Interview
(Progressive Newsletter Nr.33 12/00)
excerpts from an interview with Damon Fox (Keyboards, Vocals) and A.H.M. Butler-Jones (Guitar, Vocals)
A.H.M.: Sadly enough, we've had management disputes and other business entanglements. Alot of the songs on the new album reflect this frustration.
Damon: "Money machine" was actually recorded in August of 97'.
With your original mix of hard rock, progressive rock and a lot of retro elements, you musically ignore the last decades. Do you think that the 70s were musically more interesting, daring, breaking new borders or why did you decide to rely on music that had its highpoint some 30 years ago?
Damon: I think people don't want to admit it, but they're gonna have to.....we have already reached the phoenix of rock music and it took place in the late 60's/early 70's. I'm not saying there isn't other good music out there, but as far as classic rock & roll goes....that era is the absolute source.
Like I said before your music has its roots definitely way back in the 70s and even 60s. Which were the bands from the past which inspired you the most?
Damon: Less known bands like The Pretty Things and The Move really got us into inventing our own musical concoctions. They paved the way for bands like Bigelf to hybrid styles together that wouldn't be found in a standard rock/pop/prog band.
What were the reactions so far concerning "Money machine"?
A.H.M.: So far, so good. Unless we're being spared the bad reviews.
Damon: People seem to be longing for something that isn't packaged or contrived. "Money machine" is being devoured by those seeking truth in music.
Your music is dominated by instruments like Mellotron or Hammond which give your sound a warm, kind of antique feeling. Do you prefer playing the original instruments with the original sounds than sample them and isn't it hard to find these original instruments these days?
A.H.M.: Yeah, they're hard to find but it's a question of the right tool for the right job.
Damon: There is no way to achieve our sound with modern gear...it's simply inferior. We are not like other bands, we not faking it.
In the summer you played various concerts in Scandinavia. How were you received and how did the tour went overall?
A.H.M.: It was cool. No I mean literally. We were underdressed.
Now you're going back to Scandinavia, which looks like you've taken some impact on the north of Europe. Any chance to see you elsewhere in Europe in the near future?
Damon: Definitely. We are trying to get to England next year. There is an Italian band called London Underground, very much in the same vein as Bigelf. We will most likely do some gigs with them in Italy....Check em' out!
On Progfest '97 you made your first big appearance on the progressive rock scene. Do you feel that things have changed for you, since you've entered this 'scene' concering recognition, contacts or playing gigs?
Damon: One person comes to mind.....Michael Ivarsson (Record Heaven).
A.H.M.: Well, the other day I was accosted at the store by a guy who swore I was in Ozric Tentacles.
Kristian Selm © Progressive Newsletter 2000