Martyn Ware works with Phil Oakey on new B.E.F. album, first time in 45 years

Martyn Ware, co-founder of Heaven 17 and a former member of The Human League, spoke to MusicRadar about a UK anniversary tour and a new album under the British Electric Foundation (B.E.F.) name. The tour, with vocalist Glenn Gregory, marks 45 years since “Penthouse and Pavement”, Heaven 17's debut album, released in September 1981.

The new record, “Music of Quality and Distinction Volume Four”, has 30 tracks and 22 guest artists. Ware says he has worked with Phil Oakey for the first time in 45 years, on the track “Find Her”. The album also features Marc Almond, Kim Wilde, Leee John of Imagination, ABC's Martin Fry on two tracks, and Dave Ball on a song recorded before his death. Unlike earlier volumes built on covers, this one is original music rooted in electrofunk and soul, made with bassist Julian Crompton and guitarist Tony Remy. Ware is still looking for a label and has spoken with Daniel Miller of Mute. He calls the project possibly the final B.E.F. album.

Ware works from Tileyard Studios in London, mostly on a computer, but keeps two analogue synths: a Roland System 100 for basslines and a Korg 700S, which he used on “Being Boiled”, his first recording with The Human League. According to MusicRadar, he co-founded the 3D sound company Illustrious Co. Ltd. with Vince Clarke in 2001, and he is in talks with filmmaker Julian Temple about an immersive show.

Born in Sheffield in 1956, Ware left The Human League in 1980 and formed Heaven 17 with Ian Craig Marsh. His newest studio album, according to MusicBrainz, is “It's Always Ourselves We Find In The Sea”, from April 2025.