Nick Higton, who is The Aultones, took out some time to answer some of Johnny Spice’s
questions, thanks Nick.
Abbey Road. Wow. How did that come about?
In March 2015 I was approaching my 39th Birthday the forthcoming April and returning from
visiting my Brother, Sister-In-Law, My Niece and Nephews in Ireland it was relevant many
years had passed in my musical journey. I'd begun playing guitar in April 1994 and progressed to
songwriting and recording pretty quickly. Outside of my family and circle of friends nobody was
hearing what I was doing, my last gig had been September 2005 and I'd spent years alone writing
and recording. I decided before I turned 40 I would record a studio album. The first place I
wanted to record an album would be Abbey Road Studios. I sent an email to The Studio Manager
and the process started from there. I distinctly remember reading the reply from Abbey Road as
the main theme from "Once Upon A Time In The West" played in the background on my CD
player. That’s where my fairytale began, with Once Upon a time!
When writing a song what comes first, words or music?
There is no format or process really, like any creative it depends on my inner self when the
music is going to come. I always think of composing like that scene in "The Empire Strikes
Back" where Yoda is teaching Luke Skywalker and he says "Many things you will see through
The Force, The Future, The Past, Old friends long gone". It's something I tap into and unlike the
real world there are no boundaries, only imagination. Anything is possible.
What’s the oldest song on the record?
The oldest song from The LP dates back to July 1999, called, “Just Looking Forward.” That song
was a conscious effort to write in John Lennon’s style like a “Norwegian Wood,” or a “You’ve
Got To Hide Your Love Away.”
I have to ask about the song that I keep humming, what was the inspiration behind the title
track, “Fear Without Progression”?
It's my mantra, my belief that you can only go forward in life because if you allow your thoughts
and feelings to remain in the past (as I have done and no doubt will continue to do so at
times) you will be afraid of what is to come. The past is easy because it has a beginning, middle
and an end. The future is an open road and it's uncertain. The music came in April 2009 and the
words came around a few weeks later. The song to me feels like it's words of wisdom from my
creator, whoever and wherever they come from. I was raised as a Catholic until 16 until I left
School and then I formed my own beliefs. I have no allegiance to any Religious group
whatsoever. I believe in Love and that's enough for me.