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Highroad No. 28

Highroad No. 28
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Interview With Andrew J. Cantwell from Highroad No. 28 By Chris 18/6/07

Highroad No. 28: Masters of Inauguration

Highroad No. 28 leader, Andrew J. Cantwell, talks about their upcoming second album, "Inauguration To a System of Laws", and other matters.

Highroad No. 28 Website
1. What been happening since the last interview?

A lot. A lot of shows, a lot of developments, a lot of everything.... Most importantly, work has begun, and subsequently developed, on Highroad No. 28's second album, "Inauguration To a System of Laws" (ITASOL)

2. Any plans to go overseas to tour?

No plans set out as yet. Certainly thoughts. It will happen eventually, without doubt. But not for some time, certainly not, until the release of ITASOL.

3. How is feel to be featured on the compilation Parx-e - A Compilation Of Independent Music?

It feels great. Obviously it helps further dissemination of my art, which I feel most artists want. It's great to be on a compilation which will be so diffusely spread: and with so many other bands geographically and musically dissimilar. It's a privilege.

4. Are you happy with the responses from the album?

Yes, all in all.

5. How was the recording process for the album?

For "Unsteady and Steady State" (USASS) it was very much rushed. The pre-production was extremely primitive- essentially limited to recording rehearsals with a tape-deck and musing over the tape deck after rehearsals. This is in stark contrast to ITASOL. In recording, we usually did 1 or 2 takes, and used loops where necessary. The producer did a great job for the extreme limitations inherent in the situation. But I am so glad I recorded it- I have no regrets whatsoever.

6. Has the Internet helped with your music?

Very much so. It was quite some time after I started the band that i actually got it on the net. For that period everything was done by post and 'old-fashioned' means- sending discs/flyer's etc to magazines, sending discs to promoters etc. Going to record stores and submitting CD's etc. After Phillip Brien joined the band, and we started to get more active with regards to pursuing live venues and what have you, it made it almost necessary to get on the Internet. It certainly would have been advantageous to have the band on the net from day one, but once again, I don't have regrets about this. I find a value and certain authenticity in doing things the 'old-fashioned' way, like we did in the early days. I look back fondly on those times.

7. Do you think tools like MySpace are useful?

Yes. Although, like everything, their are pro's and cons.

8. How is the recording process and writing process for the new album going?

Extremely well. For this album, things are much different than UASS. Essentially, I am using a MIDI sequencer to write, and refine, all the songs. Also I have wav editors and audio sequencers on hand. The writing process has been arduous, and I have gone overboard- which is very good in a way, I feel. For a period of 2 months I was starting on the sequencer at 5pm and finishing around 5-6am the next morning (in addition to doing my 'day-job' work- uni student!) Some parts, for instance- adding certain patches to a chorus, take hours. I planned to stop writing after 15 songs, then increased that number and now am still writing and refining. It has also forced me to revise an learn afresh a lot of physics dealing with a mixing desk. But no one is pulling my arm to do this- I love doing this. Going to extremes is pretty much the way I work. Anyhow, before official recording starts (in the studio) I am going to rewire the MIDI sequencer to an Audio sequencer (or use a wav editor in conjunction with the MIDI sequencer) and place in the audio (vocals, guitars, etc) on a few tracks. No matter what you do, you can't get an authentic guitar sound from any patch! All the guitars, bass, drums etc will be recorded in the end anyway, so it will be like a 'warm-up'. Recording begins in late July, or early August. Drums are first, then all the other instruments follow (whilst retaining certain MIDI patches and loops).

9. Has it been different to the last album?

Absolutely. Compare a tape deck to high powered musical programs. But the great thing now is I am using both in conjunction with each other.

10. Is it hard to get radio to play your music?

Yes and no. Community radio is usually pretty good, and many stations seem keen to play new material. We have airplay on many of them. Commercial radio is another ball-park all-together.

11. Have you had much response from radio?

Yes. Predominately from the community stations.

12. Are you happy the way that the last album has turned out?

Yes. That being said, I feel that many factors pulled it down from being as good as it could have been. But I wouldn't change anything.

13. What your favorite venue to play at?

None in particular. The receptivity of the audience and energy push-pull, overpowers any venue, stage, etc

14. Who would you most like to record a song with and play with?

So many artists come to mind- probably Andy Cairns due to his creativity and seemingly laid back and humorous approach to writing.

15. What is on your stereo at the moment?

The new Manic Street Preachers album.

16. What are some of your favorite musical artists/bands?

Anything and everything that has great melody and rhythm. So many!

17. What has been the highlight so far?

Everyday is a highlight. Being alive is a highlight.

18 Who have you has helped you out the most?

Numerous people in numerous ways.

19. What inspires you when writing music?

Being emotionally touched by melody and rhythm. The fact that your music may touch others in the way music you love has touched you.

20. Any advice to people wanting to make a career out of music?

Stick at it. When everything looks bleak and the world is against you- keep going. The process can also be just as rewarding, if not more rewarding, than the destination. Thanks for your time any last words

Thanks for the interview. Embrace your System, and embrace the Laws that govern us all.....