The Blow Monkeys Talk New Album, New Single And More

British pop-soul group The Blow Monkeys have announced they will release their 13th studio album ‘Birdsong’ on 15th August 2025, followed by a co-headline ten-date UK tour in October with The Christians. As the title track single is to be released on Friday 2nd May 2025, Dr Robert kindly chatted to us at JLTT: 

 

Who is in The Blow Monkeys, how did you meet and what do you play?

Dr Robert (Vox Gtr), Neville Henry (Sax) Mick Anker (Bass) Crispin Taylor (Drums)..Mick, Nev and Robert met in 1981 at Jacksons Community Centre in Highgate. Crispin joined in 2015.

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

Listening to Puppet On A Sting by Sandie Shaw in 1967 as I helped my father wallpaper my brother’s bedroom

 

When did you begin songwriting?

In my head I started trying to write songs before I could play an instrument, so about 1973

 

Your thirteenth studio album ‘Birdsong’ will be released on 15th August 2025 via Creation Youth, the independent record label founded by Alan McGee. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

Have fun and express ourselves without overthinking or self-editing.

 

When did you first meet Alan McGee?

I think we might have tried to get a gig at his club The Living Room back in 1983, but we didn’t really speak properly until about three years ago.

 

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

We recorded it at Paul Weller’s Black Barn Studio and I produced it.

Do you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Not really. I am not particularly bothered about gear. I like to work fast before self-consciousness sets in. So I’ll use whatever is to hand. Charles Rees, the in-house engineer at Black Barn, was brilliant.

 

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

My wife (Michele, the band’s co-manager) and I live in Southern Spain, so we drove all the way to the studio in Ripley. A road trip to help clear the mind and get ready for the session.

You also have your new single ‘Birdsong’ which is released on 2nd May 2025. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

I get up much earlier these days and Birdsong is often the first thing I hear. A daily reminder of our place in the natural world away from the noise and algorithms of doom scrolling.

 

Did you have any additional musicians feature on the album?

Old friend Mick Talbot added some inspired keys and Steve Sidelnyk did some fantastic additional drum programming on tracks like Shadowplay.

 

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

Happiest? Walk On, Nothing Is Lost. Angriest? No anger on this album. Reflective? This Fleeting House.

 

Was it a difficult album to write?

No. Its gushed out!

 

Who designed the album artwork?

Tony Lyons and Michele Siedner

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I have no idea. Music saved my life and gave me a purpose. Beyond that it’s all a mystery.

How do you look after your voices?

I generally sing a bit of Perry Como to warm up.

 

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?

Question 7 by Richard Flanagan. It’s a work of philosophical genius.

 

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

Too many to mention. Specifically, standing at Kings Lynn Football ground in the very early seventies listening to the halftime music. Jimmy Mack, Band Of Gold and lots of Engelbert Humperdinck. And my older sister’s Beatles collection. And I recommended searching out a band called The Laughing Clowns .

 

You will be embarking on a co-headline October 2025 UK tour with The Christians. How are you feeling about the tour? Have you toured with The Christians before?

We know them well and are kindred spirits. No ego clashes or rock ‘n’ roll bull****. Gonna be some great musical nights.

 

Given your extensive back catalogue, is it difficult picking a set list? Do you have a song selection process?

There are some songs we have to play, and still enjoy doing them. Plus we always put in a good percentage of new stuff and some surprise covers. Keep it interesting for everyone.

 

Some artist have used the same instruments onstage year after year, so do you have any similarly favoured instruments/equipment?

No, we aren’t precious about that kind of stuff.

What makes The Blow Monkeys happy and what makes you unhappy?

Happy? A Full House. Unhappy? Salmon paste sandwiches.