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BOTW Vol 03: A Silent Film
Have you ever come across a song that after thirty seconds makes you wonder aloud, “How have I never listened to this band before?” That was what happened to me the first time I heard Oxford’s A Silent Film. Since the band’s formation in 2005, these Brits have begat two full-length albums, played Glastonbury in 2007, and has been touring the world ever since.
Even though the band has been compared to Coldplay, Snow Patrol, and The Killers, A Silent Film has developed a style all their own. Combining top-shelf musicianship, thought-provoking lyrics, and a live show that will bring any wallflower to the dance floor, this band is no one trick pony. They’re currently touring in support of their latest record ‘Sand & Snow,’ and singer/guitar player/pianist Robert Stevenson took a few moments out of his day to answer a few questions for us.
8 Questions with Robert Stevenson of A Silent Film
BEACON: What was the first concert you attended?
Robert: Dustball at the Oxford ZodiacBEACON: What is your all time favorite album?
Robert: Joni Mitchell, Blue
BEACON: Who is your favorite musician?
Robert: Scott Walker
BEACON: What is your favorite restaurant?
Robert: There’s a kebab van in oxford that I frequent. This may seem like a joke but I assure you it is not!
BEACON: What is your all time favorite movie?
Robert: Annie Hall
BEACON: Vinyl or MP3?
Robert: Vinyl – computers are getting bigger and faster, let’s get iTunes to up the bit rate on those nasty little files.
BEACON: Here’s a tough one: Dylan or The Beatles?
Robert: Dylan, you made me choose but in real life I take both regularly
BEACON: What’s the most bizarre location that you have every written a song?
Robert: I used to write lyrics under the trees near the entrance to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. I’d watch all the people come and go in unpredictable states of repressed emotion, it seems voyeuristic now but I lived just across the road and it inspired me in an empathetic way.
The Sounds of A Silent Film
The latest single by the boys from Britain is called ‘Danny, Dakota, & the Wishing Well.” Give it a listen, and a look.