Jarvis Cocker Discusses Importance of Embracing Differences
Jarvis Cocker has always been an enigma, a figure that never quite fit neatly into any box. Pulp, the band he fronts, mirrored this sentiment during the Britpop era, standing out as the outsiders among the luminaries. Jarvis Cocker, with his sharp wit and keen eye for social commentary, injected a dose of subversion borrowed from French icons like Serge Gainsbourg and Jacques Brel into the British music scene. When Pulp unexpectedly took the stage at Glastonbury in 1995, filling in for The Stone Roses, they cemented their reputation as the band people needed.
Fast forward to 24 years later, and Pulp has resurfaced with their latest album, “More,” a melange of heartfelt ballads and edgy tracks like “Got To Have Love” and “My Sex.” The record exudes a sense of liberation and uninhibited creativity, reflecting the band’s refusal to conform to norms. Jarvis Cocker, clad in a suave tweed suit, exudes a timeless quality as we meet at the outskirts of a London park. Contrary to the polished image he embodies, Cocker is down-to-earth, humble, and inquisitive.
The genesis of “More” was a serendipitous one, devoid of any grand plan or record deals. Cocker’s inspiration stemmed from a song he wrote for a play called “Light Falls.” The play’s narrative about a mother unable to help her children struck a chord with Cocker, especially as his own son was on the cusp of leaving home. This personal connection infused the song with raw emotion, spurring the band to reassemble in 2022 for live performances.
Despite initial hesitations about creating another album, tensions eased as Pulp embarked on the recording process. The band’s Walthamstow studio, described by Cocker as unassuming yet functional, provided the perfect setting for their creative outburst. With each passing day, more musicians joined their ranks, adding layers of complexity to their sound akin to Earth, Wind & Fire.
The spontaneity with which “More” was recorded harkens back to Pulp’s early days when they embraced a do-it-yourself ethos. Cocker takes pride in the album’s authenticity, attributing its success to the unfiltered creative process. As we delve into the band’s eclectic lineup and musical influences, Cocker emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and adapting to each member’s unique strengths.
Reflecting on the band’s journey, Cocker draws parallels between Pulp and other unconventional acts like Roxy Music and Funkadelic. He highlights the transformative power of collaboration, where disparate talents coalesce to create something extraordinary. For Cocker, the magic lies in the organic interplay between musicians, transcending logic and defying expectations.
As our conversation winds down, Cocker reminisces about their modest beginnings and the sheer joy of playing music together. He marvels at the cyclical nature of their creative process, noting how “More” encapsulates the essence of Pulp’s raw, unadulterated sound. With a twinkle in his eye, Cocker hints at future projects and collaborations, hinting at a newfound sense of artistic freedom and possibility.