England to Santa Barbara: 5 Minutes w/ Martin Gore of Depeche Mode

5 Minutes w/ Martin Gore of Depeche Mode

Published in The Santa Barbara Sentinel. Photo by Travis Shinn

*Author’s note: When I wrote this, I was at the tail end of a drinking problem. Martin Gore kindly obliged to an interview when I saw him at a notable place in Santa Barabara. At eleven in the morning, about a week later, I find myself doing this phone interview with a Corona Light in hand. This interview was condensed for space in the paper, and I wish I had the whole thing. Regardless, his answer to the last question almost made me spit out my drink.

Santa Barbara resident Martin Gore is a founding member of the electronic supergroup Depeche Mode.

This multi-talented musician has been creating musical art since the late ‘70s and is noted for his singing, songwriting (“Personal Jesus,” anyone?), guitar, and keyboard skills.

On top of that, he’s a producer, remixer, and DJ. His new instrumental album, MG,  was just released this Spring.

As a Godfather of electronic sound, you can expect the best. Martin Gore takes five with the Sentinel – British accent on point.

Q. You’re from England, so what made you decide to move to SB?

A. At the time, I wanted to move to California, but I’ve always hated Los Angeles with a passion, and I go there as little as I possibly can. Somebody suggested Santa Barbara, and that was it. There was no turning back. I’ve lived here 16 years now.

What is your favorite part of performing?

We are really spoiled with our audiences. (Depeche Mode) finished a tour last March and we played all over the world, America once and Europe twice. It’s amazing to be on stage and feel that enthusiasm and love.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Oh, gosh…to stop drinking quite a few years earlier than I did!

Have you seen Depeche Mode or Martin Gore live? When and where? Please share in the comments below!

If you liked this, you’d love this Interview with Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith.