? "Autechre, Plaid, Higher Intelligence Agency, Funksturong, Brothomstates and Boards of Canada. All have websites out there that really cover the general information that people need to be happy but I don't think any of them have what a call an in-depth frequently updated website (apart from HIA maybe). All the groups are a massive inspiration to me and I would love to help any of them out in the future".

Anything you can tell us about the Hartnoll brothers that we might not know already? "I dont think so - apart from that they are very easy going and friendly to everyone they meet. It's nice to know that their fame hasn't gone to their heads and they still act like normal people".

Do you have any inside knowledge of plans for another album? "Not exactly inside knowledge, but I can tell you that Orbital have finished a score for the film 'Octane'. The film and soundtrack should be out in the Summer. They are now working on a couple of projects which includes the new album. Should be a corker...naturally"!

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