Music, Style & Culture

Bill Ryder Jones: ‘I Don’t Know Whether I Want To Make Music Forever’

The ex-Coral guitarist tells us about his first full-length release; an impressive departure from his previous works.

Photo Credit: Sophie Jarry

Recently signed to Domino Records and about to release his debut solo album (streaming now over on guardian.co.uk), things couldn't be more different for ex-Coral guitarist Bill Ryder Jones than when in his former band.

Forthcoming album 'If...' is based on the post-modern novel If On A Winter's Night A Traveller by Italo Calvino. Largely instrumental, the record is an impressive departure from his previous works. DIY catches up with Ryder Jones to find out all about his first full length release.

Your album 'If…' is a tribute the novel If On A Winter's Night A Traveller. What was it about the book in particular that made you choose to soundtrack that story in particular?
It just means a lot to me. That book and the structure of it really made it obvious to use. It's many books within one book; each chapter very different but all interwoven, y'know?

What were you hoping to achieve with the record?
I don't know, really. I'm hoping I won't be dropped! And that I'll maybe get some work out of it! I don't know how good I am yet or whether I want to make music forever so I guess any goals are pretty short term. It's all a bit of a haze at the minute.

During your time in The Coral, you worked with five other bandmates to make music, how did the collaborations on this album compare to that?
Completely different, miles away! I had complete control on this obviously. The only collaboration I really had was with Jon Hering who combed over the scores and tidied them up for me. He is a brilliant, brilliant musician.

What did working with the Liverpool Philharmonic bring to the table?
Well, without an orchestra I'd only have half a record to start with. Without them it wouldn't be the record that it is. Also, it wasn't a 'working with' type of thing, they turned up and played and then fucked off. I think it was a bit of a drag for them to be honest.

You've spoken in the past about disliking live performances, will you be touring this record?
I don't know, I've really not thought of it. A tour I doubt but maybe we'll do a few shows here and there, I'd like to think that.

You're currently working on soundtracking a film called 'Piggy', a psychological revenge thriller. How did your involvement in that project come about and what can you tell us about it?
Lynden from Domino (Records) sorted it. They sent my music out and the director, Keiron Hawkes, was into it and he phoned me. I really loved the script. I could really relate to parts of it and that was it. I'm really quite excited about it now. It's not the type of film I'd normally tend to watch as it's quite violent. I don't know what I can and can't tell you about it; it's pretty dark and it made me quite sad but it is good!

How does composing for film differ to the writing work you've done in the past?
Well, from the little experience I've had, it seems easier in that you've got your inspiration in front of you and you don't need to go soul-searching whenever you need to write. It's also great because when you do write something that genuinely reflects something important in your life, then you can slip it in a film.

Bill Ryder Jones' new album 'If...' will be released on 14th November via Domino Records.