Kelli Ali has one of my favorite voices of all time. Like many people, I was introduced to Kelli via her time in the trip-hop group – Sneaker Pimps. I bought the ‘Becoming X’ CD way-back-when and played it nonstop. For the record, I’ve always preferred the original version of 6 Underground to the video version (Nellee Hooper Edit) but still love them both. The fuzz on the bass is hypnotic.
Since the Sneaker Pimps days, Kelli has had a busy and creative solo career. I recommend you listening to 2003’s Tigermouth. It’s one of my favorite albums from the entire decade. ‘Angel in L.A.’ and ‘Here Comes The Summer’ have a spot in my personal playlist and will likely wind up on yours after hearing them.
Today Kelli is working on a joint album and film project called Ghostdriver. I was able to catch up with her to discuss the project as well as the Pledge Music situation – which has had a direct impact on the entire project. She also tells us in this interview about working once again with Liam Howe for the first time since the Sneaker Pimps days.
Sound Vapors: Can you tell us a little about this newest project you are working on?
Kelli Ali: Ghostdriver is a black and white Noir thriller feature film and a love letter to London and an original soundtrack album which was created in tandem with the film.
My friend and collaborator Leigh Bit-Phalanx was there by my side as usual and all my dear friends played a big role in both movie and the album.
Brian Davis and Luke Baker, Maciek Groma and my partner Metso were the most amazing cinematographers. We have achieved something very unique and remarkable together visually I think.
Kirsty Allison, Erik Stein and Lydia L’ Scabies, Steve Brown, David Ferguson, Sean Glock were just a handful of the superstars starring in the film. I’m very lucky to know such amazing artists.
The album features many great friends /collaborators such as Ulrich Schnauss and Cult WIth No Name, Digitonal, Alexander Dai and Guido Spanocchi, Lucy Roslyn on Sax and Harrison Cole on trumpet.
It was great working with Liam Howe after all these years, who did a wonderful job of mixing the album and providing some stellar additional production.
SV: How has the situation with Pledge Music affected this project?
KA: It’s completely halted the release plans for the film and album.
I am not able to pay for the final aspects of completing the film –
There is no way I can book the grade and sound mix for the film or pay the remaining outstanding debts I have.
Until I receive the remainder of the Pledge Music money, I am in a kind of limbo.
I have decided to do more work on the film and take it to the best possible stage I can by myself until I find out what’s happening.
Luckily the more time I have, the better a project becomes so I don’t see this as an entirely horrific disaster. It is one of life’s many curve balls that I simply need to roll with that will shape my journey and that of the project in its own unique way I guess.
SV: What is the current status of your Pledge Music account? Have you received word from them or any of the funds gathered from your Pledgers?
KA: I have received no word from Pledge Music whatsoever. It’s an Incredible lack of communication by a company such as this in such a dire situation, which has only confounded the mistrust of all users of the platform. Very sad and unnecessary.
SV: Where is the project in terms of progress and release?
KA: As mentioned, I am now waiting to hear what happens before I can move forward with releasing the album as funds will decide exactly how I release.
I have vowed to personally honor the all pledges made and have already sent most of the film props ordered last year.
However, it will take time to establish how I practically go about completing the film and manufacturing the record, not to mention sending the albums out to my listeners if that money is not paid out by Pledge Music. I will have to do everything in much slower stages.
I have begun contacting labels to see if there is any interest but have received no responses as yet.
SV: You have many fans (including myself) that love your Tigermouth record. Any plans to record a future trip-hop album?
Thank you. Ghostdriver is probably the most trip hop influenced album I have made since I was part of the Sneaker Pimps Becoming X album. There is a track called The Fear of London which will be the first single from the album and which is very much of that era.
Here’s hoping that everything gets worked out and we will all get to see and hear this project sometime in 2019! I know I will waiting in anticipation to see what Kelli has come up with on Ghostdriver.
-Tommy Marz
You can follow Tommy on Twitter and let him know what you think.
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