Inside the Shower Thoughts and Sleepless Nights: The Making of "#4 Mojo (Mk1 Prototype)" by Alex Gage's Flagship

Every so often, a song comes along that not only piques the curiosity but takes listeners on a journey through its very genesis. Alex Gage's Flagship has done just that with their new release "#4 Mojo (Mk1 Prototype)."

Alex Gage, the maestro behind the bassline of "#4 Mojo," candidly reveals the song's inception, “I hate to say it, but anyone who says there’s an interesting story behind writing a song is usually pushing it. The bassline came to me in the shower. The central melody was a product of sleeplessness.” The song’s title nods to a musical inside joke, capturing the band's playful essence and Alex's fondness for the Lydian modal sound, translating to “Number Four Mojo.”

On the musical blend that marks the band's identity, Alex describes their approach as synchronistic. "My favourite band growing up was always Queen," he shares, highlighting the influence of genres like progressive rock and glam on their sound. The fusion element, Alex explains, was more of a serendipitous by-product. "If you are a prog-adjacent band like we are and want to groove or swing at times, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll touch on a 'fusion' nerve."

The recording and production of this single weren’t without their challenges. "We’d been playing around with the form and arrangement live before going into the studio and were never quite happy with it," Alex confesses. The incorporation of a horn section, absent in their live performances, brought the song to life. "We recorded the wind section a few months later, but getting the main track done, everyone had to trust me that the arrangement existed on paper and was going to work." Delving into the production complexities, Alex pinpoints the track's delicate balance. "There’s a lot going on in this song all at once; it’s a hard one to balance. Everyone has an independent, interlocking function, and the trick is not to step on each other’s toes."

Reflecting on the band's overall trajectory, Alex envisions this new release as a renaissance of sorts. “It’s the first release post-reformation. We’ve actually pulled down the old stuff from streaming,” he states. The track signifies the band's readiness to ascend, marking Bennett Blundell's recent addition to the band, which completed the lineup.

As for fan connection, the band aims for an emotional resonance. Alex echoes drummer Liam Schatz’s sentiment, coining their music as “progressive disco for the 21st century.” The instrumental "#4 Mojo" carries a festive essence, and Alex's wish is simple, “We take making the music seriously, but art is to be enjoyed. ‘#4 Mojo’ is prankish, fun, and really joyful. So, welcome aboard! And, please, enjoy."

Hailing from Canada, Alex Gage's Flagship is reintroducing itself after a period of transformation between 2020-2022. The self-released digital format of "#4 Mojo (Mk1 Prototype)" promises a delightful fusion of progressive rock, fusion, glam, and funk, marking a distinctive point in their discography. This latest sonic voyage signifies their enduring passion for music and their unwavering drive for innovation