A-Sides Music: It's 'Later' with Dave Wakeling

Dave Wakeling didn't just take a stroll down memory lane last year. He walked in slow motion there. Heck, he lived there for a few days. He spent so much time in memory lane, he probably had to pay rent. OK, enough. You get it. The founder of the ska, pop and reggae act The English Beat unlocked the band's vaults (with the help of his label) to put together a killer box set, live-album releases and more. Combing through three decades of material was quite a trip, the candid frontman said, and clearly has made the man behind hits like Save it for Later and Mirror in the Bathroom thirsty for new memories. The band is currently touring with The Paul Collins Beat, and a new English Beat album may or may not be in the works. Methinks we'll get some by 2013.

At an A-Sides session, which took place on a stoop in Brooklyn during the recent CMJ Festival, Wakeling discussed the old music and the prospect for new music. He also performed Save it for Laterin a subtly powerful way. Watch the performance here and the interview that followed here. And, oh, I should mention that Wakeling, also was in the band General Public (Tenderness anyone!?) .

About A-Sides with Jon Chattman

Since August 2011, my music series on asidesmusic.com has featured artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometimes humorous) way. No bells, no whistles — just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing.