The Mexicolas
We sit down for a cuppa with head honcho Jamie
Rocklouder scribe Michael Snowden caught up with Mexicolas frontman and guitarist Jamie Evans to discuss their latest album ‘The Minerva Suite’, the importance of social networking and why it's a weird time to be making music.
Are you excited about the new album's release?
Yes, very much so. It's the record I've always wanted to make. I've spent the best part of a year making it. It's kind of like seeing your kids grow up and leave home all within that time span. So it'll be interesting to see what happens next.
The Minerva Suite has a much different sound from your debut- was this deliberate and what caused this change?
I guess I felt that a lot of the first album didn't make sense to me any more. When I sat down to record the Minerva Suite I had no pre-conceived ideas as to how I thought the record should take shape. I wrote and wrote for months before I hit upon what I felt was my natural direction and as a result, the whole process was so much more natural than the first album. I didn't see any need to hide behind a wall of 30 guitars because I wanted the songs this time to have space and atmosphere. I've never worked harder on where things sit in songs. To me everything has to support the song. This record makes perfect sense to me.
Are you worried that fans might not understand the new direction in the same way that you do?
Not really. I think fans are very accepting of change. If I were a fan of the first record, I would have been disappointed if the second album was a carbon copy. I was still finding my feet when [debut album] ‘X’ came out. The Minerva Suite is the natural next step for me. I also think that the new album will win more fans over than before. It's just a hunch....
'X' opened alot of doors for you as a band- are you hoping that this album will open more of the same?
Of course, there's already a good indication of radio play picking up in the [United] States as we speak. I feel that this new album will open more doors for us this time because I think it will appeal to a wider audience. But ultimately as long as the fans are happy, I'm happy.
Does the band have a following in the States? What would it mean to have success across the pond?
There's a growing interest in the band that's hopefully going to be boosted by the current radio campaign over there. Success in the States would be amazing. It's obviously a huge market that few British bands crack. But that said, success anywhere overseas would be a massive achievement.
The line-up has changed for this record with you taking on vocals, guitar, bass, keys and percussion. What brought about these changes?
I've always had the same input. The band has always been my baby! But I'm a musician first and foremost. That's all I can do in this world. I was frustrated with the old line up as we were beginning to sound tired. I wanted to deliver an album with no excuses and I guess I knew exactly what needed to go on. It's refreshing to actually take on the responsibility.
You also co-produced the album - is this an area which interests you or was it a case of overseeing your investment?
It's just a natural progression from working with Dan Sprigg on the first record. It all boils down to sticking to the vision. We spent months talking about the different ways we could approach the new album. And so when it finally came to it, we were both reading from the same hymn sheet so to speak.
What plans do you have to promote the album once it has been released? Is there a tour planned?
There's no tour planned as yet. It's obviously on the table at some point. We're looking to launch the record first and see what follows. The radio and press campaign is key to all of this coming into fruition.
How important are social networking sites, such as Myspace, for bands who may not receive as much media coverage?
It's crucial to bands now more than ever! Labels are signing less and less bands. Radio stations are playing it safe. There's a real change in the air. The great thing about the internet is that everybody who owns a computer is a broadcaster or a critic and so now the people really do have the power to expose what they want, when they want. Bands can survive without major labels. It is hard but it can be done.
How important is it to you to stay connected to your audience and interact with them? How important is a strong fan base for emerging bands?
It's very important. You've got to keep them happy when all's quiet. Even just a regular mail out to all your fans keeps their interest in the band. That's why Myspace, Facebook and Twitter come in handy. I think the king of interaction with fans has to be Trent Reznor of NIN. He's constantly nurturing his website by adding fan exclusives. He's a big inspiration on so many levels. He seems to be one of a few artists who have managed to embrace the massive shift in the music business and still maintain a career. For emerging bands it's obviously hugely important to have a strong fan base. Word of mouth is priceless!
What is your standpoint on illegal downloading?
Although I'm dead against it, I can see why it's happening. The music Industry really has been caught out this time. There's now a real sense of panic in the air as all the labels are desperately trying to find ways to combat this problem. I think it's going to be a long time before it's sorted out. In the meantime bands have to resign themselves to the fact that their music is as good as free to the general public. It seems the only revenue for artists is through touring now. Which is hard to achieve if you're not already established. It's weird time to be making music that's for sure!
Does it worry you that people may try and get the album for free? Or is it a case of just wanting people to hear the songs?
It's a bit of both. I can't stop people getting it for free. But if they do, it's because they want the album. It's a double edged sword really. One side of me has my fingers crossed that people will buy it. The other side says "well as long as they listen to it, does it really matter?" But ultimately, this is a business. I have a record deal and that all boils down to how many units I shift. There are only so many free nibbles you can eat in a supermarket aisle before you're expected to part with your money.
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