Northern Irish rock band The Answer are set to go on tour with The Dead Daisies in November starting at Aberdeen’s Lemon Tree on 12th November. The lads are set to release their new album Solas on 28th October via Napalm Records. Cormac Neeson – Vocals, Paul Mahon – Guitar, Michael Waters – Bass and James Heatley – Drums. You can check out the title track from the upcoming album below!
We managed to catch up with The Answer about their latest release, new album, fans and more!
How has the release of Solas single gone?
It’s going great – we’re thrilled with the new video which is the first time we’ve gone with a narrative video rather than having us in it. The director (Dermot Faloon @ Streetmonkey) came up with an idea that was a cross between Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man and True Dectective and it came together really well. It premiered on Loudwire in the UK, Classic Rock in Germany and Radio Metal in France so fingers crossed for a good reaction!
How pumped are you for the album itself?
Very much so. The making of this record has been a completely different approach for us – we have introduced more Celtic style arrangements / sounds as well as trying experimental samples and some electronic sound scaping.
Is this any different to your previous previous releases?
Yes for all the reasons above!! We will also try to bring a new dimension to our live show which kicks off in Aberdeen on Nov 12th as we feel it’s important to try to deliver a live emotional connection to the new approach that represents the record.
What song are you most proud off the new album?
Solas and Thief Of Light. I came up with the original Solas chorus idea / groove so it’s great to see it evolve into something that we’re all very proud of.
How much effort was put in to this album?
We work ourselves into the ground on every album and the same on this one. The one big difference this time was we recorded everything ourselves in our rehearsal room. We turned it into a mini studio and it allowed us much more flexibility to experiment and try out different ideas. Our producers (Andy & Avril) would fly over from London to spend time with us, then go back again and leave us to it. We would send files back and forth and build up new arrangements and ideas. It was liberating but very time consuming!!
How pumped are you for going tour in November with The Dead Daisies Can’t wait to get out on the Solas tour and very much looking forward to having The Dead Daisies join us.
What venue are you most looking forward to playing?
All of them but Aberdeen because it’s the first one where we get to play a new show and of course Glasgow and London are always great!
How much does your fans mean to you guys?
Well without them we’d be fucked!! We appreciate everyone who listens to our music and comes to our gigs.
What has been your favourite moment to date as a band?
Too many to pick one. We’ve toured the world many times and this will be our 6th album in 10 years. It’s just impossible to pick out one favourite moment amongst many. I can tell you that the worst moment was when I broke my wrist playing drums on the AC/DC tour!! I didn’t realise it was fractured and was in massive pain so at the end of every song I had to put my hand into a bucket of ice at the side of my kit just to get through each song. It finally swelled up so big that I had to go to a hospital in Japan!! People think being a drummer is fun and easy 🙂
Tour with The Dead Daisies.
November 12th ABERDEEN Lemon Tree
November 13th GLASGOW Classic Grand
November 14th SHEFFIELD Corporation
November 15th NEWCASTLE Riverside
November 16th HOLMFIRTH Picturedrome
November 18th DONCASTER Diamond Lounge
November 19th BIRMINGHAM Academy 2
November 20th BRIGHTON Concorde 2
November 22nd NORWICH Waterfront
November 23rd LONDON Electric Ballroom