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.