In our latest Artist Spotlight, we chat to Biffy Clyro live guitarist and former Oceanzise member about his new record, ‘To Cure A Blizzard Upon A Plastic Sea’
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S] Talk us through the main inspirations behind the new record?
My primary inspiration on this record is the breadth of my own capability. I don’t consider myself a very eclectic artist. I’ve got a few cool tricks. But this being my seventh record, it’s still a challenge to find new elements to pursue, and still have the music sound authentic and like it’s my own. So that, and an absolute pathological dislike of the Tory government, and a lingering fear of having to return to a regular job. I also love loads and loads of echo and fuzz.
S] What motivates you outside of music, think specific people and places?
I love being a married father-of-one in Chorlton, South Manchester. I love my friends dearly. I love playing guitar for Biffy Clyro, and I love seeing them work together every day to create. Biffy are a huge inspiration to be immersed in every day. A hugely positive and wholesome family vibe.. Music pours out of them. They are fearless and unashamed, and they, like my wife, bring the best out in me.
S] How are you looking forward to getting back out on the road?
Always. The new songs sounds great live, and it gives me, and Steve (Durose) a chance to sing Guns N’ Roses songs in a van at 3am.
S] What are the biggest challenges you face as an artist now?
Giving a fuck what anyone thinks.
S] To what extend did mental health awareness inspire ‘Immortal Soldiers’
Immortal Soldiers is more of a fantasy piece. I spend a lot of time playing with toy soldiers with my son and so my mind is in a perpetual state of fantasy/disbelief while ever I’m at home. It’s hard to keep up. But there are no boundaries, really, to a child’s imagination. You can stretch the truth to virtually any degree, and if the fantasy is interesting enough, the kid will follow you. It’s really fun. And often extremely violent.
S] What have you learned about yourself through the music that you’ve made through your career, until now?
Apart from learning how to actually write songs, I’ve learned to trust the feeling of uncertainty and fear that’s synonymous with the creative process. It’s usually a sign that I’m onto something. The process of creating is often more rewarding than releasing the work itself; at least when you’re creating it you only have to convince yourself of it’s worth. Upon release you have to explain to complete strangers that they should listen, and that’s painful cos in all likelihood they don’t give a fuck about your weird chord changes or three-footed grooves. They probably just want a big chorus, a fuckable frontman and an easy life. I like to think I can supply that too from time to time. Except for the fuckable part. That’s just absolutely not a thing.
S] What advice would you give to emerging musicians?
Work hard to make the tunes, you wanna make and fuck absolutely everyone else.
