During an interview with MOJO, Noel Gallagher talked about how he sometimes feels when he wrote new music.
Noel Gallagher has opened up about his upcoming High Flying Birds album Council Skies, reflecting on his songwriting and artistic freedom.
Earlier this month, MOJO visited Lone Star Studios in Kings Cross, where Gallagher previewed his fourth studio album.
With tracks like Pretty Boy, Think Of A Number, Easy Now, and Open The Door, See What You Find, the album spans Gallagher’s entire musical journey.
Council Skies: Roots and Reflection
The title Council Skies is inspired by a book by Sheffield artist Pete McKee.
The album artwork, captured by Kevin Cummins, shows the band’s live gear set up on the old centre spot at Maine Road, the former stadium of Manchester City FC.
Maine Road holds special meaning for Oasis fans, as the band played two iconic shows there in 1996.
“It’s quite reflective but not nostalgic,” explained Gallagher. “Easy Now sounds a bit Oasis-y, but the songs have ups and downs.”
Gallagher describes Pretty Boy as “a f***ing party tune.”
“It encompasses everything I’ve done in the last 13 years,” he added.
Back to Basics After Who Built The Moon?
Council Skies follows 2017’s experimental album Who Built The Moon?, produced by David Holmes.
During lockdown, Gallagher returned to his roots, writing songs on an acoustic guitar.
“That’s how I’ve always written the best songs,” he explained.
He acknowledged Holmes pulled him away from that approach for Who Built The Moon?, with its heavy use of synthesizers and studio experimentation.
Artistic Freedom and Fan Expectations
Gallagher admitted feeling pressure to stick to his Oasis roots.
“I feel like I’m defending my right to make music that’s not indie rock,” he said.
“People want you to rewrite f***ing Don’t Look Back In Anger 14 times on an album.”
Despite fan expectations, Gallagher embraces creative freedom, blending classic sounds with new directions.
The album also features guitar work from long-time friend Johnny Marr, further connecting Gallagher’s past and present.
Gallagher’s Career Continues to Evolve
Since Oasis split in 2009, Gallagher has explored new musical styles with High Flying Birds.
In 2021, he released Back The Way We Came, a greatest hits collection showcasing his post-Oasis work.
With Council Skies, Gallagher continues to evolve, while still honouring the music that defined his legacy.
Source: Mojo Music
Photo: Getty