Give fans a preview of For Lies I Sire.
Andrew Craighan: Well, from listening to the reviews and hearing some first hand accounts, we have created a record that is among the best that this bleak genre has to offer. Not really sure if this is to be believed, but we have certainly been trying to create a dark and sombre LP which would stand up to the scrutiny that all bands now seem to suffer. It’s an LP that we as musicians are extremely proud of and one that befits the name of the band. It's serious, poetic, tragic, and let's not forget heavy.
What inspired the album title?
We were toying with various art concepts when I suggested that the Christ figure which is now the main cover, his fallen position be a result of the tall tales. We already had the song “The Lies I Sire” written, so it seemed to fit well and we developed it from there. So it’s really a combination of art and the lyrics.
How was your songwriting/recording process different on this album than your last one?
We had a lot more time to rehearse these songs than we did on the last LP. The writing process seemed easier too, not sure why, things just all seemed to slot into place with little or no fuss. Recording was new too, as we had to spread it out due to not being able to record in normal blocks of time, so we had time to reflect on the song / session we had just recorded and ensure it was really what should be. Hence again creating became easier, as we were not up against the clock.
It’s been out for a few weeks in Europe. What’s the early response been like?
So far it’s been phenomenal, I don’t think we have had this type of attention for a few years now. The reviewers have been very kind to us. So at present we are really all quite pleased with the release and are looking forward to getting out and playing them live.
Do you read or pay attention to reviews?
Only the good ones, obviously the bad ones didn’t get it. (laughs)
What are your upcoming tour plans?
So far we have a number of European Festivals planned, possibly a couple of UK gigs and we are this moment trying to create some interest in a South American tour, but they seem reluctant at present so not sure that will come off.
Do you have any plans of a U.S. tour?
Not at present due to time. But you never know, maybe Ronnie will invite us again.
What has the response been to new member Katie Stone and the re-introduction of violins to MDB’s sound?
It’s been as expected, some people have pissed and moaned that it is not like Martin and others have lost their minds saying it’s the best thing to ever happen to us, not realizing this is the second time around for the violin. Overall I think the re-introduction musically has been a success and we are probably now going to use it from here on.
What are the largest and smallest crowds you've played in front of?
The largest I think was 30,000 in Athens supporting Metallica and Mastodon, but I could be wrong as I kept losing count after 40. The smallest was probably Newcastle years ago, I think we had about 20 people and a massive tour bus outside. We were ordering drinks from onstage, put it that way.
What was the first concert you attended as a fan?
Kiss in 1984 at Leeds Queens Hall during the Lick It Up tour.
Do you remember the first show your band played?
Oh yes, it was a death Metal band called Abiosis. We supported Rick’s (original drummer for MDB) older brother’s band Foul Play, we played a normal pub in York England called the Spotted Cow and were banned after 20 minutes because our singer Big Daz (RIP) was swearing a lot. We thought it was cool to be banned from that place as it was a (crap) pub for us to play anyway. I was terrified before going on.
What’s the best show you’ve ever played? How about the worst?
Tricky question. I think with no disrespect to all the other shows I’ve loved, I think our Dynamo appearance has something I’ll never forget, so I guess for now that one was the best.
The worst, now there’s a few of them. In Glasgow Barrowlands supporting Iron Maiden they hated us and we were told to “F*&k off back to Yorkshire you miserable c*&%s” by most of the crowd, stiffening stuff. It was to be fair pretty grim for us on most of those shows, but we loved it anyway.
How did you get started in music?
I just always wanted to be in a band. So got a guitar and got together with mates that had girlfriends that allowed it.
Was there a song or album that inspired you to want to perform music?
Meat Loaf – Bat Out Of Hell
What was your first band?
Abiosis in 1988-89.
What is your all time favorite album?
I don’t have just one: Diary Of A Madman, Powerslave, Reign In Blood, Holy Diver, I could go on.
Is there a My Dying Bride album you think is underrated, that didn’t get the accolades it deserved when it was originally released?
No, I think they all got what they deserved at the time. I have no problems with any of the receptions they received.
What are your best and worst personal characteristics?
I can be very kind but I can also be a bastard.
What are the best and worst things about being in a band?
There are no worsts, I just love the whole thing. Gigging in foreign countries, having exotic people pay you attention, free beer, creating music, releasing CDs, I mean what could be better?
What CD do you own that people might be surprised about?
A Dolly Parton greatest hits. Seriously, can’t remember why, she’s normally more misery than I can handle.
What's your favorite hobby away from music?
Xbox 360 and camouflaged things.
