Firstly, congratulations on your new single Minute To Madness, can you give us a little back ground to its meaning?
Thanks! M2M is about being on a collision course with chaos, the calm before storm and the moment you realise there's no easy way out... and knowing you wouldn't change it if you could.
For those unfamiliar with The Art, how would you describe your brand of music?
I'd go with something along the lines of - Loud, Melodic, Alternative Rock 'n Roll
Inspiration comes in many shapes and forms. In the lead up to writing for the album, were there any books you were reading or films you were watching that influenced you in any way?
Absolutely. I was reading a lot of Charles Bukowski books while we were recording. There's a certain freedom in the horrifying honesty of Bukowski's characters, which definitely inspired me to be less guarded in my lyrical approach.
Having played with some of the most iconic acts in the biz including The Pixies, NIN & Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, how did this influence your own live shows and what you bring to the stage for each set?
It's definitely been a priceless education! Most of all I learnt that there are no tricks, and great art is created by figuring out how to truly be yourself. A NIN concert and a Pixies concert really can't be compared sonically, but seeing electricity in the energy and excitement of the crowds be equal has been the greatest overall influence for me.
Meeting so many different musicians and interesting characters throughout the years, were there any words of wisdom spoken to you that really resonated with you and altered the way you approach your music?
I have been given a lot of advice over the years, however, the greatest words of wisdom I've ever heard were not spoken to me, but to Patti Smith from William S. Burroughs -
"Build a good name. Keep your name clean. Don’t make compromises, don’t worry about making a bunch of money or being successful — be concerned with doing good work and make the right choices and protect your work. And if you build a good name, eventually, that name will be its own currency."
You guys have mentioned that it can be hard to reconcile the reality of daily life and surreal life of a balls against the wall rock outfit. How will be approaching your next string of shows?
I think the key is in staying busy. There's a momentum and routine that comes with touring, and when it stops there's a certain sense of purpose that's suddenly missing in your day. By the time we finish the next run of shows we will be ready to start working on a new album, so I think keeping up the momentum will definitely help even out the ups and downs.
What does music give you that nothing else does?
I find through music I can be anyone, I can listen to Eminem and feel like a bad ass gangster, or I can listen to Dusty Springfield and feel like a Motown diva. More so then any other art form I find music allows you to not only listen to other people’s stories, but to be a part of them and feel understood. Even if you've never met the songwriter you can feel like they are telling your story, and feeling understood is priceless.
How is the rest of 2016 shaping up for you?
We will be releasing our album 'All In The Mind' a little later this year, and taking off on a national tour in October. Dates will be announced next month!
