THE BELOVED STARTED AS “A LITTLE INDIE BAND FROM CAMBERWELL”, DISCOVERED HOUSE MUSIC AND MADE THE ULTIMATE RAVE-POP CROSSOVER ALBUM. READY WITH THEIR FIRST NEW MUSIC IN OVER 20 YEARS, JON MARSH EXPLAINS WHY THE SUN TOOK SO LONG TO RISE AGAIN

JOHN EARLS

In my head, there’s a part of me that’s never stopped.” It’s been 25 years since The Beloved’s last album, the criminally neglected electronic pop of X. Aside from 2000’s one-off single With You, the collective have been silent since. Jon Marsh has deliberately steered clear of capitalising on The Beloved’s name as a DJ. “The idea of playing music I don’t like to people, just because I could get paid a shit-ton of money, never interested me,” he frowns.

Jon and his wife Helena, who replaced guitarist Steve Waddington in The Beloved for 1993’s shimmering Conscience album, have instead raised their two children.

That’s certainly a bigger achievement. But the idea The Beloved haven’t stopped? Jon laughs loudly as he admits: “I know it’s been a really long time. In my defence, I haven’t spent any time releasing a series of sub-standard records.”

A friendly, easygoing enthusiast, Jon seems entirely unfussed at his long absence from making music. As he puts it: “There’s something brilliant about being 56 which allows you to be very casual. When I was younger, I was riddled with anxiety. It was all about chart positions and how other bands were doing. Now, I’ll embrace any opportunities.” Thrillingly, those opportunities include making new music with Steve for the first time since the 1990 remix album Blissed Out. Usually a torrent of ideas, Jon is unwilling to be drawn on the new songs beyond saying “I think they’re sounding great. They’re recorded, and just need a polish.”