Q and A with Alex Lowe
Former Hurricane 1 front-man, Alex Lowe, has been making solo records for the last few years, but his latest effort, Step Forward All False Prophets, is a real departure for him, as it heralds a new alt-country direction. I had a chat with him about preachers, angels, whores and devils.
Q:Why make a country album?
A:I have always been into that country style - I like Dylan, Tom Petty, Gram Parsons, Jayhawks, Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, Sonvolt. I always wanted to make an acoustic album and I am glad I have finally got the chance to do this. I didn't have a chance in hell when I was with Hurricane 1 to really do what I always wanted to do. I don't think it's country as such, but I do think it's quite alternative, as the lyrics are mostly based on strange events. I am really proud of the lyrics - they're my best yet.
Q: What influenced the album?
Dylan - for sure! I have always liked Dylan, but over the past few months I have dug deep and found out more about him. While I was making the new album, all I listened to was Dylan and Tom Petty. My favourite Dylan song is A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall - amazing.
Q: Are you a fan of Johnny Cash?
A: There are no words to describe the man - he was a total rock 'n' roll icon. He was a dirty angel - that's the way I describe him!
Q: Tell me about some of the stories behind the songs.
A: It's funny, but if you listen to the album there is a very spiritual nature about the whole thing. I am not a religious person at all, but there is a sense of a higher being in these songs. They're all to do with angels, preachers, whores, saving people, gunfights and the Devil! I wrote the whole album in five days - I was on a roll.
Q: Are you pleased with the album?
A:I'm very pleased I just want people to hear it. I don't care if it sells or not - I just want one person to love it. Let's hope it's not a lost classic - I don't want to turn into a Nick Drake type person. That would be a bummer!
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