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Interview with Clinic
Interviewed By: DaVe Lipp
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Not your ordinary band, Clinic has always been fans of obscure things like 60’s psychedelic music and strange instruments. On “Visitations,” their fourth studio album, the band combines these forces and puts other touches on this record to create something a little bit edgier than on previous albums. Oh, and they wear surgeon masks too. Lead singer Ade Blackburn steps out of character to answer a few questions about the new album. |
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Did you do anything different in recording the new album compared to the previous ones?
We recorded the album in our own studio, for the first time, so there were no time limitations. We could record when and what we wanted, which was great.
The songs on "Visitations" sound a lot edgier than on "Winchester Cathedral." Was it your intention to push boundaries this time around?
I agree. “Winchester” was quite dense sounding. With “Visitations,” we wanted it to be raw and simpler. I think it's edge is more immediately obvious.
Outside of the normal drums, guitar, bass, and keyboard, what other instruments did you use to make this album and how did you go about choosing them?
We used autoharp, harmonium, saw, theremin and clavichord. We were inspired by The Seeds 'Future' album and the melotones very much for the instrumentation.
Much of your music relies on psyche influences while songs on the new album like "Children of Kellogg," "Jigsaw Man," and others seem to draw from a much wider variety of influences like Middle Eastern music. Is this a sign of musical growth for Clinic or just examples of a few styles of music that you are into?
Yes, easy listening, folk and Arabic music are all an influences on “Visitations.” That's something that will definitely continue.
What song on "Visitations" has the most personal meaning to you?
For me I'd say "Family," which is about repairing relationships. The lyric "come again tomorrow/with your love not sorrow" in that summed up how things were.
I read that "Visitations" is your idea of a party album. So that people get an idea of what you call "Fun," what is your idea of a party?
By party I meant something you could dance to with an urgency in the rhythms. Basically punk music.
I'm sure you get asked this by everyone but I have to ask anyways, of all the costumes to wear, why surgeons?
Surgeons solely for the medical tie in.
Being that you all wear costumes, has anyone ever tried to mess with them before, during or after a show?
No, but we've had masks stolen which seemed quite apt. I don't take it too seriously.
As interesting as your music is, can you give any info on how you put together your songs?
We begin with the rhythms always. So the songs aren't based around chords and conventional structures.
Since being signed, is there anything you've learned in the music industry that has helped you out the most?
Yes, that sadly it's all heavily based around money instead of creating music.
What can your fans look forward to when seeing your live show?
New warped costumes and a very different set of music. |
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