The Church – The Hypnogogue

By starrymag | January 31, 2023

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

Q) Talk about the story concept behind these tracks for this new concept album Hypnogogue because the dystopian angle seems perfect for the current state of the world. 

A) It is a concept album, but the listener can engage with that as much or as little as you want. That is, you don’t have to even really think about it if concept albums ain’t your cup of tea. The concept is a burnt out future rocker using a weird machine to help him create music.

The machine is the Hypnogogue, which is part mechanical part vegetal and part occult. The rocker (Eros Zeta) falls in love with the Hypnogogue’s inventor, and it all goes horribly wrong!

That’s basically it! Easy, eh? Nothing spelt out too much but there are little guides in the album notes to help the listener understand what is happening.

 

Q) This retro-futuristic sound is a new one for the band, but it also explores sort of your earlier progressive roots. Where did that new sound inspiration come from?

A) We got in a room, and we jammed, and we were open to whatever came down the line. The record wanted to be retro future proggy. The huge contradiction in retro future just implies so much room to explore seeing it’s basically a contradiction in terms.

We just went with that, and it became apparent what the music wanted to be

 

Q) You’ve had success in the industry since the 1980s. Has your method of writing songs changed over the years or is it a case of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it?” 

A) The bands method is still to jam and then I write lyrics over the top once those jams become more organized. So, yes, same method since 1986. Before that it was just me writing everything.

 

Q) This idea of a concept album is one that was very popular in the ’70s with bands like Pink Floyd and The Who, and like all things fashionable, they’re back in style again. What made you want to take this new album in that direction when the corporate music industry seems focused on cranking out single hits and not entire albums? 

A) The corporate music industry and The Church have long since gone their separate ways. So, we can do whatever we like and no one to tell us not to. A great position to be in.

 

Q) From the opening strum of the tinny guitar in the single “C’est La Vie” I knew I was listening to an old friend who had evolved. As a fan it excited me, but if listeners are looking for a sequel to “Under the Milky Way” they better broaden their musical minds a bit. What track(s) on the album hold a special significance for you and what makes them so close to your heart?

A) Yeah, nothing really like “Under the Milky Way.” [laughs]

I love the title track. It’s complexity and density. I love “Antarctica,” too. It’s three songs in one and it feels like an anthem. And I like the romance in “No Other You,” which is kinda a future glam anthem.

 

Q) What do you hope fans and listeners of this new album Hypnogogue take from it?

A) I hope they are just bloody well entertained and turned on. It’s a journey. It’s a vague story. It’s sad but it’s fun, too. I hope they enjoy the pulsating drums and bass and that they dig our three-guitar attack!

 

Q) The Church joined other popular post-punk modern progressive bands made famous in the ’70s- ’80s for a tour in 2021. You were joined by fellow music legends, Morrissey, Blondie, Bauhaus, Devo and Public Image Ltd., among others. What was that reunion of talents and personalities like? Do you have any behind-the-scenes stories from that tour you could share? 

A) It was great to play with all those luminaries. Some damn good bands on that bill. Not a lot to report backstage but no bad attitudes either.

 

Q) Nostalgia rock is so hot right now. The younger generation appreciates the past when it comes to art and pop culture. What are your thoughts on this resurgence of the past when it comes to your music?

A) I love nostalgia if we get re-embraced, but we are not making nostalgic music.

We just move into the future doing what we know best and hope the zeitgeist will coincide with that.

 

Q) Are there any musicians, producers or bands who you would love to collab with on future projects-whether that’s in the studio or on tour?

A) At the moment, no one I’m desperate to work with. But we are open to offers if someone out there has got something in mind. We are pretty self-contained.

 

Q) With the rise in crowdfunding, SoundCloud and streaming apps it seems easier than ever to get your music out there. Do you think things are better for musicians today than they were when you started or is it a bit harder to capture listeners in an overcrowded landscape?

A) Obviously it’s easier to make music but much harder to get it heard. The demise of the record companies was not all good. Soundcloud is great but there’s a lotta stuff to Wade thru to find the gems.

 

Q) What’s next for the band, Steve? Are you looking at a tour that could possibly make it to the states?

A) We will be in the states in March and April 23.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans who have followed The Church from ’84 until today?

A) We love ya baby!!!

 

 

All Questions Answered By Steve Kilbey