Pressed for Greatness: Bobhowla Return with a Collaborative, Grit-Polished Second Album

Bobhowla’s second album didn’t start as a full record, it grew, fast and raw, out of sweat-soaked rehearsal rooms and last-minute inspiration. With a tighter band dynamic, a matured sound, and an eco-conscious vinyl pressing to boot, this is the sound of a group refusing to fade quietly. Strings, brass, grit, and guts, it’s all here, with no filler. Just a team effort that’s equal parts heart and hard graft.

So, this is the second Bobhowla album. How did this album come together? Was there a moment that sparked its creation?

HD – The album is really a collection initially of tracks that were slowly coming together in the rehearsal room. The initial idea when we booked the studio (The Arch in Crossens) was to go in and record a handful of tracks as either standalone singles or an EP. However we forged ahead with a few newer ideas. With a few last-minute efforts we ended up working lightning fast. By the end of the session we came out with pretty much the album done. We all walked away from the session knowing that we had a clutch of songs we were all really proud. Adding the final whistles and bells only cemented them the way we envisioned.

The first album had noticeable elements of electronic, folk, rock and pop – and in the case of some songs, interesting interwoven elements of most. How would you describe your music, and is the new album still on the same railway track, or a bit of a departure?

JB – The same elements are all there again! It feels a bit more mature this time around and it feels like there are more varied influences that we were able to bring in as a band due to use crafting a lot of the approaches in the rehearsal studio before we started recording, it felt quite fresh and new for me as Howard would often come with small ideas that we could build on. Having that continuity of Rod Jones producing helped us to refine our ideas in an honest way that I think you only get from established relationships. 

Has the songwriting process changed this time round? Tell us more about how and where the songs come from.

JB – Last time we recorded during the covid pandemic so were limited in rehearsals prior to hitting the studio and even then it was built up piece by piece due to restriction on number of people in confined spaces. On this album we rehearsed a lot prior to going into the studio so we were able to spend more time shaping the sounds and riffs we wanted. I think it really comes through as it has our unique little signatures throughout in terms of sounds and styles of playing.

HD – These songs are a collection of ideas from a relatively short period of time. As John says we worked really knuckled down in the rehearsal space to create something that was far more reflective of us as a band and where we are currently. Personally, I think when you listen to this album you’ll hear everyone’s individual input. The contributions are something that we can be really proud of, not only an evolution in our sound but the fact that it’s a complete team effort this time around.

Were there any unexpected influences that shaped the sound of this record? What have you all been listening to that might have shaped the record’s direction?

JB –  I think the two tracks for me that were different are “Decisions to Own” and “Needed somewhere Else”. Rod Jones (Producer) told me to go away and listen to some Neil Young songs that had “meandering guitar lines”, I think it was the “On The Beach” album that I ended up listening to that night and I came back and did the guitar lines for both songs, I’m sad to admit that I wasn’t overly familiar with Neil Young’s back-catalogue beyond the obvious so it was refreshing to be introduced to new ideas.

HD –  It’s a real mixed bag this record and I think the best way to answer this question is to leave it up to the listener to go spot them. The tracks really are quite diverse, with us heading into uncharted territory – sonically speaking. As per usual the songs often start as nuggets but in being open to taking the songs exactly where they go, throwing ideas around, seeing what sticks and feels right.

It was a conscious decision this time around to really expand on the sound, hence why the album has a healthy dose of both strings and brass. To me personally songwriting is about always trying to move forwards, always creatively trying to incorporate things you haven’t done in the past. I really think we’ve managed to achieve that objective this time around.

Why did you choose to release this on vinyl? What does that format mean to you guys as musicians and consumers?

HD – I am an absolutely massive fan of the format, and a keen purchaser both new and old albums. We were lucky enough to get the first album released on vinyl thanks to 9×9 Records and this time around I was adamant it was going to be the same. Looking into the options available in the ever-expanding world of colours, splatter combos, swirls and zoetrope options, we decided to go with an Eco-Mix pressing. If you have a look into it, it really shows how vinyl production is becoming more conscience of global issues surrounding sustainability and affordability. It was a real treat this time to be able to have the album pressed at pretty much the only pressing plant going in the UK – Press On Vinyl, in Middlesbrough. Seeing what the folks are doing up there, in response to a growing demand over the last few years is amazing. This certainly wasn’t an option last time we put an album out! The final colour’s stunning too. We’ve also got a surprise or two up our sleeves, but we’ll keep that under wraps for now!

Is there anything hidden in the vinyl packaging – lyrics, artwork etc that is of interest for fans? How do you as a band approach this artistic part of the process?

HD – As a keen enthusiast I was adamant that the package being put out would be worthwhile for the fans and so yes, there’s the lyric sheet backed with a few choice images from the studio session. It’s also on the heavier 180gram, so it feels far more substantial in your hands! The artwork is pretty striking too. I’m a keen fan of the more modern day approach of album covers being simply an image undisturbed by text. So that was the remit we gave our sleeve designer Michael Maloney, who worked on the first album too. Also this initial Eco-Mix run is limited to only 100 copies so we’re hoping it will become a really cherished piece for our fans.

What sets you apart from other artists? How would you define your sound?

HD – I always find this sort of question a tough one to answer. I suppose our sound comes from years of playing, years of appreciating and years of just wanting to get your own spin out there. We hope our songs resonate and that as the sound evolves everyone is appreciative of the fact we put our heart and soul into it. It’s not a fad, it’s a lifetimes dedication. Hopefully standing as a testament to our passion and belief in what we do. So many acts just give up after the years of hard slog, we’re just doing our best not to fall into the same trap.

If someone is hearing your band for the first time, which track(s) from the new record should they start with, and why?

JB – For me it’s ‘Embers’ it’s the track I’m most proud of, the guitar textures, lyrics and general ‘vibe’ of the track really draws me in even after listening to it so many times! 

HD – Okay, first track I’d have to go with ‘Oh, Astrid.’ It’s the first single off the album and the most upbeat, summery-vibe track we’ve ever written. It’s a real ear-worm. Capturing someone’s attention is the most important thing and enticing them into exploring the rest of our catalogue afterwards. Once you hit people with a catchy chorus the rest’ll follow.

How does your past, youth, identity, home etc influence your music and lyrics? On the first record I felt like some of the tunes were quite personal and intimate.

HD – Past you identity for anyone who is a creative I believe your output is a culmination of all your past influences and experiences that you’ve soaked up along your own personal journey. Although you may choose to focus on universal themes, no one can get away from their own tastes when they create. I’m a firm believer of the viewpoint that once you create something and put out in the world your ownership ceases. It becomes everybody else’s. Where it goes and what it means really is in the ear of the listener.

If this record were a film, what kind of movie would it be?

HD – It would definitely have to be quite a diverse motion picture with plenty of scenes that chop and change – in pace and location. I’d like it to keep people on the toes, maybe a dramatic mystery, keep viewers somewhat confused. At the end though left feeling like they’ve had a pleasurable experience through the unpredictability. Aren’t they always the best films?

How does performing live compare to the experience of recording? Do you have any upcoming gigs where fans can hear these songs live?

HD – Performing live so different to a studio experience. It’s that on the spot heightened intensity that’s all-consuming in the run up and the moment. You’re hyper-focused on the job at hand. Performing alongside others really makes this job more of a group effort. To me, the songs present themselves in the best form live. That’s why we’re really pushing the boat out in expanding our live sound. For this album we’re giving it a real send off on release day with a gig at Rough Trade in Liverpool. There’s a few surprises up our sleeves as we try to replicate the album live to the best of our ability. Let’s just say there’s not going to be room to swing a cat round once we get up on the stage next Friday!

How do you feel fans can best support your music beyond just streaming, and what’s been the most effective way to get your music heard?

HD – In this current climate it’s so hard to get your music head above everything else that’s constantly being released. The northwest has new and really creative artists producing music. Getting amongst it all has always been a tricky thing to navigate. I suppose for us the best way for people to be supportive is by coming to our live shows, telling people about our music buying vinyl and the odd piece of merch. Follow us on our socials and do what you can to help spread the word.

Looking back years from now, what do you want this record to represent for the band? How will it mark this period of creativity for you guys?

HD – In this day and age, don’t know what the future holds for enabling creatives to nurture lifelong careers, so I tend to live in the moment and be appreciative of what we’re doing right now. Actually putting a second album out is an achievement for anyone – especially for a for a band at our stage both in terms of careers and age. As long as the people enjoy it and we continue to grow in terms of fans and opportunities to play live, we’ll be happy with however the album is appreciated. Hopefully the vinyl will become a classic fixture on peoples shelves. That would be the icing on the cake for me.

Where can people grab a copy of the vinyl, and how limited is the run?

HD – The easiest way to grab a copy of the vinyl or even the CD is directly through 9×9’s website or on our own Bandcamp page. Both are linked on our newly launched website – bobhowla.band. You’d better be quick though this run is limited to only 100 rather amazingly coloured pieces.

What’s next – are you already writing/planning a future project?

HD – For the time being we’re just focussed on pushing this album as much as we can, whether that be through interviews, live shows, in-store appearances. You name it will be there.

I’m writing as always. With a little bit of luck it won’t be another four year wait till the next one!