Rod Jones and the Birthday Suit

When Idlewild announced their hiatus in 2010, Rod Jones had no intention of placing his guitar into its case and retreating into a post-band retirement.

The process of relentless touring and the recording of seven albums over a 15 year period wasn’t something that the guitarist could walk away from easily.
After releasing a solo album prior to the band’s break, Jones’ work ethic made him determined to keep busy and he instantly began penning songs for a second album.

However, what arose was far different from the guitarist’s original plans.
“I decided that I was going to do another solo album, but I came to the realisation early on that it wasn’t shaping up to be a singer/songwriter record,” claims Jones.
“The more the songs developed the more they took on the feel of a rock record and I needed a band. With the addition of friends and local musicians from the college I was helping at in Edinburgh it all clicked really well.”

What emerged was The Birthday Suit and the release of a debut album, The Eleventh Hour, at the tail end of 2011.
The Eleventh Hour struck a chord with Idlewild fans, with many considering it to be reminiscent of the band’s earlier work on Hope is Important and 100 Broken Windows. The album’s mix of catchy hooks and pounding riffs gained many supporters and was critically acclaimed by the press.

Although the album represented a successful return for Jones during Idlewild’s hiatus, he admits that the transition from guitarist to frontman took some adapting to.
Rod said: “The hardest part was finding my feet as a frontman, which is something I never thought I was capable of.
“I was notoriously silent and never had any confidence in my Idlewild days. I also used to sing really high to back-up Roddy (Woomble), and it took me a while to realise that I didn’t need to do that any more.
“It’s been a journey of self discovery, particularly as a lyricist and I’ve noticed a big change in myself, particularly in my confidence.”

Rod’s rapid methods of working and writing songs have led to the upcoming release of The Birthday Suit’s second album, A Conversation Well Rehearsed.

A Conversation Well Rehearsed shows that Jones’ is continuing to develop his new sound, crossing the lines between punchy indie-rock – which is evident on the album’s first single ‘Less Worthless Years’ – and modern day folk, similar to acts like Frightened Rabbit.
Rod also believes that the album is a better representation of his new band than their previous release.
“I think it’s beginning to sound like what we want The Birthday Suit to be. We’re trying to find our own sound, and that’s starting to come with this record, more-so than the last.
“I was very happy with The Eleventh Hour, but because it started as a solo record there were moments that didn’t make much sense and was a bit all over the place.
“This time I’m really pleased as it’s stronger lyrically and the music makes more sense. There’s something for everyone on it.”

A Conversation Well Rehearsed will be released on Dec 3, coinciding with the band’s support of The Xcerts on the Scottish dates of their tour.
Rod has big plans for 2013 in the hope of capitalizing on The Birthday Suit’s growing popularity.
“After the record’s release in December, we’ll be touring on and off in 2013. We will be playing some of the summer festivals and we are hopefully looking to get to the continent on a support tour.
“We just want to get the word of the band out there and try and get more people to hear the record and come to the show.
“I like to be constantly moving, so it would be nice to release a record every year too because it clears the cobwebs.”

With The Birthday Suit bolstering their position in the UK music scene, Rod Jones’ has proven that his hard work can go beyond the foundations set by Idlewild.

New album A Conversation Well Rehearsed is not now. More at www.thebirthdaysuit.co.uk.