Jimi Goodwin says despite Doves‘ lengthy break and inactivity, the band have not split up.
Rumours had circulated since their final UK show at Manchester’s Warehouse Project in late 2010 that the band had gone their separate ways.
However, speaking to NME, frontman Goodwin – who releases his debut solo album ‘Odludek’ on March 24 – said despite it being almost five years since their last studio album ‘Kingdom Of Rust’ and four years since they played a gig, he and bandmates Jez and Andy Williams would “never say never.”
“I’m not being evasive, that’s the truth. We’ve been in a band together since we were 15 or 16 and we needed a break,” he said. “23 years or so is a long time, so we just need time to recharge and get inspired again. We didn’t announce a split because we haven’t split up. Why say it if we don’t mean it? I understand saying it in haste, but just say you’re having a break if you’re having a break. We’re living life and getting some more experience before writing some new songs.”
The band’s fourth album was released in 2009 after the trio had worked on it for three years. Goodwin says that while he was proud of the album, the experience was draining. “It really did take a lot out of us, that record. It was three years in the studio every day. It’s a good album but behind the scenes it was an awful effort.”
He added: “It’s very hard getting new shapes and sounds out of people you’ve known for so long and know so well. You have to feel like you’re going to new places – not completely new, because in 21st century music that’s impossible – but new places as a band. You have to transcend your influences. There’s every chance there’ll be another Doves record, I just don’t know when.”
He finished by saying he had seen Andy Williams of the band recently, who revealed he and his brother Jez were working on their own new material together. “It will be amazing, because I love what they do. They’re not sitting around waiting for me to get my solo album out of my system or anything, it’s not like that at all.”
Goodwin also talks about the making of ‘Odludek’ in a new interview with NME, which is on newsstands from today (February 19) and available digitally.
The singer will embark on a solo tour later this month, starting at The Duchess in York on February 4, followed by Hebden Bridge Trades Club on February 25 and Chester Live Rooms on February 27. He will then play Manchester Victoria Warehouse on February 28 as part of the BBC 6Music Festival.
Goodwin will also tour with Elbow on their UK arena tour in April. Click here for dates. In addition, he will play a headline slot at Port Eliot Festival in Cornwall, which takes place from July 24–27.
Jimi Goodwin will play:
York The Duchess (February 24)
Hebden Bridge Trades Club (25)
Chester Live Rooms (27)
Manchester Victoria Warehouse (28)