Thursday April 13, 2000

Blur frontman recording on own

Blur singer Damon Albarn is in the studio working with hip-hop producer Dan The Automator, Britain's New Musical Express reports.

A spokesman for Albarn confirmed to NME that the singer has been working with the producer, whose real name is Dan Nakamura, but the purpose of the collaboration is unclear.

Nakamura is best known for his work with Dr. Octagon and producer Prince Paul on "Psychoanalysis: What Is It?" and their joint record under the name "Handsome Boy Modelling School."

Nakamura also recently worked with Primal Scream on the track "Pills," from their new album "Exterminator."

Albarn isn't the only member of Blur working solo. Guitarist Graham Coxon, who recently became a father, is working on a follow-up to his 1997 solo record "The Sky Is Too High." Bassist Alex James is working with Fat Les 2000 on a song for the Euro 2000 soccer championships -- a version of the hymn "Jerusalem" -- while Dave Rowntree has been doing animations for MTV, NME reports.

The group is also scheduled to appear at the July 2 Meltdown Festival in London, alongside Radiohead, according to NME

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