22/09/2009

Kerr Fagan Harbron Interview - Part 1

Recently, We were mightily impressed with 'Station House from Kerr Fagan Harbron. And now, a year later, the trio are together again for some dates. This time around, however, they're looking ahead to a new album from Nancy and James with Rob in a multi-tasking studio role. Then, soon, they'll be the small issue of a baby and a new approach to the work and lifestyle. Here we interviewed them just before a performance at The Mission Theatre, Bath. They were obviously excited about their work and there was lots of laughter.

Shall we start with the forthcoming album of original material? Those are your songs aren't they Nancy?

Nancy: Yes, that's right.

We'd heard the writing started off in Australia.

Nancy: One of the songs was written here before we went but then the bulk of the album in Australia. We didn't have an awful lot of time because we were gigging when we were there, but I must have had a bit more creative space to write the thing. So, yes, we came back with a dozen new songs, a few new tunes as well. So the whole album I think we got it down to about eleven tracks, that's including songs of mine and instrumentals by James. It also heavily featuring Rob.

It wasn't always the idea to do an album of original material then?

Nancy: It just sort of unfolded but I've always wanted to do that. I've always had a little inkling in the back of my head that it would be an amazing thing to do, but it's taken me years to get to the point where I can write that many songs. Every other song has been like a year, and then I might write another one a year later. So it's a bit different but I'm pleased to have done it. It's a different thing for me.

There's two tracks of yours on 'Station House' isn't there?

Nancy: There's really only one. There's 'Break Your Fall' on 'Station House' which is all original. Then there's 'I Wish' which is really inspired by a traditional song and by a tune Rob had written. So I wouldn't claim that as an original song but it hasn't been done in that form before, but it's that kind of muddy area between adapting and writing.

Are you a little nervous about having a whole album of original material?

Nancy: Not really. They're out there now. Sometimes you say to someone 'Oh yes our new album's coming out and it's all original material' and there can be a flicker of pain that goes across their faces, a little kind of shudder. I don't know what that is whether some people aren't open to song writing really or they are more comfortable with existing songs or whatever. But having said that, now we've played the songs people have really liked them, so we're making it for our audience and people who know our music. So we'll see.

James: I think that shudder Nancy is talking about is a specific audience member who comes to traditional venues because they like well known and traditional songs. And they associate songwriting with I think negative connotations, which it should not have, that's what Nancy means when she talks about that kind of negative reaction. They probably think 'Well if I wanted to go and see a songwriter I'd go and see Richard Thompson or someone who states that what they do. And I think that, I wouldn't say we are nervous about launching a whole album of original songs partly because when you hear the songs they come very strongly out of original ideas.

So for an audience member who's used to hearing our stuff, unless we told them, I don't think they'd strongly go 'Wow that's radically different', it's not like we've suddenly become navel gazing inwardly looking people, we're still putting our songs in that direction. That is very exciting and it's not as nerve racking as it might be because all of the songs are now well and truly road tested, toured, and we've had a good reaction. It's going to be fun actually.

So is the album recorded?

James: Yes, Rob recorded it.

Rob: Well I was in that engineer, producer and playing sort of role. Sort of like I was on 'Strands Of Gold' where it's definitely a duo record of Nancy and James's, but I do my bit to help it come together. Rather than being a trio record but I am on it.

Is there anybody else?

Rob: Ric Foot plays double bass on it. So it's recorded but not mixed and we haven't got a definite plan for when it comes out yet but it will be early next year.

James: Just after the baby.

Go to part two HERE

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