Artist Interviews

Q&A: Denis Jones

By | Published on Wednesday 20 October 2010

Denis Jones

Denis Jones released his debut album, ‘Humdrum Virtue’, in 2007. Although often using loops created with a bank of equipment, and the occasional guest musician, the focus of the songs was nonetheless Jones’ distinct guitar-playing style and piercingly soulful voice.

Three and a half years later Jones is back with album number two, ‘Red + Yellow =’, which was released earlier this month. As well as being on sale, the album is streaming in full via Jones’ website, and he is due to play a handful of UK shows next month. We caught up with him to find out more.

Q1 How did you start out making music?
Music was always of fascination to me from a very young age. I recall being taught, aged four or five, how to use the stereo and record player when my father got tired of having to turn things on and set things up at my beck and call. Once I had this knowledge, I was able to choose a record and play music, albeit listening with rather oversized headphones given my age!

This then turned into an obsession for music that led me to demanding a guitar at the age of eight. I was convinced that I could already play the instrument, with me telling stories to that affect in the playground at school even before I could play a note. Really, I was more accustomed to thrashing at the guitar at the time.

In some ways I still see this as my approach now. And, as I have always taught myself to play through the act of trial and discovery, that first guitar aged eight was where it all began. Whether my output then was of any worth would be debatable, but I still to this day think that I am on the same arch of musical exploration, albeit with new tools and equipment to keep me as close to this early point of discovery as possible.

Q2 What inspired your latest album?
‘Red + Yellow =’ will be my second record and the primary reason for undertaking the project was to better the first album, ‘Humdrum Virtue’, and try to bring it closer to the atmosphere and urgency I feel I have been able to create with my live performances. The aim is for the melodic sensibilities found in the work of some of my favourite songwriters, and the sonic intensity associated with electronic music, and the contemporary classical music that influenced it. I may never be 100% successful in getting this sound on record, but in the process of making this record I think I am closer to this goal.

Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
Some people, normally in response to my live shows, have likened my music making process to that of cooking. Where an empty pan will be brought to life with the combination of a few ingredients. Then with the addition of some seasoning and some spices it is taken to a level beyond that of its original components. The process of my creating music is organic, I go through the process of a chef cooking a three course meal. But as in catering, things don’t always go to plan and any chef will be accustomed to a scorched sauce or a burnt pan.

Q4 Which artists influence your work?
The second record by Radiohead, ‘The Bends’, was the first album that got me into songwriting. Since that point, each of their albums have been of influence to me, in particular ‘Kid A’, which seemed to follow some of the production techniques of artists that I was listening to at the time, such as Autechre. For similar reasons, I feel Björk has been of influence, as she has never stuck with a formula when it comes to recording her albums, through the nature of collaboration with the likes of Mark Bell (LFO), Graham Massey (808 State), Opiate, Matthew Herbert and, more recently, Timbaland. That desire to never stay static creatively has been of huge influence to me.

Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
Find a quiet place in a dark room and listen to it with eyes closed on the best set of headphones you can find. I feel this is the best way to listen to music.

Q6 What are you ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
To gain respect and recognition from my peers, continue to get opportunities to have my music heard by new people and to expand my musical output both live, and in every other available instance where music is used, whether it be in album form, film, TV or even lifts.

MORE>> www.denisjones.com



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