BRING ME THE HORIZON: Sempiternal, Ed Sheeran & playing metal again (Jordan Fish interview)
May 22, 2023
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Jordan Fish, the keyboardist and producer for Bring Me The Horizon, dives into the transformative journey of their impactful album 'Sempiternal' and the band’s evolution in sound. He discusses the delicate balance between artistic growth and meeting fan expectations, revealing insights on their shift towards more experimental styles. Fish reflects on collaboration's role, both within the band and with emerging artists, and shares thoughts on the current state of metal and rock, touching on the importance of meaningful songwriting.
Jordan Fish's role in Bring Me The Horizon evolved from keyboards to vital contributions in songwriting and production alongside Oli Sykes.
The creative process for their music emphasizes experimentation and collaboration, allowing for organic evolution and the development of Ollie's vocal abilities.
Collaboration with external producers and artists like Ed Sheeran reflects the band's commitment to innovation while maintaining their unique sound and identity.
Deep dives
Role in the Band
Jordan emphasizes his multifaceted role within the band, highlighting his contributions as both a musician and a producer. Initially brought in to assist with keyboards and electronics, his responsibilities evolved to encompass songwriting and production, particularly in collaboration with Ollie, the band's lead vocalist. This partnership often involves translating Ollie's vision into tangible music, allowing Jordan to express his own ideas while adapting to the dynamic needs of the band. His experience in recording and working with vocalists has proven invaluable, especially in coaching Ollie through developing his singing abilities.
Creative Process for Albums
The creative process for the band's albums has involved significant experimentation and a willingness to push boundaries. Jordan notes that their approach often includes crafting instrumental tracks before incorporating vocals, allowing for an organic evolution of the music. He recalls how the process of creating melodies and lyrics became a collaborative effort, particularly highlighting Ollie's journey from being tone-deaf to becoming a capable singer. This evolution showcases a commitment to artistic growth and a challenge to the traditional norms of the genre they operate within.
Reflections on Sempiternal
Jordan reflects on the band's pivotal album, Sempiternal, recognizing it as a defining moment for their sound in the metalcore scene. Despite the album's acclaim and its status as a classic, he admits to seeing the influences that shaped it, making it harder for him to view it as impervious to critique. He appreciates how the album opened new doors for the band while expressing his desire for their music to continuously evolve rather than adhere strictly to past successes. His nuanced perspective captures both pride in their achievements and a desire for artistic authenticity.
Collaboration and Evolution
The band's willingness to collaborate with external producers reflects their commitment to innovation and avoiding stagnation. Jordan discusses how bringing in fresh perspectives has helped keep their music dynamic while allowing him to balance his responsibilities without burning out. This evolution, marked by a shift from being a control-focused creator to embracing collaboration, has enriched their creative output. By integrating diverse influences, the band aims to create music that stays true to their identity while exploring new soundscapes.
Experience with Ed Sheeran
Jordan shares an intriguing experience with Ed Sheeran, revealing how the collaboration initially began as a request for the band to serve as his backing musicians for a live performance. Through this connection, they later developed a new version of Sheeran's song, capturing their essence while remaining true to its origins. The behind-the-scenes look highlights the quick turnaround and spontaneity of the process, showcasing their adaptability as artists. Performing live at a high-profile event like the Brit Awards posed unique challenges, but ultimately allowed them to shine on a larger platform.
Jordan Fish of Bring Me The Horizon joins to talk about the impact of "Sempiternal," working with Oli Sykes, whether they'll go back to playing metal and more.
