{"id":17405,"date":"2017-07-21T18:52:33","date_gmt":"2017-07-22T01:52:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/?p=17405"},"modified":"2017-07-21T20:46:29","modified_gmt":"2017-07-22T03:46:29","slug":"video-and-exclusive-interview-big-big-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/2017\/07\/video-and-exclusive-interview-big-big-train\/","title":{"rendered":"BIG BIG TRAIN \/ NICK D\u2019VIRGILIO Web-Exclusive Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>VIDEO FEATURE &amp; WEB-EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Band:<strong> \u00a0BIG BIG TRAIN<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3>Musician: \u00a0<strong>NICK D\u2019VIRGILIO<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3>Song: \u00a0\u201c<strong>Kingmaker<\/strong>\u201d<\/h3>\n<h3>Songwriter:\u00a0 Greg Spawton<\/h3>\n<h3>Recorded at Kings Place, London on Saturday, August 15, 2015<\/h3>\n<h3>Directed and edited by Peter Callow<\/h3>\n<h1><strong>Progressive Rock Band With Sweetwater Roots Continues To Make Huge Strides Across The Globe<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SX3LEHh4QxE\" width=\"660\" height=\"371\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h1><strong>BIG BIG TRAIN \/ NICK D\u2019VIRGILIO Web-Exclusive Interview<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h3><strong>with\u00a0<em>M Music &amp; Musicians<\/em>\u00a0magazine publisher, Merlin David<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Big Big Train\u2019s 2017 album <em>Grimspound<\/em> debuted at #1 on the UK rock charts in May 2017. It has been nominated for Album of the Year at The Progressive Music Awards this fall in London. The album was recorded at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, IN\u2014and also in London, UK.<\/p>\n<p>This is the second album Nick D\u2019Virgilio has recorded his drums and vocals with Mark Hornsby at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, IN. Last year\u2019s critically acclaimed <em>Folklore<\/em>\u00a0brought home two awards for the band at the 2016 Progressive Music Awards. The band also took home four awards at the 2017 Classic Rock Society Awards\u2014including Best Album for\u00a0<em>Folklore<\/em>, and Best Drummer for Nick D\u2019Virgilio.<\/p>\n<p>Big Big Train is a unique concept band in today\u2019s music industry\u2014they are selling records, making money, winning awards\u2014and they\u2019ve\u00a0only ever played three live shows over one weekend in 2016, which sold out immediately when the shows were announced the previous year.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17409\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Big-Big-Train-1-660.jpg\" alt=\"Big-Big-Train-1-660\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Big-Big-Train-1-660.jpg 660w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Big-Big-Train-1-660-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/>\u201cI believe quality is still important,\u201d says drummer Nick DiVirgilio. \u201cFrom the songwriting, to the hard work that goes into crafting the right arrangements, to the quality of the recordings\u2014we are focusing on the things that\u00a0some bands have left behind. This band is a family where everyone supports and respects each other\u2019s ideas and encourages a team effort. Whether we\u2019re recording here at Sweetwater\u00a0in Fort Wayne IN or at Real World in the UK, the songs always come first and the technology is the icing on the cake.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Big Big Train songwriter Greg Spawton says \u201cFor me, it\u2019s primarily about quality control throughout everything we do. We start with carefully crafted songs. We record them with care and attention at great studios. We choose talented\u00a0recording and mixing engineers to work with. We spend a great deal of time on artwork and presentation\u2014to ensure our vinyl releases and CD\u2019s look and feel beautiful\u2014so that people will\u00a0want to own them. We make sure our download music is available at high resolution, alongside the standard streaming and download options. And when we play live, we choose select\u00a0venues to make the shows we play feel like special occasions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>We talked with drummer Nick D\u2019Virgilio about the collaboration across the Atlantic Ocean and the unique way they record Big Big Train, the songwriting and many musical styles represented in their music, and the honor of being recognized with awards.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How did you become such an integral part of Big Big Train\u2019s sound?<\/strong><br \/>\nRob Aubrey is a mutual friend of the band. He was the soundman for all the Spock\u2019s Beard tours I had done over the years, and we became great friends. Rob also has a commercial studio at his home in Southampton UK. Whenever I was on that side of the pond, Rob would hire me for various sessions. He was already good friends with the boys in Big Big Train and had been making their records for years. Back in 2007, Rob recommended me to the guys for the record <em>The Difference Machine<\/em>, and a beautiful relationship blossomed. Thanks, Rob.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us about your creative process with these BBT recordings.<\/strong><br \/>\nThey are really good at sending demos with the end goal in mind, so I have something fairly solid to play to. The last few records, I have been able to cut my drums and vocals at Sweetwater Studios with Mark Hornsby at the helm. Before that, I would record with the gang at Rob&#8217;s studio. I do miss being all together when cutting the tracks, but they send me solid parts\u2014and we are getting great sounds at Sweetwater. Mark and I have a wonderful flow in the studio, so it has all worked out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do they provide some direction?<\/strong><br \/>\nThe guys have notes for parts here and there. But the beautiful thing is they let me be creative and do my thing. We have a great feel and vibe together, and it\u2019s very easy for me to get deep into the recordings. Some of the parts are very difficult to play, but the challenge is always well worth it.<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17408\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Big-Big-Train-2-660.jpg\" alt=\"Big-Big-Train-2-660\" width=\"660\" height=\"660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Big-Big-Train-2-660.jpg 660w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Big-Big-Train-2-660-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Big-Big-Train-2-660-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/>Are you involved with the songwriting?<\/strong><br \/>\nI have not been to this point, but the times they are a changin\u2019. (<em>Laughs<\/em>) We are already planning for the future. I have demos in the queue for the next project. The amazing thing about this band is that they really think ahead\u2014where we all <em>want<\/em> to be. I do see some songwriting input coming soon.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do you keep the collaborative sound so cohesive?<\/strong><br \/>\nSometimes we Skype, but really we just keep in close contact even with me being in the States, Rikard in Sweden, and everyone else in the UK.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Are there any challenges recording this way?<\/strong><br \/>\nSure there are. Ideally, we would all be camped out in a studio somewhere for a month or two, and make a record. But life as it is forces us to do some things remotely for now. Maybe that will change in the future. But it has really worked out tremendously well the way we\u2019ve been making records so far. I wouldn\u2019t want to mess up that mojo by all being in the same room. (<em>Laughs<\/em>)<\/p>\n<p><strong>How does Mark Hornsby (and Sweetwater Studios) help this process?<\/strong><br \/>\nMark is the master of sound at Sweetwater, and he knows every square inch of the place. He knows how to manipulate the room to get the best possible sounds for whatever instrument is being recorded. We have an amazing selection of instruments to use\u2014along with world class recording gear and microphones. We\u2019ve made a ton of records over the years, and just know how to flow\u2014whether the music we are recording is hard or easy. And Mark is a little bit of a Proghead too. (<em>Laughs<\/em>) He gets that kind of music, and always has good suggestions. He knows how to push me to get my best performance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How often do you go to the UK\/Europe to perform with them?<\/strong><br \/>\nI am usually there a couple of times a year.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What kind of music did you grow up listening to\u2014your Top 5 favorite albums?<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Selling England by the Pound<\/em> (1973) \u2013 Genesis<br \/>\n<em>Led Zeppelin IV<\/em> (1971) \u2013 Led Zeppelin<br \/>\n<em>Absolution <\/em>(2003) \u2013 Muse<br \/>\n<em>The Beatles [White Album]<\/em> (1968) \u2013 The Beatles<br \/>\n<em>Lifetime\u2014The Collection<\/em> (1992) \u2013 Tony Williams<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_17407\" style=\"width: 670px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17407\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-17407\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/big-big-train-3-660-Nick-DVirgilio.jpg\" alt=\"Nick D'Virgilio\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/big-big-train-3-660-Nick-DVirgilio.jpg 660w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/big-big-train-3-660-Nick-DVirgilio-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-17407\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nick D&#8217;Virgilio<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>What makes BBT unique?<\/strong><br \/>\nThere are many unique things about BBT. The first is that we are proud and unapologetic about the music we make. It is progressive rock. We are not afraid of that moniker. When you get into BBT, you will find plenty of other influences and styles\u2014folk, R&amp;B, singer-songwriter, and many other styles. We really push the envelope, and we have the players and singers to pull it all off. At least that\u2019s what I think.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What makes you want to be a part of this amazing band?<\/strong><br \/>\nI love the way this band is run. From the business side of things, it has been the easiest band I have ever been in\u2014and that includes some of the major acts I have played for. They have the pulse of the fans, and they are super organized, generous and honest. I love it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s next for BBT?<\/strong><br \/>\nThree huge shows this September in London\u2014at Cadogan Hall, and then \u2026 more.<\/p>\n<h3>Big Big Train video musicians:<\/h3>\n<p>David Longdon \u2013 lead vocals and flute<br \/>\nRachel Hall \u2013 violin and vocals<br \/>\nDave Gregory \u2013 electric guitars, piano and vocals<br \/>\nRikard Sj\u00f6blom \u2013 electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards and vocals<br \/>\nDanny Manners \u2013 keyboards, double bass and vocals<br \/>\nAndy Poole \u2013 keyboards, acoustic guitars, mandolin and vocals<br \/>\nGreg Spawton \u2013 bass, bass pedals and vocals<br \/>\nNick D\u2019Virgilio \u2013 drums and vocals<br \/>\nDave Desmond \u2013 trombone<br \/>\nBen Godfrey \u2013 trumpet and cornet<br \/>\nNick Stones \u2013 French horn<br \/>\nJohn Storey \u2013 euphonium<br \/>\nMike Poysner \u2013 tuba<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where can new fans of Big Big Train get more info and stay updated?<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.BigBigTrain.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.BigBigTrain.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17406\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Big-Big-Train-4-660.jpg\" alt=\"Big-Big-Train-4-660\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Big-Big-Train-4-660.jpg 660w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Big-Big-Train-4-660-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>VIDEO FEATURE &amp; WEB-EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Band: \u00a0BIG BIG TRAIN Musician: \u00a0NICK D\u2019VIRGILIO Song: \u00a0\u201cKingmaker\u201d Songwriter:\u00a0 Greg Spawton Recorded at Kings Place, London on Saturday, August 15, 2015 Directed and edited by Peter Callow Progressive Rock Band With Sweetwater Roots Continues To Make Huge Strides Across The Globe BIG BIG TRAIN \/ NICK D\u2019VIRGILIO Web-Exclusive Interview [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17411,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[7725],"tags":[9350,9351,9353,9352,9355,9354,9356,9357,9358,9359,9360,9361,9362,9363,9269,8189,9364,9365,9366,9367,9368,4315,6145,6915,9369,5100,8170,9370,9371,9372,9373,8207,9374,9375,8449,8179,7398,6734,1056,3818,9376,3918],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17405"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17405"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17405\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17412,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17405\/revisions\/17412"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17405"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17405"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17405"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}