In a recent interview, Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood shared an intriguing detail about the recording of their groundbreaking album "OK Computer." The band rented a haunted manor house owned by actress Jane Seymour to create their iconic 1997 release.
Greenwood, discussing his new photography book "How to Disappear: A Portrait of Radiohead," offered this fascinating glimpse into the band's creative process. The book, which spans 15 years of Radiohead's history, captures intimate moments of the band's journey from "Hail to the Thief" through "A Moon Shaped Pool."
The choice of recording location for "OK Computer" aligns with Radiohead's penchant for atmospheric settings. Greenwood explained that the band often sought out unique, sometimes dilapidated country houses in England for their recording sessions. These historic locations, he believes, contributed significantly to the mood and sound of their albums.
"Each place had a distinct mood, and it shaped how the music evolved," Greenwood reflected. He added that the band's creative choices were influenced by the "natural acoustics, echoes, and oddities" of these spaces.
The revelation about Jane Seymour's haunted manor adds an extra layer of intrigue to the mystique surrounding "OK Computer." Fans may now wonder how the supernatural ambiance of the location might have influenced the album's experimental sound and themes of alienation and technology.
Greenwood's book offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at Radiohead, focusing on the quieter, less visible periods of the band's evolution. Inspired by American photographers and the candid style of website Tiny Vices, Greenwood aimed to capture unguarded moments that reveal the band's creative process.
The bassist credits the success of his photography to the trust and camaraderie built with his bandmates over the years. He noted that while his brother Jonny was always ready for the camera, others like Thom Yorke needed gentle encouragement.
"How to Disappear" promises to be a treasure trove for Radiohead fans, offering a unique blend of visual storytelling and personal memories. It stands as a testament to the band's enduring mystery and their approach to creating art in unexpected places – including, it seems, haunted manor houses.