John Gallen Talks New Album, Recording And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Red Sand PR
John Gallen is an electronic and experimental composer and performer with a background in sound recording, music production and mixing for film and TV. ‘Improvisations 1’ documents his first year of writing and performing in these genres and features six works created using a Moog mother, thumb piano, kalimba and various found samples. He sat down with us here:
What is your earliest musical memory?
My older brother gave Mr Frank Zappa’s “Hot Rats” on my 11th birthday… still listening to it now!
When did you begin songwriting?
In 2024!
You have your new album ‘Improvisations 1’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
It was inspired by attending the Coastal Electronauts sessions in Whitstable and subsequently performing at the sessions
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
All recorded produced and mixed by me in my home studio
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
Not from this album but many from the bands I have worked with over the years
Who were the musicians who performed on the album with you?
Just me
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
The album was created with a Kalimba, a Music Box, a Moog Mother and various found samples
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
I’m content with all the tracks and don’t really have a favourite. It depends on my mood and environment.
You have also released the track ‘Chandigarh’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
The rock garden at Chanigargh is one of the most famous sites in India. Created by one man, Nek Chand who collected materials from demolition sites around the city. He recycled these materials into his own vision of the divine kingdom of Sukrani. Chand’s work was illegal, but he was able to hide it for eighteen years before it was discovered by the authorities in 1975. By this time, it had grown into a 13-acre complex of interlinked courtyards, each filled with hundreds of pottery-covered concrete sculptures of dancers, musicians, and animals.
The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?
I created the video from photos taken on a visit to the rock garden. It was a total of 10 hours drive there and back from Delhi for just a couple of hours there but was worth it.
Does the album’s title have a specific meaning/significance?
Just really an honest description of what I’m doing and have already started Volume 2.
Was it a difficult album to write?
Not at all!
Who designed the album artwork?
The artwork is work by my Wife, Kimmy McHarrie. www.kimmymcharrie.com
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Beautiful, Exciting, Diverse London Town!
How do you look after your voice?
Drink plenty of Red Wine!
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?
Album Launch at Coastal Electronauts SEMS, Whitstable September 11th
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
Engaged and entertained the audience.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I love my Music Box
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?
Not sure about that!
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
I have admired Brian Eno since following him from the very beginning in Roxy Music… and The Beatles and Bowie are favourites
What two pieces of advice do you have for a novice musician?
Listen in depth to great musicians
What makes John Gallen happy and what makes you unhappy?
Friends make me happy…War makes me unhappy
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Red Sand PR
John Gallen’s new album ‘Improvisations 1’ is out now on Coastal Electronauts on CD and Digital formats.
Bandcamp: https://johngallen.bandcamp.com/album/improvisations-1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastalelectronauts/
