Interview by John Wisniewski for mK ULTRA Magazine
Edward Sharp, better known by his stage name Edward Ka-Spel, (aka ‘Archangel, Che Banana, The Prophet Qa’Spell, Qa-Sepel) is an English singer-songwriter and musician, born in London on 23 January 1954, to a family with East Anglia connections. He is best known for his work with the band The Legendary Pink Dots, which he co-founded.
Ka-Spel is also known for his work on The Tear Garden with Skinny Puppy’s cEvin Key. In 2017, he collaborated with Amanda Palmer on the album I Can Spin a Rainbow.
Ka-spel’s recordings are often of a limited number and only available through an extensive and devoted mail-order system at Soleilmoon. He has also released numerous cassette-only special recordings, usually including materials out-of-print on earlier labels along with new releases. He often appears on stage barefoot, wearing a long scarf and either pink or black glasses. Early in his career, he drew black lines on his face and arms.
John Wisniewski :Could you tell us about recording the new album “So Lonely in Heaven”? What was it like being back in the studio?
Edward Ka-Spel: The band is situated in 3 different countries so inevitably a lot of planning is needed to avoid a catastrophic carbon footprint. Having said that, we all have home studios and experience with recording…so it works!
JW: Any music artists that you like?
Edward Ka-Spel: Plenty…too many to mention in a small questionnaire.
JW: Why do you like to combine so many different sounds to create your music?
Edward Ka-Spel: Making music is similar to creating a painting. There should be no limits.
JW: When and how did The Legendary Pink Dots form?
Edward Ka-Spel: We date back to 1980, when three friends decided to create rather than consume. The band has gone through many, many changes over 44 years.
JW: What has kept the band going for so many years?
Edward Ka-Spel: We love what we do.
JW: How is the tour going so far?
Edward Ka-Spel: It hasn’t started yet. We hit the road for the start of a European tour on 29th January. Tour itinerary HERE.
JW: Any future plans and projects, Edward?
Edward Ka-Spel: I’m working on a new Tear Garden album with cEvin Key (Skinny Puppy) right now.
JW: What is your favorite Legendary Pink Dots album?
Edward Ka-Spel: The next one.
New album is out this coming Friday, with this buy link: https://legendarypinkdots1.bandcamp.com/album/so-lonely-in-heaven-2