Special Interview: British India

theaussieword.com goes one on one with Nic Wilson from British India!

Tell us how it all started for British India. What had you guys first interested in music? British India started like most bands worth their salt, in the mouldy back room at the drummers house. Music was a no brainer for all of us. It’s not something you should make an effort to be interested in, it’s a hunger that needs to be satiated.

What motivates or influences British India’s quest to make great music? I think you answered your question yourself. That’s our drive, to make great music. We’re not sure if we have achieved that yet but it’s not from lack of trying.

Have you set some major goals for the year ahead? We are going to smash out the tour for this year then it’s time to make a new record, which we are all very excited about doing.

Success, what is the secret to it? I think if you feel successful in this industry you’re doing it wrong. There is always another level to reach, always another side to break through to. You always need to want what the other person has in this industry otherwise complacency creeps in and that is the death knell for bands.

What’s been your biggest career highlight so far? We once watched Win Butler and Byork play Abba songs in the lobby of a hotel. I think that’s brag worthy.

Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring? Personally it’s not the stars. It’s seeing the un-tarnished non jaded support bands who will still lump marshall stacks up impossible flights of stairs for no money. Who still have stars in their eyes and a hunger to learn and get better at any cost.The rest are jerks.

The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years? I agree the music industry is huge. British India, will always be British India. Whatever the hell that means. We will always be ready to go in one way or the other. It will always be the four of us (and our wonderful manager). Goal posts may shift with altered ambition, it may be 10 more albums it might be none. It’s hard to say.

The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye? The main thing that has changed since we started up is the plummet in record sales. First it was stolen online by things like limewire and napster, now it’s done, “legally” by apple music and spotify etc. But everybody knows this… And to be honest it really doesn’t matter. It has just caused a natural shift in evolution where bands need to work a bit harder and tour more to make up the deficit. And why shouldn’t we work hard? Everybody else does.

Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists. There seems to be a lot of fire coming out of WA right now. We became friends with Tired Lion after touring with them a couple of times, and Spacey Jane watch this space with those guys. We also miss TISM a whole lot

How’s all the touring going? Where do you guys want to gig next? Touring is what it is. It’s a chance to go out on the road and play the music we created to the people who like it. It would be nice to gig somewhere out of the norm. I don’t want to say we’re literally shooting for the moon, but somewhere bizarre would be nice to break up the monotony.

Tell us a bit about your latest record, how would you best describe your music? We all really loved the process and the outcome of the new album. Don’t leave it in the hands of the musician to describe their own music, the explanation will always be so contrived. I hate when bands say, “It sounds like if Kafka took acid on the moon then blah blah blah”. If you are interested in us – just listen to a few tracks and make up your own mind.

Any new projects in the pipeline? What can we expect from you in the coming months? We are just going to smash out this tour then have a go at writing some new music.

Thanks for the interview! What’s your final message for us today? Sadly the string descends, searching its way through blue submarine air. To meet the trees in morning square. Just hanging there. Just hanging there. Thanks!