Porcupine Tree’s Wilson w/Solo Rec

Steven Wilson releases solo album next year

By Mandy Rodgers

Born in England, Steven Wilson's musical influences came at an early age, particularly when his mom and dad bought each other differing albums for Christmas. His dad received Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, and his mom got Donna Summer's Love to Love You Baby. As Wilson listened to both albums intently, these musical styles meshed and influenced his own musical creations, like the critically acclaimed prog-rock band, Porcupine Tree. He started Porcupine Tree to be a solo effort, but he's gotten help from several musicians over the band's history and nine albums.

Wilson is also a member of other bands, including Blackfield, No-Man and Bass Communion, but he felt the music written for this effort would be best released solo. Insurgents was recorded in two years across the world from Mexico City to Japan to Israel and has ten new tracks from anthems to ballads to experimental efforts.

Though the record is set to hit on February 10, a deluxe (read: expensive) high-quality version expected to be released in late November. Two versions are available, one CD and one vinyl, both contained in a hardback book with photos and including bonus records. For more information or to preorder visit, www.insurgentes.org.