On My Radio

Since their formation in Coventry three decades ago, The Selecter's socially conscious brand of ska has left the streets of England and crossed borders, opening minds and moving feet around the world. Pauline Black explains that when she joined the original Selecter members in 1979, the big attraction to 2 Tone was its versatility, fun and voice, giving the vocalist the ability to touch on prevalent issues affecting British youth.

“It happened at a time when people in this country – their ears had been starting to open up a little to reggae music, which was coming in from Jamaica,” she recalls. “People like Bob Marley were playing here. The Clash, who were a punk band really, they were picking up on that reggae music, and they began creating a mixture of the two. And of course you had The Police around at that time also, so it was a natural progression for 2 Tone bands that were around at that time to look even further than that. Ska music was a lot more up-tempo – it was dance music really with a punk element. And I think having a very sharp image, but also under the umbrella of a movement, the 2 Tone movement, which had a very definite stand against racism and sexism – it was quite a potent brew really. And not just for people in this country, in Britain, but worldwide, who were maybe looking for something more alternative, but they still wanted something they could dance to and enjoy.”

Cited by No Doubt's Gwen Stefani as one of her biggest influences, Black's high-energy performances and radiating charisma fast established her as one of the most iconic voices and faces during the 2 Tone explosion at the turn of the '80s. And although years may have passed since those halcyon days, the frontwoman assures that the prevalence of their message still remains true. “Most of those social issues may have improved, but they're certainly not gone, which is unfortunate but such is the nature of things,” Black informs. “We're bang in the middle of what is for most countries a global recession. Back then, it was just in individual countries and not so much a worldwide thing, so I think that most people understand what we're trying to say and where we are coming from and that these [issues] are things that need to be addressed and ought to be talked about. If you can discuss those things and still have a bit of fun doing it, then great – I think 2 Tone does that.”

But let's just make things clear early – this tour isn't strictly nostalgic. In 2011, The Selecter released Made In Britain, an album that has put Black, her vocal running mate Arthur 'Gaps' Hendrickson and the rest of their current incarnation back on the map. “It's not easy for a band who has a history of over 30 years to come up with new music,” Black tells. “But we felt very strongly that if we were going to return we needed to do that because being a 'heritage' band isn't the be all and end all, for us anyway. The record has again created an agenda with the things we are saying.”

And with another new 12-track album tentatively pencilled in for release next March, before the band head back over to America, it's obvious that the creative floodgates have well and truly opened for the band. “As soon as Gaps and I were back on track, and feeling each other again onstage, finding what our sound was, the ideas flowed thick and fast and it [writing] hasn't been a problem since. I thought we may have had an issue, y'know, especially the tricky second album from the second coming as it were, but it hasn't been; it's been an absolute joy, and I feel that when it's like that you get the most from being in a band.”

Judging by the reaction to recent tour dates in England, where The Selecter has had to put on more shows to meet with demand, Made In Britain has proven to be a great calling card to show fans that the legends aren't going anywhere – they're here to stay. “I think we had to make new music really,” Black admits. “Our band has integrity and the 2 Tone movement has integrity, and I think just resting on one's laurels is something that didn't appeal to us. We're not all toothless and without our marbles – I'm still very passionate about what goes on in the world and passionate about what we can say about those inequities still present. And there's probably more onus on doing that now as we can look at it with more hindsight than when we were young.”

As well as cutting new records, Black says it's the wisdom of years behind the band – in a playing sense and in relation to mindset – that has given the group a new lease on life. But as recently as last year there's been confusion of identity, with two versions of The Selecter doing the rounds: this line-up with Black and Gaps, and one led by Neol Davies, the former chief songwriter who established the band in 1977. However, now that Black has acquired trademark of the band name, she's looking to distance The Selecter from such trivial clashes, citing the current eight-piece crew as the best she's ever fronted.

“It's absolutely brilliant,” she beams. “We've been together now as a band for getting on to three years, and I can honestly say that this is the best incarnation that Gaps and I have been involved with. People like our drummer, Winston Marche; I've known Winston for the past 23 years – we're almost like family now. And what people forget is that the first incarnation of the band was only together a year! The band has always taken an invigorating path, but I think for people coming to see us, the constant of myself and Gaps having always been around in one form or another has really anchored the band in very much the same way as say The Beat with Dave Wakeling has done it. You've got the voice, you've got the songs, and I think that's what people want.”

Not that there was ever any apprehension to re-form The Selecter in 2010 to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of their debut, Too Much Pressure, a decision that appears to be the right one if the current momentum of the band is anything to go by. “It was a joyous occasion because we really only re-formed for one show and that was at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London,” Black recalls. “We had no idea how that was going to turn out and it was packed up to the rafters. It was really just a present we wanted to give to the fans for supporting us for all the years, but now we think you deserve more.”