Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
How’s everything going?
Good. Thanks.
How did you go about the songwriting process for this new album?
Pen, paper, and guitar J
Isn’t it tough to make decisions with three people in a studio?
We had a big split up with our drummer before we started recording “HOWL” so I guess it was just the two of us. That doesn’t always make it easier though, the 3 rd person can usually break a stand-off pretty quick. The studio can bring out the best and worst in people though if you’re not smart.
What microphone do you prefer when you are tracking vocals for an album?
Neumann or SM57
I’ve always enjoyed your B-sides. Is it sometimes tough to choose what goes on the album and what doesn’t?
We actually wanted this album to have more of the spirit of our b-sides, more loose and carefree. That’s something that’s always eluded us on the final LP’s… This time I think we got it.
One of my favorites of yours is “US Government” was there any particular inspiration behind that track?
That’s a pretty direct ‘fuck you’ to the American government and the system everyone live in. We’ve revised the song recently and we’re playing a completely different version of it live now, it seems important to make people look at it again from a different point of view.
What is going to be the next single off “Howl”?
“Weight Of The World” or “Shuffle Your Feet”… I’m not sure yet.
Are you guys heavily involved in picking the releases and their artwork and such?
Yeah, but we’re really proud of every song on this album so we’re open to whatever…
The band has already built an audience in Europe . How would you compare the audiences to those in the States?
There’s not as big of a difference as everyone thinks… The press is a different animal all together and the British press can be more tabloid than in the states, but people are pretty much the same all over the world, it’s a relief actually.
Whats next for the band?
Tour, tour, tour.
Keane – This Is The Last Time
Sensitivity is the new king. Keane comes out the door with a little piano-driven ballad for us. After the success of Coldplay, Travis and Feeder with the more “sensitive” songs, it is only natural you will get upstarts like Keane. With influences like Feeder and Coldplay, the song has some likeable qualities. There is nothing too new here so I can’t get excited about it. Still, the tune is good. It’s Coldplay light.
By John Siwicki
LCD Soundsystem – Movement
James Murphy is at it again providing us yet again with a dance floor classic. “Yeah” was brilliant piece of music that really set the bar a little higher. How could someone follow it up? “Movement” starts off a hand clap and a very funky beat. Then James’ voice kicks in and then about a minute and a half in. The band kicks in and it turns into a full on rock song. Its still got that funky beat, yet those crushing guitars really make it hard to stand still. Also, of a note the B-Side here “Yr Cities A Sucker” is a funky little number that shouldn’t be missed either. This is a movement!!
By John Siwicki
Joseph Arthur
Where are you from?
Akron. Ohio
Can you tell us a bit about how you met Peter Gabriel and how you got
signed?
He called me out of the blue
Someone gave him a tape I made which I guess he liked
How do you write songs? Any special techniques
I let inspiration lead
I never force myself to work
I let the work come
Its all very natural
Can you tell us a bit about how the “Our Shadows Will Remain” album was
recorded?
In stages
First in New Orleans
Then New York City
A very long and involved process
With sense of discovering something giving me energy
Your new single”Devil’s Broom” is quite something. How did this one come
about?
I remember writing it on the couch
I called a friend just after
And sang it to him over the phone
He liked it a lot and so I thought I might be onto something
Who does the artwork for all your releases?
The artwork is my own
With design help and the critical eye of Zachary Larner Like any good producer he gives me a lot of confidence to pursue my ideas
You’re renowned for painting huge canvases as part of your performance.
Where did the idea to paint on stage come from?
I thought of it in my loft
Where I always paint
It was almost time to go back on the road
But the painter in me wasn’t ready to let go
So I took the painting with me
What would be your greatest fear?
Hurting someone I love
What does the future hold for yourself?
Only God knows