808 State Pt.1

A founder of the band with Martin Price and Gerald Simpson (A Guy Called Gerald) in 1987. 808 State had a big chart hit with Pacific State at the height of the rave era but the band's influence in alternative electronica goes deeper than that.

Anita Awbi
  • By Anita Awbi
  • 12 Apr 2012
  • min read
M recently had the pleasure of speaking with Graham Massey of 808 State.

A founder of the band with Martin Price and Gerald Simpson (A Guy Called Gerald) in 1987. 808 State had a big chart hit with Pacific State at the height of the rave era but the band's influence in alternative electronica goes deeper than that.

In addition to 808 State and countless collaborations, Massey composed the score to the film It's All Gone Pete Tong and worked with Björk on her first solo album Debut and the follow-up, Post.

In part one of a three-part interview, Massey describes his early musical adventures in Manchester which began in the 1970s and the story of how 808 State got together. Visit us on Wednesday 22 February for part two.

A 'best of' collection, 808 State: Blueprint is out now.

Watch part two of M's 808 State interview here.

www.808state.com