Until The Ribbon Breaks have a cracker of a new album out called VISITOR. To celebrate this release we have a rather lovely Q & A. Have a read then hear and watch the track ‘Human’ below.
Please describe your immediate surroundings so that we can all cosy in.
I’m not sure there is space. I’m in the back of a very small Uber hurtling down sunset through a now very disheveled Hollywood, on the way to blick – an art store here. They have a great selection of spray paint and I need a very specific shade of turquoise. Typical day really.
Please introduce the band and what each person brings to it.
Hello! A good start….its complicated! The project started with just me. Initially it was my way to try and incorporate my loves of film and music into one creative universe. When Zane Lowe played an early song called pressure on his radio show, things took an unexpected turn. Within a year or so, it had become a different beast. I had asked two of my best mates and long time collaborators if they wanted to make it a three and we toured and toured and toured. Three layers later and in the middle of the second album I was a mess. We disbanded and I thought for good, but here I am, back to the start, full Circle. James, one of the two I mentioned earlier is still very much my right hand man and involved in almost of every process of what until the ribbon breaks is today. Phew, that was long. Sorry!
Until The Ribbon Breaks is an interesting name. Please explain why this was chosen. Did you have any other names in the hat? If you did, we want to know them. After all, your throwaway name might be perfect for somebody reading this!
When I was very small, I discovered my dad’s collection of VHS tapes and cassettes. A treasure trove. My first real experience of listening and watching as a private endeavor. Of course, immediately and forever obsessed – I would play them and play them – until the ribbon broke.
How do you go about writing a new song? Music first? Lyrics?
Good question. I purposefully and frustratingly for those I work with – have no plan, or no specific technique. It’s just not how I operate. My whole life is a process of throwing all the paint at all the walls and trying to remain focused enough to watch some of it dry. That’s all to say – I don’t really know how it all happens.
Loving the new single Carousel (with Homeboy Sandman). Great video too. What’s it all about?
It’s actually about an experience I had in Thailand with Ayahuasca. Without going into the (in part) gory details, I will say that it was an incredibly meaningful lesson about as the song says, ‘leaning into the turn’. Circles are Full of history in their significance and meaning. In many regards – nature’s perfect shape.
The new album ‘Visitor’ is about to be released. Is that a visitor to Earth or somebody popping round to your house? Is there a central theme running through it? What was the inspiration for it?
If we were having this talk in person, I think your question would open up a great debate about, what the difference is. A visitor in your house and a visitor on earth…..I would argue that might be the same thing, which is in a sense what the album is about. Knowing, or at least being curious about what our place is here, whose house we are in, and how well we look after it.
Are you folks touring the album? Coming to the north of England?
I very much hope so. Whilst making this record, I kept visualizing playing it live and for the first time in my career, that was an exciting thought and not one of anxiety. It’s a very visual album to me and I’d love to be able to present the whole world of the album in a live environment
Can you see yourselves playing gigs at 80 years old? You know, like the rolling stones, McCartney, Dylan and so on. What do you think would be on your rider?
Great question. Perhaps a literal rider, someone whose bike I could jump on the back of in order to get to the stage. Venues in my experience are not set up for those of a more mature age. That and perhaps some nice cheese and a set of watercolors and a paint brush.
If we were to come to your neck of the woods for a weekend where would you take us? You are the entertainments committee!
Oh man, I’ve been sober as a judge for 8 years. I love making things in my studio or garden. I wouldn’t know where to start. Since I was a kid I’ve kind of just played in my world. But, not to be a total party pooper, perhaps we could rent a bouncy castle and remember what it was like to find simple joy in bouncing – on an inflatable castle – totally understand if that’s a no from you.
A couple of times in a summer my friend and I go fishing. It also involves staying out for a night and plenty of beer. A bankside disco tends to break out around 11pm. What would your playlist be for a drunken late night bankside disco?
Oops, see above. But – I would love to DJ your drunken fishing adventure. I’d probably make it a pun challenge. The songs would have to involve the ocean/fishing/camping. But…..I refuse to play anything by Phish. Say no more.
Would most likely end with sitting on the dock of the bay, but played double speed.
Have you any bands/ artists that you recommend we give a listen to?
I’m slightly odd in my listening. I love to paint in the garden whilst listening to pretty hard rap. Anything by Pusha T really gets those mild, polite brush strokes going. Been returning to the first few four tet records recently. Rounds’ in particular is a top to bottom hypnotic fever dream.
At this point, you may ask yourself any question that you think we should have. Question and answer please
What’s wrong with you Pete? – Pete, if I knew the answer to that, you wouldn’t be here.
Many thanks for taking the time with DeClunk. Loving the sounds and hope to see you in action this year (Carlisle, maybe?)
I hope so, and thank you! That was a fun one.
DeClunk 