INTERVIEW: DAN CROLL

Exciting times are on the horizon for UK's Dan Croll. After a couple singles, and stint with indie-pop band Eye Emma Jedi, Dan Croll has released his latest single, "From Nowhere", in anticipation of his new album, due out sometime in 2013. We were given the opportunity to ask Dan some questions about his latest album, his recording process and what the future looks like for him. Hit the jump to hear what Dan had to say.

First off, we'd like to say that we love the new track, we're extremely excited for the record to come out next year. Second, thank you for taking the time to answer some of our questions. We know you must be busy with show dates and the new album, and we really appreciate your time. Off we go...

We hear you've recorded "From Nowhere" in an old primary school gym? Did being around a school add to the playfulness of this track? Was it this, or some other reason for why you chose to record there?

Recording in the school there was an amazing atmosphere and overall vibe, and it definitely added to the track. Right next to the studio corner we had a badminton court set-up so that we could distance ourselves from recording at tough times and reintroduce some fun and good vibes.

If you listen really closely you should be able to hear some trainer squeaks, shuttlecock hits, and child-like laughter.
 
You have been working with Joe Wills, who has produced music for some of the acts that we've showcased on our site, what's it like working with him? Can you tell us about the collaborating that goes on while producing/mixing your songs?

It’s a massive pain, I cant escape from that guy, we’ve studied together, Lived together for the past 3 years, been in three of the same bands together, and now he plays guitar and produces for me. Absolute nightmare.

Naahhh, we’re like brothers, and he’s an incredibly talented guy who’s going to go far with his producing.

When we record I usually bring my ideas and demo’s forward and then we get straight in to laying them down, whilst a long the way Joe always surprises me with some of his wild influences that we always combine with my influences to create a good Idea of the direction we’ll take the track in.
 
"From Nowhere" seems fairly different from the other two tracks that you have released online. This track seems to rely a little more heavily on electronic sounds than "Marion" and "Home". What was the process like of transitioning "From Nowhere" from being a studio recorded track to a live performance? And what are your thoughts about the dichotomy of the studio and the stage?

‘Home’ and ‘Marion’ were released online over a year ago, during that time since then I’ve really indulged in a lot of new music and genre’s, and I think ‘From Nowhere’ is the outcome of that.

‘Home’ and ‘Marion’ were also recorded in my flat, back when myself and Joe had our basic recording equipment and acoustic instruments. But since then, and with thanks to Ebay, we’ve really built up our equipment, and invested in different instruments, both electronic and acoustic.

I feel like I’ve got a good Idea of what I’m sonically aiming for, and I’m working hard to tie these older songs together with the newer ones.

A few weeks ago was your last stint as bassist for the band Eye Emma Jedi. What did you take away from your time with the band? How has it/will it influence your next record?
 
I took away a lot of Hangovers and Dirty Washing…

I had an amazing year playing for those guys, and I’m really sad to have to leave, but my solo music now requires my full attention.

The Eye Emma Jedi Members all really knew how to have a good time and enjoy every minute of playing together, which at the end of the day is what its all about, so I took away a lot of positive vibes and good memories which will go on to fuel all my future recordings.

We know the expected release date for your new record will be next year, how is it coming along? Can you tell us a bit about your writing process? Are you planning on releasing any more tracks before the album is out?

It’s coming a long well, I’ve just been trying to revisit old demos and finish them off as well as starting new songs from fresh.

Most of my songs start from a new piece of equipment, a new instrument, or unfamiliar surroundings. ‘From Nowhere’ was written when I got a new organ for £5 of ebay and had just moved in to the school.

So I’ve moved down to London for a month to be in completely new surroundings and around some pretty rare instruments that will hopefully spark some creativity.

So far I’ve taken quite a big liking to the studios vibraphone.

I’m hoping to release another single or two before the album comes out!
 
Can we expect you to be touring on this side of the pond after your album is released?

I sure hope so!

What have you been listening to lately? Do you tend to fall back on music you know while focusing on your own? What are some new bands that you've either toured with or that you've simply been listening to that you think we should know about?

I’m constantly listening to music, I think doing so really helps me to take a step back from my own music to see how I can improve it or take it further.

This week I’ve been listening to…

• New Dirty Projectors Album [Swing Lo Magellan] (‘Dance for you’ is a personal favorite)
• New Grizzly Bear Album [Shields] (‘Sun in your eyes’ is a mind blowing track)
• Kate Bush’s ‘Babooshka’ and ‘Wuthering Heights’ have been coming on my ipod shuffle quite frequently, two insane choruses.
• A Japanese instrumental band called ‘Toe’, and the debut album ‘The Book About My Idle Plot on a Vague Anxiety’
• New Lianne La Havas Album [Is Your Love Big Enough?] (‘Au Cinéma’ is a personal favorite)
• And Connan Mockasin ‘Its Choade My Dear’ and ‘Forever Dolphin Love’

And lastly, can any of us hope to have a moustache as great as Mikhael Paskalev's?

No, Give up all hope.

Dan Croll's single, "From Nowhere" will be out on September 24. It can be pre-ordered through Piccadilly Records. The album artwork was done by Leif Podhajsky. And, if you're lucky enough to be in the UK on October 20, you can catch Dan at Gathering Festival in Oxford. Check out the two videos below to watch a couple of live performances of  "Home" and "Marion"