"Our Time Is Now" an interview with Twilight Fields

Twilight Fields is the brainchild of Canadian musician Allister Thompson. His blend of "ambient rock" with influences from progressive rock, ambient, dream-pop, psych-folk and shoegaze is some of the most intriguing and dynamic music you will hear anywhere. We sat down with Allister to talk about what inspired him to start the project, his earliest musical memories and the process of making his latest album "Our Time Is Now".

CMM-What's your first musical memory and what's the first music you heard that made a major impact on you?

Allister-Probably the first thing, other than listening to two weird British musical singing pigs named Pinky and Perky, was discovering my parents' worn-out copy of A Hard Day's Night (the LP) when I was about 7 or 8 and playing the crap out of it. But to be honest, when I was thirteen and suddenly developed a huge interest in rock music, I developed an obsession with The Police! I had all their tapes, Sting's solo albums, and even tried some Andy Summers solo stuff as well. I was really into it. I can't say that band is an influence on what I do now, though.

CMM-When did Twilight Fields start and what was the inspiration for the musical direction you went in?

Allister-I used to make music similar to this back in the early 2000s, under my own name; sixties-influenced psych folk mainly. I took a long break from my own music to play in friends' bands in the 2000s, which toured and kept me busy. I then made a solo album, Shadowlands, in 2009 and started The Gateless Gate in 2012 to make instrumental ambient/Krautrock. I had no intention of getting back into the pop singing game after that. But I knew that my skills had gradually improved and that I had a lot to give still, especially lyrically. I was partly inspired, frankly, in 2014 by discovering the music of a band called Anathema. They're a former metal band, but they now make this beautiful, emotional, cinematic music to a pretty sizeable audience. Just amazing music. Basically, it hit me like a thunderbolt, like hearing exactly what my future could have been if I'd stayed the course and kept making the kind of music I had started doing. That really inspired me to get back to saying things that I thought were important, no matter now earnest it made me sound. Mind you, I'm not saying Twilight Fields really sounds like Anathema; it's more of an intention.

CMM- Also what made you choose the name Twilight Fields?

Allister-Twilight Fields is the title of an album by one of my favorite musicians, Stephan Micus. It's apparently also the name of something in a popular video game, but I wasn't aware of that before using it.

CMM-What was the writing and recording process for "Our Time Is Now" like?

Allister-I like to come up with an idea of what I want to say...not necessarily "concept" albums per se, but I'm album-oriented. So there was a general vibe I wanted to give off, in this case about unconditional love, so I had that in mind the whole time. I list off some topics I'd like to write about. However, I generally come up with musical ideas first, build those up, then work on lyrics and melodies last. I am the entire band, so I basically just layer things as the mood strikes me.

CMM-Any particular gear you used in the making of it. (Guitars, pedals, amps etc)

Allister-Since it's a one-man project, I don't have a lot of gear-head stuff to say. I use a really good acoustic guitar by a Canadian manufacturer called Larrivée. I have a hollow-body electric guitar, the Ibanez Artist, that I've had since I was sixteen. You can make it sound like anything, really. I've had all kinds of name-brand electrics and sold them all. And my bass is a vintage 1982 Peavey T-40, once endorsed by Ross Valory of Journey! It's so heavy, you need a special elasticized strap to wear the damn thing. But it sounds as huge as it weighs.

CMM-If you could score a soundtrack for any film director who would it be and what would the film be about?

Allister-I'd love to do something for Herzog, like Popol Vuh used to do. Documentary, drama, anything!

CMM-What's the scene like in your part of Canada? Any bands or venues worth mentioning?

Allister-The scene outside of major cities in Canada went downhill for a while but is reviving with the enthusiasm of younger bands. There are a couple of good small-scale indie festivals in our town now, and some bands do come through. The local talent is good, as far as I've heard, but it's been a while since anyone got famous in the music industry from this area...I think. Since this is currently a "studio" project only, I haven't played the local scene. My history with gigging and touring all took place when I lived in Toronto, Canada's largest market. I moved here for peace n' quiet!

CMM-What direction do you see the next Twilight Fields recordings moving in and what do you have planned for a follow up release?

Allister-I do have a concept in mind. I used to write a lot of heavy material (mood-wise) about war, climate change, animal rights, all sorts of topical stuff, before turning inward to more philosophical stuff with Twilight Fields; I felt that I needed to express those more positive, personal things. However, if I have a chance, I have ideas for an album that will draw upon the same genres but be much harder-hitting, lyrically. I do not like the things people have done to the planet and to each other, not one bit, and I might have a few more things to say about that! So hopefully I do end up making that album.

"Five For Friday" with Brighton Sound Designer Charles Pender

Hailing from Brighton, sound designer and experimental recording artist Charles Pender's latest E.P. "A Selection Of 4 Instruments" collects layers of other worldly sounds that come together to make an absolutely beautiful wash of audio euphoria. Look for a limited edition cassette release of the E.P. on CMM in late July. Charles shares some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first enjoy his track "Xylophone".

Nicolas Jaar "No One Is Looking At You"

Nicolas Jaar has been a massive inspiration to me and many others over the time he has been around. He today released 20 tracks for free which are all high quality electronic beauties. This track was released this year part of a 3 track series, they all link into one another and have been crafted stunningly. His imagination and use of equipment is beyond anyone i know in the underground scene at the moment. A massive recommendation if you have never heard of him.

Talking Heads "This Must Be The Place Naive Melody"

One song always pops up over the weekend for me and i can always rely on it to get me through any constraints in my own music. David Byrne is truly a god of his time. And this track has stayed close to my heart for years. This gig also is one that will go down in history, so so magical.

Fennesz "Chateau Rouge [Touch]"

Fennesz is a super sound designer, he is one of the main reasons i dedicate my time and efforts in exploring the ins and outs of all of my equipment. He can make a beautiful soundscape from something so scratchy and derelict but it can still come off. A huge recommendation if you haven’t researched his music.

Autechre "Overland"

My favourite duo of all time, the mysterious Autechre. They have made album after album of pure excitement in dance music and new electronic studies. They constantly surprise and rise higher than most in the area they know best. Overand is pure bliss, a constant repetition of melody that fills me with joy.

Brian Eno "Discreet Music"

Even though its Friday i can’t help but not leave this masterpiece (in my opinion) out of my selection. Brain Eno has hit boundaries that many musicians aspire to be. Discreet music is possibly my favourite piece by him. I hope whoever reads this clicks on the link and sits back and enjoy one of my all time compositions. Thank you and have a lovely weekend. Charles Pender

Six Records CMM Wants you To Know

Ampersand "The Purplest Patch" E.P. (bandampersand.bandcamp.com)

The pulsating synths of "The Purplest Patch" set the coordinates for the jump to light speed. Once you reach your destination a powerful almost trance inducing vocal begins. Welcome to the world of Ampersand. If there is such a thing as psychedelic crooner music this is it as the intoxicating sounds set the listener in motion alongside soothing tropical like electronics. "If It Sleeps It's Alive" adds elements of guitar and a percussive chime that's followed by a huge sounding vocal tone, full of ethereal happiness. Truly unique, positive and uplifting sounds.

Holy Monitor S/T E.P. (holymonitor.bandcamp.com)

Premium psychedelic rock n roll here out of Athens Greece. These guys lay on the thick fuzz and tremolo alongside a driving yet laid back beat. "The Way Out" reminds me of "Recurring" era Spaceman 3 but at a way quicker pace. "Golden Light" and "Cacti' have that Stooges "Funhouse" type vibe that evokes a spirit of mystery and suspense. This E.P. may be best heard at top volume blazing in high gear on an open desert highway. Looking forward to hearing more from these hypnotic space rockers.

Middle Red Piece S/T E.P. (middleredpiece.bandcamp.com)

Excellent debut E.P. from this French noise rock unit. The tracks have tons of energy and intricate guitar work that channels the spirit of Yo La Tengo, Fugazi and Drive Like Jehu, matched with spot on thunderous like drumming. Stand out tracks "In My Thoughts" and "Yulia" have a bit of menace to them that I have not heard since Girls Against Boys "Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby". Add in the swagger of their matter of fact style vocal stance and you've got a very impressive release that leaves me wanting more.

Patkus "The Gospel Book Of Archbishop Ebbo" E.P. (patkus.bandcamp.com)

Three tracks of lo-fi guitar driven ambient sounds that are quite beautiful. "Cunegonde" goes through several movements ranging from swirling backwards drones, to more rhythmic based grooves before locking into a melodic pattern on the verge of feedback that finally leads to a lullaby like slumber. "Free Hyka" is peaceful, eerie and meditative all at once, while the title track echoes the classic new age sounds of composer Mike Oldfield. Clocking in at over twenty minutes this E.P. is a substantial release to satisfy your need for captivating experimental soundscapes.

The Poetry Book (Demo E.P.) (thepoetrybook.bandcamp.com)

Gritty noise pop that brings to mind The Lightning Seeds, early Jesus And Mary Chain and The Psychedelic Furs. The lo-fi drum machine and single note filled guitar parts give "Bruises" a lot of charm. "Empty" is a much darker track delving further into the realms of noise while "Solaris (Love Dies At Dawn)" puts an evil spin on textbook Spector like girl group songs as the track has an underlying menace that's matched by few. I love the overall feel of this E.P. As dark as it is there's an immense feeling of hope and determination throughout.

The Waking Life "Child Of Bliss" E.P. (walkinglifenc.bandcamp.com)

Some truly haunting sounds make up this three track E.P. from this Wilmington North Carolina experimental artist. "Sachi (Child Of Bliss"), sounds like something out of a John Carpenter film while "Instant Beauty for Dirt Cheap" makes me think of giant machines working in the dead of night on a long lost industrial planet. The E.P. closes with "The Kingdom Of The Gold And The Rose" which is more of an improve piece, full of guitar strangulation and grinding tones. Highly recommended for fans of dark, ambient experimental soundtrack work. Have a listen and become a believer.