Smiley Talks "Clang!" audiobook and more! Interview

As England nears the end of it's second lockdown I took the opportunity to catch up with Smiley who has just released the audiobook version of his popular memoir "Clang!" of course it also seemed a good chance to touch upon some Alarm plans too!

The initial print run of "Clang!" sold out pretty quickly, that must have been a nice feeling! Did you anticipate that sort of demand?

To be honest I had no idea. I sat with James Walsh, my publisher, and we just stared at each other when trying to guess the reaction and order the right amount of books. I didn't think in a million years it would get the reaction it did and to actually need a reprint was quite a touching moment. What surprised me also was how it was quite a slow burner and the orders were coming from further and further a field. Immensely humbling and truly surprising.

For those that are yet to get a copy from the second run, how are the numbers looking for those maybe asking Santa for a copy?

Well I've just ordered a 3rd run to cover myself for Black Friday ha ha! I was down to one so I've backed myself up just in case. The audiobook version is now available from the same place gatecrashthepartybooks.com That's quite funny. I start off sounding like Alan Partridge and end up like Danny Dyer!

"Clang!" was written in a very conversational style so was an audiobook version always in your plans?

Funnily enough it wasn't. It was the fact that so many people said it was written in the style of sitting in the pub telling stories. The audiobook idea was an after thought...but it makes sense.

Totally! 

How have you approached the audio version, have you gone for a straight reading of the book or were you tempted to elaborate and add in further details?

It took a while to get into my stride. It's actually a lot harder than you think. Every word, every phrase has to be spot on. It was nice to be able to read it the way it was written....I did elaborate a little though.

I've listened to many autobiographies read by the author so can appreciate the importance of getting it right!

Were there any moments that caught you by surprise and caused you to stop the take?

Yes, the spelling mistakes!

Since the publication of the book have many of those name checked been in touch to comment?

Some have, some haven't. I haven't annoyed anyone yet, except for my 2 brothers who took huge offence to me calling them twins, even though they are! That's saved me on Christmas pressies this year!

Before we move on can I ask what the running time of the audiobook is and how long did it take you to record?

It's about 375 mins which in my world is just over 6 hours, or London to Scotland or 3 Big Night In's! It took me about 2 weeks to record. I used my positive Covid test to fill my days...so it's officially a Corona audiobook.

This year's been a tough one for a lot of families but having both you and your wife Kerry earning a living in music must have hit hard?

It's been pretty tough on many levels. We both lost a years worth of shows, theatres, festivals, tours etc all in a matter of days. It's been especially hard on her as I have the studio to keep me busy. I was away with Gene loves Jezebel on The Mission tour in Portugal when I first heard a whisper of what might be happening. It moved so fast and the next day we were all flying home. We got to Heathrow and there were musicians I knew from all over Europe. It was surreal. Nobody knew that was it for the foreseeable.

You've managed a few things around the restrictions in place such as the new Coloursound sessions and did I see some more work with Hard Fi?

I had a really good run initially. I was working with Richard Archer from hard Fi on his Offworld project. That album is finished and amazing by the way. Then both Ian McNabb and Mark Butcher asked if I'd be up for doing their albums from my studio while we were in lockdown so that filled my days. Then the Coloursound album came up so we all went to Lincolnshire for a week. That was really special. Playing with Mike & Billy. It's a superb album. Had to pinch myself a few times. Rock royalty either side of me. I did odd things too. A track for Owen Paul, some film tracks for Chesney Hawkes and a track with Ryan Hamilton. Variety is the spice of life!

That sounds like a lot for us to be looking forward to. I'm guessing you're sworn to secrecy about the Coloursound album but is there anything you can share about it?

I am a bit. It's been quite hard keeping so quiet. All I can say is it's a belter. Billy and Mike on top form and it's BIG!!! in every way. I do hope we get to play it live. We would "blow the bloody doors off!"

Live shows seem a million years ago at the moment but there does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. There's been some smaller socially distanced gigs but I think in Alarm world we all have everything crossed for the Gathering next year. Before that of course we have the virtual Xmas Gathering next month, can you tell us anything more about that?

The Christmas Gathering. I'm afraid I am sworn to secrecy. My contract says I must not tell a living soul, especially if he is a 7ft Geordie!

LOL! So we can expect some surprises on the night?

Well, it's very Christmassy!

So we can expect an appearance from Santa and maybe a festive cover version or two?

Yep!

Everyone will be grabbed by the baubles! How are feeling after your Covid infection? Any lingering effects or are you fighting fit again?

I really swerved the bullet on that. I tested positive and all I did was lose taste and smell. Good as new now.

That's great to hear! Part of your lockdown also saw you revisit your Smiley's Friends releases. Had you already planned on a new album this year before everything changed or was it a result of having more time afforded to you?

I was tinkering with the idea and then decided to revisit some of them. Then I kind of pulled them apart and started rebuilding them. It became quite cathartic. Before I knew it I had my 12 ready and Karl had the idea of including friends on the cover. It was quite a nice way of connecting during a pretty dark time. It's also quite a nice way of drawing a line under the friends and moving off into a different direction.

For those that haven't taken the plunge yet how would you describe the new versions?

Rethought

restructured

replayed

remixed

remastered!

And all sounding great! Having the fans photos on the cover was a nice touch too!

It was a great idea. Karl Parsons is so clever. We did accidentally leave a couple off...I've apologised, offered Curly Wurly's as compensation.

An Internationally recognised currency!

Exactly.

Are you ready to give any hints to where your next solo project is heading?

I've co-written albums with KirbyWalsh and Memphis Stone & The Elevators this year so that's opened my eyes a bit and broadened my thinking.

That sounds interesting as both artists sound fairly different to each other.

I've really enjoyed both projects. Producing them as well I've kind of seen it from a different perspective. That's the joy of working with so many artists. I learn something new every session. You never stop learning.

When are we likely to hear something from the new project?

The KirbyWalsh album is available from gatecrashthepartybooks.com same website as my book and album are. The Memphis album will be coming out some time next year.

I know The Alarm have pushed most live plans into 2022 but are we likely to see a new album next year?

An Alarm album? It's planned. Not sure when yet but I know it's written.

That sounds promising, anything you can share about it at this time or is Mike keeping it close to his chest?

I know George has heard it and said it's amazing. Mike never shares stuff with me until we are in the studio about to press record.

Archive have repurposed this year with the remix project "Versions" but again they are a band that thrive in a concert setting. Are there current plans for a new studio album and is it too early to start talking about live dates again?

Again, they are due in the studio next year and again I haven't heard any of the new songs, There's a pattern forming here isn't there!

I'm sure the end results will still be spectacular! I think that covers most of what I had in mind is there anything else you'd like to cover?

I think that's pretty much it!

Smiley, as always thank you very much for your time!

Click HERE to order the "Clang!" book or audiobook, Smiley's "Best of Friends" and KirbyWalsh's "You Can't Go Back". 

Tickets for The Alarm's Christmas Gathering can be ordered by clicking HERE!

"CLANG! Smiley Drops A Few - Book Review

"CLANG" the art of name dropping someone famous in to a conversation.....and let's face it I would imagine those nights and days on The Alarm tour bus could sound like a gong with the collective Clangs that there must be potential for in any conversation!

In Smiley's memoir Clangs come thick and fast but what would you expect from someone that has played a wide spectrum of music from Robbie Williams to Joe Strummer and even being in The Who (for 2 minutes - read the book!). This isn't a boring by the book autobiography tripping over dates and places or dwelling long on his formative years before hitting the nitty gritty which bought us all to the book in the first place, in fact Smiley lays out very early on that his memory for dates is shocking and is often worked out by which teams were in that years Cup Final! The chapters are short and sweet and are designed to be read mostly in any order so you can skip to read about your favourite bands or to try and track down the juicy bits!



I'm not going to repeat any of the stories Smiley tells as they are there for you all to discover and delight in but his time with Robbie, Strummer and From The Jam get a fair bit of coverage. Even without being a fan of the former Take Thatter I found this time interesting especially the sliding doors moments and the various times he crossed paths with a Gallagher brother! The time of being in the Mescaleros was obviously a key point in Smileys career and there are many stories that will cement your opinion that Joe Strummer was someone special and Smiley handles his departure from the band with class and that is something that comes across again and again, there's no bitterness (or very little) and some doors close allowing others to open.

For those coming to the book from an Alarm point of view then it will obviously be no shock how his passion for his band mates, "family" and fan base obvious, there will be some new info for you - did you know that Mark Taylor had taken a lecturing post at a music school for instance? There is no salacious gossip here and the criticism from some areas of the fan base to the current Alarm line up is given short thrift. Personally I think pointing out that Jules had given up her stage membership in the Poets Of Justice when she and Mike began a family and was now returning to that role might have been a better explanation than the fact she is a grade 8 pianist but hey it's not my book or my story to tell! I would have loved to have had more, a lot more on Smileys time with The Alarm and I'm sure most people reading this will come to the same conclusion.

Archive are an amazing band, every single time I've seen them they've been like no other time and every single time they've been magnificent! The fact that Smiley acknowledges the general fan response of "massive in France, can't get arrested in the UK" says something and I hope after reading CLANG! more Alarm fans may explore Smiley's "other" band! The peanut story was something else!

From The Jam don't appear until the end of the book and to be fair they don't come out of it that well, there is an obvious respect of the material and of Bruce Foxton but both Bruce and vocalist/guitarist Russell Hastings come across as a little petty and a million miles away in attitude from Smiley. Shame as anyone who saw them during Smiley's tenure will attest that they were blinding! 

The writing style here is very conversational, deliberately so and you could imagine all these stories being told over many libations across a few great evenings in your favourite watering hole or as a post gig wind down. This ironically makes it the perfect holiday/airport book at a time when you can neither fly or grab a copy from the local bookshop! Instead you will have to order direct and help Smiley clear the boxes stacked in his living room or head over to Amazon. Either way CLANG! is a must read that will make you smile and in this day and age what more could you want!

ORDER YOURS HERE!!!

Birdpen need your help!

Birdpen (consisting of Mike Bird and Smiley's Archive band mate Dave Pen) are one of many bands caught up in the collapse of crowd funding website Pledgemusic out of pocket to the tune of about £12,500.

Now we all know that is a very bitter pill for a small independent band to swallow so they've made the decision to appeal to their fans for any help that they can get....whether that's a blind donation or buying something from their store to help them in their hour of need every penny will make a difference!

As you'd expect Smiley has appeared on multiple releases and if you aren't familiar with them then you can listen via the bands Bandcamp page by clicking HERE! If you take in all your music through a streaming subscription service then why not tip a couple of quid into the hat as a thank you?

Now, we all have different financial circumstances so there is no pressure or guilt trips....many bands got burnt but Birdpen have a connection to The Alarm family so I've chosen to highlight there plight, I've also got 3 of their albums which are fantastic so yes I need to get up to date and follow my own advice too! 

Their statement reads.....

"It pains us to have a write a statement like this but we feel we have to so we can let you, our fans, know what has happened regarding our latest album There’s Something Wrong With Everything.

As you all know we crowd-funded this album through you, our amazing fans, and it was to date our most successful album. The response was fantastic and the tour, which even saw us go and play two shows in China, was quite mind blowing for us!

With the money we raised through Pledge Music we were able to manufacture the album ourselves. Luckily, you the fans managed to get the album, and thanks again for anyone that did so. This obviously cost money. Almost half of the money we raised went into the physical side of the album, and the other half was used for promotion, as it’s always been our goal to try and make BirdPen bigger and to reach as many people as possible. This only happens through promotion of some sort so we partnered up with various promotion companies to try and build the band. The promotion companies did a fantastic job for us and we are very thankful for everyone’s hard work promoting the album in France, Belgium, Germany and the UK & Ireland.

So this brings us to our situation with Pledge Music. To sum it up, somehow Pledge Music have gone bust! It’s made the international news, both financial and music related, and it’s left artist’s and fans unpaid and without products they have paid for. It’s a complete disaster.

At the beginning of our Pledge campaign we managed to get some of our funds from them so you, our fans, got the physical album, and we expected to receive all the remaining money once the campaign was finished.

Pledge had promised all of the rest of the money so many times we’ve lost count, and we desperately tried and tried to get what we were owed and what you pledged towards the campaign. We’ve had the Musician’s Union and their lawyers involved trying to get us our owed money, and even they’ve been fobbed off, avoided and plain lied to along with many other artists in the same situation as us. It’s criminal what has happened and we hope somebody or somebody’s are held accountable for this disastrous neglect to what should be a safe and great way to fund good music and musical artists.

Being a self-funded band, all our expenses were paid for on our personal credit cards, expecting that the funds would soon be coming in, and with all sales shipped, we simply have no comeback. Mike and Dave now both owe money to our PR companies, we have no publishers, no label and no management so we solely carry this financial burden. This situation has left us with no money to pay the PR debts and fund our next album, which was what the remaining owed funds would have done.

Non of the funds have gone to paying ourselves anything, we don’t make much money from music in this day and age and we live hand to mouth and have the same issues with money as most of us do, mortgages, bills to pay and mouths to feed.

Pledge currently owe us over £12,500. Your money, which you paid in good faith and trust, never reached us. It truly sucks for us to be in this position but we have to carry on so we’ve decided to set up a campaign to try and get some of the funds back.

If anyone is able to support us through this crisis then please do get in touch.

You can send us a donation via PayPal here www.paypal.me/birdpen

You can buy our records and merchandise from www.birdpen.com/shop and birdpen.bandcamp.com

Our album title is so fitting to what is really going on in today’s world.

Here is the latest news on the Pledge situation https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/…/03/pledgemusic-fire-sale/

We’ll keep the faith and continue to bring the noise.

Love and Fuzz.
Dave & Mike, aka BirdPen."

Smiley "Friends On Sunshine Corner" Preview / Interview

"Smiley's Friends On Sunshine Corner" is the third in your 'Friends' series and brings you closer to home, who is featured this time around?

I didn't even think about another album til the middle of this year. I had written a couple of new songs, then I wrote a couple more and then suddenly had a spurt and wrote about 4 in a week! I worked with Graham Turner again like last time, the old Elton John / Bernie Taupin connection! It was really easy and it was then I considered a new record. We started honing the songs, especially lyrically, he is so good and then I demoed everything myself. When the demos were in place I started thinking about bringing people in.

I wasn't going to use lots of musicians this time but hey ho it started growing! Actually a couple of top players asked to be on the album, you can't say no can you! The big question was who sings what, as I said I demoed them and then decided who would sound best. John James Newman is my fave male singer so he did 4, Kerry did 3, Dorie Jackson did 1 and I did the rest. Musicians were mainly the same as last time with a couple of extra players - David D'Andrade, what a guitarist! (He loved the Gathering by the way)...Gary Nuttall (Robbies' guitarist), Dale Davis (Amy Winehouse), Matt Round (ELO), Kai Stephens (Hard Fi) amongst others. We added a fiddle, some real brass, I even nicked the Acquire choir from Mike for 2 tracks just to add some different flavour to it. I used some key people in the recording process this time. Dave White, who was The Alarm soundman, he mixed the album and Alan Thompson, the BBC Radio Wales DJ, he was my rock! What a great man he is, so positive, really knows his music....loves the album!

Is there a general musical style to this release or will it continue the eclectic nature of your previous albums?

Eclectic as ever! The day there is a musical theme on these records is the day I stop! ha ha

Will you be trying to seek wider distribution for the album or will you be continuing with your cottage industry, truly independent approach?

I would love everyone on the planet to hear it but that doesn't always work....does it Bono!!! It will be available from www.themusicaviary.com , iTunes etc plus the wonderful merch stand at The Gathering! I might sit on there on the Saturday afternoon and say hi to everyone - if it's ok with Jules!

With "Friends In Far Out Places" you seemed to build some genuine momentum, videos for some of the tracks, commercially available through iTunes etc - do you feel that with each release you are reaching a wider audience?

It does feel like that. Social media is good for that but it's a fine line between letting everyone know it's available and getting on peoples tits! I hope I am just on the right side of the line.

"Far Out Places" was one hell of a strong album, did it achieve what you hoped it would?

I was genuinely touched so many people liked it. People who I wouldn't have thought, they all seemed to like it (or parts of it). Like a big tin of Quality Street - lets face it no one likes the purple one do they so you can't please everyone! Plenty of toffees on that album for everyone to chew on though.

The From The Alarm set at The Gathering was amazing and I think surprised a lot of fans who maybe hadn't heard any of the solo work from you, Craig and James. What reaction and feedback did you take from it?

That was a really special evening. The fact that the 3 of us were doing it, learning each others tunes, really putting the work in. I was genuinely touched when Adams walked into rehearsals and had learnt my songs note for note....and liked them! I felt very privileged and thought it was a really nice gesture by Mike to let us do it.

I was talking to a certain Geordie mutual friend the other night and I said that you guys knew you had nailed that gig and had fun because you knew it was absolutely on point. Is that an accurate description?

Yes and you know what, it made The Alarm set so much better. We were all so relieved we had pulled it off, not let the other guys down, played those songs live for the first time, James singing live etc. The relief was huge! What better way to celebrate than to go out there again behind the best front man in the world playing those incredible Alarm songs to those incredible fans....Mega night all round!

How was it having Kerry join you on stage?  You've done gigs before but I'm guessing this was probably the biggest to date.

Do you know what? It was her idea to do it like we did. We were walking the dog and I said "Oh Mike wants me to do a couple of songs from my album" she was like "Yeah, brilliant, lets do this and this, get David D'Andrade. Put Jan on the drums, a proper show - bless her, she was right....for once!

How did you decide the running order between you, was it based on the material and the flow of the whole From The Alarm set or did you all resort to rock, paper, scissors? ;)

That was really funny, I was saying James should go first - he was saying he wanted to go last, Craig didn't care! Then someone suggested we finished with a song we could all play together. We were going to do a cover then someone suggested "End Of The World". Everyone wanted to do it so it ended up like We Are The World! ha ha

After how well The Gathering went did you consider the possibility of more live dates or was that just not commercially viable?

I would but it's not the easiest or the cheapest thing to do. You never know but I've got no plans to. James is doing a show in December which is brilliant, then again he's minted so he can! ha ha

Is it something that may happen even if it's just the odd show with the release of "Sunshine Corner"?

Maybe...

For "Far Out Places" you managed to have all of The Alarm appear with the exception of Craig, was there anyone who you wanted to play on "Sunshine Corner" who slipped through your fingers?

Spandau Steve Norman. Only cos I wanted a sax solo and I love him! Nearly happened but he's a busy boy these days. Mark Taylor is on a track, the players kind of fell into place as we went along, there is some great playing on this record. I am truly humbled that they all did it.

Probably the biggest burning question has to be when will the album be available and where from?

February 1st. You can pre-order it now from www.themusicaviery.com or buy one at The Gathering!

For a while now you've been promoting the album you have been working on with Graham Turner for Dave Welsh, what can you tell us about it?

Well Graham knew Dave who heard our last album ad wanted to come into my studio and record. So he turns up, he's about 60 Dave, and he sits down with a guitar and says he has a few tunes - 2 hours later he had played me 25 songs all of which have great hooks and melodies and he sounds like Johnny Cash! So I rewrote the tracks with him and Graham did the words it's a brilliant album, you can get it on iTunes "The Dave Welsh Album" - thoroughly recommend it!

It's been a fairly quiet year for The Alarm with Mike very busy with the Strength acoustic dates, then came his diagnosis and then Cardiff. James called it the best gig of his life, what are your thoughts on what for many was a special night?

Ah man I absolutely loved it! We spent a week in Cardiff just me, Mike, James and Mark Warden rehearsing etc, hanging out. Then the day of the show was the only time we rehearsed with the orchestra and the choir, seat of your pants stuff! I agree with James, it was one of my favourite gigs ever. Just shows you how good those songs are when you hear them played like that...Amazing!

I'm not going to ask you about Mikes diagnosis, he's your friend and has the right to his privacy or to choose what he shares with the fans, but I also know that it is an elephant in the room and may impact your answers to the next few questions.

He's doing great.

There have been a few bits of information revealed regarding the upcoming Alarm album but what can you tell us about the current plans and how things are going?

I can't go into detail purely cos he changes his mind every other day but there are some brilliant things coming round the corner for Alarm fans. I'm excited as anyone, trust me you won't be disappointed!

Has there been talk of whether the album will be released in time for the upcoming Stranglers Black & White tour?

As I say major things are planned, can't say more than that!

There has also been the usual fan speculation about whether there will be a full headline tour to promote it in addition to the Stranglers dates, how is this looking as there will also be some more Strength shows from the look of it?

He's got plans coming out of every orifice! Trust me he has things up his sleeve.

January of course sees us back in Llandudno for The Gathering, on the off chance that you can tell us any inside info without being killed by Jules, what can you tell us about plans and preparations for it?

Well, I've got the setlist already, better get learning cos I don't know half of them! As I said if people were at all interested I would love to meet everyone at the merch desk for a chat, armed with a pile of albums! If people are interested I'll square it with Head Office!

It's been another busy year for Archive with "Restriction" coming much quicker after "Axiom" than many had expected, does this mean we might have a longer wait for the next album?

Nope, the new one is nearly finished! They have some amazing things planned so that's gonna be very exciting. Next Autumn I believe it all kicks off.

How does it feel for Archive to finally have a bigger awareness in the UK?

To me they are one of the best bands on the planet, nobody like them! I think it may be one song breaks them here and opens Pandoras Box! Now there's a back catalogue!

Finally as it's nearly the end of the year could you tell us some of your favourite albums this year?

Eagles Of Death Metal, Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Queens Of The Stone Age, Dave Wesh, Birdpen, Parade, Averydeephole, Royal Blood!

Smiley, as ever, thank you! Have a great Xmas!

Archive new album & tour!

In a surprise announcement yesterday Archive revealed they are releasing a new album called "Restriction" which will be supported by a full European tour starting in February of next year.

"Restriction" will be released on 12th January on the bands own Dangervisit label but as a taster the band released three singles yesterday which are available on i-Tunes immediately either by purchasing individually or when you preorder the whole album.

The album features:

1.Feel It
2.Restriction
3.Kid Corner
4.End Of Our Days
5.Third Quarter Storm
6.Half Built Houses
7.Riding In Squares
8.Ruination
9.Crushed
10.Black And Blue
11.Greater Goodbye
12.Ladders
13.All The Time

The singles are highlighted in red. 

For full tour dates please check out the Archive site HERE!

Despite not featuring in the three videos on the site Smiley features on the album and the tour as normal but was unavailable for the video shoots due to commitments with From The Jam.

Fable "Parasite" EP released

Fable has released her début EP "Parasite" featuring various members of Archive including one Steve "Smiley" Barnard. 

The three track EP features "Stranger In My Head", "Fragile" and "I Speak Words". It is available to purchase for £2.49 from Bandcamp where you can also stream it as a preview before purchasing.

Grab yours HERE!

Fable announces debut EP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qlf597CPwc"Parasite" the début EP from Fable will be released on October 13th. The track is the first of the "Archive" sessions to be released and was co written by Darius and Danny  it features Pollard on guitar and Smiley on drums.

Smiley Interview....Friends In Far Out Places.

As Smiley prepares to release his second solo album "Smiley's Friends In Far Out Places" it seemed a good time to ask the man himself about what we can expect and also to ask him about his year so far and what lays ahead for The Alarm, From The Jam and more!

ARCHIVE

“Axiom” is another departure for Archive, how early in the development was the film project conceived?
Well lets put it this way, when I recorded it it was a new Archive album, the next thing I knew was when we were at the screening of the film at the O2.. I’m not sure at which point the film was conceived but I know its been very well received.. Theres another Archive album ready and coming out in January.

Why the decision to crowd fund via Pledge Music?
I dont really know what the deal is with Pledge.. A lot of acts do it these days as its a means to getting product out but for Archive I’m not really involved in that side of things.

Were you surprised at how quickly the fans supported the venture?
Its a great way of fans getting involved.. Its about supply and demand isnt it.. If the fans want more product and can esculate that process but helping financially everyones a winner.

Have you had any discussions with James about this success as The International Swingers prepare for their own campaign?
Not really.. The only contact Ive had with James was when he played some guitar on my album.. Hes a Friend in Far Out Places now

How were the various packages decided when creating the rewards for the Pledge campaign?
As I say I dont have any real say in that side of the Archive coin

Were there any outlandish suggestions that were voted down?
I heard some rumours of people trying to buy us for a night to go for dinner etc.. There are some strange people out there.

The recent Roundhouse gig was recorded, can we expect a live release or maybe the Montreux performance which was also filmed?
Well I havent heard of anything planned but as I say the new studio album is out in January.. To give you an idea of how things operate I played all the drums early on on the new record.. but I still havent heard the finished article.. Its tough being a drummer ha ha

How was it performing under the banner of the film images and projections, did it change the vibe for you?
At first it was a little strange.. I kept looking up and got told off.. I didnt get the film at first but I do now.. Its very powerful

One eye on the World Cup - about to take to the stage at Montreux

The imagery extended to band “uniforms” – were these chosen to convey the whole sense of theatre and to make the live experience more immersive with the story?
That and the fact that we were looking too scruffy and got a boot up the arse from management!

It was great seeing Maria Q after she was absent for the last tour but Steve Harris is still absent, is this the nature of the “collective” or just another clash with Steve’s commitments with Gary Numan?
Its great having Maria back.. Steve I believe is away with Numan at the mo.. The whole collective thing means the door is never permanantly shut for anyone.

There have been some European dates but the website still advises live dates to be announced, will this be festival dates again or can we expect a more standard tour?
We have one more Axiom show in Paris this year.. Then we are out from February 2015 on and off for 2 years

FRIENDS IN FAR OUT PLACES

Backstage selfies!

It’s been a couple of years since the release of “Friends In High Places” what can we expect with “Far Out Places”?
Well the major difference is I used a co writer.. a lyricist called Graham Turner.. We worked really well together and I think the songs have an awful lot more depth and are far more interesting.

What instruments do you play on the album…any mandolin?
I've played drums, guitars, bass, piano, percussion, keyboards... sung a few and produced it.. I dont think there is any mandolin on it but I did play some on an EP I produced recently so its not getting too dusty.. I let all the Friends do the clever stuff!

Over what period was the album written and recorded?
Probably on and off over the last year.. I did exactly the same with the last one.. Suddenly realise I have 5 or 6 new songs and then develop them into an album.. I think I have an awful lot more know how in the studio now having produced quite a few acts over the last few years so the production is something I’m very proud of.

What guests can we expect to hear and will Kerry play a larger part than she did on the first album?
Ok well here is the list.. First time Ive announced this............... Mike Peters, Bruce Foxton, Richard Archer, John James Newman, Kerry Schultz, Robin Foster, James Stevenson, Mark Taylor, Dale Davis, David D’Andrade, Pablo Cook and a few more I cant remember off the top of my head.

Kerry Rocking The Onesie!

Was there a guest wish list and if so who were the ones that got away?
There was a wish list.. I couldnt  track Adams down so didn't get the full set of The Alarm, Mike took some nailing as did Bruce Foxton and I was made up to get Hard Fi Richard singing.. Weve been working together recently on new Hard Fi stuff so I grabbed him while I could.

Why the title?
Well The songs are a little more out there.. More expansive.. Both lyrically and musically.. and it was a nice next step up from Friends in High Places.

Karl Parsons again did the artwork, did you give him a brief to make it look in the same style as its predecessor?
That boy is an absolute genius.. We had a coffee when I was in Wales working with Mike, I told him the concept and by the time I got home he had done the most amazing artwork.. Genius.. It really inspired me to finish it too as it wasnt at that time.. Hes a genius

What are your hopes for the album?
Well I would like everyone who enjoyed Friends In High Places to hear it.. I was blown away with the positivity around that album and I really believe this one, especially working with Graham, is a step up.. and then who knows.. Sell one of the songs to One Direction and move to a bigger house ha ha.

Will this be similar to “High Places” and be available mail order and at gigs or will there also be a digital release?
Yeah it will be easier to get.. .All of the above..What with social media this time around and surrounding myself with clever people it will be far more accessable

Are there plans for any live dates?
Nope.. although one day you never know.. Would be a mega band wouldnt it

SUNSHINE STUDIO

You seem to be having a busy year at Sunshine Corner Studios, have you ever thought about creating a label for some of the artists that record there and maybe an online store?
Not really.. I just love producing artists and getting the best out of them.. I love the creative side of music.. Not the other side

How personally invested do you get with the acts that you produce? 
It depends on the act... Ive been asked advice alot about various record business stuff and I always like to offer an opinion if I think its valid.. but I wouldnt do management. Not my cup of tea at all.

What have been your favourite sessions to produce this year at Sunshine?
Well Ive done a Ska band (The Skasouls) which was really interesting(with The Alarm sound man Dave White which was interesting .. getting a live sound mans take on the recording process.., also a young country singer (KT Hurt) who has immense potential, and a brilliant album with Billy Reeves who used to be in The Audience

How was it working again with your former Mescaleros bandmate Pablo Cook?
Ah that was so cool. The guy we were recording, Jonzip Mcneil was so similar to Strummer that it brought back loads of memories.. Great to play with Pabs again.

SMILEY’S HEROES

Tell us a bit more about Smiley’s Heroes, is it a just for fun occasional thing ?
It used to be something I did all the time but I’m so busy now I just do it occasionally...which makes it an awful lot more enjoyable

How do you find it being out from behind the drums?
Its alot of fun.. I can pretend to be other people .. Ive sat behind some of the greatest front men in music history so I know a few tricks

Any plans on becoming the next guitar hero?
Ha ha I am a guitar hero... but only in Smileys Heroes!

HORIZONS SING

“Horizons Sing” seems to have come out of nowhere and has instantly become one of the benchmark events in the bands history, how was it for you?
It was great.. As you say it kind of came out of nothing.. I was actually surprised they asked for me too.. but I was flattered and I had a lovely time.

Is that the first time you’ve worked in that environment playing live with an orchestra and choir?
No I've done it with Archive on quite a few occasions.. It's an amazing feeling.. An orchestra and a choir really does take your breath away.

How much time did you have to prepare?
Ha ha this is Mike we are talking about.. Rehearsed with the orchestra on the Thursday afternoon, the choir on the Friday afternoon and did the show live at 7.30 that night.. Welcome to the wonderful world of Mike Peters!

Was this a natural extension of taking the new arrangements of the “Declaration” tracks and adapting them further?
It certainly made it easier having worked on the new Declaration record.. but I think even Mike was bowled over at how amazing the songs sounded that night.

Were you surprised at how well they worked in this environment?
Not at all. Mikes songs are brilliant so putting an orchestra and a choir behind it can only make them even better in my eyes.

What were the stand out tracks of the evening for you?
The Deceiver was the one that blew me away.

How was the recording  experience with the BBC?
A Total pleasure.

The presenter made an poorly thought out comment about your time with Robbie Williams which Mike jumped to your defence. Did you hear it at the time and what are your thoughts now?
First Ive heard.. ( I've stayed in touch with him so I’m sure he didn't mean any harm) I've got big shoulders.

There was some talk about the possible licensing of the recordings for an MPO release but there was some question on how expensive this would be to do. Is there any word on this yet?
I've not heard anything.

Mike has been very busy on the solo “Declaration” dates but was there any discussion to try and recreate this event in other locations or would that have been logistically unfeasible?
I think he would do it again .. when and where I don't know.

FROM THE JAM

You continue to tour extensively with Russell and Bruce and look like you’re having a real blast. How have the “Setting Sons” dates differed from last years “All Mod Cons” dates?
We haven't started them yet.. They kick off in September so I’m learning them at the moment.

What would be your choice for the next From The Jam tour if it was themed around one album?
Well I know they are gonna do Sound Effects next year and The Gift the year after so I will go with those!

What are your favourite Jam tracks to play live?
I talked them into doing Funeral Pyre  recently which sounds amazing.. Man in the Corner Shop is my favourite.. Then probably Eton Rifles, Beat Surrender, Malice etc.. Every ones a winner!

Has there been any discussions regarding a possible studio album, either as FTJ or maybe under Bruce’s name?
That's already pencilled in for the autumn I believe at Wellers studio.

How easy is it to balance your commitments with the different bands you are in (Archive, The Alarm, From The Jam) and those artists such as Hero Fisher that you support when you can?
It can be hard.. I had to turn down dates in Australia with FTJ and Japan with Mike and Glastonbury with Hero as they clashed with Archive.. It can be tricky.

THE ALARM

You are credited as associate producer on the  “Declaration 2014” album as well as playing on it, how much input did you have and did Mike have most of the arrangements already in mind or did they develop during the recording process?
I had quite a big say in it.. My point was.. “If you are going to do Declaration again, do it completely different.. No one wants a rehash.. So we tried some different things.. like Mike buying a mandolin and handing it to me and saying.. “learn to play this .. It’ll sound great.” So I did.. It took an afternoon and really shaped the sound of the album.

“Declaration” was fantastic and the success of the subsequent solo tour has been great to see but when will we hear new material from the band?
Mike has his fingers in so many pies.. There are some really exciting things ahead but I dont think I am allowed to spill the beans yet.

You were at the Islington gig alongside James Stevenson in the audience and Eddie MacDonald for that matter….and Steve Allan Jones! One thing I asked James at that show is when you are watching Mike perform like that do you find it hard not being up there too?
Nope.. Had a great night off... watching the chief at his best! (Funnily enough this was pretty similar to what James said too! -Rob)

What plans are there to mark the anniversary next year of “Strength”?
I do know but I dont think I’m allowed to say.

You’ve been back in the studio recently with Mike, can you shed any light on these sessions, were they related to the upcoming stage show being written with Steve Allan Jones?
We were working on 3 seperate projects.. I really don't think I’m allowed to say any more.. When I am you’ll be the first to know I promise!

How much can you share with us about the plans for next years Gathering?
Haven't got that far down the line yet.. We only got the mammoth 4 hour set list a week before last year so it's any ones guess what he will pull out of his hat next time!

Every year it seems to be just how can you top the previous year….4 hours on the Saturday, Mandolin interludes, the future guitarists on “One Guitar” and the amazing “Without A Fight” with Dave Spragg….so the question is….how do you top that?
I don't know... But I bet he does!!!!

FABLE

The promotion around Fable is growing centred around her Facebook presence, who is she and how did Archive get to be involved in recording her album?
She is a female singer from Brighton.. Archive got asked to produce her album and I played drums on it.. She's brilliant.

What can you tell us about the album? 

It's very original and very cool'

Will you be involved with any live dates if they happen?
No, she has a live band.. I will just do the studio tracks.

AND FINALLY…

How have you been spending what little time off you have this year?
Bit of golf, dog walks, hanging with my kids and when our schedules allow it spending time with my talented wife.. Shes busier than me bless her.

What plans have you got for the rest of the year?
A well earned family hoilday, the release of SMILEYS FRIENDS IN FAR OUT PLACES, 42 dates with From The Jam, recording with Hard Fi, Fable, Mike Peters, From The Jam & Archive.. and producing some acts at www.sunshinecornerstudios.co.uk 

Have you been putting your Kindle to good use while on the road, if so have you got any titles you’d recommend?
I just read Mike Scotts book ..Tales of a Waterboy and now I’m on Keith Richards autobiography.. Thats the best thing about touring, you get lots of time to read which you don't at home!

Thank you Smiley!
Always a pleasure.

Archive reveal "Axiom"

Archive have today revealed their new project "Axiom" launching a pledge music campaign with various purchase options.

"Axiom" is described as a 40 minute short film with accompanying album which will be released on CD, Vinyl, Download and DVD in Spring of next year. There will also be a one off performance at the Roundhouse in London on the 29th May.

Head over to Pledge Music where you can choose the option that best suits you ranging from an £8 Download, Signed (and non-signed) CDs/DVDs, T-Shirts, Posters to Roundhouse tickets and super bundles!

PLEDGE HERE!

Smiley interview on Wikidrummers

Smiley has given an interview with the French site Wikidrummers about his work with Archive. You don't have to be able to read French as the interview is available to watch in 3 videos right HERE

For those of you who do speak French (sadly that rules me out!) there is also a video interview with JP about setting up the Archive backline and Smileys kit. Check it out HERE

Archive add another Festival date!

Just when I had got back up to date with all those European Festival dates Archive go and announce a new one!!!

The band will play at the En Lefko Festival in Greece on June 14th. Further info can be found at http://enlefko.fm/

Smiley Interview 2013

Currently out and about with the awesome Archive we catch up with Steve "Smiley" Barnard to talk about "Vinyl" and to try to get him to spill the beans on the upcoming Archive album!

How was the Archive tour?

Well, it's ongoing! We have done shows in Turkey, Germany, France, the UK and Eire. We are off to France next followed by a summer of European Festivals.

Has the recent success of "With Us Until You're Dead" meant that fans can expect more UK shows than there have been in the past?

Definitely. There is a solid plan for the UK. Last weeks shows were a great success so expect a UK tour in the Autumn.

What's The latest on the new album?

It's finished! It's Amazing!

Any proposed titles yet?

I do know but I'm currently sworn to secrecy!

There has been some speculation that there is more than enough material for one album, will we see another in a short period of time or is it likely to be a lengthy album?

It's a short album, we are recording the next one in May.

The rumour is we will see the album in October with a tour to support it, can you confirm this?

There are many plans afoot!

Both Maria Q and Steve Harris weren't present on the latest tour, Archive has always been a collective and we understand Steve had a scheduling clash but why wasn't Maria Q featured?

Initially Maria was unavailable due to Anastasia shows. She may be doing some festivals.

Archive will be playing an extensive list of European festivals over the summer but as of yet none in the UK, is this likely to change?

I haven't seen any UK festivals planned. I think that may be next year.

Do you know yet how many tracks on the new album will feature each vocalist?

All 4 are on it.

On "With Us Until You're Dead" Holly made an immediate impact with "Hatchet" and "Violently" already firm fan favourites, will she play a greater role on the new album?

Yes, the 4 of them share the record. It's very well constructed.

How did you come to play with Robin Foster?

He supported us and had a few shows that his drummer was unavailable for so he asked me to sit in. We are really good friends and I really love his work so it was a pleasure.

Are there any plans to work together again?

We have spoken about recording together so hopefully the opportunity will come up.

Are there any plans to record a follow up to your "Friends In High Places" solo album?

Not as yet. When I get a bit of down time I may look at starting another.

Would you like to work more with Kerry on a professional level? (Note : Kerry is Smileys wife and one of the featured vocalists on "Friends In High Places" as well as being in The Bond Band http://thebondband.moonfruit.com/# )

Anything I do in the studio that requires female vocals include her, she's amazing!

After a long time coming the "Vinyl" album seemed to come together very quickly, how were the recording sessions?

They were great! Very quick, I think we did everything in 2 days.

How was it working with Steve Allan Jones, had you met him before?

Yes, I know Steve. He's a lovely man, very talented.

The normal Alarm line up wasn't present for all tracks, James playing bass for instance, did this take some getting used to?

I have to say James really surprised me, his bass playing on the record is amazing.

What was it like recording with Phil Daniels in the studio?

It was a dream for me as a Chelsea fan & Quadrophenia being my favourite film, he's a dude, I was a bit starstruck at first but we became quite good friends.

What did you make of the film?

It was o.k. I thought it had some really nice qualities, at the end of the day it was what it was, a small budget British feel good film.

Did you enjoy getting suited and booted for the premiere?

I really did! I was very proud to be part of it and it was nice for Kerry and all the wives to be so part of it.

The "Vinyl" tour was pretty special even by Alarm standards, how was it for you and what were your stand out moments?

I loved every minute of it! I actually enjoyed the Cardiff show more than the others, don't know why, it was just awesome and I liked getting Richard Archer up in London. He's a star. They were all great my only moan was the tour was too short.

Why did you decide to go with a compact kit set up for the tour?

It just felt right at the time, I do things like that, smaller the better for me!

You are heading to the Philippines in May to play at the Mall of Asia Arena and there were discussions of  some American dates, has anything been decided yet?

Only Manilla at the mo as far as I know.

What can we expect next from The Alarm, will there be more activity this year?

There's nothing in stone...but you never know with Mike do you!

How do you prepare when going out on tour?

Buy a book, pack my bag and get on the bus!

Archive and The Alarm make very different demands on your drumming talents, is it hard to adapt when switching from one band to the other?

It's not hard but I do play differently. It's slightly more disciplined in Archive as everything is to a click where as The Alarm is a bit more free.

What was the last album you bought?

David Bowies new one and World Party's "Arkeology" box set.

What's currently the top of your playlists on your MP3 player?

My mate Jamie the DJ did a CD for my wedding of classic Northern Soul tracks, loads of them, and I always play my MP3 in random so there's a bit of everything on it.

What was the last film you saw?

Bernie with Jack Black. Very good.

Do you get much of a chance to see many gigs and if so who was the last band you saw?

To be honest I don't. I am away so much at the moment that when I am back I just want to stay with my wife, play with the kids and walk the dog.

Do you try to catch your fellow Alarm band mates when they are playing in other projects?

Not really. I follow them from a distance. I'm not Goth enough for The Mission or punk enough for Chelsea and Kerry shrunk my check shirt so I can't see Big Country!

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

Archive festivals all summer, Alarm Manilla, some From The Jam dates across the year and a honeymoon in Mexico...plus some producing and writing.

Steve "Smiley" Barnard....thank you very much!