Melbourne rockers Palace Of The King are in the final stages of wrapping up their epic European tour in support of their recently released third album Get Right With Your Maker. Formed in late 2012, Palace of the King, have become known for their bluesy, soul-infused, riff-heavy, psychedelic rock n roll. Touring constantly, Palace Of The King average 100 shows a year as Vocalist and Guitarist Tim Henwood tells us in our recent Q&A session.
Tell us about the process of writing and recording the new songs.
We wrote and recorded Get Right With Your Maker over three main studio sessions between touring commitments. Each time a tour would end we would head in to the studio. I’m lucky enough to work out of a killer recording studio in Geelong Victoria called Medici where we can set up and record with me in the control room engineering and playing guitar and the other guys in the live room cranking away. After capturing the live magic I did most of the singing at my own studio in Torquay. Sean and I then headed back to Medici for a few extra Keyboard and guitar bits before sending everything off for mixing.
What were some of the things you wanted to achieve with the release?
I guess like most bands we wanted to make the best album we’ve ever made. That’s for the fans to decide of course but I’m really happy with what we’ve achieved on this record.
Do you enjoy the process of creating? Are you someone who continually writes or does the best come out under a little gentle pressure?
We are constantly writing and putting ideas down on phones or in the studio etc. Each album seems to melt in to the next and I find it hard to remember which song comes from which album sometimes ha! I enjoy the creative process but I find actually making an album very draining. It takes a lot of time and energy and I always feel drained by the end.
What does it feel like as an artist waiting for the songs you’ve lived with for some time to get released to the fans? Is there a sense of excitement or a little panic in there too?
We don’t really get to live with the music long before it gets released as we are quite prolific. It’s basically mixed, mastered and released before we’ve had time to even rehearse for the next tour and learn how to play the new songs ha! Of course there’s always a bit of nervousness around whether the fans will like it. But ultimately if we are in to it and enjoying if the rest can take care of itself.
How does it compare to previous releases?
This album is like a distilled version of the bands entire musical catalogue to me. It has elements from all of its predecessors with its eye to the future.
What were the lyrical themes of the songs?
The themes come from traveling the world, relationships, hardships and good times. Write about what you know they say. Sometimes life gets dark and that’s in there. But it ain’t all dark.
Any favorite moments or songs on the release?
Personally my favorite is I Am The Storm but the other guys might think differently. I love the epic nature of it. The weight of it.
Did you imagine how these songs would play out in a live situation?
We don’t record songs with playing live in mind. I Am The Storm, Its Been A Long Time Coming, Fly Like An Evil, Dog With A Bone and Back On My Feet are all working great in the set here on tour in Europe though. Having three albums and two EP’s to draw from there is rarely a moment in the set where we feel we need something we don’t have energy wise. It is getting harder to please everyone at shows though as there’s always someone who wants a song we haven’t rehearsed from a previous release ha! Maybe we need to do three hour Springsteen length shows ha!
What can people expect at your live shows? Any recent highlights to mention?
We are just finishing up our biggest European tour ever at the moment and it was fantastic. Every show was a highlight! We have a bunch of shows booked in Australia when we return from Europe. It’s high energy Blues Rock with the emphasis on the rock.
How do you pick out a setlist and is that a difficult process?
It seems to be getting harder as we release more music but we do our best to please the fans and ourselves. Sometimes it takes a few shows to nail the set down but we try to have it right before we hit the stage by experimenting in rehearsal and drawing from past shows.
What is your favorite song to play live?
At the moment it’s I Am The Storm but I’m sure that will change over time.
How has the experience of playing live been like for the band so far? Any favorite places to play live?
We do around 100 shows a year. It’s hard work but we love it. We are a rock band and that’s what rock bands do. Anywhere people wanna come and see/hear us is my favorite place to play. Last night it was Bratislava in Slovakia. Tomorrow it’s Austria. In a few weeks it will be Australia.
How did the band form and get started?
The band started with a bunch of young guys who asked me to be their singer. I liked what they did and I liked them so we jumped in and here we are.
What have been your greatest challenges to date, and your favourite moments musically?
Playing music for a living is a constant challenge but I feel blessed that I can do what I love every day.
With technology changing so much over the last few years and seemingly not slowing, and TV force-feeding us the lowest common denominator, what hope is there for rock & metal music?
As long as there are people out there who love rock music there will always be people creating great rock music. The only time rock will die is when no one wants to hear it and I don’t see that happening any time soon.
From what you’ve learned so far what is the most valuable advice you’ve been given so far as a musician?
I’ve been given a lot of great advice about playing my instrument and singing but I’ve never been given any good advice about being a musician. It’s not the kind of thing anyone can advise you on. You will be constantly challenged and questioned and your self belief will be undermined in your head and when that happens the only advice to listen to is your own inside your head.
Who are some of your main influences and who or what inspired you to be in a band and play music?
Kiss, Sabbath, Led Zep, AC/DC, Hendrix. I wanted to play guitar from a very early age and I don’t know why. My mother thinks it started in the womb.
How do you feel about the current music scene right now?
There are many great bands and artists out there. Hopefully they can sustain themselves and keep being great otherwise all artists will become hobbyists and that will undermine the quality of the art in my opinion.
Do you believe music can still change the world?
Absolutely. It changes the world for millions of people every day.
If you could be a fly on the wall for the recording of any album in history, what album would it be?
Jimi Hendrix – Electric Ladyland.
What is the meaning of life?
Community and art.
