What a wonderful day I had last
Thursday. I was a guest of the Performing Rights Society, and the
British Academy of Songwriters Composers and Authors. Rather
surprisingly, they presented me with the Ivor Novello award for
Outstanding Achievement. My dear friend – and hero – Marty Wilde, who
took a risk and gave me my first break as a pro musician after I left
school, presented it to me. And he recounted the story of when we were
playing guitars together in the front room of a house in Huyton and he
gave me the best piece of advice ever – to write songs. I started
seriously songwriting then. Of course, when the whole group started
taking that advice, a couple of years later, the world started to
listen!
Exactly what happened at that awards ceremony, two
days ago, is only just beginning to sink in, along with the amazing
realization that they really did give me this beautiful statuette. As I
said at the time, I was blessed to have that other Justin, who happens
to be in the most wonderful group in the world, to do my songs.
Like all the other writers in the room that day I am privileged to
enter the enchanted, magical world of the imagination that is
songwriting. And when I was at my lowest ebb, after falling for the
ominous spiel of the villains and spivs that controlled the ‘business’
of the ‘music business’ in the mid 60’s, the PRS extended an
unconditional hand of brotherhood that restored my faith. They were, and
still are, a ray of light in a sometimes-dark world.
I
came to the awards day with Christine McVee. I met Randy Newman, Norda’s
sometime boss, and his wife Gretchen. I met Chris Martin and Pete
Tong, Marc Almond and Harry Shearer and lots of young brilliant new
writers. But no doubt, most of all I was chuffed to talk with Noel
Gallagher – I am a huge fan of his –and of all his fabulous guitars.
I have to thank all the people who love the Moodies, and my music, for the award.
Is it only in recent times that songwriters have been asked to
explain the meaning of their songs and what was in their minds when they
wrote them? I must say there didn’t seem to be a forum, or an
opportunity for that in the 60’s or 70’s. Most of the interview
questions were around favourite colour, star sign, clothes or food. I
think there was an assumption that songs stood on their own and could
explain themselves – which I believe they probably can.
I
would really be at a loss to explain why I decided to follow one chord
with another – it just feels right, and the same is true with lyrics. If
they work and sound right that’s enough for me.
I am well
aware that in the group guys have often felt compelled to make up a
history of events - just because they get fed up of being pressed with
the (perfectly understandable) ‘’why did you…..’’ questions. Sometimes
the fantasy actually sticks – it’s useful. Sorry about that, but there
it is.
However: I am struck by the fact that I can often
read into my own lyrics rational explanations of events and emotions
many years later, with clear hindsight, and they have actually,
unwittingly revealed things I didn’t even know I was expressing at the
time of writing. They came from the subconscious maybe, without me
realizing. At the time I was probably too close – now I can see more
clearly – or am I imagining it? That’s why explanations are deceiving.
If the person is a good storyteller he can make something of nothing.
Interesting. I would say everyone should make up their own mind about
the way a song relates to them.
The songwriter often says very little – the listener brings the meaning.
Now – will I be able to answer the below satisfactorily? I’ll give it
a go. The most precious thing is that you are interested. If no one
cared?....... - Well that is scary!
1. Justin,
Spirits Of The Western Sky is incredible, it's some of the most
penetrating and inspired music you've ever produced! How soon can we
hope to hear some of these other songs you've talked about writing and
collecting, as you've hinted that you may have saved the best ones from
inclusion in this one?
Thank you so much. I
certainly didn’t ‘save the best from inclusion’. ‘Spirits’ includes the
best things I had written (in my opinion). I just left a few things out
that were not in context with the personal truth of the other songs –
that’s all. In fact I didn’t finish them, so there is nothing ready to
go that didn’t make it.
2. Could you provide a
lyrics sheet for Spirits Of The Western Sky on your website? While I
think fans have ferreted out the few words that they weren't sure about,
it would be nice to have an official version from the songwriter.
Ah – more hard work! And I always thought my diction was reasonably good! But yes, it’s a good point, and I’ll work on it.
3. In
hearing your stories about what the meaning of the CD's title is,
you've painted a 'mental' picture for us of you and your brother looking
toward the west, and thinking about your musical heroes in that
direction. In the larger, perhaps more metaphorical/symbolic sense, as
it relates to your life and the imagery on the cover, could these also
depict the 'sunset' of days, and the wistful remembrance of what was
once your future you looked forward to, now becoming the past you look
back on, or is that over-romanticizing what is really your more
straightforward and literal explanation?
Er…
don’t think so. I like to have a view of the Western Sky, wherever I
live, and would live in a flat half the size if it had that view. I find
it beautiful and, as we used to say in the ‘60’s, ‘mind expanding’. The
sky was so clear and vast on the Wiltshire downs, around where I was
brought up. I’m sure the Eastern sunrise is just as inspiring for other
people. Read into it what you may – maybe best not to try to analyze
those kind of feelings don’t you think? They just are there.
4. I
don't think it's an underestimation to say that all of your fans would
love to have you do your solo tour in their areas around the world.
Obviously that presents a bit of a logistics challenge, especially with
the number of Moody tours in 2013, but can you give us any idea about
future plans to tour solo in other areas?
I
would love to – as long as this solo tour is not an awful disaster.
Let’s see if it works? This time I am in support of the label Eagle
Rock, who have been great. They were prepared to accept my album without
any conditions or real AandR rules. Great!
5. Initially
when your new album was released, there was talk of a song or two being
released as single(s). Are there yet any plans in the works for a
single release?
I don’t think they really do
‘singles’ any more. Would fans buy the same song twice? Nowadays they
‘put a track to radio’, which is kind of the same thing as a single in
the airplay world.
I think it could only work if you wanted
to release a single, for sale or as a download, well before the release
of the album. And then expect fans to buy it twice? Once on it’s own,
and again on an album?
6. The Timeless Flight
box set, slated for release in June, includes a DVD from 1970 known as
"The Lost Performance," taped in Paris. When it was first released in
2004, you didn't seem too keen on it; what caused the change of heart
that allowed it's inclusion in this new collection?
It
wasn’t my decision to include it, (it wasn’t any of the guys decision
for that matter). I had hardly anything to do with the compilation of
this box set. Fact is I was too busy with my own album.
I’m
sure Universal have done a good job. I know the team that put it
together very well, and they are very conscientious and respectful of
The Moodies tracks. They were the right people to do it. However, there
are no surprises on it for
me.
No, I wasn’t impressed with that so-called ‘lost performance’ – as
far as I can hear, my voice is the only ‘live’ part of it. The
instruments are all mimed on the DVD - it was a TV show! That’s all.
There are a lot of tapes of live radio shows of different gigs and that kind of stuff.
The
only things I really was taken with were the ‘Blue Jays live tracks –
which I thought had been lost. Half of that show is still lost I think.
7. Thank
you for persevering in the search for the live Blue Jays tracks,
allowing them to be a part of the box set. Any chance these tracks could
be paired up in a future standalone release with the long hoped-for
surround version of the studio album, derived from the original quad mix
(presuming this could have also have been found in the 'vault')?
See
question and answer above: It wasn’t ‘my search’ I’m afraid – and I
didn’t ‘allow’ anything. I don’t have that kind of control, power or
influence. I’m really glad to hear that particular tour again though.
I loved playing with those guys – they went on, straight after that, to do my ‘Songwriter’ album with me. Lovely.
8. Describe
for us, if you would, your thoughts when you first got to listen to
these Blue Jays tracks; were you with John and/or Graeme at the time?
What did you think of "You & Me" as done in 1975, compared to now?
Re first question; see above.
Re second question – are you kidding? – It sounds like we live all
together - like the Beatles in Help. Nice of you to think everyone is
together, but a terrifying thought. As I said, those tapes sound lovely
to me.
Re third question: I think ‘You and Me ‘ is better now.
9. I'm
fairly sure that a Liverpool luthier/engineer named G. Stanley Francis
hand-built your 'recovered' 12-string guitar you originally 'lost' 45
years ago, and according to you, was used on Spirits Of The Western Sky.
As Mr. Francis is thought to be still living there, have you ever had a
chance to meet him? His most famous 'known' guitars were made for Pete
Seeger, guitars which in 2011, inspired triangle- hole acoustic 6 and
12-string guitars made by Martin Guitars. Mr. Francis would probably
love to know about the journey your guitar has taken 'there and back.'
I
never met him. You could tell him that ‘my’ guitar is fine, even though
it was re-varnished really badly since I had it first time round, and
it doesn’t play as well, but it still sounds great.
10. There's
a rumor circulating that another Moodies cruise is being planned. Is
there indeed another cruise being considered, and if so, can you give us
a hint where and when?
Don’t know yet. It would be nice wouldn’t it?
11. In the late 90s you said you didn't have much optimism for the human race; do you still feel that way?
I forget why I said that. Probably just a bad day. I bet the planet will survive.
12. What is the most major obstacle you've had to overcome?
Sorry – it’s just too serious a question.
I really wouldn’t want to dump my emotional history on you. I hope you wouldn’t want to tell me about yours either.
13. Do you ever create hidden meanings or messages in your work?
Um…….
I think someone (not us) once embedded ‘buy this record‘ into a disc.
But I don’t remember ever doing it seriously myself. That would be the
kind of thing you just did stoned, for a laugh. Well, why not?
14. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton; please explain why?
To be a joyful genius would be nice. I’m probably just a worried simpleton.
15. Do you have a philosophy of life ?...how about a philosophy of love?
Do you live by one? You should write a book if you do. I would like to hear about it.
I think I know what philosophies of life we all should have – but living them everyday is tough, and only for the truly good.
16. What makes you angry?
Not much I’m glad to say.
17. What's your favorite bedtime story and why?
Wouldn’t
it be nice if someone would come round and read us a bedtime story when
we felt like it? BBC Radio 4 have a wonderful series called ‘Book At
Bedtime’. I love that.
18. How do you and the band really feel about being photographed by fans during live shows?
No
problem – the best live show photos have been taken by fans. No
question. If there is ever an announcement about not taking pictures at a
gig, its the venue’s policy, not ours. It’s always OK with us.
19 Have you ever had an imaginary friend, and who was it?
I don’t think so. Wait a minute! Who’s that over there? Come on – show yourself!
20. Describe yourself in one sentence please?
Guitar player who sings a bit and writes a few songs.
21 Is all fair in love and war, in your opinion? Please explain.
Seems
it is in love, don’t really know why. Maybe because its so precious.
You boys and girls lead extremely heady lives, what with all this
thinking about stuff and explaining yourselves. I can’t keep up!
22. Do you believe in karma, if so, why?
See what I mean?
23. All alone in the wilderness, would you survive? Why or why not?
Ooh – scary.
24. What's in your pockets right now?
A
handkerchief, and a receipt from the train ticket. And a plectrum –
(that’s handy, but not unusual. I have plecs all over the place).
25. What is your perception of how other people see you?
Ah
yes – to see ourselves as others see us. That would bring us all down
to earth, and be good for us I’m sure. I seem to remember announcing a
song like that years ago.
26. Do you believe everything happens for a reason? Why or why not?
Yes. I mean No. Er.. Don’t know.
27. What's the best advice your parents ever gave you?
Keep your room tidy. Seriously - They were an example to me. That was better than any advice.
28.
I'm a strong believer that the magic of your creations should not be
poked at and analyzed and tainted too much, but I have to ask, how did
you get that poignant little heartbeat on the end of the song "Lazy
Afternoon" ?
Do you know, I think that is a mastering error. I don’t remember it and I don’t think it was deliberate. But it’s kinda nice.
29.
How did Raul Rincon come to be involved in a remix of Out There
Somewhere on your new solo album, Spirits of the Western Sky; how did
this collaboration come about and how much of a hand did you have in
creating the remix?
Carl and Peo did all that – and they got Raul involved. I didn’t do much apart from recording the bits they wanted.
30.
Back in 1978 the band came to St. Louis for the Octave tour. You were
given St. Louis Blues Hockey Jerseys with your name and a number on the
back. Do you still have your jerseys from them? I am very curious about
this.
I wouldn’t have thrown it away that’s for sure. I must look in the cave. Sounds great.
31.
I purchased the DVD “Hall of Fame - Live at the Royal Albert Hall”. My
question is: who played the acoustic guitar? We don’t see it, it isn’t
mentioned in the artwork. Is it a dub?
If it’s
there – and I take your word that it is cos I can’t find my mixes at
the moment (they’re in the archive somewhere) – it’s probably a dub from
me as there was only me, Danilo and Alberto there at the mix. I was
enjoying the mixes very much at the time I remember.
You
can’t take anything away from a live tape because the mics pick up
everything on stage, and when I have tried to ‘dip’ a mistake or to
correct it, it leaves a hole in the sound. So I leave it in and just try
and get a good balance. Sometimes I have tried to ‘trigger’ things like
a better snare sound etc. That sometimes works, but the performance is
the performance, and you are stuck with. You have to do your best to mix
it well. Danilo and Alberto do that stuff really well.
32.
Justin, when I lived in New York you and the band seemed to have a
great relationship with WNEW and Scott Muni. Any memories of the station
and its relationship with you and the Moodies?
Always a dear and precious place for us – and Scott was a true gentleman – one of the real greats of radio. Happy days.
33.
"You often write about the elements, is this because they are so great
to use in songs because they refer to one's emotion, mood, one's being.
And they can capture one's thoughts so well? (Would it be possible to
add "Driftwood" to the setlist in Amsterdam, (my granddaughter (11 years
old) will come with me to one of the 2 gigs, another generation
appreciating your music, thanks!!!)
I think
they do express and capture moods emotions, and thoughts. I often find
myself working when it’s raining outside. Just cos it’s raining! But I
quite like rain. I love the sun too. Don’t we all? I think it goes back
to the sensations of the Wiltshire Downs again.
We have
been doing ‘Driftwood’ on alternate shows, so I hope it’s in the set
when you are there. It’s a lovely gig to play by the way.
34.
Thank you, Moodies, for your beautiful, exquisite use of choral
"melismas", simple vowel sounds like "ah, ah, ah" over different notes
(in your solo and group work) which has brought much inspiration and
comfort! Is that similar soundwhich is abundant in ancient church
music, Bach, John Sheppard(1500s), Ralph Vaughn Williams, and now in
John Rutter something which inspires you?
Ever
since I can remember, as a small child, I have always loved the
melodies and words of The English Hymnal. If they are in there, they are
all for me!
35. Will you ever consider doing a Gospel
Album of sorts. I once read that you had said you grew up in a Jesus
inspired Household then tested other things then came full circle back
to Jesus.
I think there are singers who do Gospel really well. It always moves us, if it’s done from the heart, doesn’t it?
But I think I’ll stick to what I think can do.
36.
I was watching an interview you did (at the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame,
awhile back), and was very interested in your comments about how you got
into using nonstandard guitar tunings from listening to Joni Mitchell
(and others). I wondered- were you talking about learning from
listening to Joni's records, or did you know her, and ever have occasion
to play music with her? Also: I've typed and retyped to try to find a
way to eloquently express my thanks for the joy of your music, and all
you bring to everything, but I can't really find adequate words. Maybe
just that says enough!
Yes, thank you so very
much for your kind thoughts. I don’t know Joni sadly. I wish I did.
Richie Havens showed how to do different a few different tunings too. I
was, and am a huge fan of them both and am proud to have appeared on the
same bill with them.
37. The music at the
beginning of "Stage Door" always reminds me of the music found in
"Turkey in the Straw". Was this intentional, something you pulled up
from your subconscious without realizing it, or am I being wacky for
even thinking that's what I hear?
I looked
that piece of music up. I can’t say that I see the connection though.
But Aj Webber, the Trapeze boys, and me had such fun making ‘Stage
Door’. What a happy time.
http://www.justinhayward.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/400820/pid/400030
