30th November 2023

Exclusive Interview: Separate Entirely talk debut EP “I’m Not Getting Better”!

One of the more fascinating records of the year has to be “I’m Not Getting Better” by Separate Entirely, the solo project of James Brennock, a musician known for his work in both Hardcore band Hollow Reign and Alternative Metal outfit Exit Through The Gift Shop. Built on the foundations of a need for release following a diagnosis with Fibromyalgia and the Mental Health struggles that come with that, it combines often intricate clean guitars with emotive screamed vocals with only producer James Clayton lending a helping hand. Despite all the odds being stacked against it, the adversity has lead to Brennock creating something breath taking and tear jerking and so here is an exclusive interview with him…

Having been forced to stop being in bands for health reasons, what made you decide to pick up your Schecter PT once more and start a new project in Separate Entirely? “I started to write some solo stuff when I was in my old band, as I think I knew subconsciously my hardcore days were done as I was struggling physically and energy wise. It then grew into Separate Entirely when we split up, as I have always written songs whether in a band or not”

How have you found the reaction to “I’m Not Getting Better” as a record from friends, family and perhaps even your former bandmates? “All feedback I got was pleasantly good from friends etc but they would say that! ha. My old band mates only criticism was they wanted more.”

As a record “I’m Not Getting Better” feels cathartic as well as being emotionally very raw. How did you find the courage to be so open with your feelings when you put the lyrics together? Did you have any concerns about people being able to relate to the record or was it more important to put something together that you were proud of first? “I was going through so many emotions and shit at once I just had to get them out some how. I’ve always expressed my feelings through writing I know that sounds cheesy. I was just writing how I was feeling, which wasn’t always easy. To be honest it was more focused on creating songs that were honest and true to what I was going though, and a way of sort of finding some closure and acceptance.”

Sonically, three of the four tracks are simply your voice cut against beautiful nuanced clean guitar work. That feels like it enabled you to create these songs in your own time without the need to rush or involve other people. What made you decide not to use any programming, a drum machine or synths and keep things to the bare essentials? “I wanted to keep the songs as close to it would be seeing me play them live. I didn’t think the songs needed over producing and that they would feel more raw and personal keeping it with just guitar and vocals. Mostly influenced from my favourite singer songwriters like John Martyn, Benjamin Tod, Fionn Regan, A.A Williams”

Two of the tracks on the EP were recorded live at Resist Vegan Restaurant in Kings Lynn. Having previously been on stage as part of a band, how did it feel to be just you there, sharing your songs? “There was only a few of my mates there as was just a live recording for the EP. I did play an unplugged gig at Resist which was nerve wrecking just standing there by myself, but was fine when I got going”

What’s next for Separate Entirely? “I’m looking to play some shows so if anyone is reading and wants some dark depressing solo emo/hardcore hit me up please! I’m also writing some more songs for another EP for the future”

“I’m Not Getting Better” by Separate Entirely was released on 27th October 2023