Moby, the electronic music pioneer, has spoken exclusively to NME about his latest album, Always Centered At Night, his work with Benjamin Zephaniah, and commemorating the 25th anniversary of his record-breaking album, Play. The album is a collaborative effort featuring vocal talents that Moby discovered through scouring the music-sharing platform, Soundcloud, such as LA’s Lady Blackbird, Serpentwithfeet from New York, Sudanese Netherlands-based artist Gaidaa, and Burundian royal refugee turned soulster, J.P. Bimeni.
In addition to his 22nd studio album, Moby is also reflecting on his own legacy by embarking on his first live dates in ten years to celebrate Play, which remains the biggest-selling electronic album of all time. Speaking to NME, Moby discusses his new music, working with Benjamin Zephaniah, and his collaborations with the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Britney Spears, and Chuck D.
Regarding his collaboration with the late Benjamin Zephaniah on the drum ‘n’ bass track ‘Where Is Your Pride,’ Moby shared how he reached out to the poet based on his activism, which had a ninja-warrior approach to vegan activism without being aggressive or offensive. Although the two started working on music together during the pandemic, it was tragic when Zephaniah passed away before they could schedule a video for the track.
Finally, on the topic of Play, Moby reflects on its unexpected success while discussing how he always thought he would create music that no one would ever listen to, yet Play went on to become a global phenomenon that propelled his career to new heights. Despite the challenges he faced in the music industry and being dropped by his label, Moby persevered and created a hallmark album that continues to resonate with audiences twenty-five years later
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