My Vitriol

They say that the modern music loving public are a fickly bunch, after all, a mockery was made of the UK Christmas charts this year. That is due to the fact that it was dominated by two unoriginal renditions of a song that has been available in many versions, since back when Newcastle United were a decent football team.

Bucking this trend is the Som Wardner fronted Nu /gazing old style grunge mixing, My Vitriol and their fans. After releasing a stirring, searching and grinding debut album, ‘Finelines’ in 2001, remixing the album and a few single releases in in 2002, My Vitriol disappeared into a musical wilderness that few bands return out of. However, in 2007 through the ironically titled ‘Pyrrhic Victory EP’, the band and their fan-base demonstrated that they are getting stronger.

Some kindly agreed to uncover the veil on the thinking and the continuing return to prominence of one of London’s most authentic, gripping and honest alternative acts around at the moment.

During your now infamous hiatus did you take time to reflect on Finelines? What was your conclusion of that record? How difficult has it been to retain your song writing focus after your break? Have you fully recaptured it, did you have to take time to get to know each other musically again?

I think back in 2002 I was probably too close to that record, to truly appreciate it. I think I associated it with quite a painful birth haha. I guess it must have had quite a connection with some people as they are still very loyal to us now after all this time. The aim of the break was to feel fresh again… to do this because we WANTED to do it as opposed to HAVING to do it. We now have about 30 tracks we are trying to decide what to do with, and it feels great. J

Was there a time during the hiatus when you thought that My Vitriol would not record another album together?

Yes. I remember thinking, not to be afraid to let it all go forever. Only then would you really appreciate something… when you know you may lose it. And I discovered I really do love MV, it’s just we had all overdosed somewhat after 3 years of touring non stop.

Given the so-called fickle nature of our music industry, are you pleasantly surprised by the growing loyalty from your increasing fan-base?

Yes, they are really quite incredible. I guess I should be so harsh on Finelines, as it really did seem to have a long term connection with some people out there! It is a shame that the music industry works more like the fashion industry than the art industry, but I’m can’t say I’m to bothered, we just do our own things, on our terms, and that’s that.

How important has your ‘Pyrrhic Victory EP’ release been in showing your return to form? How close is this release and ‘Finelines’, to the sound of your forthcoming 2nd album?

It’s very hard for us to judge, as your perspective can get somewhat skewed by getting so close to the creative process. I want us to be the best we’ve been, sound the best we’ve sounded, and have the most fun we can whilst at it…and there will be always a lot to work on with that!

The new record has everything from blissed out tracks to more aggressive tracks. There is more synth on the record than ‘Finelines’ too. I guess the EP shows a side of that well.

How do you want to leave people feeling after they have witnessed a live My Vitriol show?

Excited and inspired, as I feel that’s what life is about! It would be great if those who played instruments went home and wrote a song.

Do you think that the UK is still failing talented up and coming bands? In your experience are labels still letting too many genuinely talented UK alternative acts slip through the net?

They do, but mainly as they tend to follow each other and fashion tends too much. So everything gets overdone in style. I think they expect a lot of bands to be fully formed from the outset, which we certainly were not. I’m confident there are a lot of great new bands out there.

Which modern day band would you most like to share a stage with?

I guess it would be great to play with MBV (My Bloody Valentine), I know Kevin, but it’s not the kinda thing you can ask; haha. I guess it would be cool, as it would juxtapose us to that whole scene, I feel we have similarities to the shoegaze scene but we had some distinct differences to that scene too, which could work together great.

By Dave Adair

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

I do really love the name of the band. I would love to hear the back story behind this?

Kip: It’s on semi-permanent loan from an unpublished children’s story written by a friend of mine. It somehow captures the essence of our band so perfectly– i can’t think we’d be the same if our name was “The Cool.” Though sometimes i think we surprise people by how loud we are– perhaps it should be changed to “The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (are actually quite loud!).”

Peggy: We’re sincere people, and the bond between us as a band is sincere, and I guess it’s kind of like wearing your heart on your sleeve. Plus it makes good fodder for jokes.

There are a lot of easy comparisons that can be made to your tracks but what are some of the influences on the band?

Kip: The easy ones are probably right. But more than any specific band, we just like the idea of really loud and beautiful pop songs. I think growing up with Nirvana and Sonic Youth, you really got to feel that volume + melody could make music even more thrilling. The Pastels, Teenage Fanclub and Yo La Tengo– even “Siamese Dream”-era Smashing Pumpkins are really fantastic examples of that. And that the best pop songs aren’t “perfect” but reflect the character of the people making them.

Alex: We all like big, loud and catchy. Like Kip said, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but it’s best if it’s has a big pop heart. This also includes a bunch of American ’90s indie bands like Rocketship and Velocity Girl. The list could go on and on and on, of course.

Peggy - Yeah, I always kind of wished more noisy pop existed in the world. I think also that all the music I like has one thing in common and that’s jangly guitars. We all agree that it’s important to have tasteful guitar solos as well, no matter how badly Kip wants to”shred.”

Kip: Ok, so I watched a few too many GNR videos growing up–

Give us a rundown of your record do out in February. What can we
expect for the record in terms of songs and style?

Alex: It’s a bigger and brighter than what we’ve done in the past, due mostly to two big factors: having a (great) real drummer instead of drum machine and having the amazing Archie Moore (Black Tambourine, Velocity Girl) do the mixing. I think we all like that it’s 10 songs: get in, get out kind of immediate pop songs.

Peggy - There’s some epic jams on the album though, like “Stay Alive” that set it apart from the EP.

Kip: Yeah, I feel awkward talking about the album– but “Everything
With You,” “Young Adult Friction” and “Come Saturday” are tracks that
feel so good to play.

Your track  ”Everything With You” has had us addicted these last few weeks. Tell us a bit about that track?

Peggy - Aw, thanks! The song is simple and effortless, much like what great relationships are like. It’s about romantic friendship.

Kip: Yeah, having a best friend that you just want to take on the world with, and wanting to be so fully and completely with that person. It’s the sort of song i wished someone would have put on a mixtape for me when i was 16.

Alex: Yeah, I think its life-affirming and honest and fun. Also, Kip has a wicked solo.

I think a track like “A Teenager In Love” shows another dimension of the band? Was there anything special behind this song?

Peggy - It’s very clean, even though the song isn’t about staying clean. I think it captures that strange innocence that teenagers have even when they’re doing bad things.

Kip: Yeah, the striving for perfection– truest love, absolute joy or absolute oblivion– perfection– there is another side to that. The song comes right after “Everything With You” on the album, and it’s sort of related to the same feelings, but in different ways.

Currently, you have been on the road with The Wedding Present in Europe. How has the experience been so far?

Kip: Playing with The Wedding Present has been absolutely fantastic. David Gedge’s fans have been with the band for 20+ years– it’s really touching to see these “adults” come up to him after shows and let him know how much the music means, or just want to shake his hand and thank him. He is the anti-pop star– he writes tremendous pop music, but has none of the ego associated with it. I think the closest American example would be a Hold Steady Concert in 2020.

So yes– that’s my indie celebrity Gossip. “wedding present: great band + nice people”

Alex: Totally agreed - it was heartening to see how much the Wedding Present’s music still connects with people 20+ years on. And the level of accessibility of Gedge and the band was really great to see. Since Wedding Present fans are really just super music fans, it’s been great that they’ve given us lowly support band a chance and said some pretty nice things. A dream come true, really.

Peggy - I think it’s cool that the Wedding Present aren’t a fad band. As a band that has maintained the loyalty and respect of their fans for 20 odd years, they are definitely a lesson in career longevity. It was also cool to see fathers bringing their sons to the shows.  I was thinking to myself, “Wow, what a cool dad.”  And the bro-mantic mosh pits were a sight to see.

We also got to play a show with Comet Gain in London, which was magical, since their songs really meant something to me and to finally get to see them played live with the full band - I guess I can die in peace now!

*Photo By: Annie Powers

Loyal Trooper

Just to get some background where are you from?

I come from a little village called South Anston which is just outside of Sheffield in south Yorkshire. In South Anston there is a pub called Loyal Trooper, which is where my stage name is from. It’s a pretty token sleepy northern family village. I now live in north London which isn’t quite as dormant as my birthplace.

How does your songwriting process go?

It’s mainly from experiencing a place, a point in time or someone else’s company. However, songwriting at present is a much sort after pass time of mine as I’ve been working so hard on the EP for so many months now. I can’t write on public transport, that’s for certain. I always get that feeling on trains or coaches that whenever I get out a pen and paper there’s someone watching over my shoulder looking at what I’m doing. I have to be alone and have hours to work through ideas. I can’t just sit down and think “I’m gonna write a song now”, it takes me a long time to forget that there are emails I should send, people I should call, coffee I should make, new DVD’s I’d like to buy because my collection is basically Batman films, what I’m doing that night, that I should do more exercise etc. Once all that’s out of my head, then I can write. So expect the album sometime in 2020.

What are some of the musical influences on your music and you?

Musically the biggest influences have been bands like The Smiths, Smashing Pumpkins and Longpigs, all of whom I got into when I was younger. They’ve shaped me, for better or worse, the most I guess. As I get more experienced at what I do anyone who is creative, hardworking and determined will obtain respect from me. I think when you engross yourself in doing this for a living you know just how much effort and dedication it takes to get anywhere.

Your new EP has generated quite a good buzz so far. Have you payed much attention to all the press?

I’ve payed attention in the respect that I’ve read what every one’s said and, whether I’ve agreed or not, it’s been interesting to gather other peoples opinions. It’s all been really positive and being played by Steve Lamacq a few times was a very unexpected bonus as he’s someone I respect a great deal. Receiving press attention is excellent but it doesn’t make my record any better or any worse than it was before anyone else heard it. You can’t get a chip on your shoulder when someone writes resplendent statements about you and you can’t get down when people slate you. I like to think I’m a pretty grounded person and I believe that regardless kind or harsh words, you have to try to work harder and improve.

I have been to Nottingham a few times its not all that bad. Why wasn’t it built for you?

Ha, it’s not that bad, really. I lived in Nottingham for a year when my best friend and I were in a band together. However, after six months or so I realised I needed to revamp my life from top to bottom, which is when I made the decision to move down to London. I would say it wasn’t built for me in the respect that it wasn’t where I wanted to be or the lifestyle I ideally wanted to be living at the time. I guess it’s about apologizing for the fact I moved away and that if we want to hang out nowadays then it’s quite a lot of effort for both of us and it takes time, money and invariably we’re both very busy. Still, it’s not like I moved to Bahrain or something is it!?

I notice that you have no label support behind you how have you been handle getting the word out about your music?

Yeah, I don’t have a label, which in many ways is a blessing. I have complete control over everything I do, which is the most important thing. I’ve done well with the EP and feel I’ve proved I have little need for a label at this stage. In the future it may be more within my interests to sign with someone but it isn’t at present. I know too many people who have signed to labels (be them majors or independents) who find themselves bottom of the priority list. I’ve had bad experiences before and I felt it was definitely the right move for me to go in my own direction at this stage. When you’ve got the DIY ethos then you’re the top priority and you push for everything you can get. Also, it’s the punk ethic of not waiting for people to come to you: I’ve been able to create, record and manufacture my own record, get press and radio play for it and book two months worth of touring by myself with little to no help. I think it also says something about how much you care about your art and how much you believe in yourself. It’s hard work and it can be difficult to handle at times when you’re ignored by a radio station, magazine publication or website or even you find little support from people you’d regard as your friends but you have to get on with it. I’ve been realistic, had high aims but modest expectations and anything exceptionally positive that’s come out of the EP has been a bonus.

Do you find the social networking tools (myspace, facebook, last.fm etc) to be the most helpful?

Yeah, they’re all good in their own ways and I do have one of each. However, I like to think I don’t pester people and I wait for people to come to me. I feel having those promotional tools lets people discover me and then we can communicate with each other. I don’t like the idea of going cap-in-hand bothering 25,000 MySpace users asking them if they like my music. I have to do enough of that with promoters, websites and DJ’s! The people who do find me on those sorts of things though I really like getting emails or messages from. It’s a good way of getting myself out to people, especially when they’re in Japan or Australia or France. The radio DJ’s, websites and blogs who’ve supported me have been amazingly helpful in me reaching out to a wider audience. Obviously including your good selves, thank you!

What is 2009 looking like for you? Some touring? Another release?

I’m going to do a single in February/March, tour and write as much as I can around that time. I’m demoing my album so we’ll have to see how that progresses but the plan is to have it coming out in the summer with single and/or EP’s either side of it. I want to get on some festivals next year too, play as much as possible and improve as much as I can. Realistically, I need to get some help soon as the amount I want to play the logistics of booking two weeks worth of touring for twelve months of a year is A LOT of work. It’s also time I really need to be spending writing, recording and doing all my own promotion. I’m aiming to get a booking agent at some point but only someone who has my best interests at heart. I’ve worked too hard to let people into my little world who might break the spirit or momentum of what I’ve achieved thus far. Aside from that, I think it’s important for me to be enjoying the path I’ve chosen. For all it’s pitfalls, I love touring and it’s great to be traveling and meeting people and having a good time. If I can have an entire year like the last quarter of 2008 then I’ll be a satisfied man.

Val Emmich

Tell us about how you got into music and acting?

I first started writing music when I was fifteen.  As soon as I learned my first few chords on the guitar, I began writing songs. Music then became and still is my emotional outlet.  It is a great release for me and probably the reason that I never needed proper therapy.  Also, beyond the expunging of emotions, it is also a creative outlet for me.  I love building things and the crafting of a song fulfills that need.  Acting came later.  When I was a sophomore in college, a friend suggested I try it out.  I had never acted in my life.  I met a manager and cold read and she thought I was a natural. She sent me out on a few auditions to see how I’d do and I started booking things pretty quickly.  I still have the same manager and it’s been like eight years now.

I have to ask how was it working on 30 Rock?

Amazing!  I am so lucky that I got to be on that show because it’s definitely one of the best things on television.  The cast is so talented and so funny.  I was finding it hard not to laugh while on set. I still remain in contact with a lot of the people I met and I think that can just be contributed to the fact that everyone there is a real person.  Just very cool.

Musician and actor. Can I ask how do you find the time? You must be a busy guy.

I’m just a very restless person.  I have this need inside me to prove to myself that I’m not a piece of crap.  I know what I’m capable of and so I feel almost obligated to see those things through.  I love work so it never feels laborious.

When you’re not making music or acting or writing, what do you like to do?

I recently finished my first novel.  I like writing fiction.  I also like to cook.  Anything that allows me to build something out of nothing.

You have a new record “Little Daggers” tells us a bit about that?

My attempt was to make a smart pop record and to prove that that term is not a contradiction.  The songs are catchy and instant and fun but the lyrics tell a darker story and the music has enough layers and enough complexity to satisfy the more critical ear and to keep people coming back for repeated listens.

Who are some of your influences? What sort of music do you like?

I can’t categorize what I like because it seems to follow no specific pattern.  I really like melody and lyrics are important. Also, just the sound of someone’s voice is important.  As far as songwriters, John Lennon, Paul Westerberg, Burt Bacharach, Hal David, and Smokey Robinson are some of my favorites.

You have released a number of albums already. For, those new to Val which album do you think is the best to start with?

A: Ask a mother to pick one of her favorite children; she won’t be able to.  So I’ll just say the latest one although none are fully representative of what I do.  That’s because each record is a specific statement.  I’m sure the next one I do will be wholly different than Little Daggers.

I got your latest video on right now “Get On With It” and I hope know who decided to put the slip n slide in the video?

A: I did that video with my main video collaborator Matt Schuman. He’s a close friend and we’ve done nearly all of my videos together. I can’t remember who came up with that specific idea because there were so many insane ones i.e. ninja, chess match, etc.  Still, I can tell you that it was very very cold.  A lot better as a piece of nostalgia.

Photo by Dave Sgalambro

By John Siwicki

Kyte

How is Leicestershire holding up these days?

Leicestershire is ok I think, near where I live theres a lot of stuff goin down about a proposed ‘eco’ town, but I won’t start going on about that now.

http://www.ecotownforleicestershire.coop/?gclid=CJDf3fSOz5YCFQrolAodmh1U3g
- as you can see, it will be a place where people and cows can live side by side.

Tell us a bit about the new EP “Two Stars, Two Sparks”?

We have written a lot of new songs since we released the mini album, we had loads even when that was released. So at the moment I think we’re going to continue to write, and then for the next album have a wide choice of what to put out. So in the meantime we wanted to release an EP of songs that we really love, and will be starting to play live.

What was it like to get your song “Boundaries” onto the show The Sopranos and to make it sweeter such a legendary show?

Tom is a massive fan of the sopranos so I think for him especially it was very surreal and magical. I’m holding out for six feet under or some kind of equivalent. But seriously that trailer came out of nowhere for us, I don’t think we could of asked for a cooler show to be associated with.

What can we expect from your upcoming tour?

We’re learning a few new songs, as well as new ways of adapting the old ones. We just try and keep things interesting, without getting too far away from the basis of the songs.

Any plans to tour the US in support of the record? They would love you over there

I don’t think there are any plans at the moment, we would love to get over the the U.S. We have a lot of U.S based fans on myspace, and they all ask us that question. I suppose its a question of getting a label, being able to afford to get over etc etc. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for next year, but its certainly something we’ve all expressed how much we’d love to do.

What is the rest of the year looking like for you?

This month (November) we’re doin a few shows with a band called British Expeditionary Force, which are so far going well. Then late November we’re doin another European tour in Germany/Belgium and Poland I think. We have a few select UK shows in December but I think we’ll spend a lot of time preparing some new songs for next year. Also Stepbrothers will be coming out on DVD which I’m very excited about. We are thinking of putting on a special Christmas show, because we have an amazing location, but we’re still looking into it.

By John Siwicki

Vivian Girls

By John Siwicki

Metaform

Hello, how are you doing today?

Hey John, doing great thanks. Thanks for putting me on.

There are some easy comparisons we can make to your music. But, who were some of your influences?

As you say, there are some easy comparisons, and I wouldn’t dishonor those influences by denying them. So for sure, without a doubt: Dilla, Shadow, RJD2, Primo, Pete Rock, Madlib, Chessie, Photek, and not to mention all the artists I sample from. But I’m also deeply rooted in rock music too, which I hope shines through in my tracks, I’m talking about: Deftones, Metallica, Tool, Sleep, QOTSA, Kyuss, a lot of Doom and Stoner Rock music that makes your head nod with that slower hip-hop type of drum beat.

How long have you been working on your record “Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants?

It was 5 complex years in the making. I was many different people over the last 5 years and so had different relationships with my music over that time. But, that is how old some of the tracks are; some tracks I remixed and refined over the years. Some of the tracks I seeded before then, but only developed them later. Some tracks were made within the last year.

Can you tell us a bit about the process how the songs came together? How you pick some of the samples you used?

It’s a very organic process for me, the music decides for itself. I try not to complicate the process too much by thinking about it. If I do get stuck thinking about it or making a decision then it’s time for a break or a new track.

I sample anything and everything, but mostly movies, records and my own instruments. Old movie soundtracks are often packed full of useful bits and pieces. I love sampling live drums and tweaking live drum loops.

As far as song construction goes, for me, it is a deep and meditative process that I need to be alone for. Again, I try not to ‘think it to death’, rather I let instinct decide. And to sink into such an instinctive mode, I cannot have any distractions. It can start with a drum loop, a bass line, a vocal sample…whatever. Just begin. Then it is a matter of tastefully adding layers. By tasteful I mean suitable for the beat, not every sample goes well with any synth bass or 808 kit.  Each sound needs to be chosen meticulously, like choosing grapes for wine making. Once I have the best mix, then I sequence some alternative takes, beats, and loops, for future comparison. Then I can come back later and decide which version I like the best. Transitions are also important, they gotta be smooth, which I hope mine are.

It says here that you split your time between Tokyo, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Has one place started to become home?

Kind of, not really. I feel at home in all 3. I grew up in San Francisco, so I guess that would be home. But I got family all over the place, so it’s hard to say really.

Also, I see you had a collaboration with JoJo Jackson on a record. Can you tell us a bit about this release?

Man, Jojo is one of the craziest dudes I’ve ever known, he’s always screaming. He screams all over my soul-beats, sleeps on my couch, and does a whole variety of “office chores” like setting up P&P and retail programs. The album is just something we did for fun, just to see what happened. And it was fun, but I still don’t really know what happened with it. Last I heard, the album was on Amazon for $40. And that’s just crazy.

Have you done many lives shows and if so what can we expect out of them?

Yeah I have spent some time on stage, or “we” rather, I rock shows with my man Takuya on the drums. You can expect some serious laptop rock with live drums and my comedy act between songs. Playing shows is a lot of fun, I love connecting with fans and friends and creating new ones.

What is the rest of the year looking like for you?

I’m going to continue down the rabbit hole. Haha.

Aside from remixing other artists and selling beats, I’ll be dropping “Beats from the Crypt” on November 15, 2008. That’s a collection of early works from 1998 on up. It will be a digital-only album available on the website (metaformonline.com), Itunes, Amazon, and the usual assortment of digital outlets.

By John Siwicki

Funeral For A Friend

Can you tell us a bit of background on your new record Memory and Humanity?

It came together very easily. We all just sat in my front room and wrote the album from start to finish in a few weeks. Easy as that. Job done.

Early response to the record has been very positive do you tend to pay attention to those things?

It’s obviously nice to hear nice things about your work. We’ve been pleased with the reviews the album has had so far. The magazines we actually like and buy such as Kerrang and Rock Sound have been really positive whereas the non-important magazines like NME and Metal Hammer slated it, which is somewhat of a compliment really. It’s the same feeling when you’re a kid and your mother doesn’t like the music you’re playing - it’s quite reassuring.

“Waterfront Dance Club” was released as a free download as your first single. What made you decide to go this way?

Because we’re very generous people. It was a little gift to our fans for sticking with us and being supportive. It was also a little taster of the record and we were excited about getting that out there and whetting the appetite.

The record is getting released by the legendary Victory Records in the US and Canada. How did this deal come to life?

We were looking for someone to license the record to in the States and Victory were the most enthusiastic about the record and the band in general. We’ve all grown up listening to bands from the Victory roster in the past and it felt good to be wanted.

What can we expect from your upcoming tour?

A wonderful show with wonderful songs performed wonderfully. A mixture of old and new. Just a fun night all round.

Any plans to tour the US in support of the record?

Absolutely. We’ll be over in Jan/Feb time and we’ll be bringing some other Welsh pale skinned rockers with us as well.

“Kicking and Screaming” and a few other tracks on the album seem to hearken back to the sound from the first record. Was it decision to try and recapture that sound?

It was more about taking the best from all of our albums, not just the first one. We wanted to make the best record possible by taking in all the elements from our previous releases and I’d say we’ve done that.

Now, it has been five years since your debut “Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation.” How do you feel the band has changed since the album was released?

We have a different bass player and a bit more facial hair. Other than that we’re very much the same with a few more stamps on our passport and a better understanding of how to make things work in this band and beyond.

exlovers

Tell us a bit about how the band was formed?

We were sculpted from clouds and ash.

The band was formed only this year and you have already released an EP of material. Was the writing and recording process very easy for the band or were these songs that you have been kicking around for a while?

Bit of both really, we always find ourselves wanting to move on pretty quickly when we’ve finished writing a song. Pete had quite a few of these kicking around for a while.

How is the songwriting process in the band?

Pete comes up with a song and then we develop it from there.

What are some of the early influences on the band?

The Beatles, My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, The Dandy Warhols, The Velvets and, obviously, Bananarama.

I noticed that three tracks on your EP are produced by Time Holmes. How did this team up come about?

We met him in a zoo, he was trapped in the reptile house and we saved him from a komodo dragon.

We found him in a botanical garden near Dundee. He thought he was a flower. We rescued him from his own collapsed mind.

The EP package has this amazing personal touch. Did you guys come up with this idea and would you ever do something like this again?

Thanks, yeah we like that stuff, we’ll definitely be doing more of it.

What are your current favorite bands?

We’re big fans of Sleeping States and The Golden Silvers, we’re fortunate enough to have worked with both of these bands. We’re on tour with the Golden Silvers at the moment.

A single is due this later this year and can we expect to see an album…… ?

Yes

Interview By
John Siwicki

Windmill

How did the deal with Friendly Fire Records go down?

The guys at MELODIC (the UK label) have been instrumental in selecting the right label for a US release. Obviously they had to find a label with the enthusiasm and understanding for the record. Friendly Fire have been working with us for a while now to give it the best possible release. They are very cool, hard working people that rock the social scenes and music industry to it’s very bones.

How has the early feedback been for the record in the US?

It’s dividing opinion as ever. The record was an extension of artwork I had been creating happily, alone for over a decade. It’s not something I ever needed an opinion on as that just taints the purity of it’s conception. I have seen the usual, incorrect comparisons as well as some very well thought out insights into my work. It’s a very similar response as it had in the UK. Press that are saturated in the mainstream don’t get it. I don’t expect them too. Jerks hate it. Beings, pure of heart that are guaranteed their place in the afterlife are into Windmill.

What made you cover Elliott Smith’s classic “Pitseleh”?

I was bored. I guess I was feeling a little like the song sounds that day. On reflection it was interesting to present it musically, completely different. I wanted to hear that song on piano. I often put my sketches out for people to have if they want them. It’s a cool freedom. Myself and a friend of mine started a “Covers Club” off of the back of it. We cover a different artist’s song every month or so. Check him out at myspace.com/armsongs. He did his version of Tokyo Moon!

Can we expect to see a US tour for the album? We all want to hear “Tokyo Moon” live

I can’t remember how to play that one… We are talking about coming over, but really I am not sure just yet. If I can find an amazing act to support or if there is a genuine calling to come then it will be worthwhile. I have been holed up writing for a while now so it would be good to get out and Windmill it up a bit.

Your lyrics deal with a lot of different topics such as airport lounges, plastic chairs, fluorescent light. What are some of your inspirations of your songs?

Things I see in my head. I like to write about the everyday things that have the potential of excitement and adventure. My head is racing visually all the time. As long as my imagination is powering the creation I am satisfied. I think that imagination blends with my memories and expectations.

I have had the privilege of spending a lot of time with the record. It seems to have held up remarkably well over the last year. Do you feel any pressure on working on the follow up?

You guys have been very supportive from the beginning and you will be rewarded. I know that the record is very different from ‘Puddle City Racing Lights’ which I am very happy about but everyone else may not be. It’s a smaller, lo-fi record that is more reminiscent of the work I used to produce, it’s also like nothing else I have done. I couldn’t possibly just make another puddle city. It needs to be different. For my own creative well being, it needs to be different.

Have you been working on any new tracks for a follow up?

The record is half written and half recorded. It’s about the creation of the EPCOT center, our fears for the future and the death of all humanity and all of our ideas. I had a whole bunch of new songs we playing live but for the new record I wanted to scrap everything and write songs that could only exist together as a collection.

Good luck to you on the record.

Thanks. You guys can nap in my pockets anytime you like.

By John Siwicki

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