The new record is called 'In Dreams,' what does the title signify?
Elliott- A lot of Toms
lyrics on this album have references to dreams. Also we recorded the album in
total isolation in a remote part of Scotland's western Highlands. The ever
changing hourly spectrum of weather from snow, storms and glorious sun lent its
self to a dream like atmosphere where time seemed to disappear. In Dream seemed
appropriate.
This is the first
record that you produced on your own, what was that experience like?
Elliot: When we went up to
Scotland originally we went with the intention of writing and demoing. As the
songs started to develop we slowly realized we were accidentally making the
record!
Why did you opt to go
solo on the production end and not get someone behind the decks?
Elliot: We felt like bringing a
producer in the studio or going to a "proper" studio would kill the
atmosphere and vibe we were creating in our make shift set up. The 5 of us
working collectively bouncing off each other ideas was working really well.
Bringing a producer in could of changed that dynamic. It became a really equal
input and creative experience.
As this band has
evolved through the years, there has been a shift in sound and style and the
fans have responded to it in ever fashion. What causes the shift?
Elliot: I think that as a band
you always want to push forward and progress. Although the albums do shift,
there are still direct links between all of them. I think the Weight Of Your
Love will always be seen as the most drastic departure due to the nature of the
circumstance. The band had been through trauma losing a member in Chris and
gaining two. It was very important for Editors with myself and Justin to become
a band again in the traditional sense. So that record was very much a rock
record with a band in a room vibe. On In Dream the roles were much more open
and less instrument based anyone could contribute anything on any instrument.
We don't really set out with a plan, concept or set direction on any record.
It's cliche but you just go where the music takes you.
Ed: With every album we release, there
comes a time to reflect on its sound and what we would like to try and get out
of the next record. That is sometimes inspiration enough, as we have never got
to the end of a year thinking that we have done enough and don't need to try
again. The band now feels the most collaborative it's ever been, so we are
obviously inspiring each other also.
Crafting this
album, what is one thing you learned about yourself musically that you didn't
know or acknowledge before?
Ed: That I could play keyboard and the
other band members wouldn't laugh too much.
Since the
beautiful and underrated "In This Light and On This Evening," guitars
seem to be taking a backseat in Editors sound and synths are more prominent.
Why is this? Will there ever be a return prominent return to the axe?
Ed: We love guitar, and have used it in
important ways on the record. But we didn't want it to be the main focal point
on most of the songs, it had to be necessary and enhance those moments it
appears in. We treat every instrument the same though- there is only one real
drum kit on the record, and it came in the last song as a bit of punctuation
into the big outro of Marching Orders. It's not like they won't feature on
future editors records, and that goes the same for the guitar.
It has been 5 long
years since you toured America, when can us fans here expect your return?
Ed; It just didn't work out on the last
record for us coming to America. We all enjoy touring in the states and all
want to come back- it's just a shame it's been such a long time for us. Nothing
is for definite, but if there is an appetite for us from the fans, old and new,
to come and play some shows we would love to.
In 2013, the band
said they almost split up, what is the moral like now? What drove you guys to
the brink and back?
Ed: We had a torturous time of it back
then. We were going over new material but never really agreeing on anything,
and to not be productive as a band is the worst feeling. We managed to get two
new members in and became a band again, creating a rock album that we could
play in a room and got to know each other. This new album is based on that new
bond we created, the trust we have in each other's musical opinions and tastes.
Spirits are high.
Where do Editors go from here?
Ed: We have a huge tour which starts on
Friday 9th October. The record hasn't been out a week yet and we are going
through all the emotions that having new material suddenly available brings. We
feel like we have been at our most inclusive and creative on this record, so we
just hope that will continue onto the live shows before we start to look at the
next load of music.
