THE MISSION (Eng.)

– Hello, lots of thanks for answering our interview. How is everything going into the THE MISSION’s camp right now?

Things are very positive. We have a new album out, we just did a great 3 week tour of the USA, and we’re looking forward to some big shows in the coming months.

– You have just released your new album, «The Brightest Light», how are you feeling about it? And how is its feedback being thus far?

I think it’s great. We’re all very pleased with it. We took a different approach to this album. With all the technology available now, most albums are pieced together one instrument at a time, and that is how The Mission have usually recorded in the past. The idea this time was to capture the sound that the 4 of us make together. So in a way, the overall sound of the album is probably surprising to most people these days. But the great thing is that it does capture the 4 people doing what they do best. I think some of the fans didn’t quite know what to think at first, but my feeling is that once over the initial surprise, the material stands up well…shines through, and people end up really liking it.

– On this record we can find almost the whole original line-up: Wayne Hussey again with Craig Adams, Simon Hinkler and the new drummer. I guess this had something to do with the «reunion» shows you did in 2011 for the 25th anniversary shows? Did you know back then you will be working together again on a new album?

No, it was not the intention at the time. We came together and rehearsed, then went out and did the gigs. Throughout this period, and by the time we got to the final show in London, we’d decided we were all up for carrying on, because we were having such a good time doing it, and the audience reaction had been so great. Even then though, there was no thought of doing a new album. The XXV tours were all about celebrating the early material with (almost) the original line-up. The idea of a new album came along about a year later.

– «The Brightest Light» starts with «Black Cat Bone», a quite bluesy 8 minute song. How did this tune born?

I know that Wayne listens to a lot of rootsy music these days…blues, country… This song actually developed a lot from the initial demo. During our warm-up shows prior to recording the album, we experimented by creating the swirly feedback ambiance live onstage before the doors opened and the fans came in, and then easing into the song as the hall filled up – which is what gave us the idea for the album starting the way it does.

– Lyrics feel to me like they have a slightly renewed approach. Tracks like «Just another Pawn» show that perfectly. Could you please tell us the story behind this song?

I reckon it’s a song about being aware that someone is trying to manipulate you…I don’t think it’s about anyone in particular, just a general observation. But you’d have to hear it from Wayne really.

– As I said, this album has been created by 3 original members so, how was like writing together again? How was the whole creative process? I guess all of you may know have more experience and also more influences.

That’s true. We’ve all seasoned well. It was actually very easy working together. I think we all know what we want to do, and what works with each other’s styles, and we’re all competent enough to get there without too much drama. Obviously some songs required harder work than others, but when you consider we took 30 demos, narrowed them down to about 18 songs, built them into band pieces, played them live 3 nights, and recorded them…all in the space of 1 month, I think it’s a bit amazing really.

– «The Brightest Light» was produced by David Allen, whom you have been working with for several years. I guess after working with him over the years everything good be easier and he may know what kind of should you are looking for, isn’t it?

Dave has worked with Wayne and Craig more than once in the past. This was my first time with him, and I must say it was a beautiful thing. What a great guy. He’s highly knowledgeable, experienced at the highest level, dead funny, and just a pleasure to work with.

– All this about «The Brightest Light» being said; how could you describe it in just 3 words?

Trust your instincts.