What has changed in your songwriting since Candids?

There was no deliberate change of style. I do find this set more subjective; I was writing directly about me and mine- "old delights and sorrows revisited and revised " - the stripped down approach to the recordings seemed to suit this more personal style. In the past I've been a bit more obtuse lyrically, this is a lot more direct.

Last time we talked, you said that the Miracle Mile can only whisper without shouting, hoping that someone will hear. Can you still confirm it?

Well, we're still whispering (the big guns have the loudest voices) but you could say that we've started waving frantically also. We seem to be catching a few peoples eye!

Have you got any offers from any record company?

None!

Are there any new artists/records that you would like to recommend to
all the Rainsounders?

The CD that is never off my system is Jim White's "No Such Place".Wickedly funny lyrics- gothic country with a luscious twist (courtesy Morcheeba!!) -sounds hellish but is actually heavenly. I like the Hobotalk album: a very simple presentation of some lovely songs (especially "Beauty in madness") David Bridie's new album "Act of Free
Choice" is superb! Tom McCrea's album is grim but beautiful; I'm also looking forward to hearing James Grant's new album, I loved "Sawdust...."

Would you say that most of your songs are autobiographical?

Not until "Slow Fade". You have to be careful with 'confessional' songs -you can come on sounding precious and indulgent BUT if you're relating the world to yourself you have to be centred; it's a fine line between self-analysis and self-obsession. I draw on my own experiences/beliefs/prejudices but tend to blend them 'til I'm unrecognisable. This album was kind of cathartic so I didn't need to change the names etc. If I've offended anybody....sorry. The two most
personal songs I've written bookend the album; that sets the tone for the rest of "Slow Fade". There is no concept but it does deal with the way we process our past, what we retain, choose to forget, invent, or re-invent.
EVERYBODY does it and as a writer my intention is to CONNECT, ring a few bells, find empathy. It's a subtle communication, I just hope people make the connections.....if they don't, it suggests a weakness in the writing.
Early reaction is great "that's me" "I've done that/been there etc" . It's gratifying but I do feel a little exposed!

What is your 'real' job?

Humble school teacher.

Do you think that the word 'rainsound' fits your music?

There is a romantic and melancholic connotation that fits. (A recent reviewer called the songs on 'Slow Fade' "wintery")

How long did it take to record the new album?

A year of loooong weekends.

How does it feel to always have great reviews but to sell just a few copies? Whose fault is it?

It's great that the reviewers love the stuff. Unfortunately they never translate to sales. I guess you need the beef of a Major behind you to maintain momentum. Good support slots, influence at radio stations, high profile in stores, shops-listening posts etc. I do believe the good will out, I just hope my success isn't post-mortem!

Do you sometimes get mad at all these boybands, who make lots of money and get lots of airplaying without even knowing what Music is?

It's frustrating that they clog up the airwaves. I don't resent the Bands but their creators. They dominate a market that should cater for all tastes.

What is the current Miracle Mile lineup?

It would be misleading to say MM are a real 'Band'. It's always been a vehicle for my songs. This isn't to demerit the input of the fine musicians (long suffering friends !) who've played on the albums, it's just that MM exists in the studio only. We have done gigs that have given form to the name, but not regularly enough for there to be a public face.
Steve Davis and I were the production team behind "Bicycle Thieves" and "Candids". Steve worked on half of the tracks on "Slow Fade", the rest were done with Marcus Cliffe, who also played Bass and keyboards. As always Trevor Smith was drummer with Lyndon J. Connah on piano and of course B J Cole on pedal steel. Mark Hornby added some guest guitar. If we gigged I'd like to think that these people would be involved.

It seems like the Miracle Mile are more and more Trevor Jones... Have you ever thought of recording your songs under your name, or do you want to keep the name of the band?

I think people always identify the singer with the songs. The personal nature of"Slow Fade" seems to be throwing me forward more, which is fine -maybe we've been 'faceless' for too long ! I'm happy with the sanctuary of a band name. Do you really think anyone would buy an album by someone named 'Trevor'?

Some samples from the album are apparently taken from records from the 30's. What are they? Does using them somehow mean that the Miracle Mile are a nostalgic band?

They are from various sources; voices of people I know, documentaries etc. They help to take the songs 'outside' the studio. Nostalgia is a main theme of "Slow Fade".

Do you think that the Miracle Mile - and, in general, most of the 'rainsound' bands - are just making their music in the wrong era?

We live in transient times, everything is disposable. People are impatient consumers, they need the hook in the first 20 secs; thus any song that takes time to reveal itself is regarded as uncommercial. If that puts me out of kilter with the market then so be it. I would hope that my songs are 'timeless'.

Two of the songs include the word 'star'. I know you are a Prefab Sprout fan. Have you been inspired by their latest album, Andromeda Heights?

Great album and yes, an inspiration. I think we all admire stars for there purity and unattainability-"we're all in the gutter reaching for the stars". Jimminey Cricket is another huge influence. Go figure !!

How did you happen to work with BJ Cole?

Another star I've admired from afar ! BJ did some work with Trev the drummer when he played with the Rockingbirds. We wanted some 'textures' that were played, not sampled so I called him in. He's brilliant !

Despite sounding very British, 'Slow Fade' could be a tribute to New York and America. Do you agree?

A couple of the songs were written in situ ("Guggenheim" in New York and "Jim" in San Francisco). I absorb a lot of American culture (music, movies., novels, art)so the influence is undeniable

Could you explain the lyrics 'The dog went to you, not me'? Are they a specific reference to something?

Family relationships are defined at an early age by small dramas, seemingly inconsequential moments that stay with us and colour us forever, even the fighting of two children over the affections of a dog !

Do you ever draw inspiration from literature?

I love the weight of everyday words- the profundity of the mundane. I focus on the action between the action, the small print rather than the headlines, the little pulses in life, the everyday joys, the small dramas, the minutiae that sustains or breaks us. Accordingly I'm drawn towards economic writers like Raymond Carver and Richard Ford. At the same time you can't beat a good bit of escapism (James Lee Burke to Defoe).

Under what circumstances do you think the Miracle Mile could be successful?

If I could cram the population of London into The Dome and say "just give me 40 minutes of your time...."

What's your biggest fear?

My teeth falling out !

What's your recurrent dream?

My teeth falling out !

What's your favourite food?

Candy ! Doh....seriously- I tend to look back on particular meals: there was this porcini ravioli followed by a truffle Creme Brulee that I had in a never to be rediscovered restaurant in Perugia. It's always the simple meals; you Italians have got it sussed !!

Why do you think people reading this interview should buy 'Slow Fade'?

Whenever I listen to music I look for a mix of thoughtful/provocative lyrics , strong melody, and at least two or three moments when the hair on the back of my neck bristles. I think "Slow Fade" could provide this to a thoughtful listener.

What are you up to now?

Writing new stuff. Trying to get together the money to record it. Eating an egg sandwich.

Is there a question nobody ever asked you and you would like to reply to?

"Into which account should I pay the advance ?!"

Read the review of 'Slow Fade'