|
Tessa Niles
backing vocalist for various albums and live shows since 1986
(TDGD 63, January 2004)
How did you first come to work with Duran Duran?
God, it was so long ago that I can't really remember what the first occasion was. I don't know if the boys asked for me or if it was the producer [Nile Rodgers]. I don't remember the name of the track... oops.
Were you ever a fan of their music before you worked with the band? Do you have a favourite Duran song?
I loved their stuff... who didn't? They were the ultimate 80's band. Everything they did epitomised that era. Their groundbreaking fashion sense, those great pop songs with clever lyrics and their sartorial elegance. I loved Girls On Film. They were just so cool and still are. As for my favourite song, well it has to be Come Undone.... It's just too sexy, don't you think?
You're probably most well known to fans for Come Undone - did you realise yourself that this was going to be such a special song when you recorded it?
I had no idea, of course, that Come Undone was going to be so special. I do remember recording it in Warren's womb... sorry make that Warren's room. With a couple of lava lamps, all that incense and tomb-like ambience it didn't take much to get in the mood. The intro is so great and it has always felt wonderful to sing and such a tortured lyric too... 'Cannot believe you're tearing my heart to pieces'.
You've worked with the band on several albums, but have only done a couple of Duran concerts - is this your choice or the band's?
I travelled to Las Vegas with Duran and opened the Hard Rock Hotel and played at the opening night of the Fashion Cafe in New York [both 1995]. I've guested at a couple of shows with the boys. One of them was Wembley [2000] and then more recently the much heralded gig at 'The Town and Country' [London Oct. 14th 2003]. The buzz surrounding that show was just too fabulous for words. Duran always impress me with their relaxed approach to gigging. I was spectacularly under-rehearsed that night but it was an amazing show and I had a blast!
When working with Duran, are you given specific instructions on how to sing or do you have a lot of freedom?
When I work with them, they give me direction, particularly if we're in the studio, they know what they want. When it comes to live.... it's about creating the track but also extending it.
You've worked with many other artists; how does working with Duran compare to working with the likes of Eric Clapton and Robbie Williams?
Every artist is unique to work with. It's different working with everyone. The dynamic of Duran Duran is special. Now I have worked with the original line-up, I can see the chemistry at work.... how lucky am I?
What do you think of the combination Robbie Williams & Duran Duran on the Australian/NZ leg of both artists' tours? Cheeky question: who's more fun to perform with...?
Robbie and Duran together. I can't believe it. It's going to be amazing but you can't possibly ask me to choose between them. That's like asking me to choose between sex and chocolate... I'll let you guess.
We read on the Internet that you've done some solo projects as well. Can you tell us more about that?
I am currently writing songs and have recently written and performed a vocal piece for a permanent exhibition on the South Bank in London called Electric Storm. I am developing new projects for next year.
I send all my best regards to the Duran Duran fans out there,
undying love
Tessa Niles
Early January 2004, having come back from performing with Robbie Williams Down Under (with Duran as 'support act'!) Tessa e-mailed us: Needless to say Duran were a total smash in Aus/N.Z. It was so much fun to see them and hear them sounding so great.
|
