Splashh's Neverending Quest For Comfort

It is a sensation that we experience in varying degrees depending on circumstances amongst the band. Some members have found it in a somewhat state of permanence and managed to retain it, whilst for others it eludes us. It is a force that ebbs and flows in and out of our lives at great extremes. The journey of getting this record (Waiting a Lifetime) made has taken us from the worst couches in Dalston to the finest penthouses in Manhattan, every taste of the ultimate comfort given to us met with another taste of harsh reality.

Having the band divided between two cities (London and NYC) creates a very particular comfort related issue; it means that where ever we are, some of us are homeless. There is a magic in our willingness to be homeless for the sake of being together that is always driving us towards the next phase in our endeavor. There are few things more daunting than not knowing where you will sleep next. It does something special to your mind that causes you to think laterally. Having faith that it will somehow work itself out is the key, and it always does. It is not just a cliche that creativity is born out of being removed from your comfort zone. I do believe that this record would not have been made had we all felt safe and comfortable at all times.

Each of us have a different approach to finding a comfortable place. Sasha, the greatest appreciator of comfort out of all of us, is able to create comfort in almost any situation. He will never be far from his 'comfy pants' and has a truly remarkable skill of improvising beds out of couch cushions and whatever bedding can be found on hand. Toto has created himself a bastion of comfort right here in London, but cannot be kept away from it for too long. Also arguably the best cook amongst us, Toto has perfected the art of comfort food. Luckily the presence of Tom Beal is a comfort to all of us where ever we are. I myself was raised somewhat of a gypsy, and can usually make myself comfortable in most places.

The comfort that you feel from hearing music is perhaps the greatest comfort of all. When you hear a song, and it can make you feel nostalgic even though you've never heard it before, that is a beautiful thing. It goes without saying that hearing music from your childhood, or that you associate with any certain time in your life can affect you greatly. It is also a magnificent feeling to be challenged by music, and to want to let it take you out of your comfort zone to where ever it is going. On Waiting a Lifetime, we made songs that do both of these things. Not intentionally, but as a reflection of where we were all at at the time. This is a contrast that exists in both our lives and our music.

Did you ever wonder why the first Splashh record is called Comfort? So did I, as I did not play on that record, but I like to think it's because of this never ending quest for comfort.