With the new Phish album Big Boat due out tomorrow, the band’s members Trey Anastasio and Page McConnell spoke to the Wall Street Journal about the new release and more. The two talk about how producer Bob Ezrin was instrumental in bringing out the material that comprised Big Boat, as he was unafraid to speak his mind in the democracy of Phish.
“He pushed us to go as personal, with as much emotional depth, as possible,” says McConnell. “Collectively, that has not been our strong suit, and it was a good change.” Anastasio cites “Miss You” as an example, which was written about his sister who passed away in 2009.
“I was literally looking at my sister’s picture, and those words just came tumbling out,” says Anastasio. “Some of the lines were an attempt to speak for my parents and their experience. But as direct as it was, I hope that people think about their own lives when they hear the song. I believe that the more specifically a songwriter writes, the more universal the sentiment becomes, and I hope that happens here.”
The interview also talks about the song “Things People Do,” which was noticeably more lo-fi on the album than all of the other tracks. The rendition was recorded on McConnell’s iPhone while sitting over a Wurlitzer piano, and the band agreed that this was the best rendition compared to anything they had recorded.
Trey also reflects on where Phish has been in the feature, and where the band is going.
“Phish Phase One started when we were 18 and just wanted to make music… Then we went great guns like we were never going to stop, and the race car smashed into the wall. Phase Two started in 2009 as a new cycle, with different management and structure, and we feel very lucky to have arrived at this very comfortable, very professional place.” He continues, talking about his experience with Fare Thee Well. “I stood on stage looking at 80,000 people vibrating, and old friends hugging, and I was just overcome,” he says. “It’s so much bigger than the band, and we respect that. I think you will see us slow down and do some different things over the next two years.”
What do those different things entail? Only time will tell. Phish’s fall tour kicks off on October 14th and runs through Halloween night in Las Vegas.