Hi Bruce, thank you for taking the time to reply to our questions. First, can you explain the delay between 12 and 10 stories down?

Cyclops had a deadline for 12SD and it raised it's head before I was really ready.  In the end, 12SD was rushed out and I knew in my bones that it wasn't the record I was trying to make.  With the help of Steve Kitch who took over production and engineering duties (I took a backseat sofa roll) we finally made the album we wanted, but it took another 6 long, hard months.

We understand that you were disappointed by 12 stories down. Can you tell us the reasons why you think it is not an achieved album?

Sonically, it was muddy and lifeless.  It got to the point where everything I was adding made the mix sound worse.  As a whole, the album really sagged in the middle and I felt the balance of the disc was off.  But mainly, I just felt it didn't do the songs justice.

When you first released "12 stories down", did you imagine there would be that many changes between this record and its final version?

Yes and no.  I was in denial a little at the time. A voice was telling me it wasn't good enough, but I couldn't face working on the album any longer.  Bringing Steve in meant I could concentrate on the artistic side of things, from his sofa that is.  That's the only reason 10SD saw the light of day…

There was some disappointment from the fans' side also, as some of them felt they brought an unfinished version of the album...

Yes, I can understand that, but it wasn't deliberate. Still 12SD has 5 TPT tunes that will never be released again plus it's a bit of a collectable

How did you select the final 10 tracks of the album?

I just used my gut instinct, although ‘Wretched Soul' came over to 10SD because so many people emailed me to complain.  I guess I forgot how good that song was, it was one of the early ones to be recorded.  But sitting on 12SD for 6 months meant I could come up with a more organic order.  It certainly feels better to me, even if ‘Light Up' is a bit long.

It seemed to us that the tracks with more instrumental parts were the ones to be left aside?

True, but not intentionally.  Like your review says, it's the more accessible tunes that made it to 10SD.  Perhaps that's a knock on from getting the flow right.  But that doesn't mean I'm not into TPT instrumentals.

How did you end up with a 15-minutes long song on "I will light up your eyes"?

I have no idea.  It just became that length.  Light Up part 1 (the one on 12SD bonus) was one of the first songs I wrote for the ‘stories sessions'.  I finished Part1 after 12SD was released, and it was during a really rough time, personally, as I was splitting with my long term girlfriend.  Hence, ‘Part2' which, to me, conveys the hopelessness I was feeling when we were at our lowest ebb.  It's probably the most ‘honest' song on the album but I didn't set out to make it 15 minutes.

Why “Wretched Soul” was put aside at first? It seems to be one of the strongest tracks of all…

I have no idea either!  I think it just got lost, and needed the fans to remind me I was being stupid to leave it out.  So, I gave it another listen, remixed it with Steve and realized it needed to be on 10SD.  It also balanced the album out too.

Do you think TPT has finally grown to be a pop rock band, drifting away from its progressive roots?

Good question.  In short no, but I did set out to concentrate on moving, melodic songs for 10SD but personally I think there are progressive influences all over the album.  I think ‘pop' has a different meaning in the UK - it sounds like your accusing me of wanting to grow into a boy band!

Will you develop this taste for progressive music in another project?

Yes.  I am planning to release TPT5 next summer (writing is already under way) and this will consist of 2 discs, the second one being a more instrumental, soundtrack style record.  That way I can satisfy both of my creative urges.

What was your source of inspiration for the lyrics? It seems your experience with the 8 days records led you to write a lot about atmospheres and every-day life…

Yes, that pretty much sums it up.  The lyrics deal with personal issues, not fictional stories.  I have no idea why I would want to share these emotions with thousands of strangers, but for some reason I do.  Lyrics are always the hardest part of the songwriting process for me.  I may feel inspired and can easily translate those feelings into music, but getting the words to fit gracefully and with meaning is very tough.  That's the reason my albums take so long to produce.

Production-wise, what did Steve Kitch brought to the record?

Steve has a very good set of ears on his head.  Plus they were fresh, mine were tired.  He took all the songs, put all the faders and eqs to zero and remixed from scratch.  Steve also has some really nice valve gear which made the record sound warm and transparent (I'm sure his mixing skills helped too).  It was really refreshing to take a back seat and take executive decisions only.  Also, Steve is a good friend – I wouldn't work with people I wasn't 100% comfortable with.

Will you ask for the help of a second producer on the next TPT albums?

You must be reading my mind – I would if the right person came along.  It would be interesting to see what a producer would do.  Steve is more of an engineer so I'll be using him again to mix TPT5.

What is the link between the music and the cover of the album?

Not a lot, although it helps to convey the ‘lost' feeling of the album.  When I saw the images at a local exhibition, I immediately wanted them to represent the music.

In addition, and for the second time, you wrote and recorded an supplemental album in eight days. Can you tell us more about that ? Was it easier than the first time?

No, it was harder, and I ran out of juice after the snail was squashed on Wednesday (I think that's the right day) – I don't think I'll do another 8 days, I've done all I want to do with that now.  But I like where 8 Days took me, which is why the extra disc for TPT5 will be in a similar vein – more instrumental, more progressive.

From the stage side, do you have touring plans?

We're doing some more UK gigs and a US date in the spring, but as yet no plans to return to Europe, but I hope we'll get there in 2006.

How was the Marillion Convention gig and how did you end up on the bands' list?

It was a good gig, we won a load of new fans even though our performance wasn't great.  We ended up on the list because of requests by the Marillion fans, I think.  It was very nice of them to ask.

What is your current playlist?

Currently, playing the new Elbow album which is a bit of a grower.  Waiting on ‘Pocket Revolution' by Deus with anticipation.  Also, getting into some of my old skool prog. Listening a lot to ‘Crime of the Century' by Supertramp.  I love that record.

Here are some questions posted by our readers on Progressia's forum:

Will the rest of the band have more influence on the songwriting in the future?

I doubt it.  I will always write alone but they will (and have) influenced the music when we get together.  But the music is so personal I can't see how it will work by committee.  Production is a different matter though.

Will you play in France in a near future?

I hope so!  Any opportunity that arises, we'll be there.

You recently mentioned you would work on a "pet project" before starting the next Pineapple Thief album. Do you want to tell us more about it ?

I think the pet project will become the TPT Disc2, unless it warrants it's own release.  I wanted to do a more instrumental progressive disc, plus an instrumental, acoustic disc – kind of like ‘Geese and the Ghose' by Anthony Philips, but by Pineapple Thief instead.

Finally, what can we expect from the three-known sides of your career: TPT, PNG, and VU?

TPT is more alive than ever, and I can't imagine a day when I'll stop releasing records.  PNG and VU depends largely on Neil (he's not currently writing) and Cyclops having the money to put them out, as they are not as commercially successful as TPT at the moment, which is a real shame.  I take a backseat with songwriting for PNG and VU, otherwise they will become too TPT,  if you understand me.  But personally, I'll always be producing music till the end of time...