Using diverse musical forms ranging from pop songs to prog epics, from ballads to comedy moments, from dance to new millennium psychedelia Those Men have addressed these issues in a number of recordings and videos stretching over four decades.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Those Men about the music, technology, adapting during lock downs and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
We’re from Hadleigh,Benfleet, UK. We are a Progessive Art Pop project
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
We’ve been together since 1996 and have produced an array of albums working in the ‘concept’ area of music.( see our bio). We have both always been influenced by Prog stuff; initially marrying up through a joint admiration for early Genesis. We both like traditional song structures as well as more surreal tributaries off this and this is something we try to maintain in our music.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
Our latest project is called ‘Fecundness’ and it is a set of twelve songs loosely based around the energy of a river and its associated elements of growth. Rebirth,cyclical natures, moisture, movement, purity, clarity,rural life, green etc. The album has a pastoral feel with an ear to melody and acoustic rhythms and tones. It is being released through the ‘Minds Behind The Music ‘ record label Minds Behind the Music Records
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
Art and creation come to the fore in adversity. The energy has to flow somewhere. When we couldn’t physically meet we exchanged ideas over the Internet. Vocals flying here; guitar parts flying there. Our collaboration has stretched over four decades so we musically know each other very well. We can adapt and did. This is where ‘Fecundness’ came from
What was the last song you listened to?
Mark- ‘Silly Love Songs’ -Wings
Martin- ‘Say You Don’t Mind’- Colin Blunstone version
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Anything . The Song is The One.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Yes.
Laugh,light,round and slow
This is the way we all should go
