Here is a transcript of an interview I did with Two Ton Music on Facebook. That’s a wee bit awkward to read so I thought I would put the whole thing up here. Thanks to Tom Matthew of Two Ton Music for the album review and this interview.
Two Ton Music: I’ve invited the U.K. reggae-fusion band Brynovsky to an interview here on Facebook. Their recent release, “Time is Now” is a really nice production. Their frontman, Leroy Jones, brings the legit Jamaican soulfulness to complement the lush, echoing soundscapes that writer/producer Tim Brynovsky carves out. Idana’s backup vocals are beautiful, and the vocals remind me of Bob Marley’s Wailers at times. Let’s ask them about it.
So thanks so much for joining us for an interview. Your album has been very well received since its release a few weeks ago. I heard you first on #RKC radio. You guys obviously worked very hard on the album, and lots of us are enjoying it. What’s your reaction to the release of your album and the praise it’s getting?
Tim Brynovsky: Thanks for the flattering comparison. We’re delighted that the LP is going down well. It’s been a long process from making the demos to getting it released, so it’s good to find out it’s not just us that are excited by this music. Massive thanks to everyone who has been helping to promote it. We had our second launch gig last night and some people travelled a long way through terrible weather just to see us again. That means a lot. Special thanks to #RKC Radio in Paris for pushing our music so much. What has surprised me most is how well it has gone down outside the reggae community.
Two Ton Music: There’s a good mix of songs on the album. There are love songs, and there are songs about social justice. There are lighter songs, and there are heavier songs. They cover a lot of sonic ground, yet maintain a cohesive sound throughout. Is all this variety something that you planned, or was it more of a natural creative effort that just turned out to be diverse?
Tim Brynovsky: A bit of both really. I have a lot of songs that are naturally diverse, we picked some out and put them all through the same production process. After we got the vocals recorded we listened to what we had and decided to put the best ones all onto one eclectic LP. Rightly or wrongly, I don’t get too hung up on genre, so I am pleased you think there is some cohesion to Time is Now.
As for subject matter, the songs about humanity and relationships are all love songs in a way. We need to treat each other well be it friends, lovers, tribes or nations.
Two Ton Music: I really like the song, “What Kind of World”. Idana’s vocals are spot on beautiful and fierce, and tell the brutal truth about “what kind of world” we are living in. Rather than hiding your head in the sand about the current state of affairs in the world, you’re making a statement directly addressing the issues of morality, ethics, control, status, etc. It’s a powerful piece of music. What are your feelings on standing up for issues of human values?
Tim Brynovsky: Glad you like that song, to me it is advice for anyone who thinks that the world revolves around them. I like standing up to things but I don’t expect everyone to feel the same. Music is a good forum for getting ideas across but I don’t like to nag – this song is also a bit of fun at the same time. As heavy as you want it to be.
Two Ton Music: I noticed the Abyssinians poster on the wall in a couple of photos online – I saw them back in ’02 and was really impressed with their show. What are some of your other musical influences?
Tim Brynovsky: Yea we supported them in 2011 in Glasgow. They sang so well, even better than their LPs recorded in the 1970s – that was a real inspiration to tackle harmony vocals. The influences on the music I produce come from many genres and styles – any music that is original and made from the heart from The Beatles to Bob Marley.
Two Ton Music: Leroy Jones added a lot to the mix. His voice is very rich and adds a lot of depth. Can you tell us what it’s like to work with Leroy and what he brings to the music?
Tim Brynovsky: Yea I love the way he sings. He came up to Scotland to record in November 2012 after I sent him my demos for Time is Now. I expected that he might sing on 2 or 3 but he wanted to sing everything.
I produced the vocal sessions in my home studio so we had plenty of time to get it right. He brought with him a real enthusiasm for the songs and a wealth of experience from years working with artists like Gregory Isaacs and Horace Andy. He must have learned a lot from those greats but he describes himself as a soul singer and is strongly influenced by artists like Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. It is on songs like Beauties and You Are My Love where he really shines and lets go with that vibrato.
By the time he went back to London I had an overwhelming amount of material to work with, what you hear on Time is Now and a lot more still unreleased. It’s not easy being spread over such a wide area but we all think the results are worth it.
Two Ton Music: I’m sure we’d all love to hear more great tracks. Do you have plans to work on another album? What’s on the horizon for you?
Tim Brynovsky: We have lots of songs lined up in demo form and we hope to release a lot more music this year. There are no concrete plans but expect some remixes and more eclectic tunes Brynovsky style. Finding the time to do the production work is the biggest hurdle.
Two Ton Music: Well, I really appreciate you taking the time to write with us. I wish the best of luck to you, and keep us posted. The positive message and the great music are greatly appreciated. Thanks for being with us.
Tim Brynovsky: Thanks Two Ton Music! Anytime.