John Fiddler and Medicine Head Talk New Album, Songwriting And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
John Fiddler and Medicine Head are delighted to reveal that they will release a brand new album ‘Heartwork’ in February 2024. We sat down with him to learn more about the new record and his process:
Your new album ‘Heartwork’ is released in February 2024. How did you want to approach the making of the record?
I feel very lucky that I have the freedom to write and record whenever I want to. Consequently, the approach is purely organic, I receive, and I transmit…
Where did you record it and who produced it?
I produced HEARTWORK in my studio: THE UNDERGROUND
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
It’s always fun to hit record for a solo, but not give the player the track in the headphones…Mistakes are sometimes priceless! I think Overend Watts from Mott The Hoople, and of course, British Lions, introduced me to that.
Otherwise, every day of recording with these guys is a gem!
In addition, you have released the single ‘Livin’ In A Bubble’. What was the story/inspiration behind that track?
Perhaps we all feel the futility of wanting peace, harmony, and equality amongst us earth dwellers sometimes. People plant seeds in the ground, others fight for that ground and then crush the flower that’s growing from the seed.
Sometimes I do feel like I’m living in a bubble. Even for this eternal optimist the sad truth is that trust and faith in each other is becoming obsolete, and that is heartbreaking.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
I was born in Darlaston in The Black Country, Staffordshire, it was:
“Hard, derelict, primitive, inspirational, provocative”
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals?
I had to retire my life-giving Takamine EN6, I wore it out!
Now I have my beautiful Custom Shop Gibson SJ-200 Deluxe Rosewood Burst, and a Fender Custom Shop Dual P-90 Black and White Paisley Telecaster thinline, equally as beautiful! I currently use a Blackstar St James 50/EL34 112 Combo Tube Amp, and a few pedals, the Strymon Flint, Warm Audio Centavo, Switchazel A/B to switch from electric to acoustic and back, Boss DD-8, Boss Wireless System, Nady Wireless System, Lone Wolf Blues Company Alpha Wolf Harmonica effects pedal.
Do you have any live plans for 2024 in the UK and Europe?
I’m just beginning to consider a few shows for 2024.
Who is in the band on the album?
The most wonderfully gifted Belinda Campbell sings backing vocals on a few tracks. I cannot wait to work with Billy again….!!
My good friend Dzal Martin plays guitar, rhythm, and solos, on most tracks, bass on a couple too. It’s been a pleasure to have worked together for many years. There’s not a guitar player on earth (including me!) who doesn’t love Dzal’s playing!
I’m lucky enough to count Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell as a dear friend, he delivers one of the solos on “Makin’ up for Lost Love”….so Soulful!! Thank you, Mr B!
I’m the other part of the equation, Lead vocals, backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, lead guitars, bass, keyboards, programming etc.
How do you look after your voice?
I’m not consciously looking after it.
Was it a difficult album to write?
No, it was a welcome stop over on a long river.
What makes John Fiddler happy?
The connection I feel with life-long friends, and the connection I feel when discovering new creatives.
and what makes you unhappy?
The bankrupt souls who pretend they care.
Photo Credit: Supplied By Chris Hewlett PR
John Fiddler and Medicine Head’s new album ‘Heartwork’ is released on Friday 23rd February 2024 on digital formats via Living Room Records, and on CD through Talking Elephant Records [TECD491 / 5028479049127].
To purchase the album and for more information visit his official website here: https://medicinehead.rocks/
