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LOBH EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TIM PALMER |
Tim Palmer, producer of Oh! Gravity quickly became a fan favorite as leagues of fans watched the webcam and became attached to this gentleman we so affectionately dubbed 'Ghostie'. Fan nicknames aside, Tim Palmer is the vastly talented producer of some very impressive albums by some very impressive artists, such as U2. LOBH recently talked with Tim Palmer to get the insides story on the making of the Oh! Gravity album, his work and how he REALLY feels about the 'Ghostie' nickname!
Land of Broken Hearts (LOBH): I’m going to start right off with the question that nearly EVERYONE asked! How do you feel about being called Ghostie?
Tim Palmer: I have no problem with 'Ghostie' but I am still not entirely sure why I am called that.
LOBH: You know to be perfectly honest I’m not sure why you are either. I think it had something to do with your quick 'ghostlike' appearances on the old webcam. Speaking of that, what was it like having a web cam in there? Was it awkward?
Tim: Not really. Quite fun actually. But it does make you aware of biting your nails, itching, scratching and some other things I got caught doing !!
LOBH: *laughs* I can imagine! How often did you all read the boards? What was your reaction to some of the posts?
Tim: We looked now and then and found it interesting and sometimes very funny. Some people seem to have a little too much time on their hands to me!
We appreciated all the positive messages.
LOBH: *coughguiltycough* Did Switchfoot ever play pranks on you?
Tim: Not pranks as such, but we had a loads of fun. There were many 'in jokes.' They know when to knuckle down but don't take themselves too seriously.
LOBH: What was it like working with Switchfoot?
Tim: Really a great experience. They really made it an enjoyable experience...I felt like an extra member of the band. We were very democratic about decisions and they were very open to any ideas that I wanted to try (you should have heard our version of 'American Dream' with the 'jazz' pre chorus, that was not one of my better ideas!).
I got to live in Carlsbad for 2 months which was fab...I really would like to live there now. We made the album with all the modern technology at hand, but we were careful how we used it. We wanted this album to be less 'perfect' and more 'human'. I loved the last album but I wanted this one to be a bit more adventurous and daring, a little less slick.
LOBH: What is the overall theme of the album?
Tim: Jon would be able to tell you if there was an overall lyrical theme, but as far as I am concerned I wanted to make a fresh, exciting record and that it would show off the fact that this band are still one of the coolest alternative bands around.
LOBH: Exactly! So how does the music on this album compare to their earlier work?
Tim: Well, I love the last 2 albums but maybe more human, more daring, more excitement?
LOBH: What is your favorite song on the record or what was your favorite song to work on?
Tim: I love 'Oh Gravity'. It was one of those songs that just came together so well. We were all on the same page about what we wanted to achieve and I think we nailed it. I am also very fond of 'Yesterdays. Lyrically that song is going to mean something different to everybody that hears it. It is a positive message but it seems to be dealing with loss at some level. My wife lost her brother to suicide just before we started the album so this song was always very important to me. It has some really old voice loop tricks from the 70's and it has a U2 sort of organic feel. I love the way this song came out.
LOBH: You’ve been a producer for a long time...do you enjoy your work?
Tim: I think I have a fabulous job. It is not always as much fun as this album, but when you get a great bunch of people together who are talented, then the possibilities for great fun and making great music are endless.
LOBH: What got you into producing?
Tim: I got into producing because I wanted to get into music somehow, some way. First, I was in bands and soon realized I wasn't the best singer or guitarist, but I really enjoyed the process. I decided to get behind the other side of the glass and that is where I stayed.
LOBH: Where do you go for inspiration for your work?
Tim: I get inspiration by listening to and enjoying music. It is still my hobby!
LOBH: Who are some of your favorite artists?
Tim: Led Zep, Beatles, The Clash, Sigur Ros, Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, Kate Bush, Danny Kaye, The Jam, David Bowie, Prince, Radiohead. There are so many, I could just keep typing. At the moment I am enjoying MEW.
LOBH: Any tips for aspiring producers?
Tim: Just to persevere and keep at it. Making music is something quite a lot of people would love to do, so obviously there is a lot of competition out there. Be prepared, know your stuff and be fun to work with! Respect has to be earned, it will not come overnight, but if you have the right spirit you can still make it!
LOBH: I know you are busy, so let’s wrap this up. Lately we have been asking all our interviewers the Land of Broken Hearts Three which are the following!
1. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given/heard?
Tim: My Dad always said 'It's better to be a small fish in a big pool than a big fish in a small one' Basically, think big !
LOBH: 2. What’s one question you’ve never been asked (and the answer)?
Tim: Should America have invaded Iraq? Answer: No
LOBH: 3. What’s one song you wish you had written?
Tim: Julia by The Beatles (From 'The White Album' )
LOBH: Mr. Palmer thanks again for your time!
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