The Chris Slade Timeline Talks New Album, His Hometown And More

The Chris Slade Timeline will release their debut album ‘Timescape’ on Friday 19th July 2024. Mr Chris Slade very kindly spoke to us about the new record, his career and much more:

Who is in The Chris Slade Timeline, what do they play, how did you all meet?

Guitar, Vocals & BVs: James Cornford; Keys & BVs: Michael Clark; Bass/Vocals & BVs: Stevie Gee; Vocals: Bun Davis; Drums Vocals & BVs & Shakuhachi Japanese Flute: Chris Slade

The guys were in a band that played Cover Songs like Genesis and Kansas unbelievably well, so I knew they would be able to switch between AC/DC and Manfred Mann’s Earthband. James and Mike have been playing together since they were 11 years old and they’re 35 now!

What is your earliest musical memory?

I’ve forgotten.

You have your new album ‘Timescape’ which is released on 19 July 2024 on 2CD Digipack through BraveWords Records. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

I didn’t want to, I had to.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

It was made in different studios throughout Kent, which are listed on the album cover. A lot of the instrument sounds on the album are down to Dan Lucas and Sam Stewart but the production ideas are mine. If you listen, you’ll understand.

Who created/designed the album artwork?

Designers for Bravewords. I designed the Timeline logo myself

This year you are celebrating sixty years as a professional rock drummer. Do you have any particularly special memories or career highlights/milestones?

It’s 60 years, I became a professional musician in 1963 at the age of 16, with Tom Jones both before he was known as Tom Jones, and after till 1970.

In terms of your versions of other songs on the album, was it difficult picking which songs to include?

We included some of the songs that we had recorded over the past 10 years and that we do in our stage set

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

No it was work. But one memorable moment was deciding to sing ‘Time Flies’ myself and not give it to our very capable singers.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

The novel which springs to mind would be ‘Dune’. I read it when it first came out and couldn’t put it dune [!]. But I think they have the music covered by Hans Zimmer.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

DW DRUMS, PAISTE CYMBALS, REMO HEADS, LONDON DRUMSTICKS.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I was born in the same village Treforest/Pontypridd/Glamorgan/ S.Wales as Tom Jones and Phil Campbell of Motorhead, but 10 years apart in each case.

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

Yes, watch this space.

What two pieces of advice do you have for a novice drummer?

Practice!

Which of your new album track sills hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

I’m always reflective, even when angry I’m still at my happiest.

Was it a difficult album to write?

It came pretty easily, in fact, but that saying, “10% inspiration, 90% perspiration”, is very true. The most scary thing is a blank page.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Drummers: Buddy Rich and Tony Williams. Bass player: Jaco Pastorius.

How do you look after your voice?

Ha Ha

What makes The Chris Slade Timeline happy and what makes you unhappy?

Happy: Someone is interested enough to read this; unhappy: Getting to a dressing room and still finding Brown M&Ms!