Daylight Robbery are back after a 3-year period with their new, second, full-length album. The band seems to have matured and worked more on its sound and songs, since “Falling Back to Earth” is better and more updated in every part. Grande Rock contacted the band’s vocalist Tony Nicholl to chat about the new album, the line-up changes, the sound and lots more…
Hi Tony… back to the scene 3 years after your debut album. What happened in the meantime? Did you have in mind to release your sophomore album sooner or not?
T: I think these things just happen when the time is right as we had to make a couple of line-up changes which are never easy but sometimes necessary and changes can delay the writing process but once we had Dave and Chris on board the whole thing came together pretty quickly so album three should be easier.
What about the two new members… the keyboardist David Billingham and the drummer Chris Miller? When and how did they come on board?
T: Chris is an old friend we played together in the past so when Chris heard we were looking for a replacement knowing how good he is ,he didn’t even need to audition the job was his ,Dave and I had met on many occasions and I felt he was the perfect man for the job but was unavailable at that time but then a short while later the stars aligned and Dave joined us we now had the band we wanted all heading in the right direction and we are all now really happy.
After your successful debut album, did you feel any pressure or anxiety about the second album?
T: Absolutely! we knew the 1st album was good but there were a few things we thought we maybe could of improved on but time was short so we released it and the feedback was immense so when we started writing “Falling Back to Earth” in one sense we felt the pressure but on the other felt that this time we can really shine and do all the things we wanted to do on this album.
What are the new elements that you introduce with “Falling Back to Earth”?
T: I think better writing as we had time to really construct the songs this time and I think that shows, we produced the album ourselves so we had time to play around with the arrangements. Dave has brought a much bigger more dramatic vibe to the keys. Colin and Chris are really tight on this album and Mark shines on guitar so I think it all really works.
If I can recall, the video for “Samarah Never Sleeps” was released almost a year ago. Was the album ready at that time? Were you still recording it? Did you want to meet some special criteria before its release?
T: The video or single “Samarah Never Sleeps” is not the version that appears on the album as this was recorded separately from the album and mixed by our good friend Alex Cooper at Asylum Studios in Birmingham. I think the urgency with this single was that we were well aware that people tend to forget you and move on in this business so we wanted to put something out there for people to be aware we had something new coming down the line very soon.
Which were those things and situations which inspired you to write the lyrics and the music for “Falling Back to Earth”?
T: Every song on this album is about someone something or some experience or thoughts on a subject really. So much so that we have been asked if it is a concept album and on play back we all understood why. The world at the moment is in a crazy state “worst of times best of times”. I must remember that good title for an album! Lol! So yes every song tells its only little story and we hope people like what the songs say to them.
So do give us a small hint about each track…
T: “Enter the Arena”: Welcome back to earth…
“Scream out Loud”: The whole world united against evil…
“I’ll Be Seeing You”: Love and loss and the hurt you feel…
“Samarah Never Sleeps”: A ghost story someone wronged who won’t forget…
“Paradise is Lost”: A 20th century wizard with the answer to poverty who is owned by the bankers!
“Fallen Star”: A song for all of the stars who we create and then destroy for entertainment…
“Redlights”: A race against time to be with someone you know is bad for you yet you still have to be with them.
“Hungry Years”: Two people who lost the fire somewhere along the way and the memory of the love they had…
“Between the Lines”: A missed chance at love someone who was always there for you and you never saw it.
“Running out of Time”: Humanity needs to wake up to the system that steels its wealth and creates enemies to fear, which they use divide and rule and creates wars for profit before we are out of time.
Given the chance, what does the title “Falling Back to Earth” declare?
T: The title was based on our decision to start the writing and recording process all over again as we had a great time after the release of the 1st album such as shows with Uriah Heep and HRH AOR with Tesla, Danny Vaughn and other festivals etc. before we knew it a couple of years had passed and this really dawned on us just how fast time flies when you are having a great time so falling back to earth is really how we felt as we had songs but needed to focus and get back in the studio.
Who is the little girl (if I’m not wrong) which participates in “Fallen Star”? I find the whole idea very smart.
T: That is Marks daughter Kya who did a brilliant job, also on that track you will find Colin’s children Max & Cameron who also make the song very cool indeed.
The sound is also updated and much better on your new album. Choosing to work with Sheena Shea (Magnum, Robert Plant, TNT, etc.) on the album’s mixing was a fine idea, judging by the final result, right? Of course, the band deserves our kudos for delivering such a great production too.
T: Yes, we thought long and hard who would mix the album this time as I mentioned earlier on the debut album there were things we felt we could of improved so for us once we had produced the tracks to mix Sheana came in at no1 as her record of artists she has worked with speaks for itself.
What happened with the labels? Why did you decide to release your second album through your own label this time? The first album was released independently. Didn’t you find any good contract or conditions around?
T: A very good question, our belief is simply this… just because you have no big label behind you this should not stop you from producing music, the reality is our first album sold very well otherwise we would not have been able to raise the bar and produce such a great album this time and afford some like Sheana to mix it, so if you find yourself keep knocking and the big boys don’t hear you then do it by yourself and all the guys would agree we are proud we have been able to create Solar Flare and release this album on it.
Is there any difference to have your own label and release the albums instead of putting them out independently? Meaning that apart from the music you got to deal with a lot of other things as well. Would you consider being part of some label if the deal is fine for you?
T: The business has changed incredibly over the last 15 years and of course being signed to a label has its advantages especially with distribution but we have overcome this we have worldwide distribution through Code 7 and we have been contacted from Germany, Italy and Japan from sellers who want to stock the album so as I said earlier don’t let the fact you are not signed stop you from making music.
T: I think these things just happen when the time is right as we had to make a couple of line-up changes which are never easy but sometimes necessary and changes can delay the writing process but once we had Dave and Chris on board the whole thing came together pretty quickly so album three should be easier.
What about the two new members… the keyboardist David Billingham and the drummer Chris Miller? When and how did they come on board?
T: Chris is an old friend we played together in the past so when Chris heard we were looking for a replacement knowing how good he is ,he didn’t even need to audition the job was his ,Dave and I had met on many occasions and I felt he was the perfect man for the job but was unavailable at that time but then a short while later the stars aligned and Dave joined us we now had the band we wanted all heading in the right direction and we are all now really happy.
After your successful debut album, did you feel any pressure or anxiety about the second album?
T: Absolutely! we knew the 1st album was good but there were a few things we thought we maybe could of improved on but time was short so we released it and the feedback was immense so when we started writing “Falling Back to Earth” in one sense we felt the pressure but on the other felt that this time we can really shine and do all the things we wanted to do on this album.
What are the new elements that you introduce with “Falling Back to Earth”?
T: I think better writing as we had time to really construct the songs this time and I think that shows, we produced the album ourselves so we had time to play around with the arrangements. Dave has brought a much bigger more dramatic vibe to the keys. Colin and Chris are really tight on this album and Mark shines on guitar so I think it all really works.
If I can recall, the video for “Samarah Never Sleeps” was released almost a year ago. Was the album ready at that time? Were you still recording it? Did you want to meet some special criteria before its release?
T: The video or single “Samarah Never Sleeps” is not the version that appears on the album as this was recorded separately from the album and mixed by our good friend Alex Cooper at Asylum Studios in Birmingham. I think the urgency with this single was that we were well aware that people tend to forget you and move on in this business so we wanted to put something out there for people to be aware we had something new coming down the line very soon.
Which were those things and situations which inspired you to write the lyrics and the music for “Falling Back to Earth”?
T: Every song on this album is about someone something or some experience or thoughts on a subject really. So much so that we have been asked if it is a concept album and on play back we all understood why. The world at the moment is in a crazy state “worst of times best of times”. I must remember that good title for an album! Lol! So yes every song tells its only little story and we hope people like what the songs say to them.
So do give us a small hint about each track…
T: “Enter the Arena”: Welcome back to earth…
“Scream out Loud”: The whole world united against evil…
“I’ll Be Seeing You”: Love and loss and the hurt you feel…
“Samarah Never Sleeps”: A ghost story someone wronged who won’t forget…
“Paradise is Lost”: A 20th century wizard with the answer to poverty who is owned by the bankers!
“Fallen Star”: A song for all of the stars who we create and then destroy for entertainment…
“Redlights”: A race against time to be with someone you know is bad for you yet you still have to be with them.
“Hungry Years”: Two people who lost the fire somewhere along the way and the memory of the love they had…
“Between the Lines”: A missed chance at love someone who was always there for you and you never saw it.
“Running out of Time”: Humanity needs to wake up to the system that steels its wealth and creates enemies to fear, which they use divide and rule and creates wars for profit before we are out of time.
Given the chance, what does the title “Falling Back to Earth” declare?
T: The title was based on our decision to start the writing and recording process all over again as we had a great time after the release of the 1st album such as shows with Uriah Heep and HRH AOR with Tesla, Danny Vaughn and other festivals etc. before we knew it a couple of years had passed and this really dawned on us just how fast time flies when you are having a great time so falling back to earth is really how we felt as we had songs but needed to focus and get back in the studio.
Who is the little girl (if I’m not wrong) which participates in “Fallen Star”? I find the whole idea very smart.
T: That is Marks daughter Kya who did a brilliant job, also on that track you will find Colin’s children Max & Cameron who also make the song very cool indeed.
The sound is also updated and much better on your new album. Choosing to work with Sheena Shea (Magnum, Robert Plant, TNT, etc.) on the album’s mixing was a fine idea, judging by the final result, right? Of course, the band deserves our kudos for delivering such a great production too.
T: Yes, we thought long and hard who would mix the album this time as I mentioned earlier on the debut album there were things we felt we could of improved so for us once we had produced the tracks to mix Sheana came in at no1 as her record of artists she has worked with speaks for itself.
What happened with the labels? Why did you decide to release your second album through your own label this time? The first album was released independently. Didn’t you find any good contract or conditions around?
T: A very good question, our belief is simply this… just because you have no big label behind you this should not stop you from producing music, the reality is our first album sold very well otherwise we would not have been able to raise the bar and produce such a great album this time and afford some like Sheana to mix it, so if you find yourself keep knocking and the big boys don’t hear you then do it by yourself and all the guys would agree we are proud we have been able to create Solar Flare and release this album on it.
Is there any difference to have your own label and release the albums instead of putting them out independently? Meaning that apart from the music you got to deal with a lot of other things as well. Would you consider being part of some label if the deal is fine for you?
T: The business has changed incredibly over the last 15 years and of course being signed to a label has its advantages especially with distribution but we have overcome this we have worldwide distribution through Code 7 and we have been contacted from Germany, Italy and Japan from sellers who want to stock the album so as I said earlier don’t let the fact you are not signed stop you from making music.
What are your further plans to promote “Falling Back to Earth”? Any new video? Any live shows?
T: Live shows ‘yes’… we are playing a series of promotional dates over the next few months and we are also looking at some high profile supports as well a big show for us will be Hard Rock Hell AOR in March of next year. A video yes we are currently discussing a video for “Fallen Star” as the next single from the album. Also radio and magazine interviews etc. The album was reviewed this month in Fireworks Magazine and we have been informed the album has been reviewed in December’s Classic Rock AOR Magazine so all good stuff!
It’s time for our “weird questions”!!! Top 3 rock singers of any era?
T: Geoff Tate – Ronnie James Dio – and new favorite James LaBrie…
3 ballads that can send chills down your spine?
T: “Wasted Time” by Skid Row, “Silent Lucidity” – Queensryche and “Fallen Star” by Daylight Robbery…
Top 3 Horror movies of all time?
T: “Dawn of the Dead” (original and 2004 remake), “The Beyond” (Lucio Fulci) and “The Ring” (Original Japanese and U.S Remake)…
Which is the track you wish you had written and why?
T: There are quite a few most recent would be “Pull Me Under” by Dream Theater. The reason is Mark our guitarist is a big fan of DT but I’d only really heard some of their way out instrumental stuff fortunately this year Daylight Robbery were asked to play Sonisphere and we got to chat and hang out with the Dream Theater guys who were really friendly nice guys so I managed to watch them live as well and was blown away and “Pull Me Under” lyrically I can really relate to.
How do you see the “free downloading issue” of our time?
T: Well Google our album and you will see page after page of download or torrent sites with “Falling Back to Earth” available… what can I say? It’s here and we have to deal with it, there is nothing wrong with trying before you buy but where does the revenue come from to keep producing the music than can be taken for nothing almost makes us feel valueless it’s a real shame but as I say we deal with it.
What do you think about this “Views, tweets & Likes” mania of our time?
T: If I am honest I don’t really know how bands would promote themselves without them I really don’t.
Beloved TV series that you watch this season?
T: Mmmm not a TV fan I tend to buy old comedy box sets and watch those I find television or programming exactly that! Programming Lol!
Which of the Seven Deadly Sins do you reckon is the one, that’s more likely to send you straight to Hell, in the afterlife?
T: I think Greed is what is taking the planet to hell at the moment so I’ll go with greed.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
T: Oooh that’s a hard one I would have to say… “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd as virtually every musician I have met says that album influenced them.
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? J
T: She wouldn’t be my wife/girlfriend no more… lol!!!
Thx for talking to Grande Rock, Tony. Close this interview in your own words… Take care!
T: Cheers Thanos thank you for supporting us with the 1st album and now “Falling Back to Earth”. Thanks to everyone who supports ‘Grande Rock’ and we hope you check us out and take a listen to music we have created and brought to you from the heart love and peace to everyone and have a great Christmas, Tony Nicholl & Daylight Robbery.
T: Live shows ‘yes’… we are playing a series of promotional dates over the next few months and we are also looking at some high profile supports as well a big show for us will be Hard Rock Hell AOR in March of next year. A video yes we are currently discussing a video for “Fallen Star” as the next single from the album. Also radio and magazine interviews etc. The album was reviewed this month in Fireworks Magazine and we have been informed the album has been reviewed in December’s Classic Rock AOR Magazine so all good stuff!
It’s time for our “weird questions”!!! Top 3 rock singers of any era?
T: Geoff Tate – Ronnie James Dio – and new favorite James LaBrie…
3 ballads that can send chills down your spine?
T: “Wasted Time” by Skid Row, “Silent Lucidity” – Queensryche and “Fallen Star” by Daylight Robbery…
Top 3 Horror movies of all time?
T: “Dawn of the Dead” (original and 2004 remake), “The Beyond” (Lucio Fulci) and “The Ring” (Original Japanese and U.S Remake)…
Which is the track you wish you had written and why?
T: There are quite a few most recent would be “Pull Me Under” by Dream Theater. The reason is Mark our guitarist is a big fan of DT but I’d only really heard some of their way out instrumental stuff fortunately this year Daylight Robbery were asked to play Sonisphere and we got to chat and hang out with the Dream Theater guys who were really friendly nice guys so I managed to watch them live as well and was blown away and “Pull Me Under” lyrically I can really relate to.
How do you see the “free downloading issue” of our time?
T: Well Google our album and you will see page after page of download or torrent sites with “Falling Back to Earth” available… what can I say? It’s here and we have to deal with it, there is nothing wrong with trying before you buy but where does the revenue come from to keep producing the music than can be taken for nothing almost makes us feel valueless it’s a real shame but as I say we deal with it.
What do you think about this “Views, tweets & Likes” mania of our time?
T: If I am honest I don’t really know how bands would promote themselves without them I really don’t.
Beloved TV series that you watch this season?
T: Mmmm not a TV fan I tend to buy old comedy box sets and watch those I find television or programming exactly that! Programming Lol!
Which of the Seven Deadly Sins do you reckon is the one, that’s more likely to send you straight to Hell, in the afterlife?
T: I think Greed is what is taking the planet to hell at the moment so I’ll go with greed.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
T: Oooh that’s a hard one I would have to say… “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd as virtually every musician I have met says that album influenced them.
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? J
T: She wouldn’t be my wife/girlfriend no more… lol!!!
Thx for talking to Grande Rock, Tony. Close this interview in your own words… Take care!
T: Cheers Thanos thank you for supporting us with the 1st album and now “Falling Back to Earth”. Thanks to everyone who supports ‘Grande Rock’ and we hope you check us out and take a listen to music we have created and brought to you from the heart love and peace to everyone and have a great Christmas, Tony Nicholl & Daylight Robbery.