Interview: Francis Neve

Unbeknownst to us here at Bearded, 'concept' is a taboo word when it comes to describing a record, yet that is just what your debut is about. What's the concept and is it all imaginative or direct from experience?

The concept, or the idea, that runs through and links all the songs on the record is really just a simple story about two people. When I was writing the lyrics I hoped that from beginning to end it covered, at some point, a feeling, emotion or a scenario that most people could relate to. Some of it is from experience and some is imaginary.

You list amongst your influences acts such as Roger Waters, A Silver Mount Zion, and Mogwai. How would you say these progressive, post rock acts have influenced the lo-fi pop shown on 'The Second Time We First Met'

I think in many ways I've been inspired more than influenced by acts like these. But I guess the most influential aspect of the post rock acts like God Speed and Mogwai is the atmosphere they create on a record. The way they mix totally beautiful and uplifting music with darkness and aggression often in a subtle and unexpected way. Roger Waters is for me one of the great lyricists and an almost unrivaled story teller within his songs.

You previously applied your trait to bands (Next Of Six, The Last), why did you choose to concentrate solely on doing your own thing?

Being in bands was a good thing for me to do but eventually there came a point where I wanted to work as often as I could and whenever I wanted. I had to stop relying on other people being around to get stuff done. I still worked with other musicians on the record and I have the band that I'm playing with right now but the bulk of the work is done alone.

You also produced your debut record. Would you call this release your little baby?

Ha "my baby"! I'd be lying to you if i said I'd never described it as that once or twice! Yeah I suppose for a long time it was my baby. It took a lot of time and care and attention to detail and I watched it grow. It kept me up in the night and ruined my sleeping patterns. There came a point when it stopped being so though. When its done you move on and let it stand on its own

What can we expect to see from a Francis Neve live show?

You will see and hear a live and more raw representation of the songs. The album in its entirety is the plan with some unexpected moments in there. We concentrate a lot on getting the sound just right.

'I Won't Make You Better' has been chosen as the lead single off your record. Do you still feel that the single has a relevant place in todays music scene with so many ways of getting music out to people's ears?

I think everyone agrees it is an exciting time for music lovers because there are so many ways of finding new music and there is a lot of interesting stuff out there which is a great thing for all of us. How relevant my song is? ... I think its difficult to know really. That lends itself to retrospect. Its hard to know for sure until you look back at the outcome of something how relevant it was. Maybe a good way to look at it is ... a song is just a song. How relevant it is to the individual listening is whats important. Not what the author thinks.

As 'The Second Time We Met' is a mini-album, what do you have played for your first full-length? Something extravagant?

I'd like to do something big and epic but I'll always concentrate on making the songs work as stand alone pieces before I start thinking about the albums overall impact. I'm working on the new material now and it's starting to take some form. I think I'll be crossing genres again but in a more subtle way. I want to use some different sounds and textures on the next one and work hard on harmony.

You started in Essex, where would Francis Neve like to end?

Well I've always loved going home whenever I've been away on my travels so don't plan to go to far. London is the city I've worked and grown up in all my life and there is still so much to it that I'm sure I'll never grow tired of the place. Then again Australia is a pretty amazing place! Yes maybe Francis could retire to Queensland with all the studio gear when its all done and dusted if London got too crowded!