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Progressive Rock Interviews

Flamborough Head

Interviewed by Gary Hill
Interview with Edo Spanninga of Flamborough Head from 2006
MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2006 Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Can you catch the readers up on the history of the band?
Flamborough Head started in the early nineties of the last century. We recorded a demo named "Bridge To The Promised Land" back in 1994 which Malcolm Parker of Cyclops liked and so he offered us a contract. In 1997 we released our debut album Unspoken Whisper and two years later Defining The Legacy. In 2000 the guitarist and vocalist were replaced by Margriet Boomsma on vocals and various flutes and Eddie Mulder on guitar and backing vocals. With this line up we recorded One For The Crow and this year we released our latest album Tales Of Imperfection. All albums were received very well and as a result we were invited at several major festivals in France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, England, Italy and Mexico. In 1997 Flamborough Head started to organise a progrockfestival called ProgFarm which became a very popular and successful event through the years.
MSJ: I know people don't like to describe their music or see it pigeonholed, but care to give it a try?
All band members are influenced by all the progressive rock bands from the seventies. My own favorite bands are Genesis, Renaissance, Gentle Giant, Yes, Jethro Tull, Greenslade, England, Druid, Caravan, Gryphon, Focus, Van De Graaf Generator - I can go on for hours.
MSJ: Are there musicians out there with whom you'd like to work?
Not really. The people I work with are excellent musicians and good company. I still feel the best Flamborough Head album has still to be made so there is no real reason to want to work with other people.
MSJ: Where did the name come from?
For some reason all my holidays are ending up in England. One day we visited the cliffs of Flamborough Head, I liked the place and the sound of the name. There is no real reason for naming our band after Flamborough Head.
MSJ: Do you think that downloading of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians? It's been said by the major labels that it's essentially the heart of all the problems they are having in terms of lower sales - would you agree?
The tracks I downloaded made me want to buy the band's album so I don't think in prog it's a problem. Our generation is used to LP's, CD's instead of MP3, most prog lovers want to have the real thing including booklet etcetera.
MSJ: In a related question, how do you feel about fans taping and trading live shows?
I don't see any problem. Most of these traders own all the official releases anyway.
MSJ: What's on the road map for the future for Flamborough Head?
We are working on new material for our next album, which is scheduled for next year. We are invited later this year on two major festivals in Europe and we will organize another edition of ProgFarm.
MSJ: First, what was the last CD you bought, or what have you been listening to lately?
The last CD I bought was a box set of Haydn, no prog I'm afraid. Lately I have been listening to all sort of Italian stuff; Le Orme, PFM, Mangala Vallis, Maxophone, etcetera.
MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment?
Last weekend we attended a festival in Zoetermeer; Magenta, Mangala Vallis and Satellite.
 
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