Q: Welcome back, “Xylophone Yacht Zombies”! It’s fantastic to have you with us again. Since our last conversation, a lot has happened in your musical journey. To kick things off, could you share some highlights or pivotal moments that have shaped your artistic path since our last interview?
A: Hi Bored City great to be back again with people who actually listen and have an insight into what it feels like to be a musician in today’s ever changing world with fewer venues, AI looming to replace us all and uncertainty in all aspects. Since the last EP “Bondi Tram” we go our separate ways, Steve B is a semi pro jazz drummer and he is continually gigging, Kev is a gypsy keyboard man who is always travelling the world in search of inspiration, Pete and Myself have been playing around musically building up tones and new tunings searching for new ideas. Pete is a wizard at Pro Tools and created some instrumentals we decided to include in the next issue of our stuff. XYZ are a collective so everyone gets the same share of writing publishing etc. So Pete accepted that if any of his tracks take off we all share the glory! Or not more likely not ( hollow laugh).
Q: Can you describe the musical style of Xylophone Yacht Zombies in three words?
A: Eclectic, Eccentric and Entertaining we hope! There are musical easter eggs hidden in the songs.
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
A: We have so few fans as we do not gig so its word of mouth and me putting posters up all over Crystal Palace Park! One of our fans Micky Taylor has a role in providing potential for a summer gig “The remnants of Rock” as a promoter he is shall be say slow to deliver!
Q: You have just released your new album, ‘Cromwell Avenue’. Is there a story behind it?
A: So glad you asked. Cromwell Avenue is where one of our fave studios is located and so emulating Beatles Abbey Road came to mind only problem being there is not a pedestrian crossing (Crosswalk in the USA) in Cromwell Avenue. So we created one out of cardboard and paint. This summer was tense in the UK with flags appearing everywhere so In decided to carry a Nepalese Flag reflecting the UKs debt to the Ghurkha soldiers past and present. Pete had a new song as did Kevin. I had three. Then Pete’s Pro Tools offerings became an option and though and behold we had an Album !
Q: What is your favorite track from the album and why?
A: “Go with the flow” as it reflects hippy Eastern philosophy so sadly missing in the world. Kev’s Hold the Line Boys is special as it is about the 1879 Anglo Zulu war and the defence of Rourke’s Drift. Yet again Kev has created an three minute epic tune. We doubt Taylor Swift will ever tackle historical subjects! But you never know.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the album, “Cromwell Avenue”?
A: All of us creating songs and helping each other with ideas then sharing over WhatsApp rehearsal and then Studio Day at Cromwell Avenue.
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for Xylophone Yacht Zombies so far?
A: Marks Garden Fest in Gloucestershire. It was a support act role but great fun in front of really nice folk.
Q: Reflecting on your body of work, each song holding its unique significance, could you share a particular track that stands out to you personally? What makes that specific tune special, and why does it hold a place of pride in your musical journey?
A: “London Town” was the first track we recorded in 2008 and it was inspired by Shakespeare’s Rose theatre, The Summer Olympics and diversity. It includes an great rap from our friends Snay Kai and Thought Thief from Dark Angle the UK’s most intelligent hip hop crew. We did not have any rehearsal and more or less recorded it in one take !!
Q: Exploring the diverse creative processes within the music industry is always fascinating. Could you provide insight into Xylophone Yacht Zombies’ unique approach to crafting music? From the initial spark of an idea to the finished song, how do you navigate the creative journey and bring its musical concepts to life?
A: Words or Music what comes first? Well it can be anything a throwaway line, a riff that Pete has just created. The secret it to keep trying and the songs will come. Anything can be the subject of a song. Think I have mentioned WhatsApp is how we send demos and get feedback from band members.
Q: As we wrap up our conversation, looking ahead, what aspirations or dreams do you have, and what message would you like to share with your fans as they continue to accompany you on this musical journey?
A: A good friend of Pete and Myself passed away whilst on holiday in Australia. It was a shock to us and so we decided to have a few beers in the Builders Arms where we last saw him. I took a notepad and before long we had the outlines for a song. We have resolved to do more and more music and in January we went into the One Cat Studio
at Antenna to record a couple of singles. “Kieron’s Song” will be released on 16 th March and “Hey Anubis” which includes lyrics in Ancient Egyptian will be released 1 st April. We are now building the XYZ musical legacy and need to keep creating.
The big message is that via ElasticStage our music will be available on an on-demand basis on vinyl and that will be a big dream come true without having to fill my garage with thousands of records hoping a few might sell.
I hope we make our fans and friends smile and few more smiles in the world would be a good thing!! Plus we wish you Peace and Love XXX
LISTEN TO THE BAND:
Follow Xylophone Yacht Zombies: