Owl John, came to life between Frightened Rabbit records – originally released 6 August 2014 – the project was a chance for singer Scott Hutchison to shift gear, recuperate after a lengthy touring campaign, to connect with the love of it, explore landscapes without expectation, experiment for the crack, all in a new place with a loose deadline. Hunkered down in an old school on the Isle of Mull with bandmates Andy Monaghan and Simon Liddell in tow, then taken to Scott’s new home Los Angeles, the plan to make something free from pressure or preconception.
Originally released with minimal press and promotion, the album was met fondly by fans of Scotts work; since has gained a cult following and been a seed of inspiration to many. The new vinyl pa includes a zine with recollections from the time and unseen photos from the making of the album.
As noted in the original press release –
“with the band on a break following the release of their 4th album Pedestrian Verse (their first with Atlantic Records) reaching the Top 10 in February 2013. Scott headed to the Isle Of Mull with the mission to write and record an album in two weeks. For a fortnight they made music by day and drank whisky by night; at the end an album was made and ‘Owl John’ was born.
The Owl John album, which showcases Scott’s trademark brutal honesty, sees a different direction from the music of Frightened Rabbit. Raw, powerful and often heart-breaking, ‘Owl John’ will see Scott step out of Frightened Rabbit’s shadow.”
Scott – “It’s been about ten years since I had the notion to add the word ‘Owl’ as a middle name. Scott Owl John Hutchison. I thought it had a really splendid flow to it. I suppose I enjoy owls as much as most people, admiring their weird neck thing and having read ‘Plop’ countless times as a wee one. I don’t buy the wisdom bit, but they are incredibly good at being owls and it would be nice to be as effective at being a human. Sadly, I’m not and it is from this croaking foible that songs come. The desperate crunch of failure sat right next to the fizzing, spumante spark of joy. They cackle and point at each other because they don’t understand their opponent. You will find me sitting between them, eating a bag of nuts (not Brazils, they make my mouth itch) and documenting the whole sorry episode.
John is a homeless.
John is a priest.
John is a witness.
John is a beast.
It was also approximately 10 years ago that I started a band called Frightened Rabbit. In that time I’ve dedicated so much of my life to that good wee band with a stupid name, I felt it was time to indulge John. Sing it with me…
John is a weirdo.
John is a thief.
John is a wino.
Listen, bleed, weep.”
