Midge Ure, the legendary frontman of Ultravox, is gearing up for the release of his first album of new material in 12 years, accompanied by a UK tour. The album, titled "A Man Of Two Worlds", is a double album divided into two distinct parts: "World One: Music" and "World Two: Songs".
Ure's creative process was heavily influenced by his time spent during lockdown, where he immersed himself in instrumental music and curated a late-night music programme on Scala Radio. This led to the creation of "World One: Music", which is characterized by its sparse and cinematic sound, with elements of reflection and melancholy. The album's instrumental pieces are a testament to Ure's ability to create atmospheric and emotive music without the use of lyrics.
The second half of the album, "World Two: Songs", showcases Ure's songwriting prowess, with anthemic and stadium-friendly rock/pop tracks. The first single, "Just Words", is a powerful statement on the abuse of power and the importance of truth. The album also features nods to Ure's Ultravox past, with cinematic and electronic tracks like "World Away" and "Ordinary Man (Precious Moments)".
In an interview with Sean Hannam, Ure reflects on the creative process behind the album, discussing the challenges of self-doubt and the importance of technology in the music industry. He also shares his thoughts on the state of the world, technology, and the impact of social media on society. Ure's insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a creative artist and his perspective on the world around him.
The album's release is accompanied by a UK tour, where Ure will perform both the new material and some of his older hits. The tour concept was put together before the album's release, with a focus on playing more of the old instrumentals. Ure's live performances are sure to be a treat for fans, offering a unique blend of his new and classic material.
In conclusion, "A Man Of Two Worlds" is a testament to Midge Ure's artistic vision and his ability to create music that is both thought-provoking and captivating. The album's release and tour are highly anticipated events for fans of Ure's work, and the album is sure to be a standout release in 2023.
