Band of the Week: Windmill

For me there is something pure and innocent about the memories of my childhood. This is especially true of the thoughts and visions that quickly come to the surface. I have to really focus on my past to find something negative floating around. I'm convinced that forming memories is primary purpose of youth, and on his sophomore album as Windmill Matthew Dillon uses these memories as a driving force. The setting is Epcot Center, but it is more about the mystical nature of space travel and fantasy in general. It is a magical journey through both space and time.

Musically, Windmill combines moments of instrumental grandeur with gentle and thoughtful bedroom recordings. Epcot Starfields will be released by Friendly Fire Recordings on September 15th, but recently Matthew Dillon was kind enough to answer a few of my questions.

Orange Alert (OA): Epcot Starfields is album based on childhood memories, but explores so much more. How long have you wanting to make an album like this, and do you feel you captured what you set out to capture?
Matthew Dillon (MD): This is the first time I have actually written an album. "Puddle City Racing Lights" just happened to be a collection of songs that marked my return to songwriting and that fell in to the hands of a record company.

After that album came out I knew that I didn't want to begin writing until I had a concept. Most of the issues in this album are themes that I have felt come to the forefront of my mind as I have made the transition into adulthood. Subconscious images that evoke moments that I realise are important to hang on to. I also believe I am drawing on a past consciousness of existing on a space station.

Windmill "Big Boom" from friendly fire recordings on Vimeo.

OA: I love the video for Big Boom, but I had picture more of a video of you floating through exploding stars. Why did you choose to shoot the video they way you did?
MD: The video was initially going to be digital animation. I had a hard time making the video for "Fit" and a lovely experience with the "Tokyo Moon" video, because I didn't have to do anything! I had resigned myself to never personally appearing in another video. Then, suddenly I am stood there with the director of that same "Fit" video and I am wearing a space suit and it's the hottest day of the year. The boss of the UK label actually came up with the idea. Then, the director, Rupert Noble really excelled himself by organizing the cheer leaders, flag wavers, UFO holders etc. Everyone appeared out of kindness. It worked out well and should be viewed as a celebration of the opportunity to rediscover the impossibility and greatness of the existence we lead.

OA: The recording process of Windmill as a band sounds somewhat unique. This album began with you alone crafting songs from memories and other influences. At what stage does Tommy Heap come in and what does he add to the sound of Windmill?
MD: With "Puddle City Racing Lights" the process was to re-record songs that had already been around for a while. As proud of that record as I am, I think the first time you record a song it as a magic that cannot be recaptured. That was my aim for "Epcot Starfields" . Most of this record has recordings of songs that are being played for the first time. To balance that essence but still have something that felt polished was a real challenge. I put my faith that at the end of my recording process I would be able to take what I had to Tom Knott, who co-produced the first album. Tom knew nothing of what I had been recording at home and I was definitely nervous brining it to him.

I recorded all my piano, vocals at home. We recorded the cello at home too. The drums and bass were recorded in the studio.

OA: Friendly Fire is really a thriving label these days, what has your experience been like with them?
MD: I would say that it is very strange that people you have never met put out your records. You have to put a lot of trust in them, that they understand the work you are doing. They always approach my work with an enthusiasm. For someone like me, who isn't entirely sure what they are doing is worthwhile, that enthusiasm is everything.

OA: It has been so long since I have seen Tron, how does that movie fit into the theme of album and what did you pull from it?
MD: Sometimes you will see things people have created and imagery will match that which already exists in your mind. I get a lot of comfort in thinking what is going on in my head is also going on in somebody else's. I get that with Tron. I also feel an infinity with 70's technology. Archived media of computers and monorails, robots and digital signs.

OA: What's next for Windmill?
MD: We will be touring "Epcot Starfields" a fair bit. Hopefully I will feel inspired to start writing again. In the meantime I will continue to struggle with our existence and the big questions that get bigger and harder to understand as the years role by.

Bonus Questions:

OA: If you could sit down to coffee with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be?
MD: Morehei Ueshiba.

OA: What was the last great book you have read?
MD: Street Fighter 4: Hints and tips.

For more information on Windmill please visit their website.