Brix Smith Start
Brix became famous playing guitar and writing songs for The Fall. She is now lead singer of Brix & the Extricated. Le Document were delighted Brix was up for answering our questions...
Le Document:
How are you coping with the lockdown? Are you writing more songs? Is your dog pleased about you being home more?
Brix Smith Start:
“The first part of lockdown, I spent frantically cleaning. I had so much anxiety about the virus. I felt I couldn’t control the outside world, but I could control my world, so I made it hospital clean. Because we couldn’t go out to eat any more, I also began to cook healthy delicious meals, to keep our immune systems buoyant. I am a person who has never had more than two weeks off. I don’t think I’ve had a proper break for five years. So when everything in the world came to a grinding halt, all our concerts were cancelled, and everyone’s lives were put on hold, my body crumbled after years of exhaustion had built up. Because of this mental and physical exhaustion, I could only do the most mundane menial tasks around the house, like cooking and deep cleaning, (like scrubbing grout!?!?) I had no capacity for creativity. Writing a song, let alone singing one, was the furthest thing from my mind. My entire goal was to stay alive and keep my family healthy. Everything went it is snail’s pace. Except for the anxiety of the virus outside, I felt no pressure for the first time in years. I began to enjoy the smallest things. Lockdown put into perspective for me, the most important things in life. The simple pleasures and I felt immensely grateful for what I had; food, a home and someone who I love. I felt safe and protected in my flat with my husband and my pug Gladys. I did not go out. I did not step outside the door for six weeks. I took lockdown very seriously and followed it to the letter. Eventually in early May, I felt much better both mentally and physically. I began a collaboration musically, with a very well-known musician/ producer. We were supposed to start writing in March in London, but because of lockdown, he was stuck in Spain and I was stuck here. I was forced by necessity to set up a recording studio in my bedroom. This was my lockdown project. I ordered all the equipment assembled it myself and taught myself the programs. Now we are well on our way to a new album, and I’m very excited about it. As for my dog Gladys she’s used to being with me 24/7 as she comes with me to most things I do. But she was thrilled to have my husband Phillip home as well. Remember dogs are pack animals, so the whole pack was complete and intact and that made her ecstatic.”
The Extricated: L-R Jason Brown; Steve Hanley; Brix Smith Start; Paul Hanley; Steve Trafford
Are you at your happiest when you're singing on stage? Do you feel more confident on stage singing with The Extricated than you did with The Adult Net?
“I love all the different processes of making music. I love the writing process, the recording process, and the live stage work. Live is especially amazing because you’re working with, the energy of an audience, and that’s what makes it special. I feel very confident when I sing with The Extricated, but that wasn’t always the case. When I sang with The Adult Net I was hideously insecure. I was not used to being front person. In The Fall I was the guitarist, I was the Mr Spock to Mark E Smith’s Captain Kirk. When I had to step out in front, I found it uncomfortable. For years. I was crippled with stage nerves. When we first started Brix And The Extricated, my nerves were no better than they were in my Fall days. In fact backstage before our very first show in Manchester’s Ruby Lounge, I was so nervous I thought I was going to be sick. But something extraordinary happened. Jason Brown, guitarist in the Extricated happened to be, a licensed hypnotherapist. And what a brilliant talent he has! Yes, he has a guitar playing wizard for sure, but my goodness he is an amazing hypnotherapist. He hypnotised me backstage, before our very first show. We had a great gig and since that night I have felt amazing and no longer suffer with stage nerves.”
After that, Jason began to hypnotise me before each show. I gave better and better performances. Eventually he made a personal hypnotism tape for me to listen to backstage. I could listen to it anywhere, to get me into the zone. I still listen to this tape every time before I step on any stage. Whether it’s for public speaking, doing a book reading, or appearing on a TV show. I listen to Jason’s tape, which has changed my life.
I now perform with zero fear, healthy nerves and a freedom and confidence I never had before.”
I love your song, Waking Up In The Sun. Do you feel out of everything you've released, that was the single that should have been a number one hit? Is it a song you have much affection for?
“I love Waking Up In The Sun too. And yes, I think it is the one that got away. It should have, could have, would have. But the good news is it exists, and still can! It’s somehow timeless (and still) sounds so innocent.”
You've worked with the producer John Leckie quite a few times. What is he like to work with and which of the songs he worked on did he have the most input in (or influence on)?
“In total, I have made 48 tracks with John Leckie. He is amazing to work with. So calm so creative and hilariously funny. We are still very close friends to this day. In terms of his input he is an extremely collaborative producer. He brings out the best in the artists, and never stifles their creativity ever. His speciality is getting the most amazing sounds. Natural sounds and effects. Because he is not a player, he is a pure producer and hears things in his head in a different way. As a young man he trained with Phil Spector and other legendary producers, he picked up an amazing skill set. He brings that old school magic and vintage warmth to the recording studio when he produces. The music he records and produces has an analog warmth to it, but remains very fresh at the same time. Some of my favourite tracks I’ve done with John (across different projects) are: Paintwork by The Fall, Incense And Peppermints, by The Adult Net, and a very rare single which was never properly released, that I did with Nigel Kennedy and Stephen Duffy called Hurdy-Gurdy Man. (a Donovan cover)”
Roger Waters, Brian Eno, Nigel Kennedy, Thurston Moore, Elvis Costello and a few others have felt they can't perform live in Israel because of their dislike of the government's treatment of the Palestinians. Do you feel these artists are hypocrites or guilty of anti Semitism in some way? Or do you feel all artists have a right to make any protest they want and that their intentions are probably good?
“I feel in life it’s very important to have an opinion, and to do what feels right to you. My opinion may be different than someone else’s, but every opinion is valid. And if something doesn’t feel right to me, then I don’t do it. You have a duty to yourself to follow your instincts and feelings. And I respect other people’s choices. There are two sides to every story, and I try very hard to be non-Judge mental. I can see things from both sides and I try to remain empathetic at all times. I personally would never mix my music with politics. But I understand others who do it and why it’s important to them. For me music is a form of entertainment and escapism. It’s something to stimulate the mind and creativity, and to bring joy, pleasure, and emotional connection to those who listen to it.”
What are your strengths as a musician? Are there any songs you feel particularly proud of or would like more people to know about?
“My strengths as a musician are hooks, riffs, melodies, and lyrics. There are a few Brix And The Extricated songs which some people may not yet have heard, that I am very fond of. Things like: Something to Lose , Waterman, Vanity, Sleazebag, The Godstone, Tannis Root, Going Strong, Wolves and Strange Times.”
There's a very interesting bit in your autobiography where you talk about meeting Prince Charles and Diana. What do you think of Prince Andrew?
“So, I don’t know Prince Andrew personally, and as I said before I try and remain non-judgemental. But my gut instinct tells me that something is rotten in Denmark.”
On the whole do you tend to watch more American comedy films and TV shows than British ones? Do you have a favourite comedy actor or stand-up?
“I watch a lot of comedy. During lockdown I watched an Adam Sandler movie (Blended) that made me vomit on my own laughter. I watch a mix of both British and American comedy. My favourite ever stand-up performance is Eddie Murphy Raw. I am a big Monty Python fan. Curb Your Enthusiasm got me through the first month of lockdown. I think Larry David is a genius.”
What do you feel most grateful about and thankful for?
“I feel most grateful for my health. I feel most thankful that I am able to make music again.”
'Super Blood Wolf Moon' was well received. Do you feel proud and excited? What have you got planned for the future?
“I’m thrilled that, Super Blood Wolf Moon and all of The Brix And The Extricated albums have been well received. It’s such a wonderful feeling to be appreciated. When we play songs from our albums live, and I see people singing along in the audience, having memorised the words, it fills my soul with joy. All the Brix And The Extricated shows and festival appearances, that were postponed due to the virus, have been re scheduled for next year. We are hoping to release Super Blood Wolf Moon on limited edition coloured vinyl at some point soon. After that we will see what happens in the world with live shows, and how we feel. I am currently working away on my solo project. Its early days but I am very excited about this one. Watch this space!”
Brix Smith Start’s memoir The Rise, The Fall, And The Rise is published by Faber & Faber.
Brix & the Extricated’s third album, Super Blood Wolf Moon, was released last year on Grit Over Glamour records. For more info go to: https://www.brixandtheextricated.com/
