RS: Speaking of influences - how do you see your musical future? Do you see yourself going Major label again or staying more independent?
BRM: I can imagine either.
RS: Do you find the major label system narrows what you can do musically?
BRM: Yes, but c'est la vie. One has to make the most of what is given.
RS: Through your writing in QX and the website - you come across as one of the most intelligent people in the music industry. Do you think this has helped or hurt you?
BRM: Neither. Although it's more fun to have an idea, an attitude, and an opinion.
RS: So often the dance music industry treats women as "birds who squawk" - how do you respond to such nonsense?
BRM: I agree. Hehe.
RS: Do you feel that producers treat you differently then they would a man?
BRM: No, because I work with people that I chose and who do not have such attitudes. Although I do understand how many women must suffer from this. I have experienced the subtle bitching from male producers who'd rather you weren't there.
RS: Your songs and lyrical themes are never simple "I love you" stories, but rather quite "twisted". Where do you get your inspiration?
BRM: From my twisted mind....
RS: Speaking of your twisted mind .. what was it like being covered with Honey for the single cover?
BRM: Fun. We were in an upmarket hotel in London and tried to hide the fact that we were covering the place in honey. I tried to look casual whenever the roomservice people would shove by with their trolleys and I would burst out laughing when they had passed. But generally it is always great to have an idea and then finally you just do it. It feels anarchic every time.
RS: One last question. Is Billie Ray Martin your real name or a stage name? If it is a stage name - where did it come from?
BRM: It's my real name. (Grows long nose)
(Billie Ray Martin's new single "Honey" is out on Nervous Records this week with an exclusive US remix by Above & Beyond joining the original Chicane and Deep Dish remixes.)
