Interview with
Tom Shear (Assemblage 23)
With the single ‘Spark’, Tom Shear aka ASSEMBLAGE 23 already has released a strong harbinger for the upcoming new album ‘Compass’. We we’ve heard beyond that made us very curious about the record and asked Tom a few questions about it.
Reflections of Darkness (RoD): When did you start tossing with the first ideas for a new album?
Tom: Probably not that long after I finished the previous one. I’m always sketching out song ideas, so that process never really stops.
RoD: How long did it take from the first idea until the album was finished?
Tom: Technically speaking, a couple years since that’s the time between the previous album and Compass, but the real dedicated hard work of fleshing everything out into full arrangements took place mostly in a 6 month period.
RoD: ‘Compass’ is the name of your new album and it’s an interesting title. What’s the intention behind choosing this title for the album?
Tom: I just liked the connotation of it as an analogy for finding direction in one’s life.
RoD: Are the tracks in some way connected to each, that is, do they have some kind of overall theme or is each one standing on its own and tells a different story?
Tom: No, it’s not a concept album.
RoD: There will be two different versions of the album once it’s out and the limited edition is said to feature different artwork. In which way is it differing from the one of the normal edition?
Tom: The artwork is different, the booklet is expanded, and there’s an extra CD with some remixes and exclusive tracks.
RoD: Speaking of the artwork: Who’s responsible for putting together the artwork for ‘Compass’?
Tom: I worked again with User who also did the covers for Storm and Meta. He’s exceptionally talented and we have a lot of the same tastes, so it makes him very easy to work with.
RoD: How much value do you place on the artwork in a time where a decent
packaging and optical presentation too often is sacrificed for a better production, whereas I don’t want to say a good production isn’t important, but is it really more important than anything else?Tom: Obviously, I think a slick looking package can certainly help, but now that everyone is downloading their music, I’m afraid that aspect isn’t as important to a lot of fans as it used to. I think that’s a shame.
RoD: Back to the limited edition once more. It will have a second CD filled with additional new tracks and remixes. Why is it that the new songs didn’t make the album, because I think especially such tracks as ‘Alone again’ and ‘Chosen’ are really strong material?
Tom: Thanks! When I’m doing a b-side or a bonus track, I never think “Well, this is just a b-side, so I don’t have to try as hard.” I always try to make any track I do, regardless of where it is going to end up, a decent track. Obviously, different people have differing tastes, but I put the same effort into those tracks as I do an album track. Of course you want to give the listener some incentive to actually WANT the deluxe edition, so it helps to make those songs good ones.
RoD: ’Smoke’ starts the album with a rather “traditional”, clean and danceable song while ‘Collapse’ is kind of an edgy, gritty effort. Was it about the contrasts when you chose these two songs to be the first two people would hear?
Tom: Not necessarily. I just think Compass is an album where every song sort of has its own feel to it. There would’ve been a contrast no matter what songs I put together.
RoD: The lyrics in ‘How Can You Sleep’ seem to bear autobiographical traits is it
about someone you personally had bad experiences with?Tom: The song started in a totally different way than it ended up. It started after a conversation I had with someone where they revealed what I felt were some pretty appalling views of the world. That gave me the title. But as the song developed, it became more about a hybrid of lots of people I had met in life who were incredibly selfish.
RoD: What is this spark among the embers you’re singing about in ‘Spark’? Is it hope?
Tom: Hope… Willpower. Whatever drives you and keeps you going in difficult situations.
RoD: A new album release always gives rise to the question about how it will be presented live. Is there anything special you’ve planned for the shows?
Tom: I’m not really a fan of gimmicky shows. I just like to hear the material presented with enthusiasm and to have a good time, so that’s what we’re after with the new tour.
RoD: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Tom: Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years. Hope you like the new album!
RoD: Thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions.
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