Born on September 4: Paul Haig and his musical postcards sent from Scotland
Born in Edinburgh in 1960, Paul always preferred a certain discretion to the limelight. And yet what a composer. Demanding, disconcerting but fascinating!
He is certainly the champion of an English pop that is both minimalist, often vintage 80s electro, demanding and sometimes almost funky; but he's also a fan of literature. Even if the reference probably went unoticed by his fans, he nevertheless dared to call his first group Josef K (1979-1982) in reference to Kafka's hero in his work "The Trial".
After the dissolution of Josef K, the Edinburgh native opted for a less abstruse surname, as well as a name more in line with his new musical aspirations. Finding refuge in Brussels with Disques du Crépuscule, he first recorded Rhythm Of Life in 1983, a name that perfectly suits this collection of songs produced by Alex Sadkin (Grace Jones and Thompson Twins). Despite the presence of Tom Bailey (leader of the aforementioned Twins), Bernie Worrell (Parliament) and Anton Fier (The Feelies) as well as catchy tracks such as "Heaven Sent", "Never Give Up (Party Party)" and especially "Blue For You", success was not forthcoming. "I had no intention of being the center of attention. I rather saw Rhythm Of Life as a collective around which guests would come to graft themselves. But Island (who distributed the album internationally) wanted a pop image that I didn't give them!" he said in hindsight.
In the years that followed, Paul Haig gave the impression of being content with a second division jersey. He continued to call upon musicians he respected such as Bernard Sumner (New Order) for an obviously inspired "The Only Truth", Alan Rankine and Billy McKenzie (Associates) or Donald Johnson (A Certain Ratio) but commercial success is no longer an end in itself. If only it were…
In 1991, a collection of "imaginary film music", "Cinématique" highlights a growing interest in instrumentals and a form of experimentation in the field. "Kube" in 2013 will add another stone to this edifice.
(MH with AK - Photo: Etienne Tordoir)
Photo: Paul Haig with Rhythm Of Life on the set of the TV show "Génération 80" in Brussels (Belgium) in February 1982 (© Etienne Tordoir)
