It's been a 3 years since the band moved from London. Do you feel
fully acclimated to the USA, or do you still feel like a "Stranger in a
strange land"? Do you miss Manchester? What about other members in the band?
TW: It's actually been nearly 8 years - so I'm pretty well adjusted to
the west coast. It feels more like home than England ever did. I
caught Malcolm saying "tomayto" the other day - there weren't even
any americans present.
Having played the major label game, is the act of releasing this new
record by an indie label an act of defiance to the people within the
music industry that didn't believe in you?
TW: Not really - It's just the least stressful way of making and releasing a record. Being on a major was a constant battle - I don't miss it in the least. I don't think we were ever under the impression that they believed in us as artists - just product that may have got on the radio if we/they were lucky. I've always liked the idea of us being self-sufficient, cottage industry not having to answer to anyone. Of course that means that we are all broke but at least we can sleep at night.
What are your favorites from the album to play live? Have you done
much touring off the record?
TW: "Crime Scene Ribbon" is always a blast - "Wide Ope"n when we pull it
off. We've toured a bit - about the months so far - hopefully there
will be more to come.
Your last album was in 2003 (Below the Radar) -- It's been over 3
years, was it a lengthy process to record the album?
TW: Yes, It took forever! - We were on a very limited budget. We recorded songs in batches as and when we had the money. The actual recording process was a lot quicker than past records. We are getting better at letting go - and not worrying about things being perfect. "Radar" definitely suffered from that - I certainly used to be a complete pain in the arse on that front.
Can you tell us a little bit about your recent experience on the road
with Peter Yorn?
TW: It's been great, the audiences have been very welcoming and we are
picking up fans one by one. The other bands Aqualung and Moses Mayfield have been a joy to hang with - it's been a very happy tour. Pete is a top chap and touring with him is on a very different level to what Minibar is used to. I no longer have to move my gear - I feel like I've made it!
Obviously the Byrds are a big influence on your sound. What other artists
have influenced you?
TW: Neil Young for the lonesome pedal steel and the Lemonheads for
the blend of acoustic and electric guitar.
Any thoughts on the rising, falling and rising popularity of
alternative country Music?
TW: Every few years a new artist comes along tipped for stardom, whether it's Son Volt, The Jayhawks, Ryan Adams, etc. No one really has crossed over into the main stream. I kind of like it that way. I think as a genre it is fairly well established and maintains it's integrity - If anyone starts to do too well it could all go pear-shaped the same way that "normal" country music has. |
