Midge Ure, the legendary musician and former frontman of Ultravox, is gearing up for a highly anticipated release and tour. His upcoming album, 'A Man of Two Worlds', is a double album divided into two distinct parts: 'World One: Music' and 'World Two: Songs'. The concept was inspired by Ure's time spent during lockdown, where he immersed himself in instrumental music and curated a late-night music programme on Scala Radio.
The instrumental half of the album, 'World One: Music', is a sparse and cinematic collection of eight pieces, written mostly on keyboards. It features a mix of reflective and melancholy tracks, with a hauntingly beautiful song called 'Blues and Greys' and a lullaby-like melody in 'The Pictures You Carry With You'. Ure's use of a guitar synth on some tracks adds a unique twist to the overall sound.
The second half, 'World Two: Songs', showcases Ure's versatility as a musician. It includes anthemic, stadium-friendly rock/pop songs like the first single, 'Just Words', and nods to his Ultravox past with filmic, electronic tracks such as 'World Away' and 'Ordinary Man (Precious Moments)'.
In an interview with Sean Hannam, Ure discusses the creative process behind the album, his relationship with technology, and his thoughts on the state of the world. He reveals that the album's gap of 12 years was partly due to self-doubt and the challenges of touring and lockdown. Ure also shares insights into his writing process, his love for instrumental music, and his collaboration with Ty Unwin, who helped bring the album to life.
The interview delves into Ure's musical influences, including his appreciation for neo-classical composers like Oliver Arnold and Max Richter. He also reflects on the impact of technology on music, his listening habits, and his thoughts on the current state of the music industry. Ure's tour plans and his future projects, including potential reissues of his solo work and Ultravox material, are also discussed.
Throughout the interview, Ure's passion for music and his unique perspective on the creative process shine through. His thoughtful and engaging conversation provides a deep insight into his artistic journey and his vision for 'A Man of Two Worlds'. The article concludes with details about the album's release, tour dates, and exclusive merchandise available for fans.
