The intensity is still alive.
Almost three decades after its formation, Mogwai continues to be one of the most powerful and respected names in post rock. With The Bad Firetheir most recent album, the Scottish band reaffirms its ability to evolve without losing its essence: monumental guitars, enveloping atmospheres and an emotionality that remains as current as in its early years.
In interview with Indie Rocks!, Stuart Braithwaiteguitarist of lThe band reflects on the creation of their new material, the importance of continuing to explore sounds and their next visit to Mexico, where they return to perform at one of the most anticipated festivals of the year.
Indie Rocks!: Your new album The Bad Fire It came out earlier this year. Could you tell me a little about how this album came about? What was the creation process like?
Mogwai: It wasn't the easiest album to make. We went through a difficult time because our keyboardist's daughter was very sick, so we had to wait for her situation to improve. Fortunately he is much better now, but at first it was difficult to get together to rehearse or write songs.
Once we entered the studio everything flowed. We recorded it with John Congletonwho traveled from Los Angeles, and we were very happy with the result.
GO!: I find it incredible how they manage to maintain constant quality album after album. How do they manage to still sound fresh after so many years?
Mogwai: I think we're lucky that we all write music. There are three of us who compose, and that keeps the ideas flowing. When there is only one main composer, it can be more difficult to keep things fresh.
Besides, Martinour drummer, is very dedicated and always looking to push things a little further. We like to try new things and luckily people continue to support what we do.
GO!: How does that process work between you when someone brings an idea or a song?
Mogwai: It's pretty simple. Everyone works on their own: I make models on my laptop, Barry He has his studio, Dominic also. Then we upload the ideas to a shared folder and we all listen to them.
When we meet, we discuss the issues and adjust them. If someone has an idea to change or add something, it is tested. We basically play until it sounds good. Nothing too different from what other bands do, really.
GO!: Something that has always attracted attention in your music is the particular sound of your instruments. It's difficult to replicate it. How do they manage to build those soundscapes?
Mogwai: Barry completely changes your setup of synthesizers on each album, and that modifies the overall sound a lot. In my case, I am always trying new pedals, amplifiers, guitars… we are quite geeks. We like to experiment.
I do almost everything with pedals; maybe Barry He does more digital things with synths, but my part is more analog. It's all about trying and finding something that sounds different.
GO!: It also seems to me that the covers of your albums always have a very particular style. Do they participate directly in that visual part?
Mogwai: We have been working with the same designer for years, David Thomas. We show him the music, he shows us various ideas and versions, and we choose together. We are more music people than art people, so we trust him a lot.
GO!: What inspires you today, both musically and visually?
Mogwai: As for cinema, my favorite movie is The Exorcist. I recently saw a great documentary about its director. Besides that, I read a lot, comics, books, art… I like anything that makes you think, especially horror and science fiction.
Musically I listen to a lot of ambient music —Stars of the Lid, Brian Eno—, also old blues like Blind Willie Johnson and Skip Jamespunk like Adolescents either Siouxsie and the Bansheesand a lot of hip hop. It depends on the mood, I listen to a little bit of everything.
GO!: Do you have any rituals for listening to music?
Mogwai: I prefer vinyl. I have a large collection, although some of it is in storage now because I moved and don't have space. But yeah, listening to records is my favorite way.
GO!: Speaking of which, how do you balance your personal life with that of musicians who are constantly on tour?
Mogwai: It's not always easy. Sometimes you have personal things to attend to and you also have to go out and play or record. But we're lucky to be able to travel and make a living from music, so we somehow find balance.
GO!: In a few days they will be playing in Mexico, where they have a very passionate audience. What can you tell us about that? show?
Mogwai: We love playing in Mexico. On this tour we are mixing many songs from the new album with older songs. The concerts have gone very well, so we are looking forward to returning.
GO!: You have played at this festival before, what do you remember about those experiences?
Mogwai: It's always been amazing. They treat us very well and the public is huge and enthusiastic. It's a big festival, but it feels very close at the same time.
GO!: Are there any bands on the bill that you are excited to see?
Mogwai: Our friends from Franz Ferdinand They will be there, so it will be great to see them. Also Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Kadavarthere are many interesting acts. One of the best parts of festivals is discovering new bands.
GO!: For those who have never seen you live, in what mindset would you recommend arriving at your show?
Mogwai: With an open mind. Our music is not conventional, so it is best to come ready to let yourself go and enjoy the sound. That's the most important thing.
GO!:And for someone who wants to start listening to Mogwai before the festival, what songs would you recommend?
Mogwai: Maybe an old one, like “Helicon 1”or something more recent, like “Fanzine Made of Flesh” either “High Chaos”. Listen to them and see what provokes you.
GO!: In closing, if you could describe Mogwai in three words, what would they be?
Mogwai: Very, very loud.
