Faithless' new LP "All Blessed" will be released on October 23rd. spot on news explains to Sister Bliss why it's all about compassion.
Faithless are back. On Friday (October 23rd), the British electronic band's new long player "All Blessed" will be released, which celebrated its greatest successes in the 90s with songs like "Insomnia" and "God is a DJ". In an interview with the news agency spot on news, band member and songwriter Sister Bliss (49) explains to what extent current topics such as migration and the corona pandemic influenced Faithless' new music and why self-isolation must not be romanticized.
"Not a day goes by without seeing boats full of migrants arrive on our coasts and in Europe in search of a better life," the 49-year-old recalls in an interview. Often people would "flee from war, poverty, climate change and persecution". The world is divided into "those who have something and those who have nothing. In black, white and so on".
Faithless represents "the benefits of tolerance and inclusion"
With their new long player, Faithless want to focus on the subject of compassion. "Who are we as people without compassion for those who are different or less fortunate? Who do we become when we do not share what we have with others? When we are stuck in the midst of fear and a sense of danger?" Sister Bliss asks. Due to their different ethnic backgrounds, genders and families, the band has always "represented the advantages of tolerance and inclusion".
The London native says the songs on "All Blessed" are meant to appeal to the listener on a personal and political level. They believe that everyone has individual privileges, no matter what they look like. The album title "All Blessed" is derived from this notion "that we may all be blessed by our privileges".
Music industry contribution is being overlooked during the pandemic
A privilege that has been wrested from many people by the corona pandemic is the opportunity to enjoy live concerts or to earn a living as an artist with performances. The British woman is also suffering from it, her "entire show and festival summer has been canceled," she reports. Whether shows planned for 2021 will take place is currently in the stars.
Sister Bliss describes the situation in the music business as an "absolute disaster", with "very little support" from the British government. "There is a lack of understanding of the contribution our industry is making to this country." The club scene in particular is "a lifeline for those who belong to it, and it is particularly important as a safe place where you can express yourself – for example for members of the LGBTQ community," explains the band colleague from Maxi Jazz (63) and Rollo Armstrong (54).
Self-isolation can be "the purest hell"
However, self-isolation can also have positive aspects, says Sister Bliss. "We address that in our last song on the album, 'Take Your Time'. By constantly rushing from A to B, we don't have time for the things that make life worth living – the intimate moments, the time with our loved ones, kindness, empathy. " However, it is precisely these things that are "important in life".
However, the musician does not want to romanticize the state of isolation because she is aware of her privileged situation. "If you're earning a minimum wage and you don't know where the money for your next meal is coming from, or how to pay the rent – or you're in a violent relationship – then it's hell," she says. "Friends of mine who were absolutely alone or had financial problems have suffered terribly."