Gypsies on the Autobahn
Ahead of their much anticipated first headline gig in two years, FAC sat down with Gypsies on the Autobahn’s frontman James Smith and talked about new tunes, the pressures of success and the maturing of the band.
A lot has changed since Gypsies on the Autobahn released their debut album ‘Born Brief’ two years ago. Liverpool won the Champions League and Dublin has sold itself to vulture funds, hotels & gift shops. Not all change is bad, however, as a layered and mature sound from Gypsies on the Autobahn’s second album ‘Suspended’ is a world apart from their previous work.
“When we started, we were a guitar band — that was our vision. It seemed like there weren’t enough guitar bands around Dublin or even the world. We weren’t hearing any on the radio. We may have had a flash of piano, but we didn’t want anything to detract from our guitar sound. With this album we have expanded our textures and working with Ciaran Bradshaw allowed our music to breathe and go in new directions.”
Working with producer Ciaran Bradshaw allowed for a diverse range of new material to be recorded.
“We went in for a day to see what working with Ciaran would be like and we knew then that we wanted him to do the whole album for us. The plan was to get an EP recorded and we came out with an 11-song album. The first album was recorded within 30 or 40 days, but this was done in about 5 to 10 days.”
Creating lasting and imposing working relationships is important to Gypsies on the Autobahn as their music is often emotional, poignant and vulnerable. The same faces appear in a lot of Gypsies on the Autobahn’s music videos and with the help of Oliver Kelly & Alex Lynch, they have developed a unique understanding of the message that James is trying to convey in his lyrics.
“I’ve always loved film, it’s another creative avenue in which I can explore. I can sometimes struggle to communicate an idea behind a camera, but I’ve found someone in Oli who seems to get what I’m trying to say, it’s like I’m the voicebox and he’s communicating my message.”
The world is rapidly shifting and changing and the dynamic in Dublin is no different. Venues closing, hotels replacing homes, and stifling rents, not much good is coming from our capital. Addressing the sadness in Dublin losing its identity, James addresses some key points.
“I think music will always find a way, it's the one thing that won’t ever go away because places are closing down. I think artists especially will be inspired by their nightlife, their culture being taken away, to go out and create something new and exciting. Obviously, it is sad that venues are closing their doors, places you grew up going to, but music will always adapt in some way or another.”
Planning for the future — Gypsies on the Autobahn are heading off to Other Voices where they have played intimate sessions and met a strange array of people.
“This man came into a pub we were in and asked us to buy him a pint and wouldn’t leave us alone, each request with a promise of payment. He finally offered us a hake so we wanted to see where this would go and lo and behold, he came back with a huge hake as reward for his pint. Turns out he was banned from every pub in Dingle. That’s the kind of character you meet up there, it’s a crazy and wonderful place.”
Eking out a living as an artist is tough, the industry is unforgiving, and success is not always on the cards. Success for James and Gypsies on the Autobahn is humble and the drawbacks from not being able to focus solely on music can be a blessing in disguise.
“I feel like being grounded with a job and family is a good thing for me. Some people feel the need to be in constant turmoil to be creative, that they feel they can’t ever get better or else their career will falter. I’m lucky in the way I can step back, and I feel I write better when I do step back.”
The lyrical content that Gypsies on the Autobahn have is very emotionally raw — James’s biggest influence for his music comes from his family. There’s an openness that is fragile yet stoic. For example, the track ‘Never Forgot’ opens with the lyric "It’s better to be remembered than never forgot." Having dealt with a difficult childhood James tries to communicate emotion within his lyrics which is important, especially for men in this day and age.
“I was the eldest of four and when I was seven our dad committed suicide. I always felt that I had to communicate some element of hope to my brothers. It’s always been in the forefront of my mind to try and communicate emotionally. It’s easier for me to communicate through song than everyday life and music has given me an avenue for expression.”
The expression in ‘Suspended’ is abundant with the use of more varied instrumentation and themes. Smith’s vocals slowly build in ‘Make You Mine’, culminating in an explosion of emotion at the song’s end. Where there once was guitar riffs, there are now synths building up to a climax. The bass takes lead on songs like ‘Rubicon’ and ‘Halflight’ where Smith’s voice contrasts against the punchy bass lines and melodic guitar riffs.
Impressions of Gypsies on the Autobahn are one of a modest and humble group. Smith says a prayer of thanks for everything good in his life before going on stage, and a prayer hoping for a good show. Friday night will see one of Dublin’s most promising bands return with material that impressively showcases their talent.
John Tynan
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