Neil Halstead just released a gem of an album on Brushfire Records. Oh! Mighty Engine finds the former Mojave3 and Slowdive singer/member offering a staggering solo output. I caught up with him in preparation to head out on tour with Jack Johnson for our continuing 5 Questions with Muzzle of Bees feature.

Could you lend some information on the recording process of Oh! Mighty Engine? Where and how was it recorded, and were there any lessons learned that you’ll apply towards future recording sessions?

I recorded most of it at Brushfires Eco Studio in Los Angeles. Spent a couple of weeks and pretty much recorded the whole record. Lessons learned? I don’t know . The one rule of studios I always find helpful is the maxim that one cannot polish a turd. Sometimes you gotta try tho.

How did you arrive at the decision of having Brushfire Records put out your record?

Well I met Emmett who runs the label, through a mutual friend a few years ago . He’s always been super supportive , a good mate and was keen to help get a record out.

I really like what Brushfire does, their commitment to green business practice and list of creative endeavors is pretty impressive so it ended up being a pretty simple decision for me. They are basically a really good bunch of people there and I’m honored to have them put the record out

We’re always looking to uncover new favorite artists, are there any band(s)/record(s) that you could recommend to our readers?

Well I really like Jeffery Lewis and Simon Joyner… Listening to those guys a lot. Also the Fleet Foxes album and the Holton’s Opulent Oog album is amazing.

What is on your bookshelf at the moment? Any books you’ve read over the past year that you’d recommend?

I am at the moment working my way through The Tomplete Aubrey/Maturin Novels by Patrick O’Brian. Foolish really, it’s a pretty big book and quite frankly it’s kind of a pain carrying it around on tour, but I am now a 18th century naval literature addict.

The internet has dramatically altered the way artists can reach an audience. With things like blogs/myspace/etc, what are your thoughts on the power of the internet in terms of helping (or hurting) your music?

Well I’m not super up on this stuff but it seems pretty good to me. It seems less industry led and I like that.

Myspace: Neil Halstead

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