Relish are set to return after a hiatus, and talked to us about the music industry, being praised by Brian May and the future.
-Are you excited for the release of 'Something To Believe In' on Monday?
It's the first single from what will be our third album now but everything feels and sounds so new and fresh, we're thrilled with the new album and it feels like it's our first single all over again.
This is either a great moment in our lives or a classic case of arrested development. Hopefully the former.
-Is it a preview of what to expect from the rest of Connected?
It represents a part of what we do. Relish are a blend of pop, rock and more. Our unique blend is what defines us in many ways.
For those that have stuck by us through our previous two albums, I think this is the album they have been waiting for.
-Last month you played your first shows in Ireland in 5 years. How were they?
Frightening, exhilarating, liberating, rewarding and beautiful. We have the best audience in the world. It's a gift and and an honour to play to our friends again.
-Is there something special about homecoming shows?
They do seem the most challenging in that you are more precious about the outcome. Honestly though, no matter where we are, that night's performance is always the most important.
-What has the band been up to during the hiatus?
More than I can mention in the space of this interview. We planned to take a long break after the second album to catch up with life, really.
Instead we started writing the new album pretty much straight away.
Carl and myself also recorded an album with 'Players', a band featuring then members of Paul Weller's band, namely Damon Minchella also previously of Ocean Colour Scene, Steve White, Mick Talbot and the very lovely Kelly Dickson.
We also toured the UK and Europe with the guys and had a fantastic time. A very different and enjoyable time. We have great respect for these guys as musicians all of whom have very long and distinguished careers behind them.
While recording this album Paul Weller gave Steve a call and Steve got me hooked up as Paul Weller's guitar player for some tv recordings and live shows.
I ended up on his studio 150 live dvd. It was an honour and Paul is not only a legend but a true gentleman. Darren of Relish also stood in for Damon on Bass the Jonathan Ross show.
We ended up writing and producing for other artists as well as setting up our own label Zephyr Sounds and much more. I think you get the picture. It's been crazy here in our apparent break.
-When did the decision to return first come up?
It was a very natural and organic process in terms of the music. Our rule was that when the songs were done we were ready. This sounds much more simple than it ended up.
Once the vision and art were in place the reality of re-entering a new musical landscape presented us with new challenges.
Finding the great people at US label Rock Ridge Music, Warners distribution and the amazing press and promotion team has helped us navigate the new waters. This is an exciting time for music.
-You released Three Times just in Japan. Is it nice having success there?
Japan is a fascinating and beautiful country. It has been a blessing to have had our music reach places like Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia.
It's a gift for us to be able to communicate across the world what means so much to us all the way over here and for it to translate on an emotional and cultural level.
-Is it strange playing in non-English speaking countries and hearing your words sung back to you?
It's a beautiful thing. It brings it all back to the essence of what music should be.
Music has the power to affect people's lives and as such affects change in positive ways. Sometimes, on a good day, I can't think of any reason better to be alive.
-Are there any touring plans in the pipeline?
There are lots of plans in the pipeline. Touring is a part of those plans. We will be touring UK and Ireland later this year and can't wait to play this album live.
-How has the music business changed since you started out?
Beyond recognition. It's a new environment. There are changes for the better and changes definitely for the worse.
In fact there are so called opportunities for new artists that make the old record deals seem like xmas presents. Lets just say that the bricks may be a different colour but the foundation of the house hasn't changed.
-Have you been sitting on these songs for a while?
Some are older than others and some are fresh out of the wrapper. All in all it's a very satisfying record and the best album we have written.
There are songs we have rejected that would have been singles on our last album. Then again I'm hardly going to harshly critique our new album but I'm sure there's a queue for that job waiting somewhere.
-You've been covered by Westlife. How did you feel about that?
Again, the guys honoured us with a fantastic version of the song and brought the track to places where we couldn't reach.
Some have argued that it's their best track. That might have been my mum though.
-You've also received praise from the likes of Brian May. How does that feel?
It's very humbling the great people and great musicians that have praised our work. We have grown up listening to Queen. It's like Brian is part of the family in a way.
Queen have been the soundtrack to many great days and nights. We stand very much alone as a band. Such endorsement make what we do, the right thing to do. Beautiful.
-What are your plans for the rest of 2011?
To appreciate every day like it was my last.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge