The Night

When I get to the venue, it is immediately obvious that this is ONE BIG GIG. The people crowd around the gate, and from this distance, they looked like an angry anthill. And for a time, as a matter of fact, they did get antsy, as it seemed the show’s producers had not anticipated the huge turnout. But things get sorted out and everything is settled. Chicane has always been a big name in the dance scene, but even by big-name standards, his Manila reception was huge. The fact that he was going to play live seemed to intrigue both jaded clubbers and novice partyphiles alike. This sort of thing doesn’t happen every day, and we all wanted to see what it would be like to have a musician on stage.

Information given was that he would have his "band" with him, but at first sight of the venue even that is forgotten as a stunning laser light setup proclaims the true sensual feast in store. A mirror ball reflects the light of a powerful laser, flashing on a scene of literally thousands of people, eyes bright with anticipation, excitement, and ecstasy (emotional, not chemical).

The anticipation peaks around midnight, and the crowd clamors for Chicane to appear and give them the sound fix they had all been waiting for. Two huge screens showing fractal images and computer visuals form the backdrop for the stage, but after midnight this dims along with the laser lights, and a lone female figure appears, inducing the crowd to a fevered chant. And then the announcement: CHICANE—LIVE! The crowd roars approval, and the first strains of Nick Bracegirdle’s own brand of atmospheric and uplifting music washes over the mass.

It was quite a night. Chicane more than lived up to the considerable hype. The band plays loose and relaxed, obviously enjoying the vibe of the appreciative crowd. Nick is all smiles throughout the show, exchanging laughs with his band members, along with the occasional thrown plastic cup. No attitude here, just musicians on a good vibe, responding to a happy crowd, and being happy in return.

His band, playing an array of percussion instruments, congas and acoustic guitar, amply augmented Chicane’s keyboard work. They also had a guest vocalist, whose ethereal voice becomes a source of wonder for many. "Don’t Give Up", "Offshore," and "Saltwater" elicits approval from everyone. A lot of people, already used to Chicane’s sound on CD, are awed by this performance.

The entire set lasts for nine songs, after which the band begs off, exhausted by the heat—they are apparently unused to the warmth of both Manila’s climate and reception. But their performance gives the city something to remember and talk about for a long time.

20 Minutes with Chicane

We had 20 minutes with Chicane, a.k.a. Nick Bracegirdle, simply because the night had tired him out, and that since they had an afternoon flight, they did not have the luxury of a long presscon. At 2:30, The Man appeared, sleep still visible in his eyes, but otherwise refreshed. He seemed a far cry from the musician who had captivated the ears of thousands of people mere hours earlier, dressed simply in t-shirt and jeans, but his humor still showing through.

"Last night was insane!" he enthused when asked about his opinion of the Filipino crowd. He seemed pleased by the unexpected enthusiasm of the audience, and later told us, the assembled press people, how good it made him feel. Chicane is obviously just Nick. I was expecting more of the band to come in, but on questioning, Nick says that Chicane is "just me." Most of the band, "…while session musicians, have been playing with me for a long time, and are old friends". Thus the music is entirely Chicane’s own work. Asked about his musical sources, or his inspirations, Nick claims that he "can’t pin them down, but that inspiration just happens". Obviously, he gets a lot of inspiration from what is happening around him, because he has released albums to both criticalacclaim and commercial success. Another Chicane album is in the works, and this time, more guest vocalists are included. It’s been a busy year, and still people are lined up to get the Chicane touch, the right to remix to propel their songs into the ‘serious’ strata of electronic music. Nick’s success as an artist has meant that he doesn’t have to go looking for work anymore. "I don’t call people, people call me now," he laughs.

Although the remixes and production projects are lined up, Nick professes that he looks forward to other things, "I would like to work with a guitar-based band. I would love to work with U2" and see how that works out. He likes and listens to a lot of music, "I’m not a musical snob and not a musical star-within reason, of course." Pressed for any artists he may dislike, he finally relents, "I hate the Vengaboys! I dislike that kind of music."

Growing up in a family where his father and grandfather were musical enthusiasts, Nick says that he always wanted to be in music. "I wanted to be a musician or in music sinceI was nine or ten years old. I learned piano and guitar as a child, and I guess that’s where I started." His description of his music is "My musical style and approach is cinematic. There’s an element of melancholy in it. I wrote ‘Offshore’ when I was in the beach, and it was the end of summer, and there was this element of that moment in the song." If people wonder why his work sounds so theatric, an answer may be found in Nick’s statement that he loves to work with Vangelis in the background. "Yeah, Vangelis, of ‘Chariots of Fire’," drawing puzzlement from most of the reporters.

I asked him about what the dance scene is after September 11, and he becomes somber. "I found it hard to write the dance music after that. Dance music is essentially feel-good music, and it’s hard to be that way after such event. It was six months ago, and everyone still feels the ripples of that event. Then again, it’s been six months, and people are beginning to look up again." So what does he think of the dance scene, and the rise of rap metal? "Well dance is obviously not going to maintain its current popularity. But you have to understand that back home (in the U.K.), dance music is pop music. It’s very widespread and dance hits are not just hits in clubs, they’re popular all over. Rap metal and other skate music is obviously big, but there will always be a market for good dance music. Just as there has always been a dance scene, what we look forward to are the new trends or direction that dance music will take.

The new Chicane album will explore new directions "Im going on a change of style, no more of trancey sound. But expect more of the same quality Chicane music." Finally when asked whether his status as a star helps attract women, he pauses and smiles. "Well my girlfriend is not going to like this. Yes, here and there. But then again ultimately, I’m just a guy who pushes buttons and make noises."