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Mostly Autumn are currently on their winter tour which will see them in cities such as Manchester, Glasgow and Southampton alongside countries like Belgium and Holland.
They are described as British progressive rock legends They look up to household legends of the Golden Age of Rock which you can find out through reading our exclusive interview with Bryan Josh – the founder of Mostly Autumn.
The latest album is called ‘Dressed in Voices’ where the band explores the dark concept of a killer forced to witness the full weight of all he is taking away, as time briefly comes to a standstill.
Mostly Autumn have built a loyal and cult following since their first album sixteen years ago and in that time such luminaries as Steve Hackett, the late Richard Wright, the late Jon Lord and the BBC’s own Bob Harris are amongst their many fans.
In this interview, Bryan talks about the comings and goings of band members, the latest album and his inspirations. Olivia speaks about being the only girl in the band and going on tour.
Is autumn your favourite season?
I love all the seasons and what they bring but yes, autumn would be the most powerful for me. It’s the colours, the romance of the nostalgia it brings, the mist and mellow fruitfulness, the scent of the air. I particularly love the run from autumn to Christmas: there’s something very cosy about it. I have always found it very inspiring.
Different people come and go, how does the band recreate the same energy every time?
The songs inspire the energy, whoever’s performing them. We have had to deal with people coming and going since the band was formed. It’s just the way it is with people’s commitments. Mostly Autumn could be more likened to the Alan Parsons project; I am very singularly minded about the directions we take.
Who came up with the idea about the concept of the killer for the latest album?
The idea came to me when I was sitting at a piano. The song “Not Yours To Take” just came out in one continuous stream of words and music. I was taken aback at first and a little concerned about the subject matter but decided to be true to it. The song spread itself out and became the album more or less. I guess the terrible injustice of the idea must have been subconsciously playing on me.
What’s your favourite track on the album?
I see the album as one song; it would be difficult to choose a favourite as all the pieces play their part, though I do find “Home” and “ First Day At School” particularly moving.
How would you describe your sound?
Emotionally driven rock with occasional gentle ethereal provocative dynamics, music describing life and nature.
What’s your look? Individual and as a group?
Well the girls always look stunning, often a little Gothic and the rest of us just try to look as if we have made an effort.
Which artists do you count as part of the Golden Age of Rock?
Pink Floyd, Genesis, Queen, Supertramp, Deep Purple, Jethro Tull, Led Zepplin are definitely up there though I could name a lot more.
Who are your favourite artists and influences?
As a guitarist and writer I would say David Gilmour, Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Hackett, Randy California and Andy Latimer are all up there.
If you could invite anyone to hang out – dead or alive – who would it be?
I would love to spend an evening by a fire under the stars in the mountains by a river with Clint Eastwood, David Gilmour, Stan Laurel, Kojak, Freddie Mercury, Lord Nelson and Bon Jovi.
Are you excited for the tour?
Yes, we are always excited to be out on tour, it’s the best way we express ourselves.
What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you live?
A fire curtain fell on my head from about sixty foot once and I would be dead if Iain the keyboardist hadn’t for some reason placed his speakers in front of him as opposed to the side of him. They stopped the curtain as it hit me. A fire curtain is a very long and heavy iron girder.
Do you prefer huge stadiums or smaller venues for performing live? Which gives you more of a buzz?
The smaller more intimate venues are the best for channelling with the audience, though larger venues do have their charm.
One for Olivia: what’s it like being surrounded by guys? And what’s it like on tour? Do you crave female company or are you happy spending loads of time with the lads?
To be honest, I’ve always been a bit of a tomboy. But it’s lovely having female company as well, ‘specially when you’re preparing to go on stage its nice to discuss ‘girlie things’ like outfits and make-up. I actually love being on tour and get ‘tour hungry’ when I’m not!
Every venue brings a different challenge and I couldn’t imagine ever getting tired of it. It brings me closer to the fans and there is nothing like a live gig to keep you on your toes.
Mostly Autumn is a family of musicians who get on really well together and the band members do have a wicked sense of humour, which makes even the travelling entertaining.
Olivia sums up the essence of Mostly Autumn herself, which ends this interview quite nicely.
For more information about the band and their music, head to www.mostly-autumn.com.