06.06.07
Interview with: JUSTIN SULLIVAN
of NEW MODEL ARMY
By Stacy Sardelli
Editor in Chief

Folk Rock / Punk / Other

New Model Army - I couldn't possibly write a one or two paragraph introduction. There is far too much depth, character and history to them. NMA is my favorite band, period. It has been since I was 15 years of age, I'm 37 now. There's a very good reason why New Model Army has legions of fans across the globe. So, if you are unfamiliar with them I strongly urge you to check out some of their music clips (links below interview).

Justin Sullivan talked with us about the making of NMA's upcoming album, currently titled 'High'. It is scheduled for an August 20th release!

Interview

Babble & Beat - What are some major influences or current passions of yours that are making an appearance (coming through) on the upcoming release, currently titled 'High'?

Justin - Quite mixed as usual. There are a couple of 'political' songs including an anti-war song – after all, as we’re constantly being told that we are involved in a 'War on Terror' while we are actually involved in an Imperial style oil-grabbing occupation, it would be almost impossible for me not to vent my feelings about this at least once.

There are also relationship songs and story songs (perhaps my favourite) and songs that wash their hands of the world completely. There are those who believe that there’s a kind of 'New Model Army philosophy' peddled through the lyrics. I very much hope not – rather I strive to capture all the different conflicting and contradictory emotions of people’s lives.

Babble & Beat - What is your daily routine like (in regards to the days that you are writing and recording your new album)?

Justin - The writing part is extremely varied involving different members of the band at different times and absolutely no attention paid to eating / drinking / domestic concerns or times of day – just reach for inspiration however and whenever it comes.

We have our own rehearsal room / studio in an ex-industrial Mill in the middle of Bradford and I spend many, many hours there – with pen, paper, sketched musical ideas from different members of the band, various guitars and other instruments, computer programmes, etc.

The actual recording of ‘High’ took place over two different sessions in a specialist London studio with producer Chris Kimsey at the helm. We basically recorded the twelve songs in twelve days with a bit of extra time later for vocals and then mixing. Although the plan (and the engineers / studio schedule) was meant to be from midday ‘til midnight, in reality everyone working on the project was so into it that we ended up working 18 hour days...

Babble & Beat - So, you haven't done anything special to get "into the zone" so to speak? IE: A vacation before the project, intense workouts, seeing other bands play, or eating certain foods?

Justin - None of the above, though the vacation idea sounds good – might try that next time! Intense daily workouts? You’ve gotta be kidding... food was mostly cheap take-outs eaten while working. A lot of sitting around on sofas playing guitars was more like it.

Babble & Beat - Have there been any bumps in the road or challenges during High’s creation so far?

Justin - Yes, of course. I famously hate making records because what appears on tape doesn’t always match up with the amazing symphonies playing in my head. Of course we had the usual bloody arguments about arrangements and performances and I went through my usual crisis of confidence in the whole project. These things are painful but normal for me. I’m sure that wherever you get a passionate band making passionate music there are a few bumpy nights!

Babble & Beat - How close do you think the final product will be to your original vision?

Justin - Things always emerge differently from the original vision – but sometimes that’s for the better. There is a particular minute of music on the album that is as spellbinding as anything I’ve ever heard and while part of this was in the writing and conception, part of it is also a series of 'accidents', performances, random moments of playing and mixing that just "happened."

Babble & Beat - If the album’s cover art could attempt to sum up the new music, what would the cover art depict? What colors would be most appropriate?

Justin - As always, we have trusted Joolz to interpret what she has heard and, as always, she has come up with something that has 'got' the spirit of the album perfectly. You’ll get to see it soon...

Babble & Beat - I had to try!

Are there any other surprises, such as guest musicians or the use of uncharacteristic instruments?

Justin - Guest musicians – no, other than orchestral but also remember this is the first album we have done with Marshall on guitar so there’s definitely a new flavour.

Babble & Beat - What do you suspect the majority of your fans will have to say about the new tunes?

Justin - I have no idea but, to be honest, when we’re creating something, it’s the very last thing I’d consider.

Babble & Beat - What goes through your mind when you think of all the profound music you have made over the years? Can you believe the same guy that sang "sitting in a chair crying what am I going do with my life" has accomplished, and lived, so much and has earned a great deal of respect as well?

Your music has done so much for me since 1985 when I first heard NMA. It has had a tremendous and positive effect on me... and really has helped me become a better person.

Justin - Thank you... but no, not really. I don’t tend to dwell on what we’ve done, only what we’re going to do.

Babble & Beat - What can Wisconsin fans do to help insure a NMA show on Wisconsin soil within the next five years?

Justin - Petition your local promoter? Move Wisconsin closer to one of the coasts? I don’t know the answer really. Mostly we’ll go and play wherever there’s an audience that’ll pay our costs of being there...

Babble & Beat - Costs... that's only fair.

In Closing

Justin, thank you so very much for your time! We can’t wait to hear the new album! Stacy

New Model Army websites:
Official NMA
MySpace - music clips!

Justin Sullivan website:
MySpace - music clips!

Joolz websites:
Official Joolz
MySpace - music clips!