Interview: JOHN MITCHELL (LONELY ROBOT)
Lonely Robot aka John Mitchell released the second album in the trilogy, ‘The Big Dream’, earlier this year. Lonely Robot play UK dates supported by Tilt at the end of this month. Over to John Mitchell…
Have you been pleased with the reviews and reaction to ‘The Big Dream’ album?
Indeed I have, doing a second album is nearly always fraught with danger as you worry if people are going to be all ‘folk singer’ and compare it to the first, but the moment you start worrying about that, you dilute what it is you’re doing. The album has been very very well received. You can’t ask for more than that.
Have you had any thoughts on how the final part of the trilogy will sound?
Nope, I only ever think about such things as and when they are right on top of me J
You have a few dates coming up with Tilt as support. How did you choose the venues and will Steve Vantsis be allowed a tea break between playing with Tilt & then Lonely Robot?
We chose the venues based on not wanting to do ones we/I had done before. So no Robin 2, no Scala and no Manchester Academy J
All Steve needs to do between sets is change t-shirt and re jig his hair. Oh and maybe don a silver jump suit J
The album launch gig at Reading was well supported. Are you finding there is an increase interest and numbers of people attending progressive music gigs?
Not really, no. It’s a real struggle getting bums on seats these days and I find the English to be a bit spoilt for choice when it comes to live music.
Every time I announce gigs, there are always those who see fit to reply with ‘come and play Skegness Social Hall as it’s only 30 metres from where I live’. If I have to make the effort to rehearse the band and travel great distances to play shows then I’m not going to pander to THAT spoilt nonsense. The gigs are the gigs we deem logistically possible, either attend or don’t, I don’t DO requests lol.
Will you introduce more songs of ‘The Big Dream’ into the set list?
Yes, of course, that’s the whole point lol :)
How has White Star Records been received as Kepler Ten’s album is out and Kim Seviour’s debut solo release is out later this month?
Very, very well. We’re taking our time picking the right bands and artists. In the words of Don Henley….”s**t don’t float” :)
What do you look for when looking to sign an artist to White Star Records?
No furry boots music. No wizards in the lyrics. No weekend warriors with Mellotrons.
Once you have completed the next Lonely Robot album do you have any ideas as to what musically you’d like to do?
Go sailing.
Message for your fans…
Have a good time all of the time :)
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.
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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024
ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)
Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
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