James Righton on creating art for Oxford Street and whether new rave was the original ‘Brat’
The celebrated musician tells Rolling Stone UK about teaming up with Tiffany's, comparisons between new rave and Brat, and whether a Klaxons reunion could be on the cards.
By Nick Reilly
Former Klaxons keyboardist and musician James Righton has told Rolling Stone UK about his latest foray into the art-world, his thoughts on comparisons between nu-rave and Brat summer, and whether Klaxons could ever make a return.
Righton has provided the soundtrack for Tiffany & Co’s latest project which has transformed Oxford Street into an open-to-all art gallery until October 20. The installation sits inside the Selfridges store window and is said to evoke the human heartbeat by displaying a complex system of illuminated circles and motors, which respond directly to the ethereal, otherworldly music that Righton has created. It’s then piped out onto the street, allowing passers-by to stop for a few minutes and enjoy some respite on one of Europe’s busiest shopping districts.
“I’m a Londoner and the idea of having my music being played out onto Oxford Street is one of those things I would never have been able to imagine even in my wildest dreams,” said Righton. “I wanted it to sound contemporary, but also classical and with its roots in tradition.”
He added: “London is also my home city and it’s in a place where I’ve got friends that could walk past it and I’ll walk past it, so I wanted something that didn’t sound safe. It had to be exciting and modern and I think we’ve done that. I went to see it the other day and it was just amazing to see people stop and listen. It’s been an amazing privilege and I’ve always thought we need more art in public spaces.”
Righton’s latest project is the latest high-profile effort to come from the musician ever since Klaxons disbanded in 2015. Since then, he’s worked on theatre and film scores, as well as bringing the 10-piece house band together for the ABBA Voyage show in east London.
But it was Klaxons, of course, that formed the epicentre of the new rave scene in the late-noughties. Defined by neon colours and hedonistic behaviour, it’s no wonder that The Fader posited the idea that new rave was the original aesthetic employed by Charli XCX’s Brat.
Asked about the comparison, Righton replied: “I haven’t actually heard Brat because I’ve spent the last few months doing soundtracks to various movies where I’m in my own little world of Pro Tools so I haven’t got around to it.”
For her part, XCX said in a 2012 interview that she was inspired by new rave and had attended shows where “everyone was out of their mind on ketamine and tossing glitter around”.
“It’s flattering and lovely to hear you’ve inspired someone in that way and when we started we were referencing stuff from the past. We were taking rave music, punk records and the things we liked at the time and that’s how you create, really. Everything comes from something and you put your spin on it. That’s great, I’m all for it, so go Charli!”
But in the wake of Brat’s success, would Klaxons ever consider a reunion and strike a new-rave revival? “We get offers to reunite every year and I love the guy,” Righton said. We’re all older and wiser and we get on, but personally I’m too busy and I’m really happy doing what I’m doing. It’s funny, that post-band life you create. It takes a while to figure out what you are and what you want to become. Now, after almost 10 years out of the band, I feel like I’m on a bit of a roll with that.
“I wouldn’t want to disrupt where I’m at right now, which is a really creative, happy space. I’m making more music than I’ve ever made in my life.”
He added: “I can’t imagine being away from my family too, because my kids are at school and the idea of touring now is actually kind of terrifying for me. I wouldn’t want to leave what I’ve built because it’s taken a lot. But don’t get me wrong, I still love the guys and it’s nice that people like Charli XCX are referencing us. Now there’s a bit of distance between it ending, It’s like I value it and respect it even more.
“I’m really proud of what we did together, because it was pretty bonkers music that we managed to get into and it’s great that a lot of people got into it. It was wild and performing live it had such an energy to it too. OK, there were a few bum notes every now and again, but it was exciting to see us live. I think that plays into why there would be a demand for us to do it again.”