In anticipation of their release of Blue Lights on the Runway, which hits U.S. stores on March 3rd, we were able to sneak in a few questions to Ireland's Bell X1 (Bell Ex One) during their enormously busy press week.
I've heard to prepare for your recording sessions, you have played many of your new songs live. How did this technique work out for you when you actually recorded? Did this make or break any songs?
Well, we had most of the recording done by the time we did the shows, but it gave us a clearer idea of how to mix I think – what the more important parts were, and how the song should flow. We also added or re-did a couple of things having rehearsed and played them in front of people. There is no substitute for this.
Your Irish background has been said to influence your songwriting, how did that play a part in your upcoming album?
I’ve never thought that our being Irish was particularly reflected in the writing, though I suppose it’s hard for us to be objective about it. I do think you grow up in Ireland in the choppy seas of a strong oral tradition, a playfulness with words and stories, so you do pick it up by osmosis.
You've also had about three years to prepare for your newest effort - What has changed for you guys since Flock released in your hometown?
A lot.. The band has become a hub from which all kinds of side projects have sprung - we’ve all become involved in making music with other people and in different ways. Brian, who’s been with us since the start, got studioitis and has become a full time producer and movie soundtrack guy. And we now have our own label, BellyUp Records.
Your music shifts from rock to soft rock with ease, where do you most commonly draw your influences from?
Toto.
I read that being friends with your band members first has made the band gel together so easily and making music that much easier. Does your friendship within the band still play as strong a role?
Yea, I think we’ve become more intuitive with each other with each record. We don’t need to stop and explain ourselves as often. Friendship is important when you’re spending so much time with people, in far off climbs.
Paul, you used to play drums years ago and transitioned into a full-fledged singer for Bell X1. Did you find yourself going back to the drums at all for your recent effort?
I still play drums with whomever will have me, I love it. Will play for food…
You were able to make two rounds in the US on tour last year, did that come as much of as surprise you had so many people wanting to come see your shows?
I remember when we were starting out being amazed and thrilled when people started coming to shows that we didn’t personally know…and it still gets me when we go somewhere we’ve never been and a crowd shows up. Orlando, Florida? Athens, Georgia? Madness…
When we first played shows in the States a couple of years ago, before any records came out, we enjoyed the very modern phenomenon of everyone knowing the songs having found or traded on the internet.
Guys, thanks for taking the time to interview with us and good luck with your album.
Bell X1 is composed of Dave Geraghty, Paul Noonan and Dominic Phillips. Blue Lights on the Runway will be their fourth album, following Flock, Music In Mouth and Neither Am I. For tour dates, check out their MySpace page.
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