Beth Ditto

When Gossip put out their first ever record in 2000, it came with a sleevenote that read as a statement of intent: “no thanks to the kids that don't dance”. So it's not surprising that the inimitable Beth Ditto's first official side project comes ready-made for the dancefloor. Inspired by her heroines Grace Jones and Aaliyah it's a pounding, pulsating dancefloor filler, boasting four emotional electro anthems-to-be. “This record cements Beth back where she belongs – on the dancefloor. She is the Queen of Electro and a true disco diva. I can’t think of a better musical marriage than to Simian Mobile Disco and the songs speak for themselves - in volumes” Mike Pickering Gossip's iconic front woman and international superstar has recorded a collaboration with UK dance duo and production pioneers Simian Mobile Disco. Beth had already teamed up with Simian Mobile Disco, having provided guest vocals on the track 'Cruel Intentions' for 2009’s 'Temporary Pleasures' album, but working with James Ford and Jas Shaw took their relationship to a whole new level of intimacy. Recorded in the UK in August, SMD both co-wrote and took production duties on the EP, capturing a softer evocative side to Beths powerful vocals. “Working with Beth honestly couldn't have been any more fun. We basically started where we left off with cruel intentions and went deeper into psychedelic disco territory. We tried to keep it pretty raw and simple, all the while focusing on Beth's brilliant melodies." SMD Beth doesn't really consider the EP to be a solo project, as such – Gossip are back in the studio working on their fifth album right now – but she knew she had to do it, and likens it to a sanctioned affair. “Imagine you're in a marriage for 12 years, your entire adult life, and then one day, you decide it's alright if you go out and have an affair and everyone's OK with it.” Beth