Lee 'Scratch' Perry: Message To London

Joe Gamp on 30/10/12

Pulse Exclusive, Interview, Dub, Dubstep, Legend, Reggae

There's really no need for an introduction when talking about the original upsetter Lee Scratch Perry. An original dub remixer and reggae artist, his list of credentials read like a sermonizing bible text and the larger than life character is still going strong - even at the grand old age of 76 years old. He recently finished an album with The Orb and is also billed to play at Dublime his coming Friday, 2nd November. We caught the starrman for a brief chat before his gig. As ever, the charming star spread his positive vibes and good karma through a messge to London....

Hello Lee, Pulse Radio here. How are you? Hello Pulse. The devil has been in possession of you for your sin. It’s a really good magazine okay? I will be in London and I will bring a righteous spell. A holy spell. An earthly spell. Magazine. Pulse magazine changing the world, changing the globe, through the galaxy. God bless YAH. God bless JAH.

What can we expect from your set in London when you come to play for Dublime? I come to London with positive energy; love energy; rock n roll energy, soul energy. All types of energy will be there. No ragga energy even there. I’m a rag and bone man. I love the London people very much - the London crowd, they choose me before I was ready for them. Body healings, feelings, smeling and tasting the healing. Spiritual feeling.

Your influence has been massive, especially for those who are into the sounds of the bass and soudsystem vibrations? I have to protect them as they are my kids. I am their father - in England - and they are my kids [laughs}. I love being your father. It is boring without your father. When Papa is in the house, it's all happiness and love. Nothing missing.

Do you like dubstep scene and the way that soundsystem culture has made an impact in London? Of course I love it its wonderful. It takes a hold of your mind – then fly. Of course, the message is all about love. It needs to be promoted as that. I like to play the DJ doctor and the character. I will heal and make you FEEL. I like your style man.

Have you ever thought about remixing a dubstep album or artist? I think I should do that. As you suggested that, I think I should do that [Laughs].

How do you feel about the way the music industry has developed over time? Do you think it’s more about money these days than music? I am the music industry. It is I. I’m not boring. I’m allergic to boredom, I am allergic to problem. I am allergic to trouble and I am allergic to the devil. Blast the money to ‘ell man!

You’ve also just released an album in collaboration with The Orb…can you tell us about the inspiration behind it? It’s music to take you higher. Make you flyer, Music to take you to the stars and back again. Its music to speak to the people. Fire water.

Is there a new album or music to come after? Are you recording ne productions? I continue to do music the ay the children like it. If they fly then I continue to make the children fly. I won't be making music that makes children die. I only make music that makes children fly and stop crying through their eye. I, I, I eyyyyeeeee. I, I, I don't make the children die. And I, I, I love Marcus Garvey eyyyyeeee. And i shall never die, die, die [laughs].

What plans do you have for the rest of the year Lee? Have you got some plans ready? No plans yet. Some things in my life are very strange. If I make plans then someone who I work wth will cancel them and I don’t know why, it’s very strange. I try to come before and I missed the flight because of someone else. But they don;t stop me this time! My original magic, it refuse to die. My science refuse to die and tell you no lie, lie, lie.