A Conversation with The Proclaimers’ Charlie Reid – HuffPost 3.29.13

Mike Ragogna: Charlie, the new album by The Proclaimers is titled Like Comedy. Is it truly like comedy?

Charlie Reid: Things that appeared very serious and important in years gone by seem now to not hold the same dread and fear as when we were younger. Even the bad and sad aspects of life seem to have strange or comedic elements to them.

MR: The characters on Like Comedy seem to be regular folks, just as on all the other Proclaimers albums. Are you and your brother at least sometimes creating these people and their circumstances from what you’ve experienced in your own lives?

CR: Yes. Much of what is written in our songs is directly applicable to us. The rest we make up. It’s for the listener to work out which is which.

MR: This album being the followup to Notes & Rhymes, how does this is a body of work mainly differ, and what were the creative and recording processes?

CR: Each Proclaimers album is a series of individual songs, rather than an overall statement. As the songs on each record are written over a relatively short space of time, themes do sometimes emerge. I hope that our writing has matured and grown. This album as with the previous two, was produced by Steve Evans. His input has been invaluable and has stretched us as performers and singers.

MR: To me, “After You’re Gone” is an acknowledgement that one leaves things behind, leaves their mark in some way. What kind of legacy would you like The Proclaimers to leave behind, you know, after you’ve recorded your 40th album or so?

CR: Entertainment and honesty in equal measures.

MR: “Simple Things” is exactly what it’s title implies, basically, you and your brother harmonizing. On the other hand, it seems like most Proclaimers recordings maintain that simpler approach amid bigger productions as well. Do you think it’s the fraternal element that contributes to that?

CR: Yes, to some degree. Also, Craig and I gravitate towards simple music. We find it more soulful.

MR: What’s it like making music as brothers after all these years? Like what are the challenges and what are the rewards?

CR: The challenges include improving our writing and performances. The rewards are the writing and the performances.

MR: What are your thoughts looking at today’s international music scene? Are there any acts that you and your brother find yourselves casually listening to?

CR: I like people who are individualistic and passionate. That could include anything from the White Stripes to Merle Haggard.

MR: What was the best advice you ever got?

CR: Get a lawyer.

MR: What advice do you have for new artists?

CR: Write what you know and stick to your principles.

MR: Were you surprised by how big a hit you had with “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”?

CR: We are still surprised by it!

MR: What do you guys think about those 500 miles nowadays?

CR: The rest of our lives will be measured out in blocks of 500 miles. That was decided long ago!