Steven Wilson – Limited Edition of One

 

Steven Wilson – Limited Edition of One

by Pete Clemons

There are completely original musicians. Then there are those musicians, as good as they are, who could only ever perform with a covers band. And then you have Steven Wilson. A sound engineer. He is original but combines that originality with influences.

And Steven has just published his first book. It attempts to explain 'how he got there'. 'There' being a multi Grammy award nominated artist. 'There' being an artist who has appeared at The General Wolfe, The Tic Toc, Antics and the Royal Albert Hall. And yet he is still relatively unknown.

For the greatest part of his life Steven has absorbed thousands of albums. He listens to and knows about countless bands. And that knowledge has clearly influenced his output. I have often wondered just how much those influences have played a part. So much so that when he has a release due I take a look at his current play lists.

Over the years Steven's marketing technique has been exemplary and used as a way of pushing the cause. Limited editions, numbered sets came early on in his career. But it has taken over 30 years and a lot of struggle for him to make a living as a musician.

And Steven's book is no exception. He did promise something different and, in that respect, he has not disappointed. There are chapters within the book where Steven really opens up. It is a book of I.

As found during interviews Steven is very articulate. But this book, I think, finds him in a more sincere mood. I agree he does come across at times as clinical and self centred. But my view is that this is only in a professional way. I guess you need to be to get anywhere in the music industry. But what do I know?. It is a difficult profession to become established in yet alone make a career out of.

Within these pages Steven has opened up in areas of his life I didn't expect. Frustratingly though he didn't in others. If you are looking for in depth revelations regarding the trials and tribulations endured throughout his music career or more comprehensive insight into his more obscure releases then you may be disappointed. Other Porcupine Tree books are available which cover that kind of thing.

Parts of the book did get to me emotionally. Such as when Porcupine Tree, who began life as a humble pub band, appeared at the Royal Albert Hall. What should have been a pinnacle of his career was marred by internal hassles. And appeared to take the shine off it all for Steven. I found that quite sad.

Other areas of the book left me frustrated. Just when it gets to a really interesting chapter up pops a list that takes away the readers concentration. Following that short interlude you find you have jumped forward a decade.

Steven is at the stage of life where he appears to get bored with his own music. Over the years he does appear to have found the process of making quality music all too easy. I have often wondered if Steven's music would have been so good without all those influences inside him. Has it been a hindrance?. Musicians born to create tend to strive. In that respect, has he backed himself into a corner?.

Steven Wilson is ever evolving. He is just a guy who wants to make music, create sounds, develop it to the best of his abilities, but simply wants to do it his way. If possible I think he would prefer to do it without all the fuss that comes with it.

As much as I enjoyed this book, and it is a good well written read, it set's out to promote the forthcoming Porcupine Tree tour. It also spells out an outline story for the next Steven Wilson album. At the same time it attempts to dispel a few urban myths. Does it answer 'how he got there'?. That one, I think, is for the reader to decide.