Big Big Train interview
April 2004 - Nucleus website
1. Tell us about the history of Big Big Train
We started working as a band back in 1990, although we were mainly just interested in songwriting at that stage. None of us had been in any serious bands up until then. In 1991 we started releasing demos and picking up gigs with Pendragon and IQ and then we went on to release a couple of albums through GEP. The band almost called it a day in the late 1990's but we've stayed together and, for me, have just released our best album, Gathering Speed.
2. What bands have influenced the sound of Big Big Train?
Our main influence has always been the music of Genesis which they composed between 1970 to 1977. When we started out, we were also big It Bites and IQ fans as well as followers of English pop music such as XTC and Prefab Sprout. The sounds of all those bands influenced the earlier albums. More recently, we've eveloved a more classic progressive sound based on 12-strings and mellotron and combined that with contemporary influences such as Oceansize and the Mars Volta.
3. What did it take to develop this musical style?
We've evolved a lot over the last decade or so, but for me we have really developed a sound now which I've been searching for, a combination of classic progressive rock with new influences from alternative music.
4. Let's talk about "Gathering Speed"... What can you say about the title of the disk and of the songs?
Gathering Speed is a concept album set in the 1940's. It's about the short life and death of a fighter pilot in World War II and the impact of his death on the family he leaves behind. The album kicks off with a scene setting song, High Tide Last Stand and then, within the next few songs, goes on to explore various aspects of the life of a fighter pilot during that period. Having done a lot of research on the subject, it was interesting for us that with all of the fear and exhaustion of literally having to fight for your life, the pilots of 1940 had an incredible sense of camaraderie and fun, and, for many, it was the best days of their lives, even when surrounded by misery and destruction. We tried to capture that dichotomy on the album.
The later songs focus on the death of the pilot and the coming to terms.
5. How is the creative process in your music and poetry? What factors influence these areas?
Generally speaking, I'll write the initial ideas for the music and words and then they get developed by the rest of the band. Like most songwriters I carry a lyric book around with me when I'm in the middle of a writing phase and I often hear musical ideas in my head and try to make sense of them on guitar or keyboards. Andy and Steve take care of the rhythm section, Ian on keyboards, adds sounds and textures and Sean, our new singer, arranges the vocals and backing vocals as well as contributing additional ideas for the music.
6. How was the recording process?
We have our own studio and most of the work is done there. We don't have the facility to record drums, however, so we go into Rob Aubrey's studio and Rob records the drums for us. Rob is also responsible for most of the mixing work; he has developed enormous experience over the years with IQ, Transatlantic and Spock's Beard and we really trust his judgement. He's also great fun to work with. We can be a bit of a serious and intense bunch of people and Rob helps to lighten things up a bit.
7. Were you satisfied with the final result?
We're very pleased with the album. There are always things that you could do better, especially when we are on a tight recording budget, but for me the album is our best achievement so far.
8. How do you feel your music has evolved with the step of the time?
We've changed with every release and I think we've just now got to a place where we feel in tune with the sounds we hear in our heads.
9. Would you say that the essence of Big Big Train remains unaltered with the years?
We have always tried to write good songs and interesting music. I hope, and think that we're getting better at it with experience, but the aim has always been the same. So, in that respect, the essence of the band has remained the same.
10. What message do you want to transmit with your music?
I have a melancholy side to my nature which comes out in the music and words. Aside from that, there is a sense of Englishness, which I find hard to convey in words but which finds form within our music.
11. Have you developed other musical projects outside of the band?
We've dabbled in a few things. Sean was previously in Soma and Lorien before joining BBT and Steve drummed with the Enid for a few years. Steve has also recently done some work with Pete Trewavas.
12. What opinion do you have of the current progressive scene of Great Britain?
I think it is really interesting at the moment. There are some great new bands such as Amplifier and Oceansize which are coming at progressive rock from a different direction. Progressive music is also getting talked about again in the mainstream press. It's as good a time as any to be working in the genre.
13. How do you think that it will evolve in the next years?
I'm not sure, but I can't wait to find out. It will be interesting to see if any of the newer bands around at the moment achieve a breakthrough.
14. I suppose that to make this music type today in your country is very difficult. And much more, to be able to live off it...
Yes Ð you're absolutely right. We all have day jobs to help feed ourselves! Unfortunately, that reduces the amount of time we get to spend on music.
15. Thank you. Do you want to express something more, friends?
Just to say thankyou to Nucleus for helping us to get some increased exposure in Argentina.
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Nucleus