Idlewild Interview

What should we expect from the new album, ‘Make Another World’?
I think you should expect whatever you want. In my mind certainly, it’s a record full of interesting ideas, good tunes, and great guitar playing.

You worked with Dave Eringa again, how did that go?
Dave is a good friend and a great producer who we have a great relationship with musically. He understands the band – it’s strengths and weaknesses. And he works quickly, which is something we all like!

How long did the recording of the album take and where was it recorded?
The record was recorded in our practice space, an old church outside Edinburgh, then we mixed it in London. The whole thing took about four weeks in total.

How come you parted ways with Parlaphone?
It was a simple case of a relationship that had run it’s course. We’d fulfilled our obligations, as had they. It was time to move on and work with different people that could bring something new to the group.
Are you excited to now be on the Sequel label?
Very. They're good people, full of enthusiasm.

Did the release of Roddy’s solo album last year follow a decision to focus the new album on harder material or had Roddy planned it for some time?
Not really, I think Idlewild has always been a pretty straightforward rock band at it’s core. The solo album just allowed Rod and myself to work on songs in any way we chose, without having to worry about if they fitted in, whether Idlewild fans would like them, etc. The band took five months off, and the record was written and recorded in that time. It came together very naturally.

Will any of those songs be heard on the forthcoming tour?
Probably not. Allan and Colin are very focused on playing Idlewild songs. This was one of the reasons the record happened in the first place. I really felt that I needed to do something different.

How did the departure of bassist Gavin Fox last year come about?
Again, it was very natural. I think Gavin felt that he had taken as much out of the band that he could. He’d recorded a record and toured all over the world and I don’t think he wanted to do it again.

Which new (-ish) bands would you recommend looking out for in 2007?
Foxface are my favourite Scottish group at the moment. The new Aerogramme record is very good. And I’m really looking forward to hearing the new Wilco album.


31st January 2007.
Interview with guitarist Rod Jones.