Toad the Wet Sprocket is BACK! They have released their first album in 16 years, New Constellation, thanks to the fans that contributed to their successful kickstarter campaign (ended in August).
The name stems from Monty Python’s Eric Idle, who created the fictional band “Toad the Wet Sprocket” for the program “Rutland Weekend Television” in 1975. In 1986, the four used the name as a joke for their first gig and it just stuck.
After breaking up in 1998, Toad would get together every so often to play shows on a casual basis, but their hard core fans never gave up hope for a new album. Our wish was granted along with a tour to support!
I was honored to have the opportunity to chat with the ultra talented Glen Phillips about Toad.
How was it to record the first album in 16 years with Toad the Wet Sprocket?
We took our time before we decided to do it. We had to wait until we all felt like we were all on the same page as a band again. It was well worth the wait. So once we knew we could, we had a great time with it.
You have had great success as a solo act… Be Honest, do you prefer to tour solo or with a band?
It really depends. I like the company and I love having the fuller sound. But I am very used to having my own show and being able to take it where I want to. So having to keep up everybody’s guitar changes and the technical side of it… I miss the freedom of being able to play whatever song I want whenever I want. It’s really fun for me to not have a show planned and to just do everything in real time. That’s probably the biggest difference. However, I do enjoy both.
How is New Constellation different than the past Toad the Wet Sprocket albums?
It’s different; once again it’s been so long since we worked together. I think we all had learned a lot in the last 16 years. It was cool to come back with all that additional experience and see what made Toad unique. I think parts of us would automatically sound like Toad right off the bat... <laughs> And we said to each other, “Oh! That’s why we were us!” It was nice to integrate what we had all learned and add in the other experiences.
What is next for Toad the Wet Sprocket?
The next year is all about touring. We are going back out again in late January / early February out East and then touring in the spring and summer as well. So we have a lot of work in front of us. And I’m ready for a new solo album; it’s been a long time.
Any advice for local musicians?
It’s odd because of my career position, what I would tell you is to get a time machine and get signed in the late 80’s, early 90’s to a record company <laughs>. More than anything though, I think there are not any shortcuts. The great thing about today is that everybody has this tool set…well that’s also the problem with today is that everyone has the same tool set. There is a lot more people making great music. But find out what you can do that nobody else can. Being yourself instead of following whatever other people are doing is the only thing you have.
There is still time to enter to win tics HERE!
Toad the Wet Sprocket
20th Century Theatre
Tuesday November 19th
7p doors / 8p show
