There is a metaphor that frames the album Interview to Ben Holton by Diego Centurión. Translation: Marcelo Simonetti In the previous issue we have reviewed the new work of My Autumn Empire, The Visitation. In that same issue we interviewed Ben Holton for Epic45 album. And now, we talked with Ben about of new work of My Autumn Empire, your side Project.
Do you feel it's the best album My Autumn Empire? I don’t feel it’s really for me to say. I always try to improve on certain techniques but each album is a different project so I find them hard to compare really. This work is confident, relaxed and with great freedom. Is it a reflection of the process of writing the songs? I was living at my parental home at the time of writing and recording the album so it’s true to say I had a lot of freedom in that respect. However, I was in a bit of a sad, dejected place at the time so maybe I felt the need to create something that exuded confidence as I wasn’t feeling particularly happy and confident. I’m never particularly relaxed either... Throughout the album can be perceived elaborate instrumental harmonies. Have you taken a long time to get that sound? No longer than usual. Beyond a certain melancholy that prevails on the álbum, there is an atmosphere of optimism and brightness. Have you sought to convey those feelings? On songs like “Blue Coat” and “Summer Sound” I was trying to achieve a sense of transcendence in the music, which contrasted with the downbeat lyrics so, musically, yes but the lyrics are pretty sad I think. Have you worked "The Visitation" under a specific concept? Is there something conceptual? There is a metaphor that frames the album in which I compare the arrival and eventual departure of an alien being to the span of a relationship between a woman and a man. In a ‘Sergeant Pepper’
kind of way, the album diverts into other territories then returns to the original theme at the end. That’s right, I’ve compared myself to the Beatles! To close the album you choose "All in My Head," a more intimate song. Is there any special reason? I just thought it summed things up rather nicely and was good to finish on something a little more low key that cleared the air. Throughout the album, you can perceive influences from Pink Floyd and The Beatles, especially on vocals. Have they influenced these bands? Not really Pink Floyd and, as much as I love the Beatles, I was probably more inspired by their respective solo careers. Also, the work of Beatles obsessive Jeff Lynne to be honest. What songs do you like most of this album? What are your favorite? My favourite is ‘Where Has Everybody Gone?’ and always has been as I’m really happy with how the melody and vocal layers turned out. Runner up would be ‘Summer Sound’ – had a lot of fun with key changes with that one. Do you plan to submit to the live album? If you mean do I play these songs live then yes, I have played most of the songs off the album in various different forms. Lately I’ve been playing gigs on my own so the songs have been stripped right down to guitar and voice, sometimes with some electronic gadgetry providing beats and other sounds. It’s been fun but I’m looking forward to playing as a band again at some point. If you mean will I release a live album then...yeah, why not, it could feature all the hits!
How do they complement your bands (My Autumn Empire and Epic45) inside you? Both are different sides of the same coin really. I have always loved pop music and songs and I think that comes through in the epic45 stuff if you listen close. With My Autumn Empire I just indulge that side of what I love a little more. Each project can at times be more ‘pop’ and more ‘experimental’ at any given moment and, at their best, at the same time.
Both bands, Have they shared the stage in one night? Not yet! Can we dream of "My Autumn Empire" in Latin America? I would absolutely love to come over and play. If the flights can be covered, I’m there! th,
This Interview is part of the issue number 12 of magazine The 13 http://issuu.com/revistathe13th/docs/the13th_numero_12 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/the13thlarevista Issue: http://issuu.com/revistathe13th
is in spanish.