Carter Interview

Given what we'll call 'current events', the album cover for 1992 - The Love Album seems more relevant than ever. What was your thinking behind the design back when you released it? 

Les:
I remember we were touring in Europe at the time of the signing of the Maastricht Treaty and we both felt very close to our fellow Europeans. We were also following load of vehicles with the euro flag on their number plates and we both thought that it would be an excellent album cover.

Jim:
I don’t know if it was just the UK or all of Europe, but the signing of the treaty was called ‘1992’ so those words were in the press a lot. It was a bit like ‘Brexit’ in that respect. We were also obsessed with a united Europe being about more than trade agreements. We were very much into the idea of a truly united Europe.


And have your views have changed since if it was a statement on Europe? 

Les:
I am gutted about Brexit, I will always be a European, not a 'little englander'. I believe it is a terrible mistake.

Jim:
I was as against the initial referendum as it’s possible for anyone to be. I had no faith in it turning out okay. At that point the vast majority of people had zero interest or opinion on whether we should leave the EU. After the referendum suddenly it was all half the country seemed to care about. It was a stupid idea just to appease Nigel Farage.


You used to perform in a variety of cycling gear including shorts and caps.  Firstly, why and secondly, who wore it better you or Wesley Snipes in White Men Can't Jump?

Les:
I didn't really play that much in full cycling gear (way too restrictive and sticky), it was mainly the cycling cap. Part of the band gig rider was the supply of new cycling caps as the fans used to nick them off me.  I'm sure that Wesley Snipes wore it better.

Jim:
Leslie Snipes.


To Les - Of all of the cyclists you could choose to name a band after, why Djamolidine Abdoujaparov? 

Les:
It was obvious to me as he was the cycling equivalent of punk rock. He didn't obey the rules (allegedly) and really stood out as an individual with his interesting finishing style. It was also a name that you had to learn and I quite liked the idea of Steve Lamacq and other DJs struggling with it. Of course no one bothered to ever play any of our records, so they didn't have to learn to pronounce it after all.


What's your favourite pro kit of all time and why?

Les:
I think my favourite has always been Raleigh Banana. The banana thing just tickled me.


Do you still follow racing? If so, which current pro would you call a band and what would they sound like? 

Les:
I can't ride any more as my knee is shot. That has affected how I follow the sport. Nowadays I just slip in and out of the big Tours, just to see how things are going and who to look out for.

Jim:
Weirdly, whereas I used to give Les a hard time for always insisting on dropping everything to watch the Tour De France, I now watch it from start to finish, and any other big tours that are on telly. I’m not sure Geraint Thomas or Chris Froome would be great band names. Maybe Froome or G. Both sound a bit like jazz bands.


You used to take your bike on tour with you? What did you ride and where was your favourite place to get out for a spin pre-gig?

Les:
Jim and our tour manager Terry really hated me having the bike with me. To be fair to them I only really rode it occasionally during the tours, mainly as I usually had a terrible hangover. When I did ride out though I really loved it. My favourite ride was in Austria where I got to ride (mainly down) a mountain. That was scary and fun, I was overtaking cars and giving them the finger as I zoomed past.

Jim:
What I remember was that the bike stood upright on the roof of our car and so many of the hotels we stayed in on tour had underground car parks. We had to wait while the bike was removed every night before we could get into the hotel.


What would be on your perfect riding playlist? 

Les:
I wouldn't listen to music whilst riding as I wouldn't be able to hear the traffic. I really needed all of my senses on the bike. Can hardly listen to music when I'm driving, fast songs make me speed and slow songs can lead to driving at 50 on the motorways (yes that was me).


What are you up to at the moment?

Les:
I am writing a new Abdoujaparov album, touring with Smokin' Donuts and performing solo. 
Look everyone, I managed to get through an entire interview without anyone mentioning Phil Schofield…
Fuck

Jim:
I’ve got a new novel ‘A Godawful Small Affair’ out in March and I’m recording a solo album.