Stuck Mojo

Rock Sound caught up with Stuck Mojo‘s axeman Rich Ward for the lowdown on their new album ‘The Great Revival‘…

Posted Wednesday, 26 November 2008 in

Rock Sound caught up with Stuck Mojo‘s axeman Rich Ward for the lowdown on their new album ‘The Great Revival‘…

What were your aims and ambitions when you started writing ‘The Great Revival’? There are clearly some of your most commercially-tinged songs on offer here, as well as some of your heaviest too.

“I never go into the writing process with an idea of how a song or a record should sound. All of the song ideas start with a riff, a chord progression, or a lyric and then develop organically from there. Some of the songs on ‘The Great Revival‘ came together really quickly and others took weeks to become fully realised. For this album I actually started with 19 song ideas, some really heavy and some much more melodic and experimental. The songs that made the album were the ones that came together by the deadline I had to meet for the release, leaving six or seven great song foundations for the next album. As for being commercial, I have no idea what that even is any more, but if it means that people will like it, then I’m happy.”

When ‘Southern Born Killers’ came out last year it was a global success. To what extent did this surprise you after such a long break?

“I’d say I was more thankful than surprised. The music business is a strange and ever-changing entity that I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand. The goal is always to make records that truly capture who we are as a band, musically and personally. If that music makes a connection with people and, as a result, albums are sold and concert venues are filled with supporters, then we consider that a blessing. The fact that we still had loyal supporters showing us love after a seven-year hiatus was something that I am so honoured and humbled by.”

One of the album tracks – ‘15 Minutes’ – appears to be something of a dig at bands who want the fast buck over the hard work ethic, is Rock Sound correct?

“It’s more of a dig at the Pop Idol TV show culture we live in. The culture where the pursuit of instant fame is the focus, with no regard for creativity, commitment to hard work or the process of actually making music. I have 10 times more respect for a young band that lamely try to jump on the hottest trend, than I do for someone who dreams of hitting the big time and hasn’t even committed the time to learn an instrument or take vocal lessons.”

Please tell us about some of the other songs and the inspiration behind them on this record.

“All of the songs on the album are about life. No politics, just the joys, the struggles and the journey we take along the way. ‘The Flood’ is heaviest and the darkest track on the album, praying for the rains to clean our wounds. ‘Now That You’re All Alone’ is a song about self-destruction and about creating a world of isolation and loneliness. ‘Friends’ is a song that celebrates the joys of family and friendship. The record has some real extremes and is honestly the most dynamic record we have ever done.”

Bringing in a new frontman – Lord Nelson – how much do you credit the dude on giving the band a new lease of life?

“One hundred per cent. He has an amazingly positive attitude that is just so contagious. Then there is his creative side which is equally amazing. The collective writing experience was something that I did not enjoy until Lord came into the band. Making records has never been this inspiring or this much fun.”

Mr Nelson is 6ft5 stature – how intimidating is he for fans when they meet him or is he a gentle giant?

“There’s a moment when everyone that meets him pauses to say, ‘Holly Shit! That Guy’s Massive’. After a smile and a word or two the big man reveals his true gentle giant nature. He is as kind and as cool as they come, but I still wouldn’t piss him off!”

Napalm, the band’s new label, is more of a straight ahead / dark metal label – it seems something of an unusual choice…

“So did Century Media when we signed with them in 94. It seems so natural for us to be on a label where we are the red-headed stepchild!”

‘The Great Revival’ is out now on Napalm.