FANZEYEVIEW
Interview with Rob Cottingham from Touchstone
Hello Rob
I've managed to get a few questions together for your consideration.
1. What are the origins of the band Touchstone and background of band members into forming the band?
After I recorded a solo album in 2001 called ‘Behind the Orchard Tree’ at Linford Manor Studios in Milton Keynes (owned by Pete Winkelman – now Chairman of MK Dons; used by likes of Skunk Ananse; Jamiroquai; Feeder etc) I wanted to get some of my music ‘out there’, so I formed (what I call) the ‘old’ Touchstone in 2001 with band members Michael Daly on guitar; Mike Forrester on bass; Miriam Pugh on saxophone, and Andrew Harman on drums. The name was taken from one of the lines in a track off that solo album, called "All We've Done".
Pivotal to the sound you hear today was when Adam and I met in April 2003, though. That was when the ‘new’ Touchstone was born.
Michael had left to handle the demands of a new born baby in December 2002, so I literally posted an ad around the internet. Adam sent his solo album, South Side of the Sky, and I really liked what I heard. We clearly shared influences - Yes, Asia etc, but relised we had diverse influences, too. Also – to his great amusement – I could name the drum machine he used for some of the tracks off his album - because I had exactly the same machine. We knew instantly we were both ‘saddos’, but in a good way...!
I had also sent him my solo album, which he liked the sound of so we met up at my house which was then in Abbots Langley, and hit it off at a personal and musical level straight away – he loves big keys sounds, and I love rocky guitar and ace guitar solos. We have been like an old married couple ever since... (I think even our wives might agree...)
Since then we have been the ‘kernel’ of the band. Band members have come and gone, but our vision remains as intact and focussed now as it did then. We have always pushed to raise our game.
In terms of the existing line up, Moo replied to an advert, auditioned and joined in late 2006 after Mikey left the band (still in touch with Mikey – he is one cool dude). The one thing I remember about Moo’s audition was how he swore so much … at himself! Very much the perfectionist.
Al joined in January 2007 after Simon had left, and then Kim joined in April 2007. She was our second auditionee, and just seemed to fit in so well with the rest of us. She also had a great voice, which of course was key to being offered the opportunity.
2. Influences musically for the setting up of the band?
We just draw on our own influences, but we think we sound like Touchstone by the end of it.
To name but a few...
Mine: Genesis; Pink Floyd; Asia; Yes; Sting; Elton John; Abba - I just love great song-writing
Adam’s : Van Halen; Rush; Yes; Trevor Rabin; Joe Satriani; Mr Bungle
Moo: It Bites, Simple Minds, Big Country, U2, Propoganda, Muse
Kim: Our Lady Peace, Muse, Placebo, Snow Patrol, Seth Lakeman, The Fray
3. Can you explain to me the recording and writing of Mad Hatters & Discordant Dreams ?
Mad Hatters was very much written by me and Adam, although Hear Me is actually a version of a song from my original solo album, but given some Touchstone treatment. Moo has a keen ear for an arrangement and of course adds his superb bass lines which always take it to another level.
We recorded at Outhouse Studios in Reading, with the excellent John Mitchell mixing.
This was a toe in the water, and after a great public reaction, we knew what we had to do, and applied the same process to our first album, Discordant Dreams.
4. Wintercoast to me is a wonderful cd....what were the influences behind the writing and recording processes for the cd?
Thanks for the kind comments, Roger. Influences are really as described before to be honest. We all agreed, though, that we wanted this album to have a mix of a heavier flavour and a lighter touch, if that makes sense – pushing the boundaries of the dynamic, if you like.
The Wintercoast track itself as a concept was Adam’s idea, and we all thought it was a great title for the album, being quite an evocative word, in itself. And of course Jeremy Irons’ fantastic voice for the prologue, just gives it that ‘gravitas’ it needed to set the scene. Adam wrote the words for that part and ran it by me for ‘tweakage’, but I told him to leave it as is – they were bang on. I then wrote the lyrics for the rest of the track based upon Adam’s concept, and we worked on the music together, and then Touchstoned it up with the band.
Believe it or not, Strange Days started off as a ‘fun’ track where we mucked about with ‘some 80’s cheese’, but we soon grew to love it, and now it’s one of our favourites to play live. We wanted to capture some of the spirit we enjoyed, and enjoy, when touring as a band.
Voices, in terms of the start and end riffs, is a rhythmic idea I have had for ages, and as an overall track is probably one of the saddest tracks I’ve written. It’s all about the hopes we have for our children, and then how – sadly – tragedy can ensue often through no fault of anyone – just life being at times exceedingly cruel…I love Moo's basslines in the middle of the song - beautiful.
Joker In The Pack was based around an Adam riff. He loves his horror movies, so it has a hint of that at the start, and indeed the subject matter of the lyric actually relates to the evil character who features in the Discordant Dreams track – the ‘snigger in the gloom’…. If Star Wars can do a prequel – so can Touchstone...!
Original Sin is one I penned. It is just a simple slow rock melodic piece which questions belief systems, and encourages us all to open our minds to understand and respect believers and non-believers alike – and to make us think a bit about how insignificant we are against the power of nature and the universe out there. Or it can mean what you want it to mean...I think Kim totally shines on all tracks, but especially this one.
Solace was built up around an idea Kim had in her head, about the father –daughter relationship. She literally sang it and I built up the music around it. We all knew it was a bit ‘different’ to our usual sound, but felt it was worth pushing the envelope. We don’t want to be constrained by predictability – although predictability is not a bad thing, either. My favourite recording of that is what you will hear on the Live in the USA album out 29th July. If you are in the St Albans area - come along to the launch party on 16th July at the Horn - it will be loads of fun. (Fanzeyeview will be attending)
Zinomorph is a bit of Adam and Moo craziness, and we really built this song up as a band. Loads of fun with that one.
Line In The Sand is one I had knocking about for a while. Again – the band treatment lifted it to new heights. The end of that track is one of my favourite moments on the whole album...a thought provoker – I hope.
The Witness I drafted up, but we gave it the Touchstone treatment. I absolutely love Adam’s guitar solo in Part 1 – my fave solo on the album. The story came about from a dream I had – which may sound a bit weird, but it’s just true. I woke up with a very powerful emotion about driving away from an appalling car crash right in front of me – metal flying everywhere – but then in my ‘wakeful’ state – I gave it an ironic twist.
Regarding recording processes – pre-production, I tend to knock together a ‘template’ with click track and basic keys so we all have structure to play against. It takes a while but it's worth it - especially for the longer, more complicated, tracks. That track structure has been agreed prior by the band - there is actually a lot of hard work between us to agree the best structures for each track - we like to hook people, but not leave them hanging, if that makes sense.
This is then loaded up at the studio, and then down go drums, bass, keys, guitars and vox. This time we had a few other pressures around which meant we had to get bass down fairly late in the process for Wintercoast, but it all worked out fine. If anyone is interested, I would encourage anyone reading this to join our forum where I kept a diary of the recording process: http://touchstone.darkbb.com. If you are not inteested - join it anyway. It's free.
John then mixes with his Mitchell magic, and then off we go to Tim Turan for his mastering wizardry. Then off to CD production, with Adam’s amazing artwork, and hey presto – one CD.
Just one thing, though, the sound you get really is ‘the band’ sound. Everyone chips in suggestions, ideas, arrangements, so what you hear really is a result of everyone’s hard work. Adam and I are the main writers, but the end product goes through a rigorous process before it is ready for the listening public. I especially appreciate Moo's devastating honesty - he is a natural arranger; a brilliant sounding board, and helps us all see the wood for the trees.
5. Differences of Touring UK & USA?
Takes a tad longer to get to the US. But seriously…I think we in the UK are a naturally more ‘conservative’ nation. ‘Cool’ Britannia. Nothing wrong with that – some may argue we are more discerning, but in the USA – they just seem more enthusiastic - and buy merchandise – which is a band’s lifeblood! We sold out at RosFest – everything went. Amazing… But – really – we love touring - UK, USA - you name it. Period. The fans we have built up, and the awesome reaction we get - well, they are superb across the board, and we are mightily humbled. Music should cross boundaries; rise above prejudices and connect people - I hope ours goes someway towards doing that.
6. New live cd launch...title , tracks , where the recordings were taken from?
The Live in the USA album is presently being mixed by John Mitchell. Tracks are chosen and are from both the RosFest (May 2009) and Calprog (October 2009) gigs. Mastering is booked for early June. 16th July launch is probably the earliest anyone outside the band will see what tracks, I'm afraid.
7. Your thoughts on High VoltageFestival and hopefully for me a nationwide UK tour
When we were asked late last year to open High Voltage’s prog stage on the Saturday 24th July, we were frankly bowled over – absolutely delighted to have been asked. It is a tremendous opportunity for the band, and we can't wait to get up there.
There is no UK tour planned at the moment, but we have some dates in the UK which we hope will keep our fellow Brits happy. We are mindful of Scotland, though - we really must get up there. We are also mindful that we have not done Europe, yet, so we are investigating options for a European tour of some sort at the moment – watch this space…
8. Touring USA and beyond?
Well, we would love to do the USA again; Europe, as mentioned, and in fact, Japan would be awesome. If anyone wants to get in touch to offer us a gig out there, or US or EU - feel free to drop us a line at info@touchstonemusic.co.uk.
9.When is there going to be any New Material?
It is in the course of being written. Adam and I have loads of ideas (and indeed plenty left over from the last two albums), and Kim and I recently met to work on one of her song ideas. We are going to get a new track written for our 3rd September showcase at the Borderline, so do get along, people. (Fanzeyeview will be attending) We expect next studio album to be out Summer next year.
10. New drummer situation...any news?
I just want to doff a cap in Al's direction first - he lifted our drum sound and gave it that full on power sound we were after. I hope he goes from strength to strength.
We have had a loads of applications from some superb drummers – an embarrassment of riches, to be honest – so we are not going to rush this. In the meantime, our great chum, Henry Rogers, is standing in. We will be auditioning after High Voltage for the permanent role.
11. What song in musical history would you like to have written
Afterglow by Genesis - simple, epic, grand. Well done, Mr Banks, sir.
12. What band would you have most liked to have been a member of?
Difficult question - but I would plump for Genesis.
Thanks for the questions Roger
I would like to thank whole heartedly Rob Cottingham for his time and wonderfully concise answers to the questions posed by myself.
Go out and see this band they are quite excellant live and the cd's are very good as well. You just might be surprised at what talent this country produces musically.
See you at St Albans & The Borderline for Touchstone - live
Support live music!!!!!!!!
I've managed to get a few questions together for your consideration.
1. What are the origins of the band Touchstone and background of band members into forming the band?
After I recorded a solo album in 2001 called ‘Behind the Orchard Tree’ at Linford Manor Studios in Milton Keynes (owned by Pete Winkelman – now Chairman of MK Dons; used by likes of Skunk Ananse; Jamiroquai; Feeder etc) I wanted to get some of my music ‘out there’, so I formed (what I call) the ‘old’ Touchstone in 2001 with band members Michael Daly on guitar; Mike Forrester on bass; Miriam Pugh on saxophone, and Andrew Harman on drums. The name was taken from one of the lines in a track off that solo album, called "All We've Done".
Pivotal to the sound you hear today was when Adam and I met in April 2003, though. That was when the ‘new’ Touchstone was born.
Michael had left to handle the demands of a new born baby in December 2002, so I literally posted an ad around the internet. Adam sent his solo album, South Side of the Sky, and I really liked what I heard. We clearly shared influences - Yes, Asia etc, but relised we had diverse influences, too. Also – to his great amusement – I could name the drum machine he used for some of the tracks off his album - because I had exactly the same machine. We knew instantly we were both ‘saddos’, but in a good way...!
I had also sent him my solo album, which he liked the sound of so we met up at my house which was then in Abbots Langley, and hit it off at a personal and musical level straight away – he loves big keys sounds, and I love rocky guitar and ace guitar solos. We have been like an old married couple ever since... (I think even our wives might agree...)
Since then we have been the ‘kernel’ of the band. Band members have come and gone, but our vision remains as intact and focussed now as it did then. We have always pushed to raise our game.
In terms of the existing line up, Moo replied to an advert, auditioned and joined in late 2006 after Mikey left the band (still in touch with Mikey – he is one cool dude). The one thing I remember about Moo’s audition was how he swore so much … at himself! Very much the perfectionist.
Al joined in January 2007 after Simon had left, and then Kim joined in April 2007. She was our second auditionee, and just seemed to fit in so well with the rest of us. She also had a great voice, which of course was key to being offered the opportunity.
2. Influences musically for the setting up of the band?
We just draw on our own influences, but we think we sound like Touchstone by the end of it.
To name but a few...
Mine: Genesis; Pink Floyd; Asia; Yes; Sting; Elton John; Abba - I just love great song-writing
Adam’s : Van Halen; Rush; Yes; Trevor Rabin; Joe Satriani; Mr Bungle
Moo: It Bites, Simple Minds, Big Country, U2, Propoganda, Muse
Kim: Our Lady Peace, Muse, Placebo, Snow Patrol, Seth Lakeman, The Fray
3. Can you explain to me the recording and writing of Mad Hatters & Discordant Dreams ?
Mad Hatters was very much written by me and Adam, although Hear Me is actually a version of a song from my original solo album, but given some Touchstone treatment. Moo has a keen ear for an arrangement and of course adds his superb bass lines which always take it to another level.
We recorded at Outhouse Studios in Reading, with the excellent John Mitchell mixing.
This was a toe in the water, and after a great public reaction, we knew what we had to do, and applied the same process to our first album, Discordant Dreams.
4. Wintercoast to me is a wonderful cd....what were the influences behind the writing and recording processes for the cd?
Thanks for the kind comments, Roger. Influences are really as described before to be honest. We all agreed, though, that we wanted this album to have a mix of a heavier flavour and a lighter touch, if that makes sense – pushing the boundaries of the dynamic, if you like.
The Wintercoast track itself as a concept was Adam’s idea, and we all thought it was a great title for the album, being quite an evocative word, in itself. And of course Jeremy Irons’ fantastic voice for the prologue, just gives it that ‘gravitas’ it needed to set the scene. Adam wrote the words for that part and ran it by me for ‘tweakage’, but I told him to leave it as is – they were bang on. I then wrote the lyrics for the rest of the track based upon Adam’s concept, and we worked on the music together, and then Touchstoned it up with the band.
Believe it or not, Strange Days started off as a ‘fun’ track where we mucked about with ‘some 80’s cheese’, but we soon grew to love it, and now it’s one of our favourites to play live. We wanted to capture some of the spirit we enjoyed, and enjoy, when touring as a band.
Voices, in terms of the start and end riffs, is a rhythmic idea I have had for ages, and as an overall track is probably one of the saddest tracks I’ve written. It’s all about the hopes we have for our children, and then how – sadly – tragedy can ensue often through no fault of anyone – just life being at times exceedingly cruel…I love Moo's basslines in the middle of the song - beautiful.
Joker In The Pack was based around an Adam riff. He loves his horror movies, so it has a hint of that at the start, and indeed the subject matter of the lyric actually relates to the evil character who features in the Discordant Dreams track – the ‘snigger in the gloom’…. If Star Wars can do a prequel – so can Touchstone...!
Original Sin is one I penned. It is just a simple slow rock melodic piece which questions belief systems, and encourages us all to open our minds to understand and respect believers and non-believers alike – and to make us think a bit about how insignificant we are against the power of nature and the universe out there. Or it can mean what you want it to mean...I think Kim totally shines on all tracks, but especially this one.
Solace was built up around an idea Kim had in her head, about the father –daughter relationship. She literally sang it and I built up the music around it. We all knew it was a bit ‘different’ to our usual sound, but felt it was worth pushing the envelope. We don’t want to be constrained by predictability – although predictability is not a bad thing, either. My favourite recording of that is what you will hear on the Live in the USA album out 29th July. If you are in the St Albans area - come along to the launch party on 16th July at the Horn - it will be loads of fun. (Fanzeyeview will be attending)
Zinomorph is a bit of Adam and Moo craziness, and we really built this song up as a band. Loads of fun with that one.
Line In The Sand is one I had knocking about for a while. Again – the band treatment lifted it to new heights. The end of that track is one of my favourite moments on the whole album...a thought provoker – I hope.
The Witness I drafted up, but we gave it the Touchstone treatment. I absolutely love Adam’s guitar solo in Part 1 – my fave solo on the album. The story came about from a dream I had – which may sound a bit weird, but it’s just true. I woke up with a very powerful emotion about driving away from an appalling car crash right in front of me – metal flying everywhere – but then in my ‘wakeful’ state – I gave it an ironic twist.
Regarding recording processes – pre-production, I tend to knock together a ‘template’ with click track and basic keys so we all have structure to play against. It takes a while but it's worth it - especially for the longer, more complicated, tracks. That track structure has been agreed prior by the band - there is actually a lot of hard work between us to agree the best structures for each track - we like to hook people, but not leave them hanging, if that makes sense.
This is then loaded up at the studio, and then down go drums, bass, keys, guitars and vox. This time we had a few other pressures around which meant we had to get bass down fairly late in the process for Wintercoast, but it all worked out fine. If anyone is interested, I would encourage anyone reading this to join our forum where I kept a diary of the recording process: http://touchstone.darkbb.com. If you are not inteested - join it anyway. It's free.
John then mixes with his Mitchell magic, and then off we go to Tim Turan for his mastering wizardry. Then off to CD production, with Adam’s amazing artwork, and hey presto – one CD.
Just one thing, though, the sound you get really is ‘the band’ sound. Everyone chips in suggestions, ideas, arrangements, so what you hear really is a result of everyone’s hard work. Adam and I are the main writers, but the end product goes through a rigorous process before it is ready for the listening public. I especially appreciate Moo's devastating honesty - he is a natural arranger; a brilliant sounding board, and helps us all see the wood for the trees.
5. Differences of Touring UK & USA?
Takes a tad longer to get to the US. But seriously…I think we in the UK are a naturally more ‘conservative’ nation. ‘Cool’ Britannia. Nothing wrong with that – some may argue we are more discerning, but in the USA – they just seem more enthusiastic - and buy merchandise – which is a band’s lifeblood! We sold out at RosFest – everything went. Amazing… But – really – we love touring - UK, USA - you name it. Period. The fans we have built up, and the awesome reaction we get - well, they are superb across the board, and we are mightily humbled. Music should cross boundaries; rise above prejudices and connect people - I hope ours goes someway towards doing that.
6. New live cd launch...title , tracks , where the recordings were taken from?
The Live in the USA album is presently being mixed by John Mitchell. Tracks are chosen and are from both the RosFest (May 2009) and Calprog (October 2009) gigs. Mastering is booked for early June. 16th July launch is probably the earliest anyone outside the band will see what tracks, I'm afraid.
7. Your thoughts on High VoltageFestival and hopefully for me a nationwide UK tour
When we were asked late last year to open High Voltage’s prog stage on the Saturday 24th July, we were frankly bowled over – absolutely delighted to have been asked. It is a tremendous opportunity for the band, and we can't wait to get up there.
There is no UK tour planned at the moment, but we have some dates in the UK which we hope will keep our fellow Brits happy. We are mindful of Scotland, though - we really must get up there. We are also mindful that we have not done Europe, yet, so we are investigating options for a European tour of some sort at the moment – watch this space…
8. Touring USA and beyond?
Well, we would love to do the USA again; Europe, as mentioned, and in fact, Japan would be awesome. If anyone wants to get in touch to offer us a gig out there, or US or EU - feel free to drop us a line at info@touchstonemusic.co.uk.
9.When is there going to be any New Material?
It is in the course of being written. Adam and I have loads of ideas (and indeed plenty left over from the last two albums), and Kim and I recently met to work on one of her song ideas. We are going to get a new track written for our 3rd September showcase at the Borderline, so do get along, people. (Fanzeyeview will be attending) We expect next studio album to be out Summer next year.
10. New drummer situation...any news?
I just want to doff a cap in Al's direction first - he lifted our drum sound and gave it that full on power sound we were after. I hope he goes from strength to strength.
We have had a loads of applications from some superb drummers – an embarrassment of riches, to be honest – so we are not going to rush this. In the meantime, our great chum, Henry Rogers, is standing in. We will be auditioning after High Voltage for the permanent role.
11. What song in musical history would you like to have written
Afterglow by Genesis - simple, epic, grand. Well done, Mr Banks, sir.
12. What band would you have most liked to have been a member of?
Difficult question - but I would plump for Genesis.
Thanks for the questions Roger
I would like to thank whole heartedly Rob Cottingham for his time and wonderfully concise answers to the questions posed by myself.
Go out and see this band they are quite excellant live and the cd's are very good as well. You just might be surprised at what talent this country produces musically.
See you at St Albans & The Borderline for Touchstone - live
Support live music!!!!!!!!