Tech house pioneer Mr C rose to fame with The Shamen, when single ‘Ebeneezer Goode’ topped the UK charts in 1992 (complete with subtle, and not-so-subtle, allusions to rave culture). We caught up with him ahead of his show at Dada this month.
— Your songs are laden with double meanings – which ones did you manage to slip through?
With ‘Ebeneezer Goode,’ as we know, all you need to do is take away the letter ‘h’ from the word ‘he’ in the verses and all is explained. ‘Boss Drum’ was about altered states of consciousness via rhythm, body work and percussive sounds – which are in your brainwaves – to connect you with Dione, the goddess mind of the planet. ‘Transamazonia’ was about a shaman flying across the Amazon. How the hell is a shaman going to fly across the Amazon if he’s not high on ayahuasca?
— So altered states of consciousness were a recurring theme?
What we were actually doing was giving people information about human evolution and coming together to form a telepathic community. I don’t think there’s been a band, before or since, that has been as informative about human evolution and how to move forward.
— Why was Ebeneezer so good?
Because he was cheeky, mysterious and showed people how to enjoy themselves to the fullest.
— If you had to change the letter ‘C’ in your name, what would you choose?
Let’s say ‘E’. Again that’s got a double meaning; it’s all a bit of a mystery.
— If you had a shamanic voodoo doll, who would you use it on?
Can I use it on a bunch of people, like all the elite rich? No? Then I’d have to say one of the Rothschilds because they own all the banks, and all the money. I’d use the pins to inject love and compassion so that they’d stop being greedy, self-righteous people and use their money to end all poverty.
— If you were chasing a dragon, how would you go about it?
That’s difficult, because I don’t ride a horse! Would I just be catching the dragon or slaying the dragon as well?
— We’re not sure. No-one’s caught up with one yet.
Then I’m going to change my answer. I would catch the dragon by being in control of the illusion that tells us the dragon exists.
> Fri Aug 14, 10pm-late; Dada
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